DuCool Improves Energy Efficiency of Cogeneration Systems

DuCool reportedly has introduced new dehumidification and cooling solutions that have the ability to dramatically improve energy efficiency of cogeneration systems.

 

These solutions provide cooling and dehumidification by utilizing the waste heat of the cogeneration systems. Company officials explain that DuCool’s (News - Alert) systems upgrade co-generation systems to a tri-generation system by combining desiccant dehumidification with evaporative or geothermal cooling. This combination not only eliminates the need for conventional mechanical cooling but also reduces the energy required for cooling by up to 90 percent.

 

Distributed cogeneration systems are better than the conventional combustion power generation systems that can convert only approximately 30 percent of consumed fuel into electricity. Centralized production systems also result in an average 7 percent efficiency loss as the electricity is distributed from the power-station to consumers.

 

In contrast, the distributed cogeneration systems have the ability to increase energy efficiency to 80 percent. This is achieved by utilizing the waste heat released by the generation system for space heating. The officials inform that there are no transmission losses because the power is produced locally. But even these are not without problems as distributed cogeneration systems need cooling rather than heating during a large part of the year. The efficiency level returns to the 30 percent level due to these systems.

 

DuCool’s systems solve this problem by providing high efficiency all year round. The company explains that the systems can retrofit existing cogeneration systems with dehumidification and cooling or provide a complete tri-generation system including all components. In addition, DuCool systems can utilize low grade heat which is easily found in many industrial manufacturing facilities to generate energy efficient cooling and dehumidification.

 

The DuCool’s systems can also improve indoor air quality as the desiccant solution used in the systems disinfects and cleans the air. The company’s desiccant dehumidification and cooling systems provide year-round energy savings in any climate. The officials also claim that their systems can operate with much lower hot water temperatures than other cooling and dehumidification systems.