An experimental investigation of solar-powered desiccant wheel with different rotational speeds

Regeneration and adsorption rate of desiccant wheel for producing dry air have been experimentally investigated. The air needed for regeneration was heated in an evacuated tube solar collector with a surface area of 4.44m(2). The desiccant wheel is regenerated at a temperature range of 50-55 degrees C. The regeneration and adsorption performances are affected by the regeneration temperature, wheel rotation, air flow rate (process and regeneration) and ambient conditions. On comparison, the adsorption and regeneration rates at different rotations per hour (rph) and at a constant flow rate of 210.789 kg/h for both adsorption sector and regeneration sector, it is found that in the range of 50-55 degrees C average regeneration temperature, the solar-powered desiccant wheel performs well with a rotational speed of 16 rph. The regeneration performance of desiccant wheel with evacuated tube solar air collector is suitable for the Indian climatic conditions.