U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Federal Energy Management Program

New and Underutilized Technology: Dehumidification Enhancements for Air Conditioning in Hot/Humid Climates

The following information outlines key deployment considerations for dehumidification enhancements for air conditioning in hot/humid climates within the Federal sector. This information spans:

• Benefits
• Application
• Climate and Regional Considerations
• Key Factors for Deployment
• Ranking Criteria
• Resources

Benefits

Dehumidification enhancements for air conditioning in hot/humid environments include the incorporation of a Cromer cycle dehumidification feature on a packaged air conditioner. The Cromer cycle is a novel combination of a desiccant wheel and a vapor compression air conditioner.

Application

Dehumidification enhancements for air conditioning in hot/humid climates is applicable in most building categories.

Climate and Regional Considerations

As one might expect, dehumidification enhancements for air conditioning in hot/humid climates is good for hot and humid climates.

Key Factors for Deployment

Dehumidification enhancements for air conditioning in hot/humid climates may offset the increased fan power needed in dryer climates due to the desiccant wheel.

Ranking Criteria

Federal energy savings, cost-effectiveness, and probability of success are ranked 0-5 with 0 representing the lowest ranking and 5 representing the highest ranking. The weighted score is ranked 0-100 with 0 representing the lowest ranking and 100 representing the highest ranking.

Resources

The following resources are available:

• Emerging Energy-Saving HVAC Technologies and Practices for the Buildings Sector (2009): American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) report covering emerging HVAC technologies for the buildings sector.

• Dehumidification System Enhancements: ASHRAE article covering the application of dehumidification system enhancements.

• Cromer Cycle Air Conditioner: Texas A&M study to confirm target performance of Cromer cycle air conditioners.

• New Approach to Energy Savings for Rooftop AC: Florida Solar Energy Center article outlining emerging energy savings approaches for rooftop air conditioners.