New Products

Award-winning cassette launched into the UK market Temperature sensors for HVAC systems

HITACHI has launched into the UK the Silent Iconic, a four-way cassette unit design panel.

The unit has already picked up three international product design awards – the iF Design Award 2020 in the Product category, the Good Design Award 2020 and the Red Dot Best of the Best Product Design 2021.

While architects might prefer aesthetic choices, such as subtle duct-type outlets that blend seamlessly with all interior styles, the cost may determine that cassettetype units are specified to meet budget restrictions.

Maintaining the cost-benefit, ease of installation and performance of a cassette, the Silent Iconic design ATC SEMITEC is now stocking a wide range of IP67 and IP68 temperature sensors suited for use in mechanical ventilation heat recovery (MVHR) systems.

With long-term reliability, the 103AT-11s are single-insulated, fully encapsulated IP67 rated temperature sensors, offering fast response times, and high accuracy (±0.3°C at 25°C). Their small sensor tip is moulded directly onto the cable ensuring the interface is completely sealed, while responding quickly to temperature change. They offer industry standard resistance values such as the 10kΩ/B3435K (103AT-11) and are available in lengths from 600mm to 3m long.

As MVHR systems are often hidden

panel delivers a stylish yet unobtrusive design. The four louvres are black to reduce the visual impact and the central inlet is louvred to blend with architectural ceiling styles.

Gordon Sutton, Hitachi Cooling & Heating managing director, UK & Ireland said: “The launch of this unique and innovative solution bridges the gap between the existing duct type and the conventional four-way cassette, breaking the commercial rules where air conditioning units are selected either for their performance, functionality and price or their visual appearance in the space. We expect this unit to be universally popular – with architects and specifiers, contractors and installers, and our end-users.” 

Extra incentive to monitor heat pumps

DMS LTD is now offering its services as part of the Metering and Monitoring Service Package (MMSP), an add on to the Domestic RHI, an extra incentive used to monitor the efficiency of a heat pump based heating systems. The package works like a service contract and provides data and analysis to help you check that your heating system is running as efficiently as it should.

Available as an add on to the domestic Renewable Heat Incentive, financial support can be given over a seven-year period to support the provision of the system, and there are several points of criteria that must be met before you can apply for MMSP. This scheme is administered by OFGEM and is a UK government scheme.

The MMSP comprises electricity meters, temperature sensors, a monitoring and communication system, and a high specification heat meter. The meter must be able to take readings at least once every two minutes. The only heat meters approved for these packages are the Sontex SuperStatic 440 and 449 as they use a unique patented static measurement principle, a principle which is like no other meter on the market. They have also been selected due to their significant glycol tolerance capability and output monitoring options.  away in loft spaces, it is imperative that they should be low maintenance, demand the minimum level of servicing and therefore use highly reliable parts.

Within the HVAC market they are a popular choice for use within underfloor heating, heat pumps, solar panels and batteries. 

Take a virtual trip into HVAC solutions

LG ELECTRONICS has launched the LG HVAC Virtual Experience, an interactive online showroom that gives visitors the opportunity to browse and learn all about its extensive portfolio of HVAC solutions.

Helping customers to make better decisions the intuitive, online space makes it possible to view LG’s latest solutions in a variety of virtual environments and discover the important benefits - greater comfort, improved indoor air quality and seamless control.

On entering the LG HVAC Virtual Experience, visitors can choose from several business and living space categories: residential apartment, residential home, office general, office high-rise, retail and hotel. Visitors to the online showroom can then roam their selected 3D environment using just a mouse or touchscreen device, clicking on straightforward menus as they move on to reach additional information like specifications, features, product videos and case studies for each model. Simple to use and easy to navigate, this new virtual platform is a useful tool for consumers, industry professionals and partners looking to create healthier and more comfortable indoor spaces.

The virtual showroom allows visitors to see the behind-the-scenes details and technologies. By pressing the on-screen ‘airflow’ and ‘piping’ buttons, visitors can uncover how air travels in an air conditioner or air purifier and how pipes direct water and refrigerant through a system. They can even virtually switch operational modes and observe how airflow changes from one air conditioner to another. As well as highlighting the technology and science, the showroom allows visitors to check out all the products’ designs to see how they match various virtual interiors. 

