A Ceramic Humidity Regulator (CHR) that achieves downsizing and energy savings through integration of PTC heater and desiccant
Overview
This Ceramic Humidity Regulator (CHR) features a PTC heater* with a desiccant-coated honeycomb structure. NGK’s proprietary PTC heater material combined with a honeycomb structure and the integrated design of the heater and desiccant contribute to energy savings and equipment downsizing.
The CHR is expected to find wide-ranging applications. Examples include regulating the cabin environment with less energy when installed in electric vehicles, and enabling equipment downsizing and reduction of electricity costs when installed in clothes drying dehumidifiers and air conditioners.
- *PTC heater: Abbreviation for Positive Temperature Coefficient heater, a type of heater that can maintain a constant temperature through self-regulation and prevent overheating as its electrical resistance increases with temperature.
Features of the Ceramic Humidity Regulator (CHR)
Energy savings through highly efficient heating
By using NGK’s proprietary PTC heater material combined with an electric circuit incorporating a honeycomb structure that provides a large surface area with a smaller volume, stable electric current flow is ensured even at low power levels, which in turn enables a uniform rise in temperature to achieve efficient, waste-free heating.
Integrated structure of PTC heater and desiccant contributes to equipment downsizing
The integrated design features a PTC heater coated with a desiccant. Since the desiccant is heated directly, the CHR offers high electrical efficiency and enables equipment downsizing and space saving, making it ideal for wide-ranging applications.
High durability reduces the frequency of replacement
Made of ceramic, a material offering high vibration and corrosion resistance, the CHR offers an extended component service life and is expected to reduce the frequency of component replacement.
Tailorable size for specific needs
The components can be connected to suit the dimensions needed for specific applications. For inquiries or consultations regarding our products, please use the contact form below.
Specifications of the Ceramic Humidity Regulator (CHR)
| Heater temperature | 90 °C – 140 °C |
|---|---|
| Composition of main components | Honeycomb-structured heater: Barium titanate Desiccant: Zeolite, silica gel, etc. |
Potential applications of the Ceramic Humidity Regulator (CHR)
Installation in electric vehicle air conditioning (humidity conditioning) system to improve driving range in winter
Conventional electric vehicles (EVs) face the challenge of high power consumption when driving in winter due to the need for ventilation to keep windows from fogging. The CHR regulates humidity, enabling vehicle operation with minimal ventilation. This can save heating power consumption by approximately 35% and improve driving range by approximately 15% (based on in-house research).
Installation in desiccant-type clothes drying dehumidifier to save space and reduce electricity costs
Compared to conventional products in which the heater and desiccant unit are placed separately, installing the CHR in a desiccant-type clothes drying dehumidifier reduces the total unit volume to one-third that of the conventional system, enabling significant space saving. In addition, directly heating the desiccant improves electrical efficiency and reduces electricity costs by approximately 14% compared to the conventional system (based on in-house research).
An alternative to desiccant rotors to achieve downsizing and energy savings
When used in place of a heater with a separate desiccant rotor unit, the integrated structure of the CHR enables downsizing of equipment. In addition, the honeycomb-structured heater enables highly efficient heating, thus saving energy.