This new technology ensures that air conditioners use much less energy
Ir. Martijn C. de Kuijer
Electrical engineer, Sustainability Nerd, Columnist, Founder of Greenchoicess, Senior Construction Manager @ Pilot Construction Sdn Bhd
As summers get hotter, more and more homes and offices are running air conditioners. Whether you have a split unit or a portable air conditioner, you’re always using more energy. A new piece of space technology could help soften the blow to your energy bill.
The technology in question is called Helix Micra, a new filtration system that contains patented filters and liquid desiccants. It comes from the American company Helix Earth Technologies. Its CEO, Rawand Rasheed, came up with it when he was still working for the space agency NASA. There, the system was used to filter air on board spacecraft after, for example, a fire on board.
Much more efficient
Helix Micra ensures that the air dehumidification process, essential for cooling air, is more efficient than with current air conditioners. According to Rasheed, the system is six to eight times more efficient in dehumidifying air than other available systems.
In addition, Helix Micra is much smaller than the competition and the filters are easy to make with a 3D printer. Moreover, Helix filters are easy to implement in existing cooling, ventilation and heating systems.
One technician can connect everything
The Helix Micra filters have been used by NASA to work in a system with no moving parts that removes micro water particles from the air. This makes the system ideal for dehumidifying air, which is then sent to a rooftop AC unit. This process, according to Rasheed, accounts for 80 percent of the energy consumption of an air conditioner in high-humidity environments.
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Because an existing AC unit does not need to be modified or replaced for the Helix Micra filters, the company claims that its system can be installed by just one technician.
The only addition required is a small unit that Helix Earth Systems claims is easier to maintain than the regular AC unit. Therefore, maintenance of the Helix Micra can also be done at the same time as a regular AC unit.
Prices vary per system
Initially, the technology is mainly focused on air conditioning in large buildings. The units have to be custom-made for different air conditioning systems, which is why the company does not share specific prices.
According to Helix Earth Systems, a unit usually pays for itself within three years and has a lifespan of between 15 and 20 years. The company is currently focused on the US, but wants to become active worldwide later.
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