Expected energy and economic benefits, and environmental impacts for liquid-to-air membrane energy exchangers (LAMEEs) in HVAC systems: A review

• LAMEEs can be used for air dehumidification and energy recovery in HVAC systems.
• The economic benefits and environmental impacts of LAMEEs are reviewed.
• LAMEEs can effectively improve indoor air quality.
• Several topics are suggested for future research.

A review of the literature on liquid desiccant-to-air permeable-membrane energy exchangers will indicate opportunities for future research and application of this new technology in HVAC systems. HVAC systems are responsible for a large fraction of energy consumption and some airborne emissions other than CO2. Liquid-to-air membrane energy exchangers (LAMEEs) can be used in run-around membrane energy exchanger (RAMEE) systems for passive energy recovery and can be used as a dehumidifier/regenerator for active air dehumidification in HVAC systems. LAMEEs have been under research and development for over a decade. This paper reviews the applications of LAMEEs for ventilation energy recovery and air dehumidification in buildings and automotive air-conditioners.