Transformer Technology

A brand new solution to voltage fluctuations

Voltage management is an energy-saving technique that reduces unnecessary losses by better controlling voltage output. Most industrial and retail applications need to be protected against voltage fluctuations that could disrupt production and affect motors or control systems.

Similarly, renewable generation sites rely on the supply of nominal voltage to provide reactive power even during momentary events of undervoltage. To avoid getting additional voltage management equipment that would need integrating with existing grids and constant maintenance, Wilson e3+ distribution transformer can help mitigate these voltage fluctuation risks.

The company recently launched its Wilson e3+ Ultra Low Loss Amorphous Transformer that comes with MR Ecotap VPD OnLoad Tap Changer (OLTC). This new OLTC model is significantly more compact and quieter in comparison to older models. There are two options with 9 or 17 tap positions on the HV side that adjust automatically to maintain a constant secondary output voltage.

The Wilson e3+ is the UK’s most energy-efficient distribution transformer with the lowest combined load and no-load losses in the market. Providing reduced energy loss levels in addition to minimising the financial losses using this on-load tap changer, Wilson e3+ is a perfect solution for sites that value maximum carbon, energy and financial savings without the hassle of introducing new devices to the grid.

Wilson e3+ transformers are available in ratings between 315kVA and up to 3MVA with customisable ancillaries, liquid types (oil or MIDEL) and other electrical specifications. Supermarket chain Asda recently installed a Wilson transformer with voltage management capabilities and benefited from 285MWh and £25,000 annual savings.

Whether it is a factory, wind or solar farm, or even a supermarket, the Wilson e3+ Ultra Low Loss Amorphous Transformers with the lowest combined losses, on-load tap changer and off-load tap changer provide the most cost-effective and space-saving solution to better manage voltage fluctuations.

www.wilsonpowersolutions.co.uk

Luis D’Acosta is executive vice president, Digital Energy Division of Schneider Electric

Smart Buildings

Technology advances have made retrofitting simpler and less expensive

Towards the making of a smart building

Luis D’Acosta takes a look at how currently available technology is turning dumb buildings smart and reaping the rewards of lower energy consumption

How can current buildings become more efficient and smarter? Facility and building managers fall prey to the misconception that they need a full new technology stack and that will be costly. In reality, they can leverage the technology already in place, revamping it with easy to deploy and cost-efficient hardware and software. Thanks to technology advances, retrofitting today is simpler and less expensive than it was before. As a result, the ROI is typically about three years thanks to the operational savings possible with new technology. For instance, IoT sensors (that take minutes to install) can be perfect to gather energy consumption data, which can help make more accurate decision to reduce the carbon footprint.

Power meters are also critical to any successful retrofit. After all, knowing how much power is being consumed is the first step to finding problem areas and fixing them to reduce energy consumption and, in turn, overall costs.

But, retrofit success demands more of a power meter than just providing information about energy consumption. Ideally, the power meter should have a small form factor. That makes it fit easily inside a panel. If it’s possible to do that, there’s no need to mount the meter outside the panel in its own enclosure, with wires running between the two. Being able to fit a new power meter inside an existing panel saves installation expense and time.

What does a retrofitted, selfsufficient building look like? Our own offices in Singapore, which act as an office space and innovation hub, were made into a carbon neutral building at the middle of 2020. They now run on solar power during the day time and have been equipped with around 3,000 sensors allowing us to collect useful data to optimise the way the space is used and to reduce its energy consumption as much as possible.

One of the most luxurious hotels in Sydney, Australia, Sheraton on the Park, underwent an upgrade involving installation of its HVAC, lighting and chiller systems and replacing its entire building management system (which was no longer supported by the manufacturer) to Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Building. The retrofit resulted in 15 per cent energy savings in the first month after the upgrade was completed and is therefore a living, breathing example of how businesses, even those with a heavy focus on hospitality, can achieve greater energy efficiencies through the retrofit process.

Three simple stages

There are three simple stages to achieving better energy efficiency and savings when considering whether to retrofit a building or facility:

Buildings and facility managers should start with asking some basic questions about their current utility usage, such as: 1) How much is spent, and how does that break down for each utility? 2) What’s using the most energy in the facility – processes, equipment, loads? 3) Are there opportunities to reduce energy consumption?

