§16§This book systematically analyses state-of-the-art technology and research related to desiccant dehumidification. It provides key insights into the current research direction, and presents global research and development interests.§§§It begins by offering a comprehensive review of conventional desiccants and their underlying engineering challenges. Fundamental material characteristic properties and factors critical to the desiccant synthesis are highlighted.§§The applicability of next-generation advanced materials to address the challenges is documented, and the advantages of desiccant coated heat exchangers are evaluated. Lastly, the potential applications of desiccant dehumidifiers in various energy-connected applications are discussed, and case studies on industrial/building cooling systems are provided.§§§Specifically targeted at HVAC engineers, thermal scientists, energy-engineering researchers, and graduate-level students in the field, the technical c §16§ontent balances fundamental concepts and applications. § §04§Chapter 1. §02§ §Dr Chua Kian Jon is currently an Associate Professor with the Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore. He has been conducting research on air-conditioning, dehumidification, and heat pump systems since 1997. He has conducted both modelling and experimental works for specific building HVAC applications. These include dehumidification/dehydration, cooling, heat pumping, compact heat exchangers and refined temperature/humidity control. He is highly skilled in designing; fabricating; commissioning and testing many experimental test-rigs for heating, cooling and humidity control for both small and large scale applications. He has more than 200 international peer-reviewed journal publications, 6 book chapters and one monograph on advances in air conditioning. His works has garnered more than 10,000 over citations. Further, he owns more than 10 patents related to several innovative cooling and dehumidification systems. He is the Principal In §02§vestigator of several multi-million competitive research grants. Additionally, he has been awarded multiple local, regional, and international awards for his breakthrough research endeavors.
