Volume 32: A Sustainable, Clean and Carbon-free Energy Future

Feasibility investigations on utilizing deep eutectic solvent ethaline for energy saving and indoor CO2 concentration regulation in air-conditioning systems Jielin Luo, Yongting Shen, Hongxing Yang

Abstract

The rapid urbanization has led to a significant increase in building energy consumption, with air-conditioning systems being a major contributor. Liquid desiccant air-conditioning systems (LDAS) have been proposed as an effective solution for energy saving. In this study, the feasibility of using a deep eutectic solvent, ethaline, in LDAS is investigated for its energy-saving benefits and CO2 concentration (CCO2) regulation. Results show that LDAS using ethaline exhibits higher coefficient of performance (COP) than conventional systems by over 16%, particularly at low fresh air ratios. However, the effect of ethaline on CCO2 control is not significant due to limited absorption with insufficient ethaline flow rate, and the regulation of CCO2 indoors still heavily depends on the inclusion of fresh air. Thereafter, an advanced air-conditioning system that coordinates energy-saving, CO2 capture, and energy recovery is proposed. The findings of this study can contribute to the further integration and design of air-conditioning systems, particularly for sustainable buildings in urban areas.

Keywords liquid desiccant, ethaline, indoor CO2 concentration, air-conditioning, energy-saving