Expanding the Market Technology advancements have improved the performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of desiccant equipment. However, further cost reductions and improvements are needed before these systems can compete successfully in the broader residential and commercial buildings market. The USAQ consortium has been identifying barriers to wider acceptance and propose solutions to these market barriers. Desiccant technologies are being used to great advantage, although thus far only in small numbers, in various markets throughout the United States and are the best choice in many applications. Supermarkets use them to reduce frost buildup on refrigerated cases and frozen products, extending product shelf life as well as the intervals between expensive, energy-consuming defrost cycles.
Desiccants contribute to a drier, cleaner, more comfortable environment in stores of all kinds.
Conventional vapor-compression cooling systems are not designed to handle temperature and humidity loads separately. Consequently, oversized compressors are installed to dehumidify the incoming air. And to meet humidity requirements, vapor-compression systems are often operated for long cycles and at low temperatures, which reduces their efficiency and requires reheating the dry, cold air to achieve some degree of comfort. Both consequences are costly. Desiccant systems, however, can supplement conventional air conditioners.