Performance of a new desiccant bed using phase change material

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to conduct an experimental analysis to investigate the performance of a new desiccant bed. Therefore, tests were carried out in a desiccator filled with a porous media, i.e. silica gel used as desiccant enhanced with phase change material, using variable inlet climate conditions. Experimental tests were performed to assess the effect of the new packed bed on the adsorption capacity and this by evaluating the outlet evolutions of temperature, relative humidity and absolute humidity. The experimental setup used in this study is a blower enabling to adjust the flow rate, temperature and relative humidity. The amount of adsorbed mass of moisture is also measured and discussed.