Evaluating active desiccant systems for ventilating commercial buildings.

Over the last 15 years, active desiccant systems have become a common component of HVAC systems in commercial buildings needing lower-than-usual humidity levels. Ice arenas, supermarkets and refrigerated warehouses all contain refrigeration systems which cool air more effectively when most of the building's moisture load is removed by an active (heat-reactivated) desiccant system. Cost savings, comfort improvements and "process benefits" of extended-season operation for ice rinks, lower product temperature for supermarkets and improved safety for warehouses are usually enough to make the desiccant component a useful addition to such buildings.