The second stage is to ‘fix the basics’ by taking some straightforward actions to reduce energy usage. Here are some examples: • Equipment upgrades and retrofits. The simplest, most easily justifiable way to improve energy efficiency is to replace old equipment with newer, higher efficiency models. Upgrading lighting, HVAC, variable speed drives, or refrigeration systems can, on average, yield between 10 and 15 percent energy savings. •Tuning automation schemes. Most automation and control systems are programmed for operational results: buildings are prioritised for comfort and safety; industrial plants focus on productivity and output. By tuning automation schemes, energy savings from 5 to 15 percent can often be achieved. • Continuous energy monitoring. For top energy performance, continuous monitoring is essential. Building managers can start small with a few meters and software, then build onto the system over time. Having and using an energy management system can reduce energy usage between 5 and 15 percent.

So why is energy monitoring so important? It reveals how energy is being used everywhere throughout a facility, including helping building managers precisely measure the energy usage of important equipment. By submetering in this way, it’ll identify and resolve energy anomalies. Without continuous monitoring, it’s likely that a facility will slip back to previous consumption levels.

The third stage of any energy management journey for building managers is to step beyond simply tracking energy usage and react when they see energy being wasted. They should now have baselines established for systems and processes throughout their facility and be able to see when actual usage varies from what they expect. They can regularly make fine adjustments to improve efficiency in a quantifiable way. They can see how they’ve improved energy performance since last year and are on the path to continuous improvement.

The way companies approach retrofitting will have significant implications for our future if we want to reduce/meet the European Commission’s goals of improving energy efficiency by 32 per cent by 2030. But it’s important to action now and bring old buildings with out of date technology up to date in accordance with modern energy standards to effectively create smart buildings which are fit to last for at least another hundred years or more. 

Smart Buildings

Christophe Fourtet is chief scientific officer and co-founder of Sigfox

A winning bet for the environment

The digital sector has to move to combat the technological challenges of the 21st century. Christophe Fourtet examines how the Internet of Things can contribute

The digital sector is responsible for almost 4 per cent of the world’s greenhouse gases, a greater percentage than the civil aviation sector. What’s more, this figure could double by 2025. Against this background, we explore how the Internet of Things (IoT) can contribute to a more sustainable and energy-efficient way of life.

Although data centres are the main culprit, it is not just data storage that is responsible. In its latest Global Energy Review, the IEA predicts that energy-related carbon dioxide emissions will rise by 1.5 gigatonnes to 33 gigatonnes in 2021, an increase of almost 5 per cent. This would be the largest increase since 2010 when, governments poured cash into carbon-intensive projects in an effort to pull their economies out of the recession that followed the 2007-9 global financial crisis.

In response, the UK government has committed to reducing the environmental impact of digital technology and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Progress is being made with carbon dioxide emissions in the UK estimated to have fallen by 10.7 per cent in 2020 from 2019, to 326.1m tonnes. Total greenhouse gas emissions fell by 8.9 per cent to 414.1m tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent, and were 48.8 per cent lower than in 1990.

Expanding IoT device market

The real challenge of digital pollution lies in the manufacture of digital tools. The market for personal and industrial IoT devices is exploding. With the number of IoT connections set to increase globally from 17.7bn in 2020 to 36.8bn in 2025, an overall growth rate of 107 per cent, the number of connected objects used in everyday life will multiply.

Although it may sound counterintuitive, this is good news for the environment. Sensors, trackers and other monitoring tools have been designed to save money, be it in their intrinsic functioning or in the services they provide - by means of cost savings, a reduction in size, but also in the energy efficiency they provide. In this way, IoT can and should play a leading role in moving towards a more sustainable world.

It is difficult to reduce the carbon footprint of digital technology when the status quo encourages (over)consumption and the mass production of products that have a limited life span. While planned obsolescence is common practice, with the growth of the IoT, it could soon be a bad memory.

