Ultra-Dry Room Case Study: CAP-XX Supercapacitor Manufacturing
How Humiscope converted an existing Sydney production space into an ultra-dry room capable of maintaining the low dew point conditions required for supercapacitor manufacturing.
PROJECT AT A GLANCE
Client: CAP-XX
Application: Supercapacitor manufacturing
Location: Sydney, New South Wales
Challenge: Ultra-low humidity production environment for moisture sensitive materials
Solution: Existing production space converted into an ultra-dry room
Design conditions: 22°C and -55°C dew point
Operating performance: Approximately -50°C to -55°C dew point
Technology: Low dew point TFT desiccant dehumidifier and glycol chiller
Operation: 24/7 production environment
Outcome: Reliable low-dew-point control with rapid recovery after operator entry
THE CLIENT
Introducing CAP-XX
CAP-XX designs and manufactures thin, high-power supercapacitors for applications across global markets. Following the relocation of a supercapacitor production line to its Sydney facility, the company required additional manufacturing space with tightly controlled ultra-low humidity conditions.
Supercapacitors are energy storage devices that offer what is missing between batteries and conventional capacitors. They store more energy than capacitors and supply it at higher power than batteries.
CAP-XX supercapacitors manufactured for high-power energy storage applications.
THE CHALLENGE
CONSISTENT CONDITIONS REQUIRED
In late 2019 CAP-XX acquired its Japanese branch, Murata. In 2020 it relocated the Murata supercapacitor production line to its Sydney Manufacturing plant.
As a result, CAP-XX needed to expand its Sydney facility and add an additional production space.
In order to manufacture supercapacitors an ultra-low humidity, low dew point, ultra-dry room is required.
Incorrect conditions can adversely affect the performance of supercapacitors because the structure of nanomaterials can be altered during electrode preparation which may hinder achieving the best electrochemical performance.
Why CAP-XX Chose Humiscope
CAP-XX selected Humiscope based on our understanding of the project requirements, technical capability and ability to develop a tailored solution within the available space and budget.
“We chose Humiscope because they had a good understanding of our requirements which led to a tailor made option suited to our process and available budget. ”
Humiscope has more than 35 years’ experience in indoor climate and humidity control solutions.
In 2020 Humiscope was contracted by CAP-XX to convert a large warehouse into an ultra-dry production room.
Part of the materials used to make Supercapacitors are hygroscopic powders of activated carbon. The handling of moisture sensitive material in manufacturing requires an ultra-dry environment.
In the meeting with Humiscope, CAP-XX was able to ascertain that Humiscope was highly skilled and understood the specific needs of the industry.
“Humiscope offered strong technical support during the inquiry and tender process which provided confidence in the technical knowledge of the company. ”
THE SOLUTION
WORKING TOGETHER
Humiscope and CAP-XX worked together to ascertain the specific requirements of the space. With the solution being:
An ultra-dry, ultra-low humidity production space. The production space was designed to maintain 22°C with a dew point of -55°C, providing a controlled, ultra-dry environment for manufacturing.
“Humiscope offered strong customer service throughout the entire project and backed it up with thorough technical knowledge.”
Discussion Points:
Cap-XX business requirements
Main concern/issues
Ultra-dry room capacity
Ultra-dry room conditions
Ideal climate
Budget constraints
““Working with Humiscope through the design was smooth and Humiscope worked well to overcome technical challenges presented with a space constrained project site.””
Humiscope designed the HVAC system around a low dew point TFT desiccant dehumidifier and Clivet glycol chiller. The chiller supplied fluid at approximately -5°C to the dehumidifier’s pre-cooling coil, helping the system cool and dry the air to achieve the required ultra-low dew point conditions.
Humiscope technicians and engineers preassembled and tested the system at the Gold Coast workshop, integrating the dehumidifier and glycol chiller before transporting the equipment to CAP-XX for installation. On site, the system was connected to the ultra-dry room using fully sealed ductwork.
TFT low dew point desiccant dehumidifier and glycol chiller system supplied for the CAP-XX ultra-dry room.
Humiscope techs and engineers prebuilt the machinery at their workshop, retrofitting the two systems together before transporting it to Cap-XX. Once on site Humiscope installed the equipment by running fully sealed duct between the systems and the room.
“The system is essential for our production process and operates 24/7. It has been very reliable since installation. The room is consistently dry at -50°c to -55°C and quick recovery rate after operator entry”
HUMISCOPE ULTRA DRY ROOM SPECIALISTS
Humiscope specialise in creating the ideal indoor climate. We provide solutions that establish and maintain reliable, safe and effortless operations.
We have over 35 years’ experiences specialising in energy-efficient indoor air quality and climate solutions.
We have worked with a diverse range of industries across a wide range of applications.
Design, build and install turnkey climate controlled rooms
Custom design HVAC+R systems with a focus on dehumidification technology.