An Evaluation of Dehumidification Performance and Heat Resistance of a Desiccant Element Composed of Zeolite for Use as a Dehumidifier

摘要

A desiccant dehumidifier achieves dehumidification by adsorbing moisture in the air using a desiccant element, removing the moisture adsorbed from the desiccant element by heating, and then cooling the hot air with high moisture to condense into water. The optimum rotating velocity of a desiccant element composed of zeolite and the volumetric air flow rate required for regeneration were investigated, aiming at higher dehumidification performance and lower electric power for regeneration of the element. Rotating velocity of 0.5 rpm and volumetric air flow rate of 0.1 m~3/min were assessed to be the most suitable conditions. An electric power supply of 450W and an air flow rate of 0.1 m~3/min were sufficient to regenerate the element with adsorbed water vapor in room air. The element was confirmed to perform dehumidification at a rate of 6.0 kg-water/day, which indicates that the system can dehumidify a room of 18 m~2. No heat deterioration of the zeolite element was observed at 600 deg C, although significant deterioration of an adsorbent based silica gel was confirmed at 500 deg C.