Experimental investigation on the performance parameters of a helical coil dehumidifier test rig

Water scarcity is a major problem faced in different parts of the world due to various reasons. Highly humid places closer to sea offers discomfort to the people and the moisture transport inside the building causes hazards to the interior and exterior over a period of time. However, both the water scarcity and high humidity problem can be addressed with the development of a novel system. Present work focuses on the dehumidification process where highly humid air moves over the copper coils wound helically, with cold water running through it. Vapor compression refrigeration cycle maintains the temperature of the cold water. The dehumidification is enhanced with the condensation of moisture and then dehumidified air enters the room. The fresh water collected is used as drinking water. Thermal parameters like temperature and humidity are measured and the overall dehumidification efficiency is assessed. Water condensation rate is found to be optimum for the air velocity 2 m/s with a dehumidification coil temperature of 2 degrees C. These values are 22% and 31% higher than the water temperatures of 5 degrees C and 10 degrees C. The average water harvesting from the current system is 1.90 kg/hr. or 2.57 liters per hour (l/hr.).