Numerical analysis of the performance characteristics and optimal design of a plastic rotary regenerator considering leakage and adsorption

•A numerical model of a plastic rotary regenerator is developed.•Leakage and adsorption are considered in the numerical model.•Performance characteristics are investigated with various design parameters.•A purge section is adopted to improve the performance of the rotary regenerator.•The optimal design is suggested in terms of heat and water vapor transfer.