Dual Membrane Vacuum Compression Dehumidification for Navy Ships

The Navy seeks more efficient methods for dehumidification of make-up air that is used for heating and cooling on Navy Ships. Currently, the Navy dehumidifies the make-up air at the point of use using water supplied by the ship’s central chiller. However, this method has inefficiencies associated with the electrical consumption at the central chiller and air side fouling if the heat exchangers caused by condensate on the coil. In Phase I, Mainstream Engineering proposes to use a membrane dehumidification system. We will design the membranes, mass exchangers, and mechanical assembly to improve the efficiency of dehumidification compared to conventional methods. Testing of a subscale prototype will be completed to prove the performance and manufacturing targets. Membrane dehumidification will improve the overall performance of the Navy heat, ventilation, and air conditions systems.