EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF A PACKED-BED DEHUMIDIFIER FOR VARIOUS CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

To simulate space cooling or drying systems for various geographical r egions (low, moderate, and high humidity regions) a liquid desiccant s ystem consisting of a humidifier and dehumidifier has been designed an d constructed. This system consists of two coupled humidifying and deh umidifying packed columns filled with plastic Intalox Snowflake packin g material. Experimental measurements of the dehumidifier performance utilizing a new cost effective liquid desiccant mixture (CELD), total desiccant salt content 40%wt to 45%wt (salt comprised of equal portion s by weight of lithium chloride and calcium chloride)I have been carri ed out. The effect of different independent varibles such as packing h eight, air inlet temperature and humidity ratio, and liquid desiccant inlet temperature, flow rate and concentration on the performance of t he dehumidifier has been investigated. Experimental results demonstrat e that the CELD is a promising desiccant for cooling and drying operat ions.