Theoretical Analysis of Dehumidification Process in a Desiccant Wheel

Solid desiccants have long been used in dehumidification and cooling systems. Although many mathematical models on the rotary desiccant wheel have been proposed, the effect of air speed on wheel performance as a momentum equation combined with heat and mass transfer has not been studied. A mathematical model based on the two-dimensional Navier–Stokes equation is described. The current model is capable of predicting the transient and steady-state transport in a desiccant wheel. It reveals the moisture and temperature in both the airflow channels and the sorbent felt, in detail, as a function of time. The predicted results are validated against the data taken from experimental results, with reasonable accuracy. Therefore, the numerical model is a practical tool for understanding and accounting for the complicated coupled operational process inside the wheel. Consequently, it is useful for parameter studies.

Keywords:

desiccant wheel , explicit program , heat transfer , mathematical model , mass transfer