Economic assessment of the benefits of wraparound heat pipes in ventilation processes for hot and humid climates

Abstract

This paper examines the potential for energy and cost savings that may be realized through the incorporation of a wraparound heat pipe heat exchanger into the apparatus of a conventional means of dehumidification. This investigation concentrates on the use of dehumidification as practised in the ventilation of occupied spaces subjected to hot and humid outdoor climates. The concepts and conventional methods used to provide comfortable ventilation air are identified and discussed. The novel use of heat pipe technology is then introduced along with a qualitative discussion of the benefits. This investigation concludes with a quantitative analysis of the running costs of a conventional system when compared with those of the heat pipe enhanced system. Initial capital costs are also considered in an analysis of payback expectations. For the tested case and for a 3-m3/s-treated air flow rate, it is found that an annual saving of nearly 134 MWh can be realized by utilizing the discussed heat pipe technology. In addition, this investigation demonstrates that the actual cost of the heat pipe technology used to replace the conventional ventilation methods is marginal when compared with the cost saving, resulting from the reduced material used.