Independent Temperature and Humidity Control Air-Conditioning Systems

Abstract

Air-conditioning systems play an important role in maintaining the indoor built environment. Coupled heat and mass handling is usually applied for the current state-of-the-art air-conditioning systems. With the advance of society, conventional air-conditioning methods have been challenged by the demand for a more comfortable indoor environment and a higher system energy efficiency. Continuing to improve the energy efficiency and reducing the energy consumption of air-conditioning systems in order to provide a suitable and comfortable environment are foundations to the development of new strategies for the indoor built environment. Taking these requirements into account, the THIC (temperature and humidity independent control) air-conditioning system is generally considered to be a possible and effective solution. The innovative THIC air-conditioning systems are introduced in this chapter. Theoretical analysis, key components specially developed, and design methodology of the THIC systems are emphasized. Terminal devices of the temperature control subsystem consist of a heat exchanger and a heat transfer fluid, which could be a high-temperature chilled water or refrigerant. Different terminal devices for handling the indoor sensible load, including radiant terminal devices and dry FCUs, could be utilized in the THIC systems. Different air dehumidification methods could be proposed as well as different high-temperature cooling sources. On the basis of key components, a THIC air-conditioning system could be designed and proposed in terms of indoor requirements for temperature and humidity ratio. It is believed that practical and convenient reference content could be provided for researchers, designers, and engineers.