A techno-economic evaluation of low-grade excess heat recovery and liquid desiccant-based temperature and humidity control in automotive paint shops

The paint shop is the most energy-intensive process in an automotive manufacturing plant, with air management systems that supply to booths consuming energy. These are crucial for temperature and humidity control, which they ensure quality of final product by preventing defects thus avoid additional cost reworking. This especially true water-based paints, evaporation film formation processes influenced surrounding air. study aims investigate incorporation liquid desiccant technology into a conventional system shops operating different climates, presents novelty study. promising because it can regulate humidity, act as dehumidifier or humidifier depending on demand stores energy thermo-chemical form. In addition, waste heat sources available be used regeneration solution. techno-economic evaluation this novel indicates proposed control within range required optimal painting achieve significant savings both cold hot/humid reduction 44.4% 33.6% compared operation payback period 6.15 5.74 years respectively, using calcium chloride sensitivity analysis investigates effect carbon price performance system. It concluded integration has huge potential increase energy-efficiency painting.