Low-Temp Desiccant Technology

ADSORPTION OF MOISTURE

• The process begins with the intake of ambient air from the surrounding environment, which typically contains moisture in the form of humidity.
• The incoming air is directed through a desiccant wheel or rotor, which contains a desiccant material such as silica gel or molecular sieve.
• Unlike conventional desiccant systems, low-temperature desiccant technology allows for moisture adsorption to occur at lower temperatures, making it suitable for applications where the air temperature is relatively low.
• The desiccant material has a high affinity for moisture, allowing it to adsorb water vapor from the incoming air as it passes through the wheel.
• As a result, the moisture content in the air is significantly reduced, leading to lower humidity levels in the conditioned space.

REGENERATION OF DESICCANT

• Over time, the desiccant material in the wheel becomes saturated with moisture and needs to be regenerated to maintain its effectiveness.
• Desiccant regeneration is typically achieved by exposing the saturated desiccant material to heat. In low-temperature desiccant systems, this heat may be provided by various means, such as electric resistance heaters, solar energy, or waste heat from other processes.
• The heat source raises the temperature of the desiccant material, causing the absorbed moisture to evaporate and the desiccant to dry out.
• The regenerated desiccant material is then ready for the next cycle of moisture removal.

EXHAUST OF MOISTURE-LADEN AIR

• During the regeneration process, the moisture-laden air produced by the evaporation of moisture from the desiccant material is exhausted from the system.
• The exhaust air may be vented outside the conditioned space or used for other purposes, depending on the specific system design and application.

CONTROL AND MONITORING

• Low-temperature desiccant systems are equipped with controls and sensors to monitor and regulate the operation of the system.
• These controls ensure that the desiccant regeneration process occurs at the appropriate times and temperatures to maintain optimal system performance and efficiency.
• Additionally, the system may be integrated with building automation systems (BAS) or other control systems to coordinate operation with other HVAC equipment and maintain desired indoor conditions.

Low-temperature desiccant systems are used in environments where humidity control is required at lower temperatures, such as cold storage facilities, refrigerated warehouses, and some cleanroom applications.

Low-temperature desiccant technology provides efficient moisture removal in environments with lower temperatures, offering energy savings and improved system performance in specific applications.