Dessikanttilaitteet

Dessikanttilaitteet, commonly known as desiccant dehumidifiers, are devices used to reduce humidity levels in the air by absorbing moisture. Unlike refrigerant dehumidifiers which cool the air to condense water, desiccant units employ a desiccant material, typically silica gel or a similar adsorbent, to capture water vapor. This material is usually contained within a rotating wheel or a fixed bed. As moist air passes through the desiccant, water molecules are adsorbed onto its surface.

The desiccant material becomes saturated over time and needs to be regenerated. This regeneration process involves heating the desiccant to release the absorbed moisture, which is then vented out of the room. The desiccant wheel rotates, continuously moving sections of the wheel through the moist air stream and the regeneration zone. This cyclical process allows for continuous dehumidification.

Dessikanttilaitteet are particularly effective in cold environments where refrigerant dehumidifiers may perform poorly or freeze up. They can achieve very low humidity levels, making them suitable for applications such as industrial processes, archives, museums, swimming pools, and preventing condensation in sensitive areas. They are generally quieter than refrigerant dehumidifiers and can operate over a wider temperature range. However, they consume more energy due to the heating required for regeneration. The efficiency of a desiccant dehumidifier depends on factors like the type of desiccant, airflow rate, and regeneration temperature.