Performance analysis of different flow types of internally-cooled membrane-based liquid desiccant dehumidifiers.

It is well known that internally-cooled membrane-based liquid desiccant dehumidifier (IMLDD) has better dehumidification efficiency than adiabatic membrane-based liquid desiccant dehumidifier (AMLDD). The flow directions of air, solution, and cooling water in the IMLDD can dramatically affect dehumidification and cooling performance. In this paper, the mathematical models for the IMLDD of ten flow types were developed and validated experimentally. Based on the validated model, the differences of air temperature and humidity among various flow types of the IMLDD were investigated, and the effects of operating conditions on the performance of different flow types were also studied thoroughly. The main conclusions of this paper include the following: The flow types of IMLDD have different average temperature and humidity differences between air and solution. Under different operating conditions, the IMLDD of flow type b4 always has a maximum total cooling capacity. The moisture removal rate of flow type b4 is up to 8.2% greater than flow type a2 of worst performance, and for the sensible cooling capacity, the flow type b4 is up to 5 times flow type a2. This paper can help researchers and engineers to choose the appropriate form of the IMLDD according to inlet conditions. • Mathematical model for ten flow types of IMLDD was developed and validated. • Average temperature and air humidity differences for various flow types of IMLDD are different. • The cooling capacity and moisture removal rate of IMLDD are 155% and 64.6% than AMLDD. • Performances of different flow types under varying operation conditions are investigated. • Cross-flow between air and solution and counter-flow between air and cooling water is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]