Effect of Heat and Mass Transfer Properties on Desiccant Dehumidifier and Cooling System Performance

摘要

A mathematical model describing the heat and mass transfer processes that occur during sorption of water vapor in a dehumidifier consisting of parallel channels lines on either side with desiccant felt is presented. The model includes both gas-side and solid-side resistances for thermal and mass transport. The moisture diffusion in the desiccant is expressed by considering both gas phase diffusion and surface diffusion. The heat and mass transfer in the desiccant matrix occurs simultaneously and is coupled by an equilibrium sorption relation which is applied locally within the desiccant. Solutions are obtained by using an explicit finite-difference scheme. The effect of heat and mass transfer Biot numbers and other parameters on the performance of the desiccant dehumidifier and the cooling system are theoretically investigated. 26 refs., 9 figs., 1 tab. (ERA citation 13:018434)