A Liquid-Desiccant Heating/Cooling System Powered by Solar Energy

65575 A competitive solar-powered air conditioner has the potential to greatly reduce our country¿s energy use, with concomitant reductions in air pollution and the emission of gases that lead to global warming. This project will further the development of liquid-desiccant air conditioning technology. This technology, which runs on heat, can become a solar air conditioner that is exceptionally well suited to controlling indoor humidity. By solving a pressing need to reduce mold, mildew, and generally poor indoor air quality caused by high humidity¿in addition to saving energy¿a solar liquid-desiccant air conditioner would become a popular cooling option. Phase I defined the solar liquid-desiccant air conditioner and a strategy for its commercialization. Computer modeling showed that, with tax credits now available, the solar air conditioner could have a payback of less than ten years. In Phase II, a solar liquid-desiccant air conditioner will be designed, built and operated. A more accurate assessment of the technology¿s competitiveness with conventional cooling systems will be performed. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: A competitive liquid-desiccant air conditioner should significantly reduce energy use for cooling and reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. The technology should also allow our schools, homes, offices and other buildings to be better ventilated without the deleterious effects of high indoor humidity.