Heat and Mass Transfer Analysis of Dehumidifiers Using Adiabatic Transient Tests

Adiabatic step transient data were obtained for two dehumidifier test matrices, using parallel plates with crushed silica gel and staggered parallel strips coated with microbead silica gel. The data were analyzed using the statistical moments method and combined heat and mass transfer analogy theory. The analysis showed that the average overall Nusselt number in both matrices was about 40% to 50%lower than laminar flow predictions. The average overall Nusselt number for the microbead staggered matrix was about 85% larger than that of the crushed silica-gel parallel-plate matrix. The Nusselt number/friction factor Reynolds number ratio (Nu/fRe) of the microbead, staggered parallel-strip matrix was about 28% larger than that of the crushed silica-gel parallel-plate matrix. These resultswere explained by the presence of a stagnant gas film. The results showed that compact, high-performance, rotary dehumidifiers for desiccant cooling systems are possible and economical.