Looking for reseach/reference material about dehumidifiers.with the possibilty of building my own. Yeah…..I’m one of these guys that if I can buy one for a $100.00 I’m all most positive that I can build one for $200.00 in a couple of weeks . Thanks All
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It's basically the same as a window AC.
You have two ways to go with a dehumidifier.
1. Works by condensation
Sucks in air. Cools it down increasing the RH to 100%. Water condenses on whatever the cold surface is. Then heats up output air.
2. Works by absorption
Sucks in air. Air passes through material that absorbs water (dessicant) Here is some information I found easily with a google search.
"Desiccants. In small, enclosed areas, where temperature and humidity cannot be controlled by air conditioning or dehumidification, desiccants can be used. Desiccants are materials such as silica gel or alumina that absorb up to half of their weight in moisture. Place an open container on the floor or a shelf of a closet that can be tightly closed. Once a desiccant becomes saturated it can still feel dry, but will remove no more moisture. To be used again, these desiccants must be heated in a vented oven at 300°F for several hours. They will then be dry and can be cooled and replaced in the closet to continue removing moisture.
Calcium chloride granules are also desiccants and can be used to remove excess moisture from an enclosed area. Granular calcium chloride can absorb and hold moisture equal to several times its weight. As it absorbs moisture, it liquifies and cannot be reused. The granules should be placed on a screen over a container that can catch the liquid as it forms. Calcium chloride will damage fabrics if it comes in contact with them. Calcium chloride is sometimes combined with other materials to keep it from liquefying as it absorbs moisture. Follow package instructions when using."
For me, better ventilation in the house was the answer.
Good luck.