High-Performance Computing and Advanced Air-Conditioning Technology | Advanced Manufacturing Research
Using molecular dynamics simulations, NREL helped improve a company's energy-efficient
solution for building applications.
here, are used to help industry commercialize advanced air-conditioning technologies.
Photo by Dennis Schroeder, NREL
Air conditioning accounts for 15% of U.S. building energy consumption. These air conditioners
need to remove both sensible energy (temperature control) and latent energy (humidity
control). In recent decades, the sensible load has been reduced due to improved insulation,
windows, and equipment (e.g., LED lighting). However, the latent load—due to occupants,
ventilation, and moisture-generating equipment—has remained about the same. This requires
improved humidity-control options for air conditioning.
7AC Technologies is developing liquid-to-air membrane contractors that offer an efficient
humidity control addition to standard air conditioners. This technology uses membranes
to separate the air and a hygroscopic liquid absorbent, and this project used molecular
dynamic simulations to investigate the detailed heat/mass transfer processes occurring
at the membrane/air/absorbent interface.
The project determined the effect of membrane morphology on breakthrough pressure
of the absorbent into the pores and evaporation and condensation rates from the liquid/air
interface. This helps 7AC Technologies with the selection and design of its membrane.
and heat and mass transport near the liquid/air interface. Illustration by Jason Woods, NREL
Impact
Given that 7AC Technologies' technology is highly efficient, resulting in 40%–50%
energy savings for commercial buildings, this work may:
- Reduce costs for building owners and tenants
- Enhance building-user performance and comfort
- Limit greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.
NREL's work will help in the commercialization and deployment of the technology.
Capabilities
Learn more about NREL's high-performance computing facilities.
Publications
Modeling Water Vapor Transport at Liquid/Membrane Interfaces for Applications in Liquid
Desiccant Air Conditioners, NREL Technical Report (2020)
Developing High-Performance Computing Model of Vapor Transition through Advanced Membranes
for Applications in 7AC Liquid Desiccant Air Conditioners, NREL Poster (2019)
Partners
NREL partnered with 7AC Technologies, a Massachusetts-based company offering new approaches
to air conditioning technology, to deliver energy savings and maximize climate friendly
refrigerants as part of a cooperative research and development agreement.
Contact
Jason.Woods@nrel.gov | 303-384-6189
Gloss