Energy and exergy analyses of a novel recirculated regenerative rotary desiccant wheelassisted dehumidification system

The indoor air humidity and temperature in the marine cabins could be as high as 80% and 40 °C - 50 °C, respectively, which may cause security risks to crews and devices. The incorporation of solid desiccant wheel for improved dehumidification and air quality control would contribute to energy saving in air conditioning system through waste heat recovery for regeneration. In the present work, a novel recirculated regenerative rotary desiccant wheel-assisted dehumidification system was proposed. The energy and exergy performances of the system under variable working conditions were quantitatively studied based on experimental tests. The dehumidification effectiveness, dehumidification performance coefficient (DCOP), sensible energy ratio and coefficient of performance (COP) were introduced as key energetic indicators. The effects of air bypass ratio (50% - 85%), process air temperature (28 °C - 40 °C), relative humidity of process air (60%RH - 80%RH) and regeneration air temperature (130 °C - 150 °C) on the system performances were obtained. It was found the COP of the system ranged between 0.4 and 1.8, while the exergy efficiency was only 4% - 11%. An optimal bypass ratio existed which was determined 55%-60%. Overall, the energy saving and exergy consumption characteristics of the proposed system at various working conditions were explored to prompt its practical application.