Desiccant air dryers consume energy in two ways: as purge air and as heat for regeneration. Choosing the right regeneration method can cut this energy significantly while still reaching a low, stable pressure dew point.
Regeneration methods
- Heatless purge: simple but highest purge air use
- Externally heated: less purge air, adds heater energy
- Blower purge: lowest purge air for large dryers
- Heat of compression: uses compressor waste heat
Dew point control
Dew point demand control shortens or lengthens the drying cycle based on actual moisture load, reducing purge air during light load. This is one of the fastest paybacks for large desiccant dryers.
System savings
Match dryer size to real flow, dry only the air that needs a low dew point, and separate critical from general air. Recovering compressor heat for regeneration can remove most of the external energy input on large installations.