ISSN Online: 2377-424X
ISBN Print: 0-89116-299-2
International Heat Transfer Conference 7
AIRSTREAM VELOCITY ACROSS DEHUMIDIFIERS
Abstract
One of the most important components in an air-conditioning system is the dehumidifier. This is where simultaneous heat and mass transfer occurs; where both the sensible and latent heat loads are offset. Yet the dehumidifier is one of the least understood components in the air-conditioning system. One can list many reasons for this. However, perhaps the most important reason is that this complex heat exchange surface has so very many variables which affect its performance. The paper will report on the research using a dimensionless analysis and a new heat and mass transfer system that was built in the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Adelaide. Focus will be on the significance of air velocity across dehumidifiers in the context of the total air-conditioning system and its energy efficient operation. New findings that govern the simultaneous heat and mass transfer processes will be presented.