Drying is an essential part of the product manufacturing industry, which accounts for up to 25% of the national energy consumption of developed countries. With the support of the U.S. Department of Energy, researchers from Texas A&M University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Virginia and Michigan Technological University are teaming together to employ innovations in desiccant-coated kirigami heat exchangers and heat pump, as well as intelligent controls to significantly reduce energy consumption in a specific area — the wood-drying industry. see more