Experimental investigation of air dehumidification and regeneration operations using packed bed of silica gel particles

Abstract

Energy consumption is increasing gradually in the world. It is due to the growth of air conditioning need in response to higher summer temperatures. This causes an increase in electricity demand. Solar cooling is a relatively new, reliable and clean application of proven refrigeration technology able to improve comfort conditions, limit the impact on the environment and save energy. The use of "desiccant cooling" technique is particularly interesting because it avoids the refrigerants use that have a negative effect on the ozone layer (CFC, HCFC, HFC ..). The main element in a desiccant cooling system is the desiccator. In this study, an experimental test bed was made in the Energy and Thermal Systems Laboratory "LESTE" at National Engineering School of Monastir, Tunisia. This bench is designed to examine the optimal conditions used (air flow rates effect) for a cylindrical desiccator, filled with silica gel grains, during both adsorption and desorption phases. For this aim, measurements of temperature, humidity and velocity at the inlet and outlet of the desiccator are done.