MemDry: Vapor-Selective Membrane Heat Exchanger Cycle for Efficient Passive and Active Convective Drying

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a vapor-selective heat exchanger cycle capable of both passive and active convective drying processes. Purdue's method reduces energy consumption by 30-40% over conventional approaches by combining vapor-selective membrane-based dehumidification with heat pump technology. Additionally, by removing vapor from the system, this technology can improve heat pump coefficient of performance (COP) by 2x and reduce required drying temperatures by 10-20 deg C. This technology has applications in commercial and residential drying processes to reduce both dry times and energy consumption while using electricity.

Technology Validation: This technology has been validated theoretically using thermodynamic analysis of the proposed method. Results showed a decrease in energy requirements of 30-40%, a reduction in required drying temperature, and improved heat pump COP of 2x.

Advantages

-Improved efficiency

-Reduced dry times

-30-40% energy reduction

-10-20 deg C lower required drying temperatures

Applications

-Commercial drying processes (fabrics, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food)

-Residential clothes dryers

TRL: 2

Intellectual Property:

Keywords: Vapor-selective heat exchanger, convective drying, passive drying, active drying, vapor-selective membrane, dehumidification, heat pump technology, energy reduction, improved efficiency, commercial drying processes, residential clothes dryers, convection, drying, Efficiency, Energy Efficient, energy-efficient, Green Technology, Heat Pump, industrial, Mechanical Engineering, membrane, residential, vapor, vapor-selective