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Original methodology and nomography tool for dimensioning multi-packed-bed dehumidifiers

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Abstract

This work deals with the dimensioning of multi-packed-bed dehumidifiers used in solar air-conditioning systems. An efficient dimensioning methodology is elaborated, explained and visualized by a chart. The proposed methodology permits to ensure an appropriate packed-bed dimensioning based on a compromise between the highest possible amount of heat and mass transfer and the lowest possible level of pressure drop within a packed-bed-dehumidifier. Nomography tool is implemented in order to simplify, speed up and expand the possibilities of dimensioning. The proposed nomographs permit to determine the appropriate values of the diameter, the porosity and the height of the packed-bed. The mathematical construction techniques of all nomographs are presented in detail. Applied examples are carried out in order to show the effectiveness of each nomograph.

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Abbreviations

C pa :

Air specific heat, (J.kg−1.K−1)

C ps :

Deicccant specific heat, (J.kg−1.K−1)

C pv :

Water vapor specific heat, (J.kg−1.K−1)

C pw :

Water specific heat, (J.kg−1.K−1)

D :

Bed diameter, (m)

D 0 :

Water vapor diffusivity, (m2.s−1)

D e :

Effective diffusivity, (m2.s−1)

d p :

Desiccant particle diameter, (m)

E 0 :

Activation energy, (J.mol−1)

H :

Bed height, (m)

N :

Number of beds constituting the dehumidifier system, (.)

q :

Desiccant moisture content (kg[H2O].kg−1[dry desiccant])

q ∞ :

Equilibrium desiccant moisture content (kg[H2O].kg−1[dry desiccant])

R :

Perfect gas constant, (J.mol−1.K−1)

T inlet :

Inlet air temperature, (°C)

V :

Air velocity, (m/s)

VR :

Ventilation rate, (m3/s)

ΔH ads :

Latent heat of evaporation (J.kg−1)

ΔP a :

Maximum allowable pressure drop, (Pa)

ε :

Bed porosity, (.)

λ a :

Air thermal conductivity, (W.m−1.K−1)

λ s :

Desiccant thermal conductivity, (W.m−1.K−1)

μa :

Air dynamic viscosity, (Pa.s)

ρ a :

Air density, (kg.m−3)

ρ s :

Desiccant density, (kg.m−3)

Ø :

Air relative humidity, (%)

ω :

Air humidity ratio, (kg[water vapor].kg−1[dry air])

δ 1, δ 3, μ 1, μ 3 :

Functional Moduli (scale factors)

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the Higher Institute of Technological Studies of Gafsa-Tunisia and the Faculty of Sciences of Gafsa-Tunisia for their moral support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Electro-Mechanical System, National Engineering School of Sfax – ENIS, B.P. W3038, Sfax, Tunisia

    Rached Nciri, Kamel Rabhi & Chaouki Ali

  2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Higher Institute of Technological Studies of Gafsa, Campus Universitaire Sidi Ahmed Zarrouk, 2112, Gafsa, Tunisia

    Rached Nciri & Kamel Rabhi

  3. Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, University of Bisha, Bisha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    Faouzi Nasri

  4. Faculty of Sciences of Gafsa, Campus Universitaire Sidi Ahmed Zarrouk, 2112, Gafsa, Tunisia

    Chaouki Ali

  5. Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering at Alkharj, Prince Sattam bin Abdul-Aziz University, P.O. Box 655, Alkharj, 11942, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    Habib Ben Bacha

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  1. Rached Nciri
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Correspondence to Rached Nciri.

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Nciri, R., Rabhi, K., Nasri, F. et al. Original methodology and nomography tool for dimensioning multi-packed-bed dehumidifiers. Heat Mass Transfer 54, 2661–2673 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00231-018-2298-2

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