The Humidity Problem and Air Conditioning Efficiency
High humidity not only makes people uncomfortable during the summer but also puts a strain on air conditioning units. Removing moisture from the air accounts for half of the energy used by a typical air conditioner. This has become a growing concern for companies like Amazon, Walmart, UPS, and FedEx, which operate large warehouses where temperatures can reach dangerously high levels.
Addressing the Humidity Problem
Transaera, a startup, is working on a solution to the humidity problem. The company is developing a unique air conditioner that utilizes a special material to remove humidity before cooling the air. With over 2 billion people in hot and humid regions lacking air conditioning, Transaera aims to meet the demand while reducing energy consumption.
Deploying Units for Commercial Buildings
While fine-tuning their product for consumers, Transaera is currently deploying larger units for commercial buildings, including warehouses. The company recently installed its first dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) on a customer’s rooftop. The DOAS dehumidifies fresh air entering the building, which reduces the load on the air conditioner.
Transaera’s Technology
The core technology behind Transaera’s air conditioner is a proprietary material that coats the heat pump’s heat exchangers. This material removes moisture from the air as it passes through the unit. The drier air then undergoes cooling through the evaporator coils to match the desired indoor temperature.
Efficient Use of Heat
Transaera’s system efficiently reuses the heat generated in the process of removing humidity from the air. The heat is used to drive moisture off the desiccant material, which sits on a porous wheel. As the wheel passes through incoming air, it absorbs moisture. The loaded desiccant then rotates away from the incoming air and through the waste heat coming off the evaporator coils. The warm air carries the moisture outside. In the winter, the system can reverse itself and help preserve indoor humidity as the heat pump warms the incoming air.
Advantages Over Other DOAS Systems
Unlike other DOAS systems that rely on cold temperatures to condense water on the coils, Transaera’s approach does not result in overly cooled air. This is especially important in seasons when air conditioning may not be necessary. Other units often need to reheat the air, which can be inefficient and require the use of natural gas. Transaera’s approach uses up to 40% less energy than current top-end DOAS systems.
The Environmental Impact
The energy required for dehumidification is responsible for 1% of all greenhouse gas emissions, according to a recent study. This is about half of what the aviation industry generates. By reducing dehumidification’s energy use by 40%, Transaera’s technology can make a significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In conclusion, Transaera’s innovative air conditioning technology aims to address the humidity problem and improve energy efficiency. By removing moisture from the air before cooling, the company’s air conditioner can help meet the demand for air conditioning in hot and humid regions while reducing energy consumption. With the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Transaera’s technology offers a promising solution for a more sustainable future.
