Heat and mass transfer in composite desiccant pore structures for dehumidification

A composite desiccant dehumidifier made of mixed inert and desiccant materials is investigated. A heat and mass transfer model that incorporates the composite nature of the structure is discussed. The model includes both gas-side and solid-side resistances for heat and mass transport. The solid-side resistance for the mass transport includes gas-phase diffusion and surface diffusion. The effectiveness for moisture removal and heat transfer during adsorption and desorption processes in such a dehumidifier during single blow operation is investigated. Results are presented for composite structures made of silica gel and inert materials of different compositions and thermophysical properties. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.