Modelling and experimental verification of a solar-powered liquid desiccant cooling system for greenhouse food production in hot climates
- 作者：G. Lychnos ; P.A. Davies ; p.a.davies@aston.ac.uk
- 关键词：Solar energy ; Liquid desiccant cooling ; Greenhouse ; Climate change ; Food security
- 刊名：Energy
- 出版年：2012
- 期刊代码：11_03605442
- 类别：pw
- 出版时间：April, 2012
- 卷：40
- 期：1
- 页码：116-130
- 文件大小：1205 K
摘要
Experiments and theoretical modelling have been carried out to predict the performance of a solar-powered liquid desiccant cooling system for greenhouses. We have tested two components of the system in the laboratory using MgCl2 desiccant: (i) a regenerator which was tested under a solar simulator and (ii) a desiccator which was installed in a test duct. Theoretical models have been developed for both regenerator and desiccator and gave good agreement with the experiments. The verified computer model is used to predict the performance of the whole system during the hot summer months in Mumbai, Chittagong, Muscat, Messina and Havana. Taking examples of temperate, sub-tropical, tropical and heat-tolerant tropical crops (lettuce, soya bean, tomato and cucumber respectively) we estimate the extensions in growing seasons enabled by the system. Compared to conventional evaporative cooling, the desiccant system lowers average daily maximum temperatures in the hot season by 5.5-7.5聽掳C, sufficient to maintain viable growing conditions for lettuce throughout the year. In the case of tomato, cucumber and soya bean the system enables optimal cultivation through most summer months. It is concluded that the concept is technically viable and deserves testing by means of a pilot installation at an appropriate location.