Originally i put the dehumidifier inside the box and sealed it. This actually was a problem as the air temperature was approximately 37c inside the box. This was a problem because for the dehumidifier to work properly, the temperature must be at room temperature or lower due to the condensation process that occurs within the dehumidifier.
NOT TRUE NECESSARY TRUE, a proper dehumidifier will not have this problem at such a low temperature as it has a refrigeration cycle within it. In fact the higher temperature will help the dehumidifier work as the vapour pressure of the moisture will be higher at the elevated temperature (allowing the water to evaporate more quickly), a second useful effect is that the air can hold more moisture at the elevated temperature allowing the dehumidifier more to go at.
Of course this will not work with as well with PELTIER cell dehumidifier as they can only maintain a certain temperature difference across the cell so they won't work properly at high temperatures. All the more reason to go for a proper dehumidifier.
One thing to note if you have this problem, is that you can run the device on a timer to control temperature and you should make the cabinet a good size giving it a reasonable surface area to dissipate heat. Also these devices should always be in a suitable location and NEVER inside your house, a shed at the bottom of the garden should do.
I have a refrigerant cycle dehumidifier and it will dry a 12mm star or 1 inch comet in less than 24 hours at an average temperature of 33C
Edited by digger, 03 April 2010 - 10:27 PM.
