| Summary: | The heat generated within a closed space like office has increased drastically in recent
years with the optimal use of the heat generated equipment such as computer, and other
machines. As air conditioning is an inherently energy intensive process, so there is a need for
devising more efficient system that would consume less energy while maintaining very
comfortable condition for occupants inside. The desiccant air conditioning combined with
chilled ceiling is a new concept of air conditioning system. This technique had been widely
used in a number of European countries, however, similar the use of such system has not
been reported to date in any humid tropical countries. With the aim of investigating the
feasibility of such a system in Malaysian context, a climate chamber [4.25 m (L) ×3.75 m
(W) × 2.7 m (H)] has been built in the Fluid Dynamic Laboratory of the Universiti Sains
Malaysia wherein a desiccant dehumidifier combined with a chilled ceiling system has been
installed. The system uses 100% ventilation air to maintain the freshness of air inside the
chamber. The study aims at evaluating the relative performance of the above-mentioned
hybrid system compared to conventional air conditioning system. The specific focus is in
measuring energy consumption of the whole system. 4 experiments were conducted during
the study with simulated heat loads of 0 W/m2, 25 W/m2, 62 W/m2 and 100 W/m2. The initial
results show that such system is viable in Malaysia with the possibility of reduction of energy
to the tune of 40% compared to the conventional system. However, more studies need to be
conducted prior to large scale use.
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