Amazon has conducted a six-month field trial of a rooftop heat pump system developed by US startup Transaera in one of its logistics facilities. The system uses metal-organic framework (MOF) based dehumidification to remove moisture from the outside air before cooling.
Amazon has conducted a six-month field trial of a new type of rooftop heat pump at one of its logistics facilities in the United States.
The system is described by its supplier, US startup Transaera, as a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS), a type of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technology that treats only outdoor air for ventilation and processes it independently of a building’s main heating and cooling system.
The DOAS is designed to provide cooling, heating and dehumidification in one integrated platform. It operates as a fully electric heat pump, eliminating the need for gas-fired heating while addressing both sensible and latent loads in commercial buildings.
An important innovation lies in the dehumidification approach, according to the manufacturer. Instead of relying on conventional HVAC methods that overcool air to condense moisture and then reheat it, the DOAS uses solid desiccants based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). These materials remove moisture from the incoming air before the cooling phase, fundamentally changing the air treatment sequence. As a result, moisture is removed first and then cooling is applied, which the company says significantly improves system efficiency compared to conventional approaches.
Transaera claims the system delivers energy savings of approximately 40% compared to conventional direct expansion (DX) packaged rooftop units. It can also maintain performance in hot and humid climates, where the latent cooling load is high.
From a design perspective, the system is intended as a direct replacement for existing rooftop HVAC units. It fits within standard roof areas without the need for structural redesign, and its weight and dimensions are comparable to conventional systems, the company said. It is also designed to be serviceable using standard HVAC maintenance procedures, eliminating the need for specialized technician training.
The technology is primarily aimed at large commercial buildings, including warehouses and logistics facilities, where moisture control and high latent cooling loads pose significant challenges.
“At Amazon, we are looking for technologies that support our Climate Pledge goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Our work with Transaera has shifted from field trials to readiness for first commercial use, and this new partnership supports expanding the use of this technology across our global network of buildings,” said Asad Jafry, director of Global Energy, Sustainability and AGV at Amazon.
“HVAC use is responsible for more than a third of energy consumption in commercial buildings,” said Sorin Grama, CEO and co-founder of Transaera. “This technology has the potential to reduce operating costs while improving indoor air quality and occupant comfort in commercial and industrial facilities.”
This content is copyrighted and may not be reused. If you would like to collaborate with us and reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com.
