Breathable wall for thermal comfort via solar-driven dehumidification

Abstract The commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions has driven the majority of countries to seek innovative ways to sustainably meet the growing global energy demand while significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions. With the increasing energy demand for air conditioning and ventilation systems, particularly in countries with relatively warmer climates, a sustainable and efficient approach is urgently needed to address the energy consumption of these essential technologies. A breathable wall is introduced through an advanced solar-driven dehumidification technology that utilizes solid desiccant gels in a fixed-bed dehumidifier. This cutting-edge technology enables the effective capture of moisture from air to regulate humidity and temperature within indoor spaces, thereby significantly minimizing the energy consumption of air conditioning systems. This research focuses on the systematic comparison of the efficiency of solar-driven dehumidification technology with other similar technologies, considering diverse performance metrics and operating conditions. The results have demonstrated that the breathable wall employing the solar-driven dehumidification technology is relatively more efficient compared to alternative technologies, with specific applications clearly highlighted. Given the increasing global temperatures attributed to the intensifying effects of climate change, the breathable wall utilizing the solar-driven dehumidification technology represents a sustainable and innovative solution that ensures thermal comfort while substantially reducing energy consumption in air conditioning and ventilation systems.