dx-Water: Solar thermal air dehumidification in waterworks and other applications

The research project: Solar thermal air dehumidification in waterworks and other applications (dx-Water) is carried out by the University of Kassel, Department of Solar and System Engineering in cooperation with Munters GmbH and Enertracting GmbH. The objective of the research project is a significant reduction of the electrical power consumption of desiccant wheels for dehumidification purpose by integrating solar thermal energy to preheat the regeneration air.

In the research project an analysis of the current status of waterworks in Germany is carried out. Further energy efficiency measures regarding the operation and control of desiccant wheels are developed and evaluated. Several waterwork buildings are examined in long-term measurements of air temperatures and humidities. The integration of solar thermal heat for the regeneration process of the desiccant wheel is extensively investigated in the laboratory of the Department of Solar and System Engineering. For this purpose, desiccant wheels from Munters GmbH are integrated into a partly existing measurement environment. In the project, two test plants are planned, built and measured at different locations (elevated reservoir and a gas pressure regulating station).

In order to simulate the system in the first step a model for a desiccant wheel is developed in the simulation environment Dymola and will be validated with measured data from experiments. Afterwards a complete system model is created in TRNSYS consisting of a desiccant wheel, a heat exchanger, a post-heating register and a solar thermal collector with heat storage. This system model is also validated with measured data. The system model should ensure that the results can be transferred to other applications. In addition, the model is used to develop an online planning tool for the dimensioning of solar thermally heated desiccant wheels. The results of the research project will be summarized in a guideline and made available to the interested public.

Duration

1.11.2022 bis 30.04.2026

Funding

Supported by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action within the 7th Energy Research Programme