A simulation package using object-oriented languages has been developed to model open-cycle desiccant cooling systems operating in the recirculation mode. Various basic components of the system have been simulated by a set of mathematical expressions. The components simulated include a gas burner, evaporative coolers, a heat exchanger, and a rotary adiabatic dehumidifier. A set of nonhomogeneous differential equations has been derived for the rotary dehumidifier; these equations are subsequently solved by a numerical method. The effect of the ambient and return air temperatures, humidity ratio, regeneration inlet temperature, and desorption angle on dehumidifier performance has been investigated and the results have been curve-fitted to obtain simple mathematical expressions. These expressions have subsequently been incorporated into the simulation package.

KEYWORDS: year 1995, desiccants, cooling, gas burners, evaporators, heat exchangers, adiabatic, dehumidifiers, rotating, ambient temperature, air temperature, return air, humidity, calculating, evaporative coolers, direct cooling, thermal capacity, computer programs, models.