Performance evaluation of a novel multi-tray packed bed solid desiccant dehumidification system.

•A novel multi-tray desiccant dehumidifier design (MPBDD) is proposed and investigated.•Heat and mass transfer behavior of MPBDD is assessed during the dehumidification process.•Increasing inlet air relative humidity enhanced the adsorption kinetics.•Total performance factor was increased to about 250 at inlet air humidity of about 77%.•Optimum operating time was defined based on the total mass absorbed.