Experimental evaluation of desiccant dehumidification and air-conditioning system for energy-efficient storage of dried fruits

The ideal storage zones of dried fruits in comparison with dried foods and feeds are established on the psychrometric chart. The study investigates the combined effect of the desiccant dehumidification and Maisotsenko-Cycle evaporative cooling for the dried fruits storage. Two configurations of desiccant air-conditioning systems (S-I and S-II) are proposed, and their performance is evaluated under the ambient conditions of Fukuoka, Japan. It is established on the basis of parametric and thermodynamic analysis of both the system configurations (S-I and S-II) that S-II could yield better system performance. The psychrometric evaluation of S-II revealed that it can provide the optimal conditions for the storage of dried fruits at low regeneration temperature. However, modification in the proposed system configuration (S-II) is suggested for the storage of dried foods and feeds.

Practical application: Conventional dehumidification and air-conditioning options are either expensive or inefficient for dried fruit storage buildings. The study provides a way forward of using thermally driven desiccant systems which are energy-efficient and environment-friendly. Worldwide, the building industries are actively involved in the development of such systems but their application for dried fruit storage buildings are not explored in detail. Therefore, the study provides thermodynamic details of dried fruits storage in relation with experimental evaluation of desiccant and evaporative cooling systems. Provision of such systems to the storage buildings will provide distinct control of humidity and temperature for optimal storage.