Numerical simulation has been conducted for the desiccant wheel, which is the crucial component of a desiccant cooling system. The mathematical model has been validated by comparing with previous experimental data and numerical results. The calculation results are in reasonable agreement with both, experimental and numerical results. As the key operating/design parameters, the wheel speed and the area ratio of regeneration to dehumidification have been examined for a range of regeneration temperatures from 60 degrees C to 150 degrees C. Optimization of these parameters is conducted based on the wheel performance evaluated by means of its moisture removal capacity (MRC) which is more appropriate than effectiveness as a performance index of unbalanced flows. Also the effects of the outdoor air temperature and humidity on the optimum design parameters are examined. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.