The Sonoma Cool is an air conditioning unit that utilizes a dehumidify-first approach. It employs liquid desiccant technology and solar heat to remove the humidity from outside air before cooling, effectively reducing the energy costs for commercial HVAC. The system, which leverages salt, water, and heat for its low-energy dehumidification process, can take that heat from a solar thermal or hot-air photovoltaic and thermal array or employ low-grade waste heat from the building’s refrigeration (or other) equipment. Biofuels, as well as co-generation, can be used with the Sonoma Cool. It consists of a conditioner, regenerator, and two heat exchangers. The overall system design achieves a COP of 1.15. The air conditioner has a water-removal capacity of 100-300 pounds per hour. According to the manufacturer, the system seamlessly interfaces with the building’s existing HVAC system.

Pax Streamline Inc., 52 Leveroni Court, Novato, CA 94949; 415-883-2300; 415-883-2301 (fax); www.paxstreamline.com

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