Open Source Dessicant-Humidifier Cycle Based Liquid Chiller

Baics

• OSE's Design for a Dessicant-Humidifier Cycle Refrigeration based Hydronic Cooling system

Basic Design

Modular Air-Liquid Contactor

• Essentially a 4in PVC Pipe, Filled with "Bio Balls"
• A submersible pump is in a sump at the base of the tower
• A y fitting is used to attach a fan allowing for forced counterflow air
• The return hose from the submersible pump is placed near the top, amongst some bioballs
• The hose is then covered to stop mist/salt dust from escaping the top with the gas stream

Liquid Heat Exchanger

• Exchanges The "Closed Loop" liquid dessicant with the "Open Loop" humidifier-cooler, as well as with the final Hydronic Cooling System

BOM

Column Packing

• Should be simpler than a Spray Tower system due to it's "open" nature (even if in a sealed+clean container, it doesn't have a sealed pressurized liquid tube)
• Bioballs would work and are inexpensive
• Stainless Steel Scrubbers based packing would work as well (would a conductive packing offer any advantages over thermally insulative plastic? )

Fans

• Inline Fans may work, but the added pressure of a centrifugal fan should help with "pushing the air through the packed column?"
• This ties into the spray tower vs packed column issue
• "VIVOSUN 4 Inch 195 CFM Inline Duct Ventilation Fan" ( ~33 USD Each)

Power Distribution

• The fans will run on AC power, so a "power bar" style surge protector should suffice

Pumps

• "Fountain Pumps" usually go for ~20-50 usd each (need to determine GPH flow needed/diminishing returns on higher flow?)

PVC Pipe

• 4in PVC Pipe seems like the largest size at the local "Home Depot" store

PVC Pipe Fittings

• Will need a Y fitting at the base to have the sump seperated from the air inlet
• Also want caps for the sump
• Any fittings for the tops?

Internal Links

• Dessicant-Humidifier Cycle Refrigeration
• Hydronic Cooling