Effect of adsorbent heat and mass transfer resistances on performace of an open-cycle adiabatic desiccant cooling system

TLDR: In this article, a mathematical model describing the heat and mass transfer processes that occur during sorption of water vapor in a dehumidifier consisting of parallel channels lined on either side width desiccant felt, is presented.

Abstract: A mathematical model describing the heat and mass transfer processes that occur during sorption of water vapor in a dehumidifier consisting of parallel channels lined on either side width desiccant felt, is presented. The model includes both gas-side and solid-side resistances for thermal and mass transport. The moisture transport 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 system parameters on the performance of an adiabatic open-cycle cooling system are investigated.