Dehumidifier controls humidity independently of temperature.
Press Release Summary:
HCU desiccant dehumidification system treats 100 percent makeup air and works with existing A/C system or energy recovery ventilator (ERV). It controls humidity on as-needed basis, when humidity or temperature levels exceed set point. System removes humidity using combination of DX cooling and desiccant rotor. Nominal flow rate is 1000 scfm, with moisture-removal rate of 37.3 lb/hr at 90 degrees FDB. HCU suitable for commercial and residential applications.
Original Press Release:
Munters New HCU Product Allows Humidity Control Independent Of Temperature Control
Munters Dehumidification Division introduces the Humidity Control Unit (HCU), a desiccant dehumidification system that provides operators with the ability to control humidity independently of temperature.
The HCU is designed to treat 100 percent makeup air and works in conjunction with an existing A/C system or energy recovery ventilator (ERV). It controls humidity on an as-needed basis, when the humidity or temperature levels exceed set point. The HCU is ideal for restaurants, schools, offices, or other commercial and residential applications.
"The HCU operates very cost-effectively because all of the energy required for the operation of its desiccant dehumidifier is recycled from cooling components," said Brian Simkins, national accounts manager for Munters Corporation. "When there is a call for cooling only, the HCU helps lower energy costs by providing cooling at a higher coefficient of performance than the existing air conditioning system.
Conventional air conditioning systems reduce humidity under ideal conditions. They are not designed to control humidity as circumstances vary within the building or temperatures rise and fall outside. In addition, recent increases in makeup air requirements have changed sensible heat ratios to levels where these systems operate poorly.
With the Munters HCU, operators can control humidity independently of temperature. Traditional A/C system design assumes the cooling process will remove any moisture needed to control humidity. However, when fresh air is both cool and humid, cooling coils may not operate because the sensible heat load is low. This allows moisture to build up, making occupants uncomfortable. With the HCU, indoor humidity is never allowed to rise when outside temperatures drop.
The HCU removes humidity using a combination of DX cooling and a desiccant rotor. The desiccant rotor is regenerated using recycled heat from cooling components, providing dry air to the A/C system at a low operating cost. The end result is a unit that controls humidity with a coefficient of performance (COP) that is up to 65 percent higher than a typical air conditioning system.
The HCU has a nominal flow rate of 1000 standard cubic feet per minute (scfm), and a moisture-removal rate of 37.3 lbs./hour at 90 degrees FDB (need what this stands for)/77 degrees FWB. It features centrifugal supply and reactivation fans with open motors, an axial, direct drive condenser fan with open motor and variable speed control for head pressure modulation, and a rotary scroll compressor.
The HCU's evaporator and condenser coil is sized for highly efficient humidity and temperature performance leading to high unit COP.
Other features include:
* Electrical controls with continuous automatic operation, including motor starters, protective devices, fault circuitry, and direct digital controller with communication and data storage capability. All wiring is in accordance with the NEC.
* Titanium Silica Gel desiccant wheel optimized for HCU cycle by providing ideal moisture removal utilizing only condenser and-compressor waste heat. The wheel drive system is a simple drive belt arrangement with few moving parts.
* Filters for supply and reactivation circuit.
* 18-gauge galvanized steel housing with powder coating with minimal connection requirements for simple installation.
Munters Technology
Munters dehumidifiers work by directing the room's air flow to a desiccant, which is a substance that attracts and holds water. The desiccant is impregnated within a corrugated composite material and formed into a wheel. The wheel rotates slowly between two air streams, adsorbing, and then giving off moisture, which is carried away by one of the air streams.
Munters DH Division manufactures state-of-the-art air-conditioning and dehumidification systems for commercial environments that benefit from both reduced humidity and cooler temperatures.
Munters Corp. is the world's largest manufacturer of air treatment systems, providing equipment that humidifies, dehumidifies and cools air, controls emissions and dries water-damaged environments. Munters America has operations in more than 30 locations throughout the United States, as well as in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico.
Its parent company, Munters AB, is headquartered in Sweden and has operations in Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.
