A Theoretical Model for a Spray-type Ionic Solutions Dehumidifier Driven by Industrial Waste Heat

National Sun Yat-sen University, Department of Mechanical and Electro-Mechanical Engineering, 804201 Kaohsiung, Taiwan

^* Corresponding author: jdliang@mail.nsysu.edu.tw

Abstract

This study developed a theoretical analysis model for a spray-type ionic solution dehumidification system that utilizes industrial waste heat for regeneration. The model was validated against experimental data, showing good agreement with the experimental results. Specifically, the average error in the air outlet humidity ratio was only 1.1%, while the average error in the air outlet temperature was 6.1%. Additionally, by applying the average monthly weather conditions of the Xiaogang district in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, as input parameters, the dehumidification performance of the system was simulated for different ionic solution concentrations. The results demonstrated that using an 80% concentration ionic solution for yearround dehumidification of outdoor air can effectively lower the dew point temperature to below 15°C for most of the year. This performance is sufficient to meet the humidity requirements of specific industrial processes and storage facilities. Moreover, this study also analyzed the impact of different solution-to-air ratios. The model allows for the determination of the appropriate solution-to-air ratio based on required outlet humidity or dew point temperatures and air flow rate. This feature helps avoid the overestimation of the solution mass flow rate, which could lead to additional system costs and increased pump energy consumption.