Numerical analysis of a desiccant system with cross-flow Maisotsenko cycle heat and mass exchanger

This paper presents a numerical analysis of the desiccant air conditioning system with a cross-flow Maisotsenko cycle (M-Cycle) heat and mass exchanger (HMX). Presented mathematical models of the desiccant wheel and HMX are based on the ε-NTU method. The mathematical model of the desiccant wheel is also supplemented with algorithm allowing the accurate approximation of the initial conditions to reduce the calculation time. The novel system was compared with a conventional solution to show its application potential. The main advantage of the novel system is that it can provide comfort condition even with less effective dehumidification. Also impact of several operational factors (i.e. inlet air temperature and humidity, outdoor and regeneration airflow rate and rotational speed) on the performance of the system were investigated. The analysis of novel system were performed under assumption that the desiccant wheel is regenerated with air heated to the relatively low temperature which can be produced with solar panels in typical moderate climate conditions.