Experimental and numerical performance analysis of the wheel type dehumidification system for sustainable buildings

In this study, the thermodynamic performance of a rotary desiccant wheel system, manufactured at an approximate cost of 100 US dollars and incorporating a 20 mm thick silica gel-based adsorbent material, was thoroughly evaluated through experimental investigation. The developed system was tested under six different combinations comprising three regeneration air temperatures (40 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C) and two air velocities (2 m/s and 4 m/s). According to the experimental data, the highest dehumidification performance was achieved at a regeneration temperature of 50 °C and an air velocity of 2 m/s, where the desiccant coefficient of performance (DCOP) was calculated as 0.312. Conversely, the lowest DCOP was determined to be 0.1 under the conditions of 40 °C and 4 m/s. Moisture adsorption and desorption rates were also meticulously analysed throughout the experimental tests. Notably, at a regeneration temperature of 60 °C, the system exhibited adsorption/desorption rates of 4.55/1.16 g/kg (dry air) at 2 m/s and 3.97/0.42 g/kg at 4 m/s. Similarly, for 50 °C, values of 3.48/0.654 g/kg and 2.77/0.28 g/kg were recorded; while at 40 °C, results of 1.53/0.09 g/kg and 0.59/0.05 g/kg (dry air) were observed for 2 m/s and 4 m/s, respectively. These findings demonstrate that the system operates most efficiently under the condition of 50 °C - 2 m/s, highlighting its significant potential for use in low-emission HVAC applications.