As we see a shift from the productcentric model towards a serviceorientated model, IoT encourages the emergence of a virtuous loop. The integration of sensors within certain equipment now makes it possible to update the necessary support software and upgrade the corresponding services, without having to replace the device. This paradigm can reduce the manufacture of new products and, as a consequence, the negative impact of mass consumption. But without a level of monitoring, communication and new processes cannot be automated. Hence this is where IoT is intrinsic to sustainability issues.

We are entering a new revolutionary era. Without dramatically altering the way we use or consume materials, we could see the end of electronics within a century! Why should this be the case? If so very few of us anticipated climate change 40 years ago, even fewer of us today will have perceived the imminent disappearance of the components needed to manufacture electronics. Copper, lead, tin... are all raw materials and resources that, at the current rate, will be exhausted within a hundred years.

The countdown has begun unless we immediately start using these components differently. How can we do this? By limiting their expected obsolescence and encouraging the reuse of materials. To achieve this, we have to monitor our current electronic consumption levels to determine how much room there is for improvement. A true systemic revolution that must go far beyond the IoT issue to find solutions.

For companies, the question arises of how to combine sustainability with profitability. This is where the IoT becomes part of a virtuous economic and environmental circle. By making it possible to save natural or human resources, the IoT serves both the environment and the company itself business. Thanks to the monitoring of resources made possible by sensors, a company can adjust its consumption in real time. This is the key to a positive P&L (profit and loss) and a more sustainable world.

However, while companies seem to be fully aware of the environmental potential of the IoT, governments are slow to legislate to impose specific targets. The virtuous circle of the IoT can only be activated if all stakeholders act together according to a clear roadmap shared by all those involved. This is a necessary first step in opening up the field of possibilities in the journey to sustainability.

So why not imagine glucose batteries powering connected objects, paper with conductive ink, 100 per cent biodegradable objects (or almost), and even energy collection from the IoT? While some of these ideas will never pass the concept stage, they nevertheless show the digital sector the path to take to a future more in line with the environmental challenges of the 21st century. 

Smart Buildings

Oliver Iltisberger is division president, ABB Smart Buildings

Smart solutions to buildings emissions

It is not only simple to adopt today’s technology but it is economically very attractive to do so. Oliver Iltisberger explains how practical solutions are now available within the budget of many organisations

As cities become more densely populated, with urban space at a premium, the role buildings play in climate change is under the microscope. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that buildings consume 40 per cent of global energy and produce a third of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions1 .

Integrating smart technology into new builds and retrofitting on existing sites is therefore becoming a long-term strategic decision for companies as they manage evolving environmental legislation. The Paris Climate Change Agreement, the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the imminent COP26 are evidence that national governments are forming a united front to address the climate crisis.

The EU, for example, aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent, increase renewable energy by the same amount, and ensure that all new buildings must be nearly zero-energy buildings (NZEBs), as part of its wider strategy of becoming a carbon-neutral economy with net-zero emissions by 2050.

In short, building ‘green’ is no longer a ‘nice to have’; it is an essential element of the multipronged approach to creating a more sustainable world. Smart technologies are key to achieving this goal.

Very few industries can look forward to a similar degree of transformation in the current decade as Smart Buildings, with the introduction of a new generation of digital technologies that significantly improve the quality, safety, comfort and productivity of both commercial and residential buildings.

Artificial intelligence (AI) for adaptable buildings that helps optimise data collected by smart internet of things (IoT) devices is one such innovation, as are touch-free interfaces that address the need for enhanced hygiene in the wake of Covid-19. Space management, intelligent lighting, heating and ventilation solutions will all help to improve employee productivity in a post-pandemic world.

A smart approach creates a significant opportunity to increase return on investment

Transitioning to more energyefficient buildings is now central to carbon-reduction strategies, with developers expected to include active emission mitigation technology in projects from the outset.

Interconnected technologies

A smart building uses interconnected technologies to improve comfort and performance across energy management, water use, air conditioning, access, automation, lighting, remote monitoring and communication networks, to name but a few. By integrating technologies, a smart approach creates a significant opportunity to increase return on investment and hit environmental targets.

The concept of smart buildings is not new; architects and developers have been installing separate systems to control lighting, heating and ventilation for decades. What is new are web-based platforms that allow the facility systems to integrate seamlessly with each other, delivering a single view of how efficiently and effectively a building operates. Armed with this data, managers can take steps to avoid waste and improve use, thus cutting emissions and making savings at the same time.

