News

Amazon bets Nobel Prize-based dehumidification can cut its energy use

Published

3 weeks ago

May 5, 2026

Preport

It’s not just you: restaurants, malls, and offices on steamy summer days really are kept colder than necessary. Air conditioning is as much about dehumidification as it is about cooling, especially in hot, humid climates like the U.S. South, where buildings can be fertile ground for hazardous molds.

“The reason they blast the air conditioner so much is because they’re trying to reduce the humidity,” Sorin Grama, co-founder and CEO of Transaera, told TechCrunch. “In some cases in commercial buildings, the air is so cold that they have to reheat it back up.”

So Transaera has developed a new type of ventilation unit that, the company says, is significantly more efficient than existing dehumidification techniques, saving users energy and money.

Amazon, which has been testing the unit for several months in Houston, recently signed on as a customer. Other companies are following suit, to the point where Transaera now has “nine figures” worth of purchasing targets from customers, Grama said. For Amazon, the purchase reserves capacity over the next three years.

“Amazon is considering this a design solution,” he said. “Once they find a solution that works, they put that into their design standard and replicate it across their building stock.”

The device, known as a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS), can keep the air inside commercial buildings fresh while also lightening the load on the AC. It can remove 100 pounds of water from the air every hour, meaning the AC doesn’t have to run as hard.

The idea of a DOAS isn’t new, but Transaera says its unit is up to twice as efficient at removing moisture as existing systems.

Techcrunch event

San Francisco, CA
|
October 13-15, 2026

Transaera’s secret sauce is a desiccant that coats a six-foot wheel which slowly spins inside each of its units. “It’s like silica gel on steroids.” Grama said. The company won’t disclose the specific desiccant, but it’s based on a class of materials that won its discoverers a Nobel Prize in 2025.

As air passes into the unit, the desiccant draws moisture out of the air, which then passes through a heat exchanger before being dispersed into the building. Stale air is drawn out of the building along with heat from the heat exchanger, which flows through the moisture-saturated wheel. The heat from that air releases the moisture from the desiccant so it can be exhausted outside.

Amazon said Transaera’s DOAS units will help the company reduce its energy use and help it on its path toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.

Transaera is working with existing manufacturers, including those in the U.S., to build the device. Its proprietary desiccant system slots into industry-standard commercial HVAC units. “It’s a like-for-like replacement of a legacy unit,” Grama said. “I think that’s what’s driving this demand — it’s an easy replacement.”

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Related Topics:Amazon bets cut dehumidification Energy Nobel Prizebased

Up Next

Hackers steal students’ data during breach at education tech giant Instructure

Don't Miss

Plateau Govt condemns Mangu–Sabon Gari road blockade, orders arrest of perpetrators

Click to comment

News

Jos Gunners Set for Mega Celebration as Arsenal Victory Parade, UCL Watch Party Hit the City

Published

3 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Preport

A4e6592d 1ceb 4d16 a412 b0f31f89cef1 1.jpeg

Jos is set to come alive in Arsenal colours as fans across Plateau State prepare for the much-anticipated Jos Arsenal Victory Parade, UEFA Champions League Watch Party, and Arsenal Awards Night in what promises to be one of the biggest fan gatherings in the city.

The event, described as the ultimate Gooners’ link-up, will bring together Arsenal supporters from across the state for an evening packed with celebration, entertainment, and football passion — with free entry for everyone.

Activities kick off on Saturday, May 30, with the Victory Parade scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM sharp from Terminus, by Zenith Bank, as fans are expected to flood the streets in Arsenal jerseys to celebrate in style.

The celebration will then move to Tamarald Event Centre (Outdoor), off Old Airport Junction, from 4:00 PM, where guests will enjoy an exciting lineup of activities.

Organisers have promised premium entertainment featuring free party jollof for the first 50 attendees, sizzling barbecue, music performances, comedy, dance showcases, special Arsenal awards presentations, and the official launch of a brand-new Arsenal-themed song.

Supporters are simply encouraged to show up in their Arsenal jerseys and be part of the unforgettable experience.

The event is supported by Areo Global Services, Malangwa Media Empire, Nugroove Multimedia, Grace Dimensions Ministries, Dabels Cakes and Catering, Jos Metro Foods, Da Zone Concepts, Joe B Entertainment, Royal K.O.C, and the Gunners Rhythm Gang.

For enquiries, support, and table reservations, interested participants can contact:

07031001105

08126007839

For Jos Gooners, this is more than an event — it is a celebration of football, community, and Arsenal pride.

News

Eric Chelle Plots Another ‘Surprise Package’ For 2026 Unity Cup Final

Published

4 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Preport

WhatsApp Image 2026 05 27 at 4.54.26 PM.jpeg

Super Eagles’ coach, Eric Sekou Chelle has hinted that he will unleash another ‘surprise package’ on his team’s next opponent at this year’s ongoing Unity Cup in London, Sports247 reports.

Speaking against the backdrop of Tuesday’s 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe in the competition’s opening match at Charlton Athletic FC’s home ground, The Valley, Chelle said he was impressed with what his array of rookies were able to achieve against The Warriors.

While not singling out any of the lads for particular mention, the Franco-Malian tactician admitted he was surprised by the team’s performance, considering that most of the lads were playing together for the first time.

The former coach of Mali’s national team and MC Oran football club of Algeria further hinted that many of those who featured in Tuesday’s game justified their inclusion in the list of invitees and showed that they can even be counted on to feature in the main Nigerian squad.

With his eyes now fully set on Saturday’s final at the same venue, Chelle inferred that he may not roll out the same starting 11, considering that some of Nigeria’s Grade-A players are also in camp and were rested for the opening game in order to give the rookies their own opportunities to shine.

However, Chelle noted further that there’s a strong likelihood of the next clash being against perennial Unity Cup rivals, Jamaica, who dragged the Eagles into penalties’ shootout before Nigeria could win last year’s final at Brentford’s BTech Stadium also in London.

With that in mind, the gaffer is already thinking of tinkering his squad list for the final but, while keeping hid plans close to his chest, Chelle stressed that the enthusiasm of all the lads in camp has made it possible for him to roll out tactical surprises at will.

Chelle said, “I was truly surprised by the performance of the players against Zimbabwe. I was surprised, because they played as if they had been together for six months or one year.

“In reality, it was the first time, but they showed that we can always make surprises happen in the Unity Cup. We are now looking at the next opponent in the final.”

Sports247 gathered that there is a strong possibility that Wilfred Oyinyen Ndidi will captain the squad on Saturday, while Moses Simon and Jerome Akor Adams line out alongside new rave of the moment, Femi Azeez, in attack.