DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF

SOLAR HUMIDITY CONTROLLER

By

Vishal Malik (53746)

Nenshi Katiyar (52329)
Sneha Sahu (52313)

Under the guidance of

Dr. A. K. Pratihar

Submitted
in the partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award degree of

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
in
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
to the

Department of Mechanical Engineering

College of Technology
G.B. Pant University of Agriculture &Technology
Pantnagar- 263145, Uttarakhand, India
July, 2021
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the project entitled “Design and Evaluation of Solar Humidity

Controller”, which is being submitted in the partial fulfilment of requirement of the degree

of Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering, College of Technology, G.B. Pant

University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, is a record of bonafide project work

carried out by-

Vishal Malik (53746)

Nenshi Katiyar (52329)

Sneha Sahu (52313)

Under my supervision and no part of the project has been submitted for any degree or

diploma. The assistance and help received during the course of this investigation and source

of literature have been duly acknowledged.

Dr. A. K. Pratihar …................................

(Project Guide)

Professor

Department of Mechanical Engineering

 APPROVAL

The project work entitled “Design and Evaluation of Solar Humidity Controller” is

hereby approved as a creditable and commendable work carried out and presented in a

satisfactory manner to warrant its acceptance as prerequisite to the degree for which it has

been submitted.

Dr. A. K. Pratihar

Project Guide

Department of Mechanical Engineering …...................................

Dr. L. Varshney

Professor and Head

Department of Mechanical Engineering . …..................................

College of Technology

G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology

Pantnager- 263145, India

July,2021
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We wish to express our profound sense of gratitude to our project guide Dr. A. K. Pratihar,

Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, for giving us the guidance and

encouragement throughout the project work. This project could not have reached its final

stages without his guidance and invaluable advice. We are thankful to him for his kind

support, insightful suggestions, remarks and engagement during the various phases of work.

We are very much indebted to Dr. L. Varshney, Head, Mechanical Engineering Department,

and Dr. Alaknanda Ashok, Dean, College of Technology, for their continuous encouragement

and support.

Vishal Malik (53746)

Nenshi Katiyar (52329)

Sneha Sahu (52313)

 DECLARATION

We hereby declare that the project entitled “Design and Evaluation of Solar Humidity

Controller” submitted by Vishal Malik (53746), Nenshi Katiyar (52329), Sneha Sahu

(52313) to College of Technology, Pantnagar during the academic year 2017-2021, is a

record of original work done by us under the guidance of Dr. A.K. Pratihar, Professor,

Department of Mechanical Engineering.The results embodied in this project have not been

submitted to any other university or institute for the award of any degree or diploma.

Vishal Malik (53746)

Nenshi Katiyar (52329)

Sneha Sahu (52313)

 ABSTRACT

This report provides the insight of the design and analysis of solar humidity controller. Solar

humidity controller regulates the humidity of room or hall in summers as well as in winters.

A controlled humid environment is a necessity for industries and houses due to increase in

more severe environment. This device is mainly powered by solar energy. Currently existing

humidity controlling systems draw large amount of power from electricity making them

inefficient. In addition to this they release heat and often harmful gases into the atmosphere.

This device has been designed to be placed inside a room in a compact space and is scalable

for industry use as well.

In this project, we have designed the humidity controller system on software Fusion 360. We

have calculated Time required to achieve optimum humidity levels, Dimensions of solar air

heater, Amount of silica gel required in desiccant wheel. Performance of the device has been

calculated for most humid climate of July with relative humidity 96% and for winter’s dry

climate too. Solar heaters are also analysed for their performance under these conditions.

This system with further modification according to place of installation can be replaced by

existing systems.
 LIST OF CONTENTS

Certificate
Approval
Acknowledgement
Declaration
Abstract
List of Figures
List of Nomenclature / Symbols
1. Introduction 1
1.1. Importance of solar humidity controller 1
1.2. Difference from existing designs 2

2. Methodology 3
2.1. Desiccant system 3
2.2. Description of solar humidity controller 4
2.2.1. General introduction 4
2.2.2. Working cycles 5
2.2.2.1. Dehumidification 5
2.2.2.2. Humidification 6
2.2.3. Components of the system 7
2.2.3.1. Desiccant wheel 7
2.2.3.2. Desiccant material 9
2.2.3.3. Pump 11
2.2.3.4. Solar air heater 11
2.2.3.5. Pipes 12
2.2.3.6. Four-way valve 12
2.2.3.7. Air filter 13
2.2.3.8. Motor 13
2.2.3.9. Miscellaneous 13
2.2.4. Material Selection 13

