Performance Analysis of a Hollow Fiber Membrane Humidifier Integrated with an Electric Heat Pump System in Office Environments

Department of Architectural Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea

Abstract

This study proposes a system that integrates a hollow fiber membrane humidifier with an electric heat pump indoor unit to address the problem of low indoor humidity during office heating. To evaluate the performance of the proposed system, dynamic simulations were performed combining a hollow fiber membrane numerical model and an indoor moisture balance model. The simulation results demonstrated that the proposed system achieved a thermal satisfaction ratio of 93.8%, outperforming a portable humidifier's ratio of 86.1%. Specifically, under peak humidification load day, the proposed system reached the target relative humidity of 40% in just 26 minutes, compared to 92 minutes for the portable humidifier. This achievement stems from the humidification characteristics of the hollow fiber membrane humidification, which exhibits a high humidification capacity due to its high water vapor partial pressure difference in dry environments. In conclusion, the proposed system was found to be a reliable solution for maintaining optimal indoor humidity in office environments during the heating season.