Ultrasound-assisted regeneration of activated alumina/water adsorption pair for drying and dehumidification processes

•Sonication improves moisture removal from activated alumina compared to heating.•Replacing 20% of heat (25 W) with ultrasound results in 27% desorption energy saving.•Ultrasonic-induced alteration in surface energy is postulated as an enhancement mechanism.•Effect of ultrasonic radiation becomes more significant at lower frequencies.•Sonication reduces regeneration temperature without lowering desorption rate.