3. Design and Modelling 15

3.1. Design of Desiccant wheel 15
3.2. Design of Air Pipes and Air filter 16
3.3. Design of Four-way Valve 17
3.4. Design of Pump 19
3.5. Design of Solar Humid Controller 19
4. Calculations and Results 21
4.1. Solar Heater 21
4.2. Desiccant system 25
4.2.1. Dehumidification 25
4.2.2. Humidification 29

5. Conclusion 32

Reference 33
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2.11 Operation of a desiccant wheel

Figure 2.12 Silica gel desiccant wheel

Figure 2.2.21 Dehumidification cycle

Figure 2.2.22 Humidification cycle

Figure 2.2.3 Components of solar humidity controller

Figure 2.2.31 Desiccant wheel

Figure 2.2.32 Relative humidity vs. water content graph of different desiccant

materials

Figure 2.2.33 Solar air heater

Figure 2.2.34 Solar air heater performance

Figure 3.11 Design of desiccant wheel in 2D

Figure 3.12 Design of desiccant wheel in 3D

Figure 3.13 Desiccant wheel design

Figure 3.21 Design of air pipes in 3D

Figure3.22 Design of air filter in 3D

Figure 3.31 Design of four-way valve

Figure 3.32 Design of four-way valve

Figure 3.33 Design of four-way valve with desiccant wheel

Figure 3.41 Design of pump

Figure 3.42 Design of pump

Figure 3.51 Design of Solar Humidity Controller in 3D

Figure 3.52 Design of Solar Humidity Controller in 3D

Figure 3.53 Design of Solar Humidity Controller in 3D

Figure 4.1 Assumptions for calculation of solar air heater

Figure 4.2.11 Relative humidity vs. absorption capacity graph of silica gel

Figure 4.2.12 Moisture absorption capacity of silica gel as a function of

time at different conditions
 LIST OF TABLES

Table 4.2.1a Humidity related data at room temperature 35°C and relative
humidity 97 %

Table 4.2.2b Humidity related data at room temperature 35°C and relative
humidity 60 %

Table 4.2.2a Humidity related data at room temperature 10°C and relative
humidity 28 %

Table 4.2.22 Humidity related data at room temperature 22°C and relative
humidity 40 %
Table 5.1 Final results for solar humidity controller
 LIST OF SYMBOLS / NOMENCLATURE

AH Absolute Humidity
RH or Φ Relative Humidity
mH2O Mass of water vapor in the air
Vnet Mass of air+ mass of water vapor.
DBT Dry Bulb Temperature
DD Diameter of Desiccant Wheel
HD Height of Desiccant Wheel
Dh Hydraulic diameter
Ut Top loss coefficient based on temperature difference (Tpm - Ta)
Ub Bottom loss coefficient based on temperature difference (Tbm Ta)
UL Overall loss coefficient
Tav Average of two plate temperature
h Heat transfer coefficient
hr Radiative heat transfer coefficient
hf Mean fluid temperature
σ Stefan’s constant (5.67 * 10-8)
k Thermal conductivity
εa Emissivity of absorber plate surface
εb Emissivity of bottom plate surface
ṁ Mass flow rate of air
Re Reynolds number
Nu Nusselt number
S Solar energy absorbed by absorber plate
F’ Collector efficiency factor
F” Collector flow factor
FR Collector heat removal factor
Ti Inlet temperature of solar heater
T0 Outlet temperature of solar heater
Qu Useful heat gain
Af Area of duct
µ Dynamic viscosity of fluid (air)
ρ Density of fluid (air)
ρsilica gel Density of silica gel
msilica gel Mass of silica gel
 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

The need for usage of renewable energy is currently more than ever. With increasing

demand of energy and degradation of environment, to increase usage of clean energy and

reduce non ecofriendly devices is major point of concern. We all can relate to the comforts

of the air conditioner in both summers as well as in winters Controlling humidity for

comfort in our homes as well as for industries are very essential. By decreasing the load on

air conditioning system our project has the potential to fulfill the requirement for clean

energy humidity controlling systems.