Smart building innovations will also help to make offices more amenable environments for people to work in. Smart offices can become independently intelligent, learning how occupants use their space and services, and then proactively adjusting systems to maximize occupants’ health and comfort.

What does this look like in practice? It starts with entering the building, as every visitor is identified via facial recognition. Matching stored data, the building can then identify the ideal workspace and reserve it on the calendar. The person is then guided to this destination via the digital and intelligent system. During the working day sensors adapt the environment to each user, so that light, oxygen content and

‘Building green is no longer nice to have, it is an essential element’

temperature are adjusted, based on their personal preferences from past working days.

Smart technology can be used to revitalise ageing building stock, a significant issue in Europe, where at least 40 percent of the buildings were built before the 1960s. By way of example, electrical systems in the 95-year-old FK Vienna Generali Arena in Austria were no longer suitable for a professional soccer stadium. ABB retrofitted the stadium with the smart technology, including comprehensive energysaving building control solutions to improve the visitor experience.

Coordinated components

This resulted in the first sustainable football venue in Austria, one in which all components of lighting, shading, heating, air conditioning and ventilation are coordinated to work together.

There is a natural and attractive relationship between energy savings to benefit the environment and reducing energy costs. More effective and efficient use of power can save money, quickly repaying initial technology expenditure. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and lighting alone can account for about 50 percent of energy use in an average commercial building. By incorporating smart automation, facility managers may see energy costs decrease by 30–50 percent.

The technologies for smart buildings are available now. To realise potential benefits to the fullest, regulators need to incentivise their rapid adoption and enterprises need to be aware of both the cost savings and environmental advantages of the new equipment. Such steps have already been taken to support the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy sources. It is now time to do the same for a sustainable technology that promises to deliver even greater global benefits. 

Sources:

1) http://www.euenergycentre.org/ images/unep%20info%20sheet%20-%20 ee%20buildings.pdf

Smart Buildings

Smart Buildings Show stays connected

The Smart Buildings Show returns for its largest event to-date, as the free-to-attend conference and exhibition takes place at London’s ExCel, on 6-7th October 2021

Smart Buildings Show, the UK’s cornerstone commercial smart buildings event, has announced its 2021 event has now opened for registration. The free-to-attend conference and exhibition takes place at the London ExCel on the 6-7th October 2021, featuring some of the leading names in the commercial smart buildings, technology and energy sectors including Priva UK, Trend, ABB and Siemens Smart Infrastructure.

Following its recent call for papers, Smart Buildings Show returns with four theatres, delivering industryleading thought leadership and technical content; presenting visitors with the opportunity to share and discuss the growing new trends within the sector.

The theatres include Connected - Management, which will look at how smart building are managed and how the workplace has changed postcovid; Speakers in the Connected - Controls theatre will look at physical devices in smart buildings. The Connected - Spaces & Infrastructure Theatre will focus on smart buildings, well-being, networks, connectivity and power, and finally, the Training Theatre will offer visitors the chance to enhance their industry credentials via CPD-accredited presentations.

With more exhibitors and content than ever before, Covid-19-safe practices will be followed in-line with venue and government guidelines, to ensure a safe event for all.

“We are delighted to welcome visitors back to Smart Buildings Show conference and exhibition,” said Ian Garmeson, managing director, Turret Group.

“This year’s show will provide visitors with the first in-person event to focus on smart buildings and their associated critical infrastructure since the start of the pandemic. We hope it will provide a fantastic opportunity to network among fellow industry peers and demonstrate how our sector will play a key role in helping the UK to build back better.” Throughout the two days, Smart Buildings Show 2021 will cover key aspects of creating and managing a smart building, including: • building automation and design; • building automation systems; • building energy management; • energy efficiency; • health and safety; • HVAC; • lighting and controls; • networks and wireless; • regulations and consultancy; • security; • services and support; • smart meters and monitoring; • software; and • workplace and wellbeing

This year’s Headline Sponsor, Bluetooth SIG, is joined by platinum sponsors aico/HomeLink, The DALI Alliance, Sauter Automation and Schneider Electric. • To register for your free ticket, visit smartbuildingsshow.com to unlock all the information you need to make your buildings more economic and functional. For more information on exhibiting and sponsorship, please contact Claire Hatchett at c.hatchett@turretgroup.com or 07976 613352. 

