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Session 2333

A Desiccant Instruction Module for HVAC Courses

J. W. Stevens, B. K. Hodge, and A. Jalalzadeh-Azar Mississippi State University

Abstract

An instruction module covering introductory aspects of desiccant dehumidification for space conditioning is described. The module is self-contained and is suitable for use in university-level heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) courses. It contains information that can be tailored by an instructor for a particular class, an extensive bibliography for additional information, and page-sized figures from which overheads can easily be made. Experiences in incorporating desiccant material into the Mississippi State University HVAC technical elective course are related.

Background

Desiccants, substances which extract water vapor from a moist air stream either by adsorption or absorption, have been available for a number of years, with the most familiar being silica gel. Likewise, HVAC desiccant systems have had niche markets for a number of years, but have been largely unknown outside of specialty HVAC applications. However, HVAC desiccant systems appear poised to make a substantial penetration into more conventional HVAC applications. A number of reasons exist for this increased interest in HVAC desiccant systems; among them are:

1. ASHRAE 62-l 989 which prescribes significantly increased ventilation requirements for buildings,

2. the prevalence of “sick building” syndrome,

3. demand for more efficient dehumidification of air,

4. CFC/HCFC/HFC issues,

5. flexibility in separating latent and sensible loads.

Most commonly-used textbooks in university-level air conditioning courses contain very little information on desiccants or desiccant systems (e.g. McQuiston and Parker, 1994, Clifford, 1984). Hence, there exists a need to provide to engineering educators a user-friendly, introductory-level module that can be easily inserted into an HVAC course.

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Stevens, J. W., & Jalalzadeh-Azar, A., & Hodge, B. (1997, June), A Desiccant Instruction Module For Hvac Courses Paper presented at 1997 Annual Conference, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 10.18260/1-2--6490