NEW YORK - Whether the air is too dry or too moist, humidification and dehumidification manufacturers at the 2008 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) had the product solution. Tucked within the many aisles at the expo were systems as diverse as the exhibitors.

Overall, however, each concentrated on quiet efficiency and low-cost operation.

WET, DRY, AND EFFICIENT

Dristeem Corp. (www.dristeem.com) introduced its polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) insulated dispersion tube options at its booth. Available for new or retrofit applications, both the Ultra-sorb® and Rapid-sorb® models employ this insulation. It is approved for use in plenums, rated for high temperature operation, doesn’t degrade when exposed to UVC light, and doesn’t shift or slip on the tubes. PVDF’s closed cell structure won’t absorb water or support microbial growth. According to the company, this insulation reduces wasted energy by up to 85 percent and it reduces unwanted downstream heat gain and condensate.

Ebac Industrial Products Inc. (www.ebacusa.com) showcased two new wall-mounted dehumidifiers. The WM80 and the WM150 are both high-capacity, high-efficiency units with an inlet air filter, high-performance cross-flow fan, internal humidistat, hot gas defrost, an optional internal condensate pump, and R-22 refrigerant. The WM80 weighs just over 82 pounds and has a 15-gallon per day capacity. Its high efficiency rotary compressor operates at 6,625 Btuh.

The WM150 weighs just over 124 pounds and has a 27-gallons-per-day capacity. Its reciprocating compressor operates at 12,000 Btuh.

Honeywell (www.forwardthinking.honeywell.com) launched the TruSteam™ humidification system, a high-performance, application-flexible system that allows homeowners to select desired humidity set points independent from air temperature, said the company. The unit, which uses multiple water sensors located in a separate compartment to monitor water levels, can be remotely mounted up to 20 feet away from the desired humidification zone.

Three models offer different control options. According to the manufacturer, this system provides the high efficiency and decreased water consumption of steam-based humidification with more versatile installation options.

Lennox International Inc. (www.lennox.com) displayed its Humiditrol® dehumidification system for split systems. This winner of a 2008 AHR Innovation Award offers space dehumidification without overcooling in one system. High humidity levels, rather than room temperature, activate the dehumidification cycle. Once activated, the unit works with the heating and cooling system to remove excess moisture by reheating cooled air.

According to the company, this patented reheat design helps control the growth of mold, mildew, and dust mites. This new system is a secondary coil installed downstream of the evaporator. Now available as a field-installed accessory, it can be matched with three-phase S-Class™ and T-Class™ 3-5-ton R-410A commercial air conditioning or heat pump split systems.

Munters Corp. (www.munters.us) featured its DryCool ERV. This product combines desiccant dehumidification with total energy recovery to produce a unit that supplies 100 percent makeup air utilizing energy recovery from the exhaust airstream. The unit features R-410A refrigerant and galvalume foam injected double wall construction. Packaged direct expansion cooling is included to provide a complete conditioning system. It has a direct expansion refrigeration system with cooling coil, integrated condensing package, desiccant wheel, enthalpy wheel, supply fan, and exhaust fan. Heating options include indirect-fired gas, electric resistance, hot water, and steam.

NovelAire Comfort Products (www.novelaire.com) offered its ComfortDry™ 400, a residential gas-fired desiccant dehumidifier. A separate humidistat controls the humidity of the home independently of the central HVAC system. According to the company, this compact, energy-efficient, clean-burning appliance can maintain the indoor humidity between 25-55 percent rh. The 10,000-Btuh unit is sized for up to 3,000 square feet typical.

Therma-Stor LLC (www.thermastor.com) introduced its Ultra-Aire XT150H whole-house ventilating dehumidifier. Using only 6.9 amps of electricity, this new unit was designed to deliver approximately 150 pints per day at standard conditions, said the company. The XT150H operates with R-410A and contains a patent-pending, optimized air-to-heat exchanger. Sized for 3,500 square feet typical, multiple units may be used to cover larger areas.

Thermolec Ltd. (www.thermolec.com) displayed its Acu-Steam humidifier. Available in capacities from 4.8 to 12.8 pounds per hour, it offers on-off operation or optional modulating controls. The unit’s self-cleaning elements are enclosed in a quick-release stainless steel tank that contains no electrical or plumbing connections. According to the company, the unit stays clean with a siphon drain that eliminates the chance of blocked solenoid valves or pumps. It has a removable pan with an overflow protection sensor and LED display that assists in the operation and maintenance of the unit.

Vital Technologies Inc. (www.vital-air.com) brought its DryMax mini-split dehumidifier to the show floor. According to the company it is ideal for residential and hotel pools, wet and humid basements, libraries, and wherever simultaneous/independent control of humidity and temperature is required. The unit uses a conventional line set for installation, prioritizes both humidity and temperature control, and is available for retrofit existing applications with ducted and nonducted models. It combines the performance of central dehumidifiers with the convenience of mini-splits, said the company. The unit provides three modes of operation: heating, neutral air, and cooling.

Publication date: 02/18/2008