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.