Abstract
In this research, an innovative air humidification system based on two packed beds made of silica gel spherical particles is developed. Each bed is alternatively crossed by two airflows (regeneration and process). The first air stream, at outdoor conditions, after being heated and humidified through the sorption material, is supplied to the building. The second one, also at outdoor conditions, provides water vapour to the desiccant packed bed. The system design and optimization is carried out through a numerical and experimental approach. The developed phenomenological model is based on the Pseudo Gas-side Controlled (PGC) method, considering only the gas side resistance and, therefore, assuming uniform water content and temperature distribution within the desiccant particles. A test rig to evaluate performance of the packed bed humidification system has been realized and experimental results have been used to validate the model. Obtained performance highlights that the proposed system can provide adequate humidification and that it can be a valid alternative to conventional adiabatic and steam humidifiers.
Highlights
Air humidification during cold climates is a crucial point to achieve occupants’ thermal comfort in buildings
At present there is a great interest in innovative humidification systems based on sorption materials, which can at the same time minimize air contamination risk, due to the absence of liquid water, and exploit low temperature heat sources
The test rig mainly consists of two Air Handling Units (AHUs), two silica gel packed beds and four commutation valves
Summary
Air humidification during cold climates is a crucial point to achieve occupants’ thermal comfort in buildings. Two types of humidification technologies are commonly adopted: adiabatic humidifiers and steam humidifiers The former is diffused due to its simplicity, efficiency and reduced costs, it cannot be integrated in several applications, such as in case of hospitals, because of the risk of bacterial growth due to the presence of liquid water. This issue is solved using steam humidifiers, which require a high temperature heat source or electricity. Solar heating with desiccant humidification could improve the indoor thermal comfort significantly, though in this case return air was used as humidification source
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