Who’s exhibiting at Smart Buildings Show

ABB Aico | HomeLINK Allied Telesis Aranet Beckhoff Automation Ltd Belimo Automation UK Ltd BESA Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA) CIM.io Codra Software Contemporary Controls COSTER GROUP DALI Alliance Distech Controls Dwyer Instruments Ltd Eltako

Energy in Buildings & Industry (EiBI)

EnOcean EnOcean Alliance ESTA ExcelRedstone Global Associates Ltd HMS Networks ICONICS UK iSMA CONTROLLI S.p.A ITVET Ltd IWFM J2 Innovations Johnson Controls KNX UK Micronics Ltd Omni Telemetry Ontrol A.S. Panasonic Electric Works UK Phoenix Contact Ltd Pressac Communications Priva UK Resource Data Management Sauter Automation Schneider Electric Siemens Building Products Smiths Environmental Products Ltd Sontay Ltd Synapsys Solutions Synmatics Automatics Ltd Tamlite Lighting Tech Data Theben UK Trend Controls Turntide Technologies UbiqiSense

Good prospects for promotion and ventilation at football club

NATIONAL VENTILATION, a UKbased ventilation manufacturer and supplier, designed and supplied ventilation for the Middlezoy Rovers FC clubhouse. The Somerset-based project used a mixture of three fans, which were installed by M-Tech (sw) Ltd: Monsoon Zone 1 Silent fans, Monsoon ILF inline centrifugal fans, and Monsoon ACF acoustic inline fan to provide effective ventilation in the function room, WCs, the kitchen, club room and changing rooms.

The new clubhouse replaced an old WW2 building that had previously been used as changing rooms. National Ventilation’s fans have been installed to help reduce the damp commonly associated with the wet areas in changing rooms, as well as eliminating any stale odours. In addition, the ventilation supplied means that the new function room can accommodate 200+ people to be in the room at one time.

Monsoon Zone 1 Silence Fans were installed in the ceiling in the officials’ changing rooms, the men’s and ladies WCs, the disabled WC and the kitchen, allowing the buildings to benefit from improved indoor air quality (IAQ) and a room free from condensation and mould without having to put up with the annoying drone associated with some extractor fans.

Meanwhile, the four main changing rooms at Middlezoy Rovers FC were fitted with Monsoon ILF inline centrifugal fans which are high power exhaust ventilation system designed for commercial premises. Suitable for long duct runs and the Monsoon ILF inline centrifugal fans are speed controllable, and moisture resistant to IP44 motor protection rating.

In the function room Monsoon Acoustic Cabinet Centrifugal (ACF) fans were installed. Ideal for commercial applications which require high air flow but low sound levels, the Monsoon Acoustic Cabinet Centrifugal ACF range features a soundproofed acoustic lined box and galvanized steel casing and impellor.

Dave Marshall-George is sales director at Condair

Humidification

Humidifiers are cool in AHUs

Dave Marshall-George explains how to use adiabatic humidifiers for evaporative cooling in AHUs. An effective strategy can make big reductions in energy consumption

The physics of evaporative, or adiabatic cooling, as it is sometimes referred to, is based around a transfer of energy. As water transforms from its liquid state into a gaseous state, it consumes energy. This energy is taken from the air, in the form of heat or thermal energy.

In order to evaporate one kilo of water at 15°C, around 680W of thermal energy is used. Which means that for every kilo of water evaporated into an atmosphere, 680W of evaporative cooling is achieved.

For a mechanical cooler to deliver 680W of cooling, it would consume about 226W of electrical energy. However, it’s possible for a single evaporative humidifier to deliver over 1,000kg of moisture and a resulting 680kW of cooling, while still operating on less than half a kW of electrical energy. That’s over 500 times the cooling delivered from a mechanical cooling system, from a very similar amount of electrical energy.

But, the potential to use evaporative cooling is limited by how much moisture the air can absorb – and this comes down to its relative humidity. If the air is already very humid, evaporative cooling’s effect is limited, but not necessarily eliminated, as some AHU strategies will still greatly benefit from evaporative cooling even in very humid climates.

