Page 23 - Climate Control News magazine March 2023
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Commercial Air Conditioning
Humidification used to meet strict hygiene standards
CAREL HAS JUST completed a major Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) project for the Paideia International Hospital in Italy.
The installation included CAREL humidifica- tion systems, adapted and integrated into the air handling units, combining hygiene with reduced energy consumption.
Scientific research carried out over the last two years to find solutions to the problems of ventilation in buildings has shown that correct ventilation and correct indoor relative humidity control are fundamental tools for making indoor spaces healthier, reducing the spread of viruses and bacteria and at the same time stimulating a positive attitude amongst occupants.
“HUMIFOG TECHNOLOGY EXPLOITS THE HIGH PRESSURE OF WATER PROVIDED BY
A VOLUMETRIC PUMP TO OBTAIN FINE ATOMISATION.”
Together with the Luigi Giuliani design firm in Rome, CAREL examined both the environ- mental conditions of the various areas of the hospital and the design requirements, propos- ing two different humidification technologies and a maintenance project for the 21 air han- dling units operating in the clinic.
Most of the installed units are adiabatic humidifiers, certified for hospital environments
LEFT: Technicians installed adiabatic humidifiers.
BELOW: CAREL’s humiFog technology.
and with very low energy impact, guaranteeing high performance and the lowest possible energy consumption.
CAREL’s humiFog technology in fact exploits the high pressure of the water provided by a volumetric pump to obtain extremely fine atomisation through special atomising nozzles.
The water evaporates in a short distance inside the air handling unit, just 600-800 mm. Management of washing cycles, the materials used and the layout of the atomised water dis- tribution system are the main characteristics that guarantee compliance of these humidifiers with the strictest hygiene regulations in force, such as VDI6022 certification, issued by TUV.
humiSteam isothermal humidifiers that pro- duce sterile steam were also installed to respond to the system requirements of some of the
clinic’s departments. humiSteam works by applying a voltage to metal electrodes immersed inside a special cylinder containing the water, creating an electric current that heats the water until boiling (Joule effect).
The quantity of steam required varies in proportion to the electric current, which in turn is proportional to the water level: a trans- former measures the electric current, and by varying the level of water using a drain sole- noid valve and due to the evaporation process, the current, and consequently steam produc- tion, can be modulated.
The system features quick start-up and a wide range of feedwater conductivity, for higher performance. Furthermore, built-in conductiv- ity sensors and control software optimise energy efficiency and maintenance costs.
Valuable tool to improve indoor environments
EFFECTIV HVAC, A manufacturer of architectural diffusers for commercial buildings, has launched its new com- puter fluid dynamics (CFD) service called Verified.
The service delivers precise and realis- tic simulations of airflow, thermal com- fort, and indoor air quality in one room, providing valuable insights to improve building design and performance.
The CFD simulation conditions are set to match the actual operating con- ditions of the room, including room size, shape, location, temperature, humidity, and occupancy levels.
The simulations are made in accord-
ance with the method proposed in ASHRAE Standard 62.1 – 2022 – Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, ensuring that the
LEFT: The service begins with a recreation of the room in a 3D environment.
results are accurate and reliable. EffectiV HVAC president, Frank Godbout, said Verified reports pro- vide valuable information to improve the design and perfor- mance of buildings, ensuring that they are comfortable, energy-efficient,
and safer for occupants.
He said the service is a valuable tool for archi-
tects, engineers, and building owners who are
looking to improve the indoor environment and energy efficiency of their buildings.
The service begins with the recreation of the room in a 3D environment, including the posi- tioning of diffusers and returns, windows, occu- pants, and objects in the room.
Once the room is ready, customers provide the operating conditions that they would like to simulate, such as a VAV system in heating and cooling, outdoor temperatures, supply tempera- tures, and set points. It is possible to test multiple operating conditions, however, each operating condition requires a full CFD simulation.
The report provided includes visual represen- tations of the air velocity, air temperature, mean age of air, thermal comfort (PMV/PPD), CO2 particles per million (CO2 PPM), and Ez Factor everywhere in the room, with views from different angles. ✺
CLIMATE CONTROL NEWS MARCH 2023
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