# SBIR Phase II: High-Efficiency Retrofit Dehumidifiers for Air Conditioners via a Novel Filtration Technology

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · HELIX EARTH TECHNOLOGIES INC (TX) · $1,247,820

## Abstract

The broader/commercial impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project lies in the development of high efficiency retrofit dehumidification systems that can significantly reduce the energy consumption of commercial air conditioning (AC) units. Traditional commercial air conditioners cool incoming outside air, which often carries a high humidity load that adds a significant parasitic load to the system. By addressing the inefficiencies of traditional dehumidification methods, this technology has the potential to cut AC energy use by up to 50% by pre-dehumidifying outside air, leading to substantial cost savings for businesses. The addressable market for commercial air conditioning exceeds $100 billion annually. The commercial viability of this technology is reinforced by the drop-in compatibility with existing AC infrastructure, enabling rapid deployment through established Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) sales and distribution channels.

The intellectual merit of this project is rooted in the development of an advanced dehumidification process, powered by a liquid desiccant spray reactor and a pressure-swing regeneration system. This approach differs from conventional methods through two key innovations. First, a novel deployment method for liquid desiccants that maximizes gas-liquid surface area using micrometer-scale droplets for high-rate dehumidification has been developed. This process is enabled by a novel droplet filtration

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2451557
- **Awardee organization:** HELIX EARTH TECHNOLOGIES INC (TX)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** UFWLZYNBK4Z9
- **PI:** Rawand M Rasheed
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Other Energy Research
- **Estimated total:** $1,247,820
- **Funds obligated:** $1,247,820
- **Transaction type:** Cooperative Agreement
- **Period:** 07/01/2025 → 06/30/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2451557

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2451557, SBIR Phase II: High-Efficiency Retrofit Dehumidifiers for Air Conditioners via a Novel Filtration Technology. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2451557. Licensed CC0.

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