Dehumidifier and method of using the same

摘要

A dehumidifier (10) includes a desiccant reservoir (14) having an inlet (16) for adding concentrated liquid desiccant and an outlet (18) for removing less concentrated liquid desiccant. An air inlet (20) downstream of a vapor condenser (22) receives humid air and an air exit (24) upstream of the vapor condenser (22) emits dry air into an enclosure (12). A pump (26) coupled to the outlet (18) pumps liquid desiccant from the reservoir through spray nozzles (28) on to the vapor condenser (22), which absorbs water vapor from the humid air and heats the liquid desiccant. A regenerator (30) removes water from the less concentrated liquid desiccant and replenishes concentrated liquid desiccant to the reservoir (14). A cooling element (32) cools the liquid desiccant in the dehumidifier and/or the condensing water in the regenerator, and a heat sink (36) recovers the heat of condensation.