Document Type : Full article

Authors

1 Department of Chemistry, Islamic Azad University, Chalus Branch, P.O. Box 46615-397, Iran

2 Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, P.O. Box 14155-143, Iran

Abstract

This study introduces an experimental and theoretical investigation of the performance of a proposed air dehumidification system using a nanofluid of γ-alumina nano-particles in LiBr/H2O as a desiccant. Comparative experiments organized using a central composite design were carried out to evaluate the effects of six numerical factors (air velocity, desiccant flow rate, air humidity ratio, desiccant solution concentration, air temperature, desiccant temperature) and one categorical factor (adding nano-particles) on outlet air humidity ratio and outlet air temperature as responses. Reduced quadratic models were derived for each response. The results revealed that the concentration of LiBr/H2O solution and air temperature had the largest effect on outlet air humidity ratio and outlet air temperature, respectively. It was found that the average increase in mass transfer rate was 12.23% and heat transfer rate was 13.22% when γ-alumina nano-particles (0.02% wt) were added to the LiBr/H2O solution. The average increase in mass transfer coefficient was 22.73% and heat transfer coefficient was 26.51%.

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Main Subjects

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