Performance Optimization of Hybrid Silica Gel-Based Desiccant Dehumidifier: Experimental Investigation

Experimental exploration of the functioning of the hybrid dehumidifier desiccant wheel system is signified in this work with actual consideration of the performance deviation as a function of the flow rates of air at the process and recovery division of the desiccant wheel for hot and damp environments. The desiccant material is regenerated by an electric heater fitted in the regeneration section. Airflow rates have been varied (i.e., 2.8, 3.5, 4.5, and 5.2 ms−1) at the process subdivision and regeneration section of the DW. At various process inlet temperatures (i.e., 30, 31, 32, 33, and 35 ℃) and at different airflow rates, performance parameters like latent COP, sensible COP, Total COP, dehumidification effectiveness, Regeneration effectiveness, and Thermal effectiveness have been analyzed and found that optimal values of these performance parameters in this work for the same process and regeneration air inlet velocity are found at 3.5 ms−1 inlet speed of air at process and Regeneration section and 31℃ process air inlet temperature.