WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it has selected six “transformational” energy research and development projects to receive a total of $9.6 million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The selections, made by DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), include a nanotechnology membrane-based dehumidifier.

In warm and humid climates the efficiency of air conditioning decreases significantly in removing the moisture out of the air. This project by Dais Analytic Corp. proposes to dehumidify moist air using a nano-structured solid polymer which is permeable to moisture but not permeable to air. The technology is said to enable higher efficiencies and significant cost savings in cooling technologies. The project will receive $680,000 in funding.

For technical descriptions of all of the projects selected, go to http://arpa-e.energy.gov/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=-TYeQr0IVvg%3d&tabid=83.

Publication date:09/27/2010