Technology options for humidity control for hotels in Southeastern China climate

Hotels located in hot and humid climate frequently suffer from serious molds growth problems, and therefore substantial financial losses may occur due to vacancies. In this paper, the inherent loose RH cantrol of conventional air-canditioning system design is numerically Investigated using annual energy simulation progroms DOE-2.1E and DesiCalcTM. Two technology design options, which Include wrap-around heat pipes, and desiccant-outdoor air dehumidification, are simulated. Although simple re-heat design is not allowed as it stands in energy conservation codes in many countries, the annual energy consumption of such a system is also simulated for comparison purposes. It becomes apparent that desiccant-enhanced air-conditioning systems can realize a close RH humidity control with additional energy use for regenerating the desiccant unit, while it helps reduce the peak electric demand and annual electricity consumption. If heat required for the reactivation of the desiccant comes from a fuel-fired boiler, the total annual primary energy use will be increased marginally by 5 to 7.5%, depending on equipment efficiencies. It is obvious that, when other low grade heat sources are available, desiccant-enhanced air conditioning system is an energy efficient option and offers close RH control for hotels. It is up to the hotel Industry to quantify their utilization losses due to moisture problems, and a further investigation of the Initial cost and space and maintenance requirements of the desiccant products available in the market may be warranted.