Experimental tests on a polygeneration system with a desiccant-based AHU

This paper deals with a polygeneration systemwith a desiccant-based Air Handling Unit (AHU).In a test facility, located in Benevento, intenseexperimental tests have been carried out on thissystem, consisting of a MCHP (Micro CombinedHeat and Power) that supplies electric energy toa chiller and thermal energy to regenerate aDesiccant Wheel (DW) integrated in an AirHandling Unit (AHU).The tests allowed to investigate several aspectsof the polygeneration system.First of all, the primary energy consumption ofthe desiccant-based polygeneration system hasbeen evaluated, and a comparison with aconventional one has been carried out. Thiscomparison revealed the operating conditions(thermal-hygrometric outdoor conditions,regeneration temperature and electric gridefficiency) that allow to achieve primary energyand carbon dioxide emissions savings.Secondly, the effect of operating conditions onthe desiccant wheel effectiveness and onventilation and internal latent loads that it canhandle has been evaluated.Finally, a theoretical model for the operation ofthe desiccant wheel has been experimentallyvalidated. This model can be used to evaluatethe performance of the component in operatingconditions different from those experimentallytested.