Abstract
This paper describes the experimental analysis of a heat pump assisted recuperative
air dehumidifier. The system consisted of an air-to-air vapor
compression heat pump, coupled to the air ducting. Dehumidification was
generated by reduction of the air temperature through the evaporator below
the dew point, and thus promoting the condensation of the water vapor.
Moist air was then warmed up in the condenser, resulting in a lowtemperature
low-humidity air stream. Low energy consumption values are
achieved in such systems as the latent heat of the water vapor acts as the
heat pump own heat source. Occasionally, the compressor heat is also recoverable.
The innovative feature of the present analysis was the introduction
of an air-to-air plate recuperator, to further promote dehumidification,
yet at the expense of greater compressor energy consumption. An experimental
apparatus was constructed to perform comparative tests of the dehumidifier
operating with and without the recuperator. A closed air circuit
was employed, with the air mass flow rate as the controlling parameter of
the experiment. Tests were also carried out with an open circuit.
air dehumidifier. The system consisted of an air-to-air vapor
compression heat pump, coupled to the air ducting. Dehumidification was
generated by reduction of the air temperature through the evaporator below
the dew point, and thus promoting the condensation of the water vapor.
Moist air was then warmed up in the condenser, resulting in a lowtemperature
low-humidity air stream. Low energy consumption values are
achieved in such systems as the latent heat of the water vapor acts as the
heat pump own heat source. Occasionally, the compressor heat is also recoverable.
The innovative feature of the present analysis was the introduction
of an air-to-air plate recuperator, to further promote dehumidification,
yet at the expense of greater compressor energy consumption. An experimental
apparatus was constructed to perform comparative tests of the dehumidifier
operating with and without the recuperator. A closed air circuit
was employed, with the air mass flow rate as the controlling parameter of
the experiment. Tests were also carried out with an open circuit.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 56-61 |
| Journal | Revista de Engenharia Térmica |
| Volume | 3 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2004 |