Electrostatic Dehumidification Technology

"This study will determine the feasibility and effectiveness of the motion and collection of water molecules and droplets when influenced by a strong electric field and corona discharge. An innovative way of developing a high electric field with air movingpast the field will be examined and tested. The key parameters will be identified and incorporated in an improved theoretical model. The model will describe electric field and corona behavior, energy consumption, ionic charging processes, kinematics, andstate transitions of water molecules and droplets in a strong electric field gradient. The model will account for interaction of these key parameters with electrode configurations, voltage and current waveforms and ions density. Comparison of relativestrength of coulombic, dielectrophoretic, and Biot-Savart forces in space-charged moving media under a range of experimental conditions typical for dehumidification processes will be examined. A bench-scale system of a dehumidification apparatus will bedemonstrated and its performance and efficacy will be compared to best available practices in the field. Finally, a qualitative relationship between the energy and space requirements for dehumidification and the mass of water collected and removed indifferent conditions and humidity rates will be formulated. In an environment where space and energy are scarce commodities, separate traditional dehumidification technology is not viable