A desiccant is a substance, either solid or liquid, which absorbs water molecules from air and dehumidifies it. The desiccant, initially used to absorb moisture from the air, is later regenerated by heating the desiccant so that it releases the absorbed moisture. This phase change cycle is a continuous process that drives the operation of desiccant systems.
Two basic categories of desiccant systems are:
- Open desiccant systems where desiccant comes into direct contact with the air for the process of dehumidification.
- Closed desiccant systems where desiccant is confined to a closed chamber and dehumidifies air indirectly.
Based on the type of desiccant used, desiccant systems can be categorized as solid and liquid desiccant systems. In solid desiccant systems, a dry solid desiccant like silica gel or zeolite, is used in a rotating bed or impregnated into honeycomb-form wheel within the system. Liquid desiccant systems are a new emerging technology consisting of a contact surface, which is either a cooling coil or cooling tower, wetted with liquid desiccant like lithium chloride or calcium chloride.
Desiccant systems can be successfully used in regions with low heating demand but have limited application in high humidity areas where desiccant fails to reduce the air moisture content to desired level. In India, no commercial project is functioning on the concept of desiccant cooling. Research projects are underway to make the application more viable.
Table: Advantages and disadvantages of desiccant systems
| Pros | Cons |
| Improved air quality in interiors | High initial cost to setup the system |
| Less electric consumption as alternative energy sources can be used | Experienced professionals required to construct and service such systems |
| CFC, HFC, HCFC refrigerants are not used | Liquid desiccant could be corrosive and damage the system or components |
| Integration with conventional systems to remove latent heat load can reduce energy consumption | Cost effective only when there is a source of waste heat available to regenerate desiccant |
| Low operational cost |
