Gas-fueled refrigeration and desiccant dehumidification, used separately or in tandem, can be ideal solutions for customers who incur high peak demand electrical charges, can use waste heat for other applications, or derive an economic benefit from low humidity.
Gas-Fueled Refrigeration
Gas-fired refrigeration utilizes an automotive or industrial grade engine, instead of an electric motor, to drive a compressor. The advent of digital technology to control output has brought natural gas-powered systems to the cutting edge of refrigeration technology. Custom designed to match specific customer needs, gas-driven systems are often coupled with electric-powered systems. This hybrid configuration can maximize efficiency and flexibility by allowing the system to capitalize on the most economical source of energy at any given time.
Benefits
- Optimizes energy rates, lowers overall operating costs
- Economical operation during peak electric demand hours
- Operates during power outages
- Variable speed operation allows for partial cooling without compromising efficiency
- High part-load efficiency: permits engine speed to match load fluctuations
- Waste heat recovery provides energy for heating water, steam generation, absorption chillers or dehumidification equipment
- Utilizes established service infrastructure
Desiccant Dehumidification
Often coupled with traditional refrigeration or cooling systems, desiccant dehumidification systems utilize a desiccant wheel to effectively absorb high levels of moisture independent of the refrigeration system. Removing moisture with this system reduces the load on the primary refrigeration system, thereby reducing energy costs.
Benefits
- Removes hazardous frost buildup on floor surfaces
- Inhibits rust and corrosion on metal surfaces
- Reduces demand on the refrigeration system, saving energy costs
- Eliminates costly defrost cycles
- Keeps ductwork dry to minimize microbial growth
- Allows independent control of temperature and humidity levels
Who Can Benefit From This Technology?
-
Gas-Fueled Refrigeration
Ideal business candidates for gas-fueled refrigeration would include grocery stores, refrigerated warehouses, meat packing plants, frozen food processors, beverage producers and ice or sports arenas.
-
Desiccant Dehumidification
Ideal business candidates for desiccant technology are businesses where humidity control is critical to production processes or for health and human comfort. If desired humidity is below a 50ºF dew point, the application of this technology may be economical and beneficial to your operation. Types of businesses would include hospitals, hotels, theaters, schools, restaurants, nursing homes, grocery stores, ice arenas and refrigerated warehouses.
The Economics
The payback for gas-fired refrigeration equipment can be quite favorable if your energy consumption fits the right profile. Successful candidates for gas refrigeration usually incur high peak demand electrical charges, can use waste heat for other applications, or derive an economic benefit from low humidity.
