Concentrated seawater brines for use in solar-powered desiccant cooling cycles

Abstract

We have directly measured properties of concentrated seawater brines produced through solar evaporation in salt works. They are sufficiently hygroscopic for use in desiccant cooling cycles which can cool air to 8.0-10.9 °C below ambient. This compares to only 3.8-8.7 °C with simple evaporative cooling. Desiccant cooling can extend the growing seasons of greenhouse crops thus providing an adaptive measure against climate change.© 2012 The Royal Society of Chemistry.