Search

• A modified evaporative condenser model with 4 characteristic parameters is proposed. • Data screening and supplementation methods are developed for on-site applications. • The average relative errors of the training and test sets are 2.10 % and 2.87 %. • Air–water mass transfer is the major factor in enhancing thermodynamic performance. Evaporative condensers (ECs) have been widely adopted in the fields of refrigeration, petrochemicals, etc. owing to the advantages of low water and energy consumption. However, due to the lack of a reliable mathematical model, the energy-saving potential of ECs remains unexplored. To realize thermodynamic performance predictions under on-site conditions, a generic model with 4 characteristic parameters, that could be identified specifically for different ECs, is innovatively proposed in this paper. Taking the refrigeration system of a food factory as a case study, a well-organized data processing method including filtering, screening, and supplementation is established. The processed real-operating data is used for characteristic parameters identification and model validation. Simulations indicate satisfactory transferability and a good agreement between the test and simulated results, with average relative errors of 2.10 % and 2.87 % for the training and test sets, respectively. Based on the proposed model, the overall performance and the working fluids' thermodynamic state of the EC during operation are investigated carefully. It could be concluded that the air–water mass transfer is the dominating factor in enhancing EC's thermodynamic performance, and air flow shows greater significance than water in improving heat exchange capacity. The heat exchange intensity of the superheating and two-phase zones is similar, while that of the subcooling zone is the lowest, averaging only 37.9 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An adsorption model based on the real microstructure of desiccant coating is developed. • A self-refined algorithm, which can realize automatic mesh optimization is proposed. • A model, which can simulate the transient performances of different SDHP systems is established. • Three SDHP systems based on silica gel, MOF, and hygroscopic salt are simulated and analyzed. The solid desiccant heat pump (SDHP) is a promising air-handling method. Present simulation models of SDHP have two challenges. Owing to the fixed mesh structure, one model should be deeply revised to simulate another SDHP system. Besides, an adsorption dynamic model based on the real mass transfer network of desiccant coating is still lacking. This study proposes a universal SDHP model, which is based on the self-refined mesh algorithm and a new adsorption dynamic model (GP model). Self-refined mesh algorithm can automatically optimize the mesh structure, making it easy to simulate different SDHP systems in variable environmental conditions. GP model, based on the real microstructure of coating is demonstrated to be suitable for MOF, hygroscopic salt (LiCl), and silica gel coatings in our paper. Our model simulates the performances of three SDHP systems (coated with silica gel, MIL-101Cr, and LiCl) in sub-humid and humid conditions. Compared with LiCl, MIL-101Cr is more suitable for situations of sub-humid environment and high dehumidification quantity. For the sub-humid condition, the optimal switch-over period for MIL-101Cr-based SDHP is 13 min to owe the highest COP (5.6). For the humid conditions, LiCl-based SDHP shows the highest COP (10.7) when the switch-over period is 3 min. We believe this work can enlighten other studies on SDHP simulation and mass transfer in desiccants and guide the design of SDHP systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]