Three main AHU categories

There are three main AHU strategies; direct evaporative cooling, in-direct evaporative cooling and another form of in-direct, which we call exhaust air in-direct.

Direct evaporative cooling sees the AHU bringing in fresh outside air, passing it through an adiabatic humidifier, where it absorbs moisture and is cooled. Then this cooled air is supplied to the indoor environment. A percentage of indoor air is continually vented outside, thus allowing more cooled, fresh air in.

This strategy is ideal for warm, dry climates and buildings that can have high levels of ventilation. However, it isn’t so useful in very humid environments, as the evaporation of the water from the humidifier depends greatly on the incoming air being able to absorb it.

The second strategy is in-direct. The air handling unit in this strategy is operating with two airstreams. One draws cool outside air into the AHU, then passes it through a heat exchanger before venting it outside. The other air stream extracts warm air from the building, passes it through the same heat exchanger and then reintroduces it to the building. Neither airstream physically mixes, but the colder outside airstream is used to cool the warmer internal airstream via the heat exchanger.

Now this can cool a building even without any evaporative cooling, but if you apply a humidifier to the external airstream prior to the heat exchanger, you reduce the temperature of that external airstream and get even more cooling from the system. It does, however, rely on the outside air being colder than the inside air, either before or after humidification. So again, in very hot and humid climates, this may not be the most effective strategy.

Ideal strategy for data centres

However, in temperate climates such as the UK, this strategy is ideal for data centres or other secure buildings, as it reduces the risk of introducing pollutants to building from outside. It should be noted however, that this isn’t a ventilation system, so fresh air still needs to be

There is a huge potential for reducing the energy consumption of AHUs using a direct evaporative cooling strategy introduced by some other method.

The third strategy is exhaust air in-direct. This method also uses a heat exchanger. Warm air is extracted from the room and passed through a humidifier, where is it saturated as close to 100 per cent RH as possible. This cools the air as much as possible before it’s passed through the heat exchanger and subsequently vented outside. Another airstream draws fresh air in from outside and passes it through the heat exchanger, where it is cooled by the humidified and exhausted room air.

The heat exchange can reduce the temperature of the incoming air by a few degrees, which doesn’t replace the need for mechanical cooling but can significantly reduce the requirement for it. This strategy can also be used in hot and humid regions, as the room air that the humidifier is cooling is always dry enough to be able to absorb moisture.

To illustrate the potential of using humidifiers for evaporative cooling in AHUs, one client we work with in the telecommunication sector managed to reduce AHU energy consumption by 80 per cent when using a direct evaporative cooling strategy. The organisation needed to replace mechanical cooling systems in rooms that suffered high heat gain from electronic equipment. They developed an air handling unit that used a direct evaporative cooling strategy. Rather than using mechanical chillers to cool the room, they brought in outside air and vented the internal air. During the winter, it can run in free cooling mode without any need for evaporative cooling, but when the outside temperature rises to around 20°C, the evaporative cooler switches on and increases the cooling capacity. This allows the AHU to successfully achieve the indoor target condition without ever needing mechanical cooling.  • Condair will be presenting details of this case study, alongside case studies that illustrate the other two evaporative cooling strategies, in a webinar taking place on 29/09/21. To register, visit Condair.co.uk/webinars.

Humidification

John Barker is managing director of Humidity Solutions

High humidity can result in potentially damaging condensation on stone artworks

The art of humidity control

Many exhibits in museums and galleries are vulnerable to damage from environmental factors such as humidity. John Barker explains how they can be overcome

Some minor fluctuation in environmental parameters such as temperature and humidity is generally not a major problem in most indoor environments. In museums and galleries, however, even quite small fluctuations can cause significant damage to arts, antiquities and other delicate objects.

For example, without humidity control wood will be prone to shrinkage (low humidity) and expansion (high humidity). This movement of the wood may cause cracking, separation of different wood layers and will also destabilise any paint or other finishes that have been applied to the wood. The finishes themselves may also be subject to deterioration when exposed to low or high humidity.

Moreover, high humidity may result in potentially damaging condensation on metallic, stone or other objects with cold surfaces – and could also create a slip hazard on floors.

