Efficient configurations for desiccant wheel cooling systems using different heat sources for regeneration

Desiccant wheel systems can be regenerated by any thermal energy. Depending on heat sources used, system configurations are optimized to maximize its efficiency using simulation in this paper. First, optimization of desiccant wheel in terms of its facial area ratio and stage number when regenerated by three different heat sources was carried out. Then, Optimizations and comparisons of three systems are carried out based on standard coal consumption. The results are meaningful for optimum wheel design for different heat sources, designs of single stage system with heat recovery configurations, and preferences of heat sources to reduce standard coal consumption.