Seattle, Washington
June 28, 1998
June 28, 1998
July 1, 1998
2153-5965
4
3.274.1 - 3.274.4
10.18260/1-2--7115
https://peer.asee.org/7115
480
Session 3233
Experience Incorporating Desiccant Dehumidification into an HVAC Course
J.W. Stevens, B.K. Hodge, W.G. Steele, A.A. Jalalzadeh-Azar Mississippi State University
ABSTRACT This paper reports on experiences in using a desiccant module in the air conditioning course at Mississippi State, on lessons learned, and on modifications incorporated for subsequent distribution of the module. Following a brief summary describing the main features of desiccant dehumidification, experiences using the desiccant module in the MSU air conditioning course are described and analyzed. Revisions that have been made to the curriculum module as a result of the experiences using it in class in its final form are presented. These include adding study/review questions, expanding the quantitative examples and exercises, and including reduced size copies of the figures suitable for student handouts. Other revisions are also described. Conclusions drawn from using the desiccant module in class included the need for extra care in pacing the material presentation in technical areas, the importance of properly presenting the motivation and context of desiccant dehumidification, and the possible beneficial use of student copies of the overheads. It is recommended that some type of ‘hands-on’ experience related to desiccant dehumidification be provided for the students.
INTRODUCTION A previous paper (Stevens et.al.) described a desiccant dehumidification curriculum module that was developed at Mississippi State University and distributed to any interested engineering/technology curriculum. The desiccant module is intended to supply introductory- level information on desiccant dehumidification to an existing air conditioning or HVAC course. The material supplied is enough for two to seven lectures, depending on instructor preferences. The module is structured for maximum flexibility and includes full size figures that can be made into overheads. An extensive bibliography is included to provide a starting place for an instructor or students to find additional information. This paper reports on experiences in using the desiccant module in the air conditioning course at Mississippi State, on lessons learned, and on modifications incorporated for subsequent distribution of the module.
BACKGROUND Traditional cold coil air conditioning systems remove moisture from air by cooling the air below its dewpoint and removing the liquid condensate. Desiccant dehumidification devices employ absorption or adsorption processes for the removal of water vapor. In solid desiccant systems the water vapor from the process air stream is adsorbed by a dry desiccant material. The moisture is released from the desiccant material as it is heated by a regeneration air stream. The desiccant material is normally recharged by a low cost heat source. The technology has been around for a long time, and has traditionally been applied in areas such as marine transport and
Stevens, J. W., & Jalalzadeh-Azar, A., & Steele, W., & Hodge, B. (1998, June), Experience Incorporating Desiccant Dehumidification Into An Hvac Course Paper presented at 1998 Annual Conference, Seattle, Washington. 10.18260/1-2--7115
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