The impact of humidity on delicate works of art and other exhibits is well understood, so that many museums and galleries require close environmental control in both public areas and storage facilities. This requirement is addressed by BS5454, which specifies that relative humidity (RH) should be in the range 40-65 per cent (+/-5 per cent) and temperatures in the range 16-19°C (+/-1°C).

Environmental conditions may also be dictated by insurance companies or benefactors that are lending a piece to the venue.

In the UK, most humidity problems relate to low RH, so that humidification is the most common requirement. However, there may be situations requiring dehumidification – perhaps even both at different times of the year. In all such cases, systems designed to provide the required level of control for the specific project are essential.

The nature of buildings used as museums and galleries varies enormously so it follows that the best humidity control solution will also vary from one project to another.

For instance, it is relatively straightforward to maintain a consistent environment in a storage area that is unoccupied for most of the time. In contrast, in areas where exhibits are on public display the RH will be influenced by the body heat and moisture-laden exhaled breath of the visitors – factors that may vary during the day as visitor numbers fluctuate.

Consequently, systems serving areas with variable occupancy – or subjected to non-tempered air from outside for ventilation – will need to incorporate continuous monitoring by humidity sensors and be able to respond quickly to changes in RH.

In all cases there will be a number of criteria to consider when selecting the best humidity control solution. These include capital budgets, running costs and the nature of the building itself. For instance, we were required to devise very different solutions for the Tate Modern (housed in a former power station), Tate Liverpool (a converted warehouse) and Tate Britain, which was designed as a gallery from the start.

There are many criteria to consider when choosing humidification equipment

The components of the system will depend on the nature of the solution being applied. In most cases where RH needs to be raised, steam humidification will be the preferred choice and will comprise a humidifier to generate steam and a way of introducing the steam to the air. Where a ductwork ventilation system is in place the steam may be introduced to the air in the duct just after it leaves the air handling unit. In other situations, it may be more practical to feed the steam directly into the space being humidified.

All steam humidification systems will benefit from appropriate water treatment, typically reverse osmosis, to prevent limescale formation, extend the life of the plant and optimise efficiency.

An alternative is to add water vapour directly into the space, which can be the most cost-effective and energy-efficient approach. However, given the nature of the spaces in question, humidifiers in the space are unlikely to meet the client’s aesthetic requirements. Wetted media above the ceiling avoid visual intrusion but capital costs are increased by the need for ductwork and diffusers.

A more discreet option is to install small, multi-directional fan-assisted nozzles – around the size of a CCTV camera – at high level in the space(s). Such pressurised water systems ensure the water leaving the nozzles is quickly atomised (within 1.5m of the nozzle) and absorbed into the air, so there is no danger of wetting exhibits.

As cold water is used, these systems are very energy-efficient and the evaporation of the water also provides some free cooling of the air. This can help reduce the use of mechanical cooling in the summer, though may result in a slight increase in heating requirements in the winter. As the water is not heated, there is a need for anti-bacterial treatment, such as ultraviolet treatment.

For short-lived exhibitions/displays there are also temporary solutions available, such as evaporative coolers that blow air over cellulose evaporative panels to release water vapour into the recirculating air.

In spaces where dehumidification is required, the preferred system is generally a desiccant dehumidifier, optionally with heat recovery to reduce energy costs.

All such systems will also require strategically located humidity sensors in the space to achieve the required level of RH control. 

Humidification

Steam systems replaced in National Museum of Wales

In a recent project, low energy humidification specialists Humideco worked with the National Museum of Wales to replace their original electric steam humidifiers throughout the museum. The existing, energy-intensive humidifiers were approaching their end of life, and frequent breakdowns were resulting in maintenance staff spending a disproportionate amount of time servicing and maintaining the steam humidifiers, often at the expense of other maintenance jobs around the building.

The decision was made to invest in 63 low-energy Stulz ultrasonic humidifiers from Humideco to replace the old steam systems. Humideco engineers assisted the project team with the design and layout of the new humidification equipment, across the various air handling units and ductwork locations.

Ultrasonic humidifiers use less than 7 per cent of the energy of steam systems and operate cleanly and hygienically from mineral-free RO water. Unlike steam, they do not increase the cooling load