Desiccant Dehumidification in Large Data Centers: A Quantitative and Strategic Roadmap for Sustainable Environmental Control

Abstract

In the era of exponential data growth, modern data centers have evolved into energy-intensive infrastructures demanding precise environmental control. While temperature management is a well-recognized priority, relative humidity control is equally critical, particularly in high-density IT environments. Desiccant dehumidification offers a compelling alternative to traditional refrigeration-based methods, especially in cooler environments or when pursuing free cooling strategies. This paper provides a detailed analysis of desiccant dehumidifiers, including operational principles, psychrometric load calculations, regeneration energy models, and their integration within data center design. Through case studies, design models, and energy efficiency analysis, we propose a comprehensive roadmap for integrating desiccant dehumidification as a resilient and sustainable environmental control strategy.