Development of a Composite Solid Desiccant Dehumidifier for Ventilation Air

Abstract

AbstractThe composite solid desiccant dehumidification systems have been considered as an alternative air dehumidifying system. Their inherent energy saving capability added with their ability to act as an independent dehumidification system for ventilation air make them an attractive undertaking for research. In this study, fin tube heat exchangers (FTHX) coated with composite solid desiccant have been developed to act as a dehumidifier for supplying ventilation air. Aluminum surface of FTHX was dipped with Polyurethane (PU) glue and the desiccant was attached on the FTHX surface as the PU glue acted as a binding material. The adhesion between composite desiccant and fin surface was investigated by scanning electron method (SEM) and it showed good boding between two materials. The objective of this paper is to study the performance of the dehumidifier i.e. the solid desiccant coated on fin and tube heat exchangers. An experimental setup was created in such a way that when the humid air passed through the FTHX it provided dehumidification in half cycle and after that in another half cycle desiccant coated FTHX was regenerated. In order to save energy, waste heat from the condensing unit was utilized for regeneration and the cool water from the cooling tower was used for dehumidification. The experimental results with the prevailing experimental conditions showed higher effectiveness in the regeneration process when compared to dehumidification process.KeywordsComposite desiccantDehumidificationAn independent dehumidification system