Thermal Products

The Delphi Heat and Mass Exchanger (HMX) is a water-fueled air conditioning component that yields cooling, energy recovery, and ventilation systems with significantly improved efficiency and performance. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) company incorporating the Delphi HMX into its products can produce an energy-efficient system that does not require a compressor or the use of chemical refrigerants. Such a system means fewer moving parts, no copper components, a reduced carbon footprint, and improved sustainability.

Delphi, under a license, manufactures a robust, high-quality supply of this indirect evaporative cooling component. Office buildings, hospitals, and factories around the globe are already benefiting from the unique advantages that HMX-driven systems can provide—cost-effective ventilation, cooling, energy recovery, and more.

Benefits

• Reduced strain on power grid. In many fresh air applications, HMX-based systems can use as little as 25 percent of the power consumed by a traditional direct expansion system to do the same job. In addition to the lower operating cost inherent to an HMX system, the exhaust (working) air from the HMX presents a unique opportunity for further gains in energy efficiency for the building. Although the exhaust air from an HMX is fully saturated, it is also significantly cooler than the intake air. This air can therefore be put to use to further improve building sustainability.
• Exceptional performance under extreme conditions. The hotter it gets outside, the better the Delphi HMX works. That means the more extreme the outdoor heat, the greater the cooling capacity of the HMX and the higher the energy efficiency ratio (EER). EER is the ratio of the cooling capacity of the system to the power it consumes; traditional systems have an EER of 10 in these extreme conditions. With an EER rating of 40 and higher in extreme conditions, the Delphi HMX makes the most of its limited power consumption during periods of peak demand.
• Exceptional indoor air quality (IAQ). The Delphi HMX consistently provides fresh, filtered outside air, in stark contrast to traditional air conditioning systems, which rely on recirculated air and operate at lower efficiencies in extreme heat.
• Maximized comfort and minimized carbon footprint. The Delphi HMX outperforms other evaporative systems by providing cooler and drier air. The HMX does not require the use of a compressor or any chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants, which means fewer moving parts and improved sustainability.
• Modular system enhances versatility. The Delphi HMX is modular and units can be stacked as high and/or as wide as necessary to meet any cooling capacity requirement.
• Quiet operation. The Delphi HMX features quieter operation compared to comparable direct expansion systems.
• Eligible for LEED^® credits. The Delphi HMX can help with U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED^®) building certification.
• Includes Aegis Microbe Shield^® technology.

These twin 20,000 CFM ventilation and cooling units manufactured by Seasons-4 Inc. and installed at Delphi's Lockport, New York, manufacturing facility represent one of the largest applications of the HMX in the world.

Operating Principle

Delphi's HMX operates by internally splitting the air into two streams:

• Working air incrementally pulls heat away from both itself and the product air before being discharged as exhaust.
• Product air is isolated in water-resistant channels throughout and exits the HMX as cool air with no additional moisture.

The HMX manages the heat load via an evaporative process through a thin plastic membrane between the product air and working air as it travels through the unique geometry of the HMX.

The thermodynamic principle behind the HMX is the Maisotsenko Cycle or M-Cycle, which harnesses a limitless supply of atmospheric energy to drive sensible cooling.

Typical Applications

The Delphi HMX can be used in a variety of applications, from residential, commercial, and industrial comfort cooling to make-up air systems for buildings that require fresh air to turbine inlet cooling and more. Delphi is working with many companies throughout the world to make HMX-driven systems readily available. Industrial and commercial use capitalizes on the unique performance attributes of the HMX to yield a multitude of innovative energy recovery, ventilation, and cooling applications that make the most of energy consumption.

HMX Suitability by Region

Dark Green—The HMX can be used as a stand-alone application for ventilation air, energy recovery, and comfort cooling requirements. HMX discharge will either meet ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) comfort cooling requirements or provide a minimum 15°F (8.4°C) temperature drop. It also can be paired with other technologies to optimize energy use.

Medium Green—The HMX can be used as a stand-alone application for ventilation air, energy recovery, and comfort cooling requirements. HMX discharge will either meet ASHRAE comfort cooling requirements or provide a minimum 10°F (5.6°C) temperature drop. It also can be paired with other technologies to optimize energy use.

Light Green—The HMX is deployable as a stand-alone application for ventilation air, energy recovery, and comfort cooling requirements. HMX discharge will either meet ASHRAE comfort cooling requirements or provide a minimum 5°F (2.8°C) temperature drop. It also can be paired with other technologies to optimize energy use.

Relative Work Performance Level vs. Temperature

Reducing the temperature in a facility can improve worker productivity and throughput. Maximum performance is achieved at 72°F (21.8°C). Source: Seppanen and Fisk (2005) Proceedings of Indoor Air 2005

Efficiency Comparison 

Delphi can help make the most of power used during peak demand by capitalizing on efficiency up to four times higher than traditional air conditioning.