1.1 Importance of solar humidity controller:

According to THE ECONOMIC TIMES report, number of air -conditioning units installed

globally is set to jump from about 1.6 billion today to 5.6 billion by the middle of the

century. CO2 emissions rose another 2% in 2018, the fastest pace in 7 years. This increase is

alarming towards climate emergency. BNEF expects electricity demand from residential and

commercial air conditioning to increase by more than 140% by 2050.The present air humid

control systems are mainly run by electricity. Use of air-conditioner has increased rapidly

that results high load in electricity. Another main thing is that these systems are not suitable

for villages due to longer power cut durations. Solar Humidity controller can be the solution

for this problem as the system is driven by solar energy, it can be used in places with

inaccessible electricity.

1
According to a study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison analyses that out of 100,000

premature deaths in the US, nearly 500 are caused or exacerbated by air pollution which

could be avoided simply by running the air conditioners a little less during the hottest

months. But the Solar Humidity Controller does not produce any harmful gases and actually

is an eco-friendly system. We can use this system in industries as well, where the humidity

control is must and as it does not run-on electricity, it'll save a lot of money and it will not

contribute towards harming the environment. Increasing environmental issues needs

environment friendly lifestyle & gadgets.

Costs of these bulky systems are usually very high but the cost of Solar Humidity Controller

is less than these systems. It also performs air filtration process.

1.2 Difference from existing system:

a. This system uses clean energy to operate. It runs mainly on solar energy which is a

renewable energy while existing humidity control systems run on electricity. In current

scenario the production of electricity uses nonrenewable resources.

b. We are using Silica gel instead of cooling and heating coils.

c. Both Humidification & Dehumidification process occurs in this system.

d. We have added an air filter to clean the air also.

e. This system has fewer moving parts that results in less maintenance cost.

f. Existing humidity controller system uses and produces harmful gases for environment as

well as humans. But the design and operation of Solar Humidity Controller is ecofriendly

as it doesn’t use any harmful substances. It is one step further towards sustainable

development.

2
 Chapter 2

METHODOLOGY

2.1 Desiccant system:

A desiccant is a hygroscopic substance that is used to induce or sustain a state of dryness

(desiccation) in its vicinity. Pre-packaged desiccants are solids that absorb water. Desiccants

for specialized purposes may be in forms other than solid, and may work through other

principles, such as chemical bonding of water molecules. Industrially, desiccants are widely

used to control the level of water in gas streams

Fig. 2.11: Operation of a desiccant wheel Fig.2.12: Silica gel desiccant

Wheel

In our project silica gel is used in desiccant wheel. Desiccant wheel absorbs moisture from

cold air and releases it into hot air for humidification. While for dehumidification it absorbs

the moisture from air (in fig. 2.11).

3
2.2 Description of solar humidity controller:

2.2.1 General introduction:

Our project work is to control humidity. The water vapor present in gaseous form in the

atmospheric air is termed as humidity. It absorbs radiation, controls the rate of evaporation,

releases latent heat for weather changes, decides the potentiality for precipitation, affects

crops and our body skin, hence is of great significance. Humidity is the main factor that

causes discomfort to humans.Humidity of the air is mainly expressed in the following two

ways: -

a. Absolute humidity - Absolute humidity is the ratio of the mass of water vapor in the air

to a unit mass of air, including the water vapor at given temperature and pressure. It is

independent of temperature, largely determined by the nature of the surface under the air

mass.

A.H.= mH2O / Vnet (g/m3)

b. Relative humidity (Φ) - Relative humidity is the ratio of actual water vapor content to

the maximum moisture holding capacity of an air at a given temperature and it is

expressed in %age. It is strongly proportional to temperature and highly sensitive to

temperature change. If you have a stable temperature in your system, RH will also be

stable. As well as temperature, relative humidity also depends on the pressure of the

system.

R.H.= [(A.H. /Max. Capacity) X 100] %

4
Solar Humidity Controller is a device that controls humidity. In our project we have used a

Desiccant wheel packed with silica gel to reduce humidity in summers. In winters we need

addition of water vapor in room air, this is achieved by reversing the working cycle with the

help of valves. Moisture is absorbed from one line and released to another depending upon

the working cycle. Desiccant material used in the process is silica gel. It adsorbs moisture

from air and later released when hot air (coming from solar air heater) is passed through it.

