Yilin LiuJunbao FanNa Li0000-0001-6467-0239Bernard Saw L HXin CuiLiwen Jin2025-09-302025-09-302025-0410.1016/j.applthermaleng.2025.125644https://dspace-cris.utar.edu.my/handle/123456789/11426Membrane-based air dehumidification technology plays a pivotal role in achieving energy-efficient air conditioning. Exploring its transient characteristics under varying conditions is essential for improving system stability, optimizing performance, and reducing energy consumption, particularly in special confined spaces that require a rapid response to humidity changes. Utilizing the pilot-scale experimental setup designed for air dehumidification, this study experimentally examined the transient characteristics of membrane system for first time. Key findings reveal that both start-up and response times of membrane system are shortened as increasing the flow rate, with the maximum values of 69 s and 968 s occurring at 2 L/min. Conversely, the response time of the membrane system is greatly extended under high humidity conditions. The dehumidification rate exhibits a non-linear increasing trend with the augment of inlet moisture content. Additionally, the steady-state dehumidification performance of the membrane system was also explored under different flow rate and moisture content. The dehumidification ratio and water vapor permeance are almost constant under different inlet moisture contents with fluctuating slightly around 68 % and 2500 GPU, respectively. Notably, the system achieves an energy-saving rate of 21.5 % compared to traditional cooling methods. The findings are anticipated to offer insights and direction for the start-up strategies and dynamic regulation of membrane dehumidification systems.enMembrane dehumidificationExperimental analysisTransient characteristicDehumidification performanceEnergy efficiencyAIR DEHUMIDIFICATIONSEPARATIONHEATSIMULATIONVACUUMMODELjournal-article