A control strategy for the operation of desiccant air-conditioning systems is proposed in this work. The proposed strategy consists of a basic scenario, while some alternative strategy schemes are also proposed on the basis of the approach adopted for the controlling of the humidifiers or the desiccant system operation modes included. The control strategy aims at sustaining the building conditions within values suitable for human thermal comfort, thus taking care of both temperature and humidity. The assessment of the proposed control strategy scenarios is performed in terms of effectiveness and efficiency, through the use of a desiccant system model, which takes into account the effect of transient phenomena as well. Specific information for the required hardware equipment and its implementation for the controlling of the respective system components is provided, pointing out the simplicity of the proposed solutions. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.