2.2.2 Working cycles:

Solar Humidity Controller consist of 2 cycles: -

1. Dehumidification

2. Humidification

2.2.21 Dehumidification:

The process in which the moisture or water vapor or the humidity is removed from the air

keeping its dry bulb (DB) temperature constant is called as the dehumidification process

Fig. 2.2.21: Dehumidification process

5
In summers air is excessively humid so, air from room is passed through Desiccant wheel

packed with silica gel, it has property to absorbs the moisture. When room air is passed

through desiccant wheel, silica gel absorbs its moisture and air gets dehumidify. This

dehumidified air is released back to room through filter. Whereas hot air from outside is

passed through solar heater than hot air is passed through Desiccant wheel which removes

moisture from the wheel via evaporation than this air is released back to the atmosphere (in

fig. 2.2.21).

2.2.22 Humidification:

Cold or dry air is less humid in nature. The process in which the moisture or water vapor or

humidity is added to the air without changing its dry bulb (DB) temperature is called as

humidification process.

Fig. 2.2.22: Humidification process

This cold and dry air from room passes through solar air heater so that heat can be added in

6
The cold air, then this warm air passes through desiccant wheel packed with silica gel

(having property to absorb moisture). It already contains moisture in it cause of

dehumidification process. When air passes through this desiccant wheel, moisture is added

in this air and the air gets humidify. This humidified air is released to the room.

2.2.3 Components of solar humidity controller:

Solar humidity controller consist following part as shown in Fig. 2.2.3

Fig. 2.2.3: Components of solar humidity controller

1. Desiccant wheel (Rotary dehumidifier):

A desiccant wheel is a type of sorption dehumidifier using a solid desiccant. The desiccant

material is coated on the supporting rotor structure. It is called an active desiccant wheel

when it is provided with an air heater and the regeneration. Process air side are separated by

7
clapboard. The wheel is installed with thermal insulation and air-proof material, so no mass

and energy exchange take place with the surroundings (in fig. 2.2.31).

Fig. 2.2.31: Desiccant wheel

The various components of the wheel are:

• Wheel matrix consisting of supporting materials and desiccant material.

• Wheel case.

• Air heater driving motor.

• Clapboard for the division of regeneration and process air side.

A desiccant wheel functions as a heat and mass exchanger between the process and return

air streams. The desiccant wheels are not only used for air dehumidification, but also for

enthalpy recovery. When it is used for enthalpy recovery, there is no heater and it rotates

between process air and exhaust air to facilitate the transfer of heat and humidity between

8
 the streams. So, the enthalpy wheel is used in winter to recover heat and moisture from the

exhaust air. Whereas in summer it is used to cool and dehumidify the process air.

a. The rotational speed of the wheel varies commonly within the range of 6–12 rotations

per hour in the dehumidifier mode and 8–14 rotations per minute for the enthalpy

recovery mode.

b. The physical process causing dehumidification of air in a desiccant wheel is adsorption,

which is a process where molecules from a gas phase or from a solution bind in a

condensed layer on the surface of a solid or a liquid.

• The molecule that binds to the surface is called adsorbate.

• The substance that holds the adsorbate is called adsorbent.

c. The process of adsorption of water is a result of the tendency of the water vapor pressure

in the adsorptive to reach equilibrium with the water vapor pressure on the surface of the

adsorbent.

d. If the vapor pressure on the surface of the adsorbent is lower than the partial pressure of

water vapor in the air, adsorption occurs and water is extracted from the air.

e. Adsorption progresses until the water vapor pressures in the air and at the desiccant

surface reach equilibrium.

f. Desorption takes place if the water vapor pressure on the surface of the desiccant

exceeds the water vapor pressure of the air. In this case, water is released from the

desiccant surface to the surrounding air.

2. Desiccant material:

The substance that adsorbs water vapor forms a separate category of materials called

desiccant and these substances can induce or sustain a state of dryness desiccation in its local

9
Vicinity through adsorption of water. It has a high affinity for water and is a dehumidifying

agent. The common desiccant materials in use are silica gel, zeolite molecular sieve, lithium

chloride, and activated alumina. The desiccant's ability to attract moisture depends on the

amount of water on the desiccant surface in comparison with the amount of water in the gas.

The difference between these amounts of water is described by the vapor pressure in the air

and at the surface of the desiccant.

Silica gel: We have chosen silica gel as a desiccant material.

Fig. 2.2.32: Relative humidity vs. water content graph of different

desiccant materials

Silica gel is an amorphous and porous form of silicon dioxide, consisting of an irregular tri-

dimensional framework of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms with nanometre scale voids

and pores. The voids may contain water or some other liquids, or may be filled by gas or

vacuum (i.e., silica xerogel). Silica xerogel has average pore size of 2.4 nanometres, has a

10
 strong affinity for water molecules and is widely used as a desiccant. It is hard and

translucent and remains hard when saturated with water. It is usually commercialized as

coarse granules or beads.

