Open Absorption Cycle Device for Combined Dehumidification Water Heating and Space Cooling

Background: The proposed system dehumidifies the air and uses its energy for water heating. The condensed water can subsequently be given back to the dried air in an evaporative cooling process; or when only dehumidification is desired it can be simply drained from the system. This unit can utilize the A/C latent load for domestic water heating resulting in significant energy savings for water heating and A/C. The system can control humidity in residential buildings resulting in comfort and significant health benefits. Technology Description: This open absorption cycle device for compact low-cost combined water heating dehumidification and space cooling consumes less energy and uses non-corrosive non-toxic ionic liquid that does not crystalize. A large percentage of U.S. electricity is spent heating water and cooling heating and dehumidifying buildings. The average household with a standard efficiency model water heater spends more than $500 per year on water heating alone. One attempt to reduce these energy bills is the use of the absorption cycle which can capture and repurpose low-grade heat to provide dehumidification water heating and building cooling. However existing absorption technology is not scalable and not feasible for residential water heating. Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a compact high-efficiency open absorption cycle device capable of dehumidification water heating and evaporative cooling. Applications: Combined dehumidification water heating and evaporative cooling device for energy efficient green buildings