This study investigates the performance and applicability of a hybrid dehumidification-ventilation system that integrates a rotary desiccant rotor with a heat pump to improve energy efficiency and indoor comfort under hot and humid conditions exacerbated by climate change. The system replaces the conventional energy-recovery core with a low-temperature regenerable Super Desiccant Polymer (SDP) rotor and utilizes condenser waste heat from the heat pump for regeneration, eliminating the need for auxiliary heating and enabling consistent dehumidification. The primary latent load is removed at the heat pump evaporator, followed by secondary adsorption in the desiccant rotor. The regeneration heat provides mild reheat, resulting in near-isothermal dehumidification. Under KSC 9317 (aligned with AHAM DH 1-2022) standard test conditions, the hybrid unit achieved a moisture removal efficiency of 3.84L/kWh, which represents a 30—40% improvement over conventional condensation-type dehumidifiers. In heating mode, total heat exchange (enthalpy) effectiveness reached 83%, approximately 10% higher than high-efficiency ventilation units employing enthalpy cores. At low temperatures, the unit delivered 3.10 L/kWh, exceeding the Energy Star Most Efficient criterion (2.35 L/kWh) by a substantial margin, confirming year-round applicability. When operated in coordination with a room air conditioner, the system enabled independent control of dry-bulb temperature and relative humidity. Under equivalent apparent temperature conditions, coordinated operation reduced energy consumption by approximately 14% compared to air conditioner-only operation, while maintaining RH below 60% to ensure thermal comfort. These findings highlight the potential of hybrid dehumidification-ventilation systems to support Zero Energy House (ZEH) initiatives and carbon neutrality goals.
Hwang et al. (Tue,) studied this question.