Energy efficient water damage restoration by insulated wall drying panels

Water damage due to leaking water pipes or bulk water entry during torrential rain events is a worldwide problem. To avoid building degradation or mould formation, water removal should be fast and effective, usually requiring special drying equipment. Since the conventional restoration methods, such as infrared panels or adsorption and condensation dryers, are rather energy intensive, a novel drying device has been developed and tested. This device consists of a panel with heating wires in close contact with the wet wall covered by a diffusion-open insulation and a vapour permeable backside. Moisture evaporated from the heated wall penetrates the insulation layer by diffusion while the heat loss into the room is rather small thanks to the insulation layer. Compared to conventional restoration equipment, energy savings reach up to 80% at the same drying rate.