Dehumidification Strategies to Improve Energy Use at Retailers: A Case Study of a Supermarket Located in Guayaquil, Ecuador

Abstract

This study aims to model and evaluate the energy performance of a supermarket located in Guayaquil, Ecuador. For this purpose, we modeled the baseline of the supermarket using EnergyPlus software. All input parameters used in the simulations were provided by the supermarket staff. Air-conditioners and refrigerated cases were modeled using the default templates in EnergyPlus but replacing the specifications of the site systems. The baseline model predicted, within ±10%, the energy consumption of the case study when compared to the real electricity bills of the building. Then, we incorporated a desiccant wheel for each of the air-conditioner units that supply the frozen food area. Results showed relevant reductions of about 52% in cooling energy by decreasing the humidity level from 70% to 40% with the use of desiccant systems. However, the introduction of these systems increased the total building energy consumption by about 3% due to the regeneration process.