In this study, development of a novel system for combined water heating, dehumidification, and space cooling is discussed. This system benefits from multiple technologies developed in Nanostructure Energy System Laboratories at the University of Florida. The membrane-based absorption technology utilized in the system confines the absorbent to alleviate the liquid entrainment issue encountered in the conventional packed bed absorbers. The ionic liquid utilized in the system alleviates the crystallization issue and widens the cycle operating temperature conditions. This system collects the space sensible and latent heats from an air stream and transfer them to hot water.

A 25 ton solar thermal heat pump/chiller (STHP/C) has been commissioned at a hotel in Desert Palm Springs, California. Thermal heat pumps are powered by heat vs electricity. They deliver good energy and cost savings even when powered by natural gas. With renewable heat, and when chilling is co-produced, the savings increase dramatically. This STHP/C is powered by 500,000 BTU/hour of 250°F heat from a solar thermal collector. A backup natural gas heater enables 24/7 operation. The domestic hot water heating is 800,000 BTU/hour at 130°F. The chilling co-product is 25 tons at 44°F.

Use of absorption equipment has gained momentum in the HVAC industry due to improvements in the technology and versatility of new equipment and the recent drop in utility rates. Absorption chillers are almost always used where there is high grade waste heat such as in cogeneration systems. But is it feasible to use direct fired absorbers with current energy prices? This study presents economic performance of absorption technology with respect to the type of equipment, application, geographical location and cost of utilities.