Regeneration performance analysis of a multilayer desiccant dehumidification system

In desiccant dehumidifier technology with alternating cycles of adsorption and desorption, the regeneration process is equally vital to adsorption. In general one would pursue a quicker and more efficient desorption process elevating the overall dehumidifier performance. To achieve this, constructing a theoretical model is crucial for the optimization of the operating conditions. In this paper we performed computational fluid dynamics simulations based on our previous model for adsorption to evaluate the regeneration performance of a multilayer fixed-bed type dehumidifier under various operation conditions of humidity, temperature and flow rate. It was pointed out that the heat dissipation between the system and its surroundings plays a key role in the overall performance. Interestingly, we found that there exists a critical air flow rate that the sorption rate becomes insensitive to the air velocity once the threshold value has been acquired. This unique characteristic provides us with important information to optimize operating conditions for both dehumidification and regeneration processes.