Performance Simulation of a Solar Assisted Desiccant Wheel and Adsorption Cooling System

To reduce energy consumption in temperature- and humidity-independent air-conditioning systems and enhance solar energy utilization, this study developed a solar-assisted desiccant wheel and adsorption cooling system (SDCS-A) using TRNSYS 18. System performance under Guangzhou′s climatic conditions was analyzed by varying collector areas and tank volumes together with evaluating metrics such as system coefficient of performance (COP_sys), solar fraction (F_s), and primary energy consumption (E_p). These results were compared with those of a solar-assisted desiccant wheel and vapor compression cooling system (SDCS-C). Findings indicate that changes in collector area significantly influence F_s and E_p, with F_s increasing by an average of 12.18%, while variations in tank volume predominantly affect COP_sys, with a maximum difference of 0.1. Compared to SDCS-C, SDCS-A achieved 6.51% higher monthly average COP_sys, a 21.05% increase in F_s, and a 21.45% reduction in E_p during the cooling season. Furthermore, the system′s performance across different climates was evaluated, demonstrating that Guangzhou offers more stable and higher monthly COP_sys values than Beijing, Shanghai, and Lhasa.