Refrigeration system based-dehumidifier

Abstract

Abstract This research aimed to develop a dehumidifier prototype based on R-404C vapor compression refrigeration system and observed its performance. Condenser and evaporator became a unit to condense the moisture content of the air and heat it to an elevated temperature. Condenser and evaporator were arranged in line with airflow to be treated. The air velocity drawn through the unit of condenser-evaporator arrangement was set at 4.5, 5.0, 5.5 m/s by fan current input controller. Evaporator and condenser are a fin-tube type with areas of 0.6 m2. Refrigerant inlet temperature to evaporator was set at -20 °C. Temperature and Relative humidity (RH) of air at the inlet and outlet of the unit were measured by thermohygrometer. The humidifier performance was indicated by a ratio between moisture condensed (kg) and system energy input (kW). The heat released in the cooling and condensation process was 10.1 kW and 17.8 kW, whereas heat consumed in the heating process was 24.8 kW. The best performance of the dehumidifier was 16.7 kg/kWh at air velocity, outlet temperature and RH were 5 m/s, 42 °C and 17 %, subsequently.