Dehumidifier Desiccant Solution Mass Flow Rate Effect

Figure 3.18 presents the effect varying the inlet desiccant solution mass flow rate in each channel has on the performance of the dehumidifier. The investigated range of desiccant solution mass flow rates per channel is 0.0001-0.003 kg s^-1, this equates to a volumetric desiccant flow range of 0.16-5 L min^-1 through the whole dehumidifier. Figure 3.18a demonstrates that as desiccant solution mass flow rate increases, the air absolute humidity difference increases, and the cooling output also increases. Figure 3.18b demonstrates that increasing the desiccant solution mass flow rate in each channel from 0.0001 to 0.003 kg s^-1 increases both the latent and enthalpy effectiveness from 16.78 and 21.56 to 52.14 and 53.61 % respectively. Figure 3.18b demonstrates an increase in desiccant solution outlet mass concentration with increasing desiccant solution mass flow rate, with a respective sharp increase/decrease at very low flow rates (less than 0.8 L min^-1).

Fig. 3.19 a, b Desiccant solution mass concentration effect on dehumidifier performance