3. Pump:

A pump is a device that moves fluids (liquids or gases) by mechanical action.

Pumps can be classified into three major groups according to the method they use to move

the fluid:

a. Direct Lift

b. Displacement

c. Gravity Pumps.

Pumps operate by reciprocating or rotary, and consume energy to perform mechanical work

moving the fluid.

There are 3 basic types of pumps:

a. Positive-displacement

b. Centrifugal

c. Axial-flow pumps.

In our project, we have used 2 axial pumps to drive air into two different pipelines.

Axial flow pump can be defined as a pump where fluid will flow in axial direction (in the

direction of axis of rotation). In case of axial flow pump, inlet and outlet of fluid will not vary

in radial location from its axis of rotation. Axial flow pumps are used to deliver the higher

flow rate at relatively lower head.

4. Solar air heater:

A solar air heater is an active system. Active solar systems use solar panels to collect solar

11
energy and fans to move the energy to a different place. The solar air heater has an

important place among solar heat collectors. It can be used as sub-systems in many systems

meant for the utilization of solar energy.

Fig. 2.2.33: Solar air heater Fig. 2.2.34: Solar air heater performance

a. It is a device which collects energy from the sun and used to heat air.

b. Solar air heating is a renewable energy heating technology used to heat or condition air

for buildings or process heat applications.

c. It is typically, the most cost-effective out of all the solar technologies, especially in

commercial and industrial applications.

5. Pipes:

For the fluid flow, pipes are used in whole system. In our system, we have used Stainless

Steel 304 pipes.

6. Four-way valve:

The four-way valve or four-way cock is a fluid control whose body has four ports equally

spaced round the valve chamber and the plug has two passengers to connect adjacent ports,

the plug may be cylindrical or tapered, or a ball. It has two flow positions, and usually a

12
central position where all ports are closed. In our project, four-way valve is used to change

the cycle of dehumidification and humidification.

7. Filter:

A particulate air filter is a device composed of fibrous or porous materials which removes

solid particulates such as dust, pollen, mold and bacteria from the air.Filters containing an

adsorbent or catalyst such as charcoal may also remove odor and gaseous pollutants such as

volatile organic compounds or ozone.

8. Motor:

An electric motor is an electrical machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical

energy. In our project, motor is used to drive desiccant wheel at required speed.

9. Miscellaneous:

a. Wires:

A wire is a single usually cylindrical, flexible strand or rod of metal. Wires are used to bear

mechanical loads or electricity.

b. Adapter:

They are used with electrical devices that require power but do not contain internal

components to derive the required voltage and power from mains power. We have used

adapter to convert 220V AC to DC to run axial pump and motor.

c. Switch:

Switches are used to control power of entire circuit.

2.2.4. Material selection:

For our project, we have chosen STAINLESS STEEL 304. Stainless steel alloy 304 is an

extremely popular low-cost alloy, ideal for parts that require forming or welding. It has

13
excellent corrosion resistance, and heat resistance and is the most weld-able of any steel

alloy. It is not magnetic in nature.

• Better weldability (Joinability): Weldability is the ability of any material (usually

metals and its alloys) to weld with similar materials without any defect.

• Better formability: Formability refers to the ability of sheet metal to be formed into a

desired shape without necking or cracking.

• Better corrosion resistant: Corrosion is a process in which a material is oxidized by

substances in the environment that cause the material to lose electrons. Corrosion

resistance is the capacity to hold the binding energy of a metal and withstand the

deterioration and chemical breakdown that would otherwise occur when the material is

exposed to such an environment. We are dealing with moisture in this system; therefore,

this property is very important.

• Heat resistance: It is a heat property and a measurement of a temperature difference by

which an object or material resists a heat flow. Thermal resistance is the reciprocal of

thermal conductance.

Stainless Steel 304 has a machining cost factor of 5.0 when compared to steel 12L14. It is

excellent for welding and produces tough and ductile welds. It does not respond to heat

treatment, but can be cold worked to increase tensile strength and hardness. Annealing is

recommended after forging and cold working.

14
 Chapter 3

DESIGN AND MODELLING

1. Design procedure of desiccant wheel:

In order to obtain a 3D model of desiccant wheel, first a 2D sketch was prepared in the

designing software Fusion 360. Then this 2D sketch is converted into a 3D model.

The following steps were involved in the process:

• In first, we have drawn a circle of diameter (DD) 200mm in Fusion 360 (We have to

select diameter in such a manner that the wheel is compact in size and more effective – in

fig. 3.11)).

• According to the size of desiccant wheel we have calculated the volume of Silica gel and

the space for air passage. On this basis we have divided this wheel into 18 parts using

ARRAY command (in fig 3.12).

Fig. 3.11: Design of desiccant wheel in 2D

15
• Finally, we have used EXTRUDE command to obtain cylindrical shape of height (HD)

100 mm.

Fig. 3.12: Design of desiccant wheel in 3D Fig. 3.13: Desiccant wheel design

2. Design of air pipes and air filter:

• For the pipes, We have made a circle of diameter (DP) 1inch and the thickness (tp) is

1.25cm in Fusion 360.

• Then used SWEEP command and swept along the path of pipe.

• We have joined these air pipes with desiccant wheel with the passage designed by LOFT

command. We have used Stainless Steel 304 material for pipes because of its

characteristics (in fig. 3.21).

• Whereas the air filter and intake from and in to the room have been created by

EXTRUDE command (in fig. 3.22).

16
 Fig. 3.21: Design of air pipes in 3D

Fig. 3.22: Design of air filter in 3D valve

3. Design of four-way valve:

• First, we have drawn a 2D drawing of square.

• SWEEP command has been used to make 3D sketch (in fig. 3.31).

17
Fig. 3.31: Design of four-way valve Fig. 3.32: Design of four-way

Fig. 3.33: Design of four-way valve with desiccant wheel

18
4. Design of pump:

• Casing for the air pump has been created by using LOFT command keeping the size

according to common size of axial flow pump (in fig. 3.41).

Fig. 3.41: Design of pump Fig. 3.42: Design of pump

5. To join all these parts, we have used WELDED JOINT Command (in fig. 3.53).

Fig. 3.51: Design of Solar Humidity Controller in 3D

19
 Fig. 3.52: Design of Solar Humidity Controller in 3D

Fig. 3.53: Design of Solar Humidity Controller in

3D
20
 Chapter 4

CALCULATIONS AND RESULTS

1. Solar air heater:

Considering the slice of solar heater of length L1=2m and width L2=1m

Fig. 4.1: Assumptions for calculation of solar air heater

Assumptions:

• For small temperature difference between absorber and bottom plates (Tpm4 - Tbm4) can be

approximate as 4 × Tav3 × (Tpm - Tbm); Where, Tav= Average Temperature of two plates

including equivalent radiative heat transfer coefficent hr.

• hr = (4 × σ × Tav3) ÷ [ (1 ÷ εa) + (1 ÷ εb) - 1]

• Collector is tilted at 45° when the radiation incident in the collector is 900W/m2.

• Plate to cover spacing is 20 mm.

• Ambient temperature is 45°C.

• Emittance of absorber and cover plate is 0.95.

21
• Neglect heat loss from bottom and sides.

• Mass flow rate of is 0.056 kg/s.

• Average plate temperature is 70°C.

• Top loss coefficient is 3.3 W/m2 °C, the overall loss coefficient is 4.3W/m2 °C.

• The radiation coefficient between the 2-air duct surface is estimated by assuming a mean

radiant temperature equal to the mean fluid temperature.

With an estimated mean fluid temperature at 70°C: We have,

hr = (4 × σ × Tav3) ÷ [(1 ÷ εa) + (1 ÷ εb) - 1]

= (4 × 5.67 × 10-8 × 3433) ÷ [(1 ÷ 0.95) + (1 ÷ 0.95) - 1]

= 8.28W/m2 °C

The heat transfer coefficients between the air and 2 duct walls will be assumed to be equal.

The characteristic length is hydraulic diameter, which for flat plates is twice the plate

spacing.

The Reynolds number, at an assumed average fluid temperature of 70°C is,

Re = ρVDh ÷ µ = ρVDh ÷ µ = ṁDh ÷ Af

= (0.056 × (2 × 0.01)) ÷ ((0.01 × 1) × 2.04 × 10-5) = 5490

Length to diameter ratio (L ÷ Dh) = 2 ÷ (2 × 0.01) = 100

Since, Re > 2100 and L ÷ Dh is also large;

Flow will be Turbulent and fully developed.

Nu = 0.0158 × Re0.8 = 15.5

Heat transfer coefficient inside the duct is h1 and h2;

h = (15.5 × k) ÷ Dh

= (15.5 × 0.029) ÷ (2 × 0.01) = 22 W/m2 °C

22
 Fig.4.2

From fig. 4.2 h1 = h2= h

F’ = {1+ [(UL) ÷ (h + ((1 ÷ h) + (1 ÷ hr))-1]}-1

= {1+ [(4.3) ÷ (22 + ((1 ÷ 22) + (1 ÷ 8.3))-1]}-1

= 0.87

The dimensionless capacitance rate is = (ṁCp ÷ AcULF’)

= ((0.056 × 1006) ÷ (2 × 4.3 × 0.87) = 7.52

F” = (ṁCp ÷ AcULF’) × [1 – exp(AcULF’ ÷ ṁCp)]

= 7.52 × [1 – e(-1/7.52)] = 0.93

FR = F” × F’

= (0.93 × 0.87) = 0.8091

The useful gain for the system, Qu = Ac FR × [ S – UL × (Ti - Ta)]

Case 1: When inlet temperature is 35°C during July for the process of

Dehumidification;

Ti = 35°C

Qu = 2 × 0.80 × [(900 × 0.82) – 4.3 × (35 – 40)] = 1146 Watt

Then, Outlet Temperature (T0) = [Ti + (Qu ÷ ṁCp)]

T0 = [35 + (1146 ÷ (0.056 × 1006)] =55°C

23
Case 2:

a. When inlet temperature is 22°C during November for the process of humidification;

Ti = 22°C

Qu = 2 × 0.80 × [(900 × 0.82) – 4.3 × (22 – 40)] = 1056 Watt

Then, Outlet Temperature (T0) = [Ti + (Qu ÷ ṁCp)]

T0 = [22 + (1056 ÷ (0.056 × 1006)]

= 40.745°C = 41°C

b. When inlet temperature is 10°C for humidification process;

Ti = 10°C

Qu = 2 × 0.80 × [(900 × 0.82) – 4.3 × (10 – 40)] = 1387.2 Watt

Then, Outlet Temperature (T0) = [Ti + (Qu ÷ ṁCp)]

T0 = [10 + (1387.2 ÷ (0.056 × 1006)]

= 34.62°C = 35°C

24
2. Desiccant system:

2.1 Dehumidification:

Volume of Room (air) = 3m × 3m × 3m = 27m3

We will take data for July month i.e., most humid month of the year

Case 1: When Room temperature = 35°C

Relative Humidity at 35°C = 97%

Table 4.2.1a: Humidity related data at room temperature 35°C and

relative humidity 97 %

Mass of water vapor = Absolute Humidity (AH) × Volume of air

= 38.399 × 27g

= 1,036.773g = 1.036kg

Case 2: When Room Temperature = 35°C

25
 Relative Humidity at 35°C = 60%

Table 4.2.2b: Humidity related data at room temperature 35°C and

relative humidity 60 %

Mass of water vapor = Absolute Humidity (AH) ×Volume of air

= 23.752 × 27g

= 641.304g = 0.641kg

Mass of water vapor to be absorbed = 1.037 - 0.641kg = 0.396kg

Mass of silica gel Required:

Vapor absorbed in section 1

for 6 rotation per hour, time per section = (60 min ÷ 6) = 10 minutes

NOTE: Assuming 3% moisture left in silica gel, 15% absorbed in 10 minutes at RH

75%.

26
Percentage of vapor absorbed = 15% - 3% =12%

Fig. 4.2.11: Relative humidity vs. absorption Fig. 4.2.12: Moisture absorption capacity of
capacity graph of silica gel silica gel as a function of time at different
conditions

Total no of sections in desiccant wheel = 18

As 4 sections will receive air at a time

Therefore, Vapor absorbed =

(no. of section receive air ÷ total section) × no. Of desiccant wheel × vapor absorbed%

= (4/18) × 1 × 12% = 0.027kg

Absorption Time =

[(Mass of water vapor to be absorbed/ Vapor absorbed) × Vapor absorption time]

= (0.396/0.027) × 10 =146.67min

Therefore, Absorption time required by 2kg silica gel = (146.67 ÷ 2)

=73.33min = 74min

Amount of Silica gel reqiured is 2.34kg.

27
For Desiccant wheel:

Radius of Desiccant wheel (RD) = 0.1m

Height of Desiccant wheel (HD) = 0.1m

Volume of Desiccant wheel (VD) = π (RD)2 HD

= π × (0.1)2 × (0.1) = 0.00314m3

Density of Silica Gel (ρsilica gel) = 700kg/m3

Therefore, Mass of Silica Gel (mSilica Gel) = ρsilica gel × VD

=700 × 0.00314 = 2.34kg

Desiccant wheel can accommodate 2.34kg silica gel.

Moisture released from silica gel in July.

Heat required for silica gel to evaporate moisture = 3256957.41 J/kg of water

As water absorbed must be equal to water evaporated;

Therefore, Water evaporated = 0.027kg/section

Heat required to remove/ evaporate moisture from silica gel

Qrequired = 3256957.41 × 0.027 × 2

= 175875.7 J

Useful heat gain from solar heater = 1146 J/s

Therefore, Time required for Evaporation = Qrequired ÷ Qu

= (175875.7 ÷ 1146)

=153.46 s or 2.55 min

This time is much lesser than 10 minutes. Therefore, silica gel is ready for another round to

absorb moisture.

28
2.2 Humidification:

Volume of Room (air) = 3m × 3m × 3m = 27m3

We will take data for November month i.e., least humid month of the year.

Absorption capacity of silica gel at 10°C = 9% - 3% = 6%

NOTE: Assuming 3% moisture left in silica gel from previous cycle.

6% of silica gel = (4 ÷ 18) × (6 ÷ 100) × 2

= 0.02666kg = 0.027kg

Room temperature = 10°C

Relative Humidity = 28%

Table 4.2.2a: Humidity related data at room temperature 10°C and

relative humidity 28 %

AH = 2.6318g/m3

29
Water vapor in room at 10°C = Absolute Humidity (AH) × Volume of air

= 2.6318 × 27 = 71.06g

Room temperature = 22°C

Relative Humidity = 40%

Table 4.2.22: Humidity related data at room temperature 22°C and

Relative humidity 40 %

Water vapor in room at 22°C = Absolute Humidity (AH) × Volume of air

= 3.75 × 27 = 101.25g

Mass of water vapor to be released = 101.25 – 71.06 = 30.19g

Number of cycles = (30.19 ÷ 27) = 1.12

Time required for dehumidification = (1.12 × 10)

= 11.2 min; as (60 ÷ 6 = 10min)

Heat from solar heater = 1387.2J/s

30
Heat required to remove moisture = 0.027 × 3256957.415

= 87937.8J

Time required to remove moisture = (87937.8 ÷ 1387.2)

= 63.39s = 1.06min

Which is also well below 10 minutes. Therefore, silica gel will be dry for next use.

Left heat is used for heating purpose.

Heating for room = mcp ΔT

= ρVcp ΔT

. = 1.2 × 27 × 1006 × (22 - 10)

=390744.005J

Time required for heating = (390744.005 ÷ 1387.2)

= 281.67s = 4.7min

Results:

Final result for solar humidity controller is given in the table.

Table 5.1: Final results for solar humidity controller

Process Dehumidification Humidification

Month July November
Temperature 35°C 10°C
Initial Humidity 97% 60%
Final Humidity 60% 40%
Change in mass of water vapor 396g (removed) 30.19g (added)
Time consumed 74min 12min

31
 Chapter 4

CONCLUSION

In design and analysis of Solar Humidity Controller, a device that alter the humidity as per

need. It is found that 2 kg of silica gel was required for optimum performance of Solar

Humidity Controller. This device is capable to convert the high humidity level into an ideal

humidity level in 75minutes. Although, performance varies with time. In the beginning,

the performance will be on the peak due to high relative humidity and the process of

dehumidification process will be rapid. Later, dehumidification process will be slow as it

will approach toward ideal humidity conditions. Whereas for winters, It performs

Humidification process. It would take only 10 minutes to bring dry Environment into ideal

humid conditions.

The area required for solar air heater for the function of Solar Air Humidifier is 1m * 1m.

Design of this Solar Air Humidifier is simple. Its components like Desiccant Wheel, Pumps,

Four-way Valves, Air filter etc. are compact in size to install in a room. Performance of

Solar Humidity Controller is easily scalable by simply utilizing more silica gel and

increasing volume of device to hold it and time can also be reduced by doing the same. It

can consume 1200 W of power. It is a device that contributes in sustainable development. It

does not harm the environment. Neither Solar Humidity Controller contain any harmful

substance, nor it produces any harmful substance.

32
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