Experimental investigation on the dehumidification performance of a parabolic trough solar air collector assisted rotary desiccant system

Abstract

In areas of high humidity, moisture is a major problem for human comfort and air-conditioning systems. As a green solution to this prevalent problem, a solar assisted rotary desiccant dehumidification system has been proposed for air dehumidification. Through an experimental study conducted, performance evaluation of a parabolic trough solar collector assisted rotary desiccant dehumidification system has been performed based on the parameters including air flow rate, regeneration air temperature, inlet-outlet air temperature, and humidity ratios. Findings indicated that the highest regeneration air temperature supplied by the parabolic trough solar air collector to the dehumidifier was 45.8 °C at a flow rate of 60 m³/h. It was also found that the highest dehumidification efficiency was achieved at a regeneration air flow rate of 80 m³/h. The experimental study clearly proves that parabolic trough solar collectors can successfully provide low-medium temperature thermal energy required during the regeneration process in the desiccant wheel. The findings confirm the potential and explain specific conclusions for the practice of solar thermal driven rotary desiccant wheel system.