A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology

An essential requirement in the spinning process and part of the weaving process in the textile industry is the exact control of humidity in the production environment. In hot, humid climate the energy intensive air-conditioning equipments used with air washer for the purpose causes an additional 40% of electricity consumption on top of that required for manufacturing. The existing design of the control for the air psychrometrics is based on a CLOSED air loop. There is a potential for substantial electricity saving from the use of an OPEN air loop in the order of 18% of that required for the air-conditioning system. It is perceived that there is a good potential for electricity cost saving through the use of thermal energy storage under a Time of-Day (TOD) electrical tariff structure. This study investigates mainly the potential of saving electricity cost in application of OPEN air loop and in use of ice and chilled water storage. The study includes physical experiment with a simulator of air washer system, and computer s i mulation of air washer with OPEN air loop under Bangkok's weather condition. The OPEN air loop operation will save electricity energy, but thermal energy storage reduces demand charge. The economic evaluation of ice and chilled water storage were taken under the criteria of PayBack Period, Net Present Value and Internal Rate of Return. It was found that cool storage is economically favorable and in combination with OPEN air loop operation can be very attractive.