Development of rotary dehumidifier with silica-gel-based composite desiccant

Abstract

The desiccant dehumidification system's key component, the desiccant wheel, can perform effectively using composite desiccant materials. Evaluation of the desiccant wheel's performance using composite desiccant material is the primary goal of this study. Authors have compared the performance of two desiccant wheels; one is packed with traditional Silica-gel, and the other is a composite of Silica-gel and calcium chloride in a ratio of 3:2 by weight. A rotary wheel is developed with rectangular channels parallel to the wheel's axis. The novelty of this research lies in the improved design of the desiccant wheel. Unlike other techniques involving pressure losses and ineffective space utilization, this design offers better space utilization and fewer pressure losses. In addition, wheel fabrication is less costly and easily reusable with other desiccants. Three performance indicators were evaluated through experimentation: dehumidification capability, moisture removal capacity, and dehumidification coefficient of performance. Results show that the Parallel channel desiccant wheel achieves 25% higher dehumidification capability and 55% greater moisture removal capacity. The specific humidity of the air is reduced by 35% using the composite desiccant wheel. Comparing the composite desiccant to traditional Silica-gel, its dehumidification coefficient of performance is 40% higher.