Analytical modeling of a desiccant wheel

•An analytical model is developed based on an integral solution of a desiccant wheel.•Some non-dimensional numbers are discussed regarding the wheel's performance.•Comparison with a 2D numerical model shows maximum error of 12% at 120 °C.•Use of the model is demonstrated by reproducing experimental data in the literature.

A simple integral model is presented for a desiccant wheel. The original governing equations for a desiccant wheel were simplified to a set of linear ordinary differential equations and an analytical solution was obtained. A brief analysis is given about the solution regarding the non-dimensional numbers that decide the behavior of a desiccant wheel. From the solution, algebraic expressions were obtained for time-averaged heat and mass transfer rates and the results were compared with a numerical model and a set of experimental data in the literature. In comparison with the numerical model, relative error was found less than 12% at 120 °C regeneration temperature and 10% standard deviation was observed with the experimental data. The analytical model is considered capable of describing a symmetric desiccant wheel realistically.