Numerical Simulation of a Flat-Sheet Membrane-based Dehumidifier with Various Serpentine Flow Channels.

In the present analysis, three potential serpentine flow channel designs for a flat-sheet membrane-based dehumidifier are designed and evaluated in terms of performance metrics such as dehumidification rate (DR), approach temperature (AT), pressure drop (ΔP), and coefficient of performance (COP). The dry side inlet air temperature and relative humidity (RH) are set at 27°C and 0%, and the wet side inlet air temperature and RH are fixed at 40°C and 85%. The inlet air flow rates of the dry and wet sides are both controlled in the range of 20-60 L min−1. The simulation results revealed that the geometrical design of the flow channels has a remarkable impact on the dehumidification performance of the dehumidifier. It is outlined that the water vapor concentration and temperature distribution at the outlet of all proposed serpentine flow channels are almost identical, showing the oversized design of the three- and six-inlet serpentine channels. Under the air flow rates of 30 ∼ 60 L min−1, it is seen that the DR, AT, and ΔP of three-, six-, and nine-inlet serpentine channels are in descending order. It is found that the size and quantity of the channel outlets and inlets have a great influence on the pressure drop. Moreover, the dehumidifier with nine-inlet serpentine flow channel can provide the highest COP with a limited increase in the pressure loss. Hence, this channel design can be a good candidate to be implemented in the flat-sheet membrane-based dehumidifier. The findings of this study could be beneficial for the design of novel dehumidifiers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]