With the inception of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC) and ever more energy efficient building structures there is an increased focus on the quality of air within the built environment. The desiccant solutions, LiCl and CaCl₂, used with the LDD technology are extremely germicidal. Any microorganism contacting the solution is eradicated. The critical nature of the Healthcare environment is paramount in respect to IAQ. A focus on the application of LDD within Healthcare settings will be presented, specifically the impact upon pathogens associated with Healthcare acquired infections.

Two novel, high latent, compressor-based air conditioners were operated at military installations during the 2015 summer under the Department of Defense’s Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP). Both air conditioners use a liquid desiccant to more than double the latent cooling provided by a conventional air conditioner. Although tested in configuration where they processed an 85/15 mix of return and outdoor air, the high latent capacity of the air conditioners make them ideal candidates for treating 100% ventilation air. The seminar presentation will focus on the field-monitored performance of the prototypes and the positive impact they had on indoor comfort.

In the spring of 2016, a 20 ton pilot air conditioner was installed in the extreme climate of Jubail, Saudi Arabia. Liquid desiccant heat exchangers enable systems to condition air to the desired temperature and humidity in a single step. This is made possible because the supply air exiting these exchangers has a dew-point near or even below the evaporator temperature. A system model, used to design the system, predicts a 33% reduction in energy use compared to other available systems. This presentation provides a brief overview of the system design and compare the demonstrated and predicted performance.