Solutions for Industry - Case Studies

Hickory Orthopedic Center

Gas Desiccant Technology Reduces Costs 
and Improves Indoor Air Quality
When Hickory Orthopedic Center decided to build a new facility, they wanted a flexible and efficient heating and cooling system. The design called for the use of 100% outside air for both heating and cooling. During the summer season, Hickory Orthopedic Center will be using outside 95°F air that will be cooled to approximately 72°F.

A conventional water chiller was one option. The problem with this kind of unit is that the air is over-cooled to cover the latent (humidity) portion of the load. Over-cooling means air often must be reheated before it can be distributed into the conditioned space. And that substantially increases operating costs.

Hickory Orthopedic Clinic chose option two and installed a natural gas desiccant dehumidification system for several reasons. The desiccant wheel extracts the moisture by using natural gas to dry out and regenerate the desiccant wheel before sending it through another cycle. The cost of overcooling and re-heating air with a conventional large chiller is significant compared to a desiccant unit. Natural gas is one of the most economical fuel sources.

To learn more about desiccant dehumidification systems, contact your local Piedmont Natural Gas office and ask for a Commercial Sales Representative or a Food Service Specialist.

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