Abstract: A system for cooling and gases in which the process gas is dehumidified in a desiccant module and subsequently treated in a heat exchanger. Additional heat exchanger and gas washers may be included in the system. The system is operable in either an open or closed system to generate either cold gas or cold fluid or both. In a preferred embodiment, the heat exchanger has a dry channel in which both sensible and adiabatic gas cooling occurs and an adjacent counterflow wet channel. The desiccant may be either a liquid or solid and is regenerated.

Abstract: An air cooling method and apparatus in which air to be cooled is directed through the dry channel to sensibly cool the air. Wet channels are arranged adjacent the dry channels and a portion of the air exiting the dry channels is provided as cooled supply air and a portion is redirected through the wet channels countercurrently to the flow in the dry channels. Heat exchange elements extend between the wet and dry channels. A portion of the dry channels includes an adiabatic cooling zone.

Abstract: A low energy consumption apparatus and method for treating a gas in which a main gas stream is cooled and heat is transferred by convection to a liquid and to a secondary gas stream across a heat transfer surface. Liquid evaporates into the secondary stream. A total gas stream is subjected to initial sensible cooling along a moisture impervious surface of a heat exchange element. A secondary gas stream is diverted from the total discharge from the initial cooling stage and is directed counterflow to the total stream at the opposite absorbent surface of the heat exchange element to cause heating and humidification of the secondary stream. The remaining cooled stream which is the primary stream is subjected to sorbent treatment in an absorbent media to heat and dehumidify the stream. The primary gas flow is subjected to a final treatment stage similar to the initial heat exchange treatment. Condensate may be removed from the saturated or near-saturated secondary flow.

Abstract: A low energy consumption apparatus and method for treating a gas in which a main gas stream is cooled and heat is transferred by convection to a liquid and a secondary gas stream across a heat transfer surface. Liquid bearing the heat evaporates into the secondary stream. A total gas stream is subjected to initial cooling along a moisture impervious surface of a heat exchange element to cause dry or sensible cooling. A secondary gas stream is diverted from the total discharge from the dry cooling stage and is directed counterflow to the total stream at the opposite surface of the heat exchange element which is an absorbent surface to cause heating and humidification of the secondary stream. The remaining cooled stream which is the primary stream is subjected to sorbent treatment to heat and dehumidify the same by flowing it through an absorbent media. The primary gas flow is then subjected to a final heat exchange treatment stage similar to the initial heat exchange treatment.