This project aims to address the humidity and temperature regulation challenges in enclosed indoor farming facilities, known for high energy consumption, by utilizing a high-efficiency heat pump-powered solid desiccant dehumidification system and an indirect evaporative cooling system. The system’s performance will be evaluated in the Controlled Environment Engineering Lab at UC Davis, and a model will be developed to project system performance under different operating and climate conditions. The project holds significant value as it proposes cost-effective and environmentally friendly HVACD solutions for enclosed indoor farming facilities. By improving the energy efficiency of the dehumidification and cooling processes, the project has the potential to lower the carbon footprint of indoor farming and ultimately achieve the target for net-zero indoor food production, contributing to environmental sustainability.

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