Quasi Dynamic Dehumidification (QuaDD)

This proposal addresses the need for a robust moisture-removal system for containers used for shipment and storage of high-value equipment such as aircraft engines. Current desiccant-based systems incur high inspection and servicing costs, and may still allow humidity-related damage to occur. TIAX proposes to develop a passive, self-regenerating desiccant (SRD) ventilation system to work in tandem with the current desiccant device. This system will remove moisture from air entering the container, thus greatly extending the life of the existing desiccant, and will passively self-regenerate, with no need for an external power source. The use of a desiccant-coated matrix as the moisture removal material both aids in desiccant regeneration and assures low humidity for in-flowing air even when the desiccant is close to saturated. In this work, TIAX will partner with Airxchange, Inc. the leading OEM supplier of air-to-air enthalpy recovery heat exchangers and manufacturer of desiccant-coated matrix material. Airxchange will supply both materials and expertise in support of the project. Using matrix materials currently available from Airxchange, an SRD system designed for a standard 20’ ISO container and extreme, “worst case” conditions is predicted by TIAX to supply very low-humidity in-flow air, and occupy only 0.015% of the container volume.