A one‐dimensional mathematical model has been developed to do the comparative analysis of four design of the desiccant wheel. The mathematical model has been validated with experimental results and shows good agreements with experimental results. In this study, a two‐sector desiccant wheel is modified into a three‐sector wheel by introducing a purge section in the desiccant wheel. Similarly, a four‐sector desiccant wheel is reformed into a six‐sector wheel by installing two purge section in the desiccant wheel and comparative study of these designs have been carried for given ranges of operating conditions. The effect of purge conditions has been also investigated and found that in all operating conditions six‐sector design is a better choice for optimum MRC and ∆T.