Energy Efficient Thermal Systems

Keywords: cooling, dehumidification, buildings, HVAC

Motivation: Cooling and ventilating buildings accounts for 10% of global electricity consumption. Greater portions of the growing global population are gaining access to HVAC technologies -- a great humanitarian advancement that also creates a greater demand for electricity. Thus, it is critical to develop efficient cooling and dehumidification technologies that challenge conventional refrigeration technologies. We are developing high-efficiency dehumidification systems based on advanced technologies (selective membranes and liquid desiccants). Generally, we aim to demonstration the efficiency and cost benefits of our technologies relative to conventional technologies through experimental prototype development and analytical modeling.

Project Details: We are looking to recruit 2-3 highly motivated undergraduate students for this project. Specific sub-projects of interest include:

1. Analytical modeling a new liquid desiccant regeneration technologies that draw inspiration from membrane-based desalination technologies.
2. Analytical modeling to investigate the energy savings potential of integrating membrane-based air dehumidification with cutting-edge, non-refrigeration air cooling technologies.
3. Thermal controls development for an environmental control chamber being developed by our team for the lab (requires travel to Pickle Research Campus)
4. Water vapor selective membrane materials fabrication and testing (requires travel to Pickle Research Campus)

Qualifications: Sophmore/Junior/Senior in Civil, Arch., Env., or Mech. Engineering • experience with MATLAB, Python, 3D CAD software, hands-on engineering work • interest in thermodynamics, energy efficiency, water sustainability, and heat transfer (taking classes in these topics is preferred).

Note on Pay: Most of these projects are looking for researchers to work on a volunteer basis or for course credit. Dr. Fix will support applications to various fellowship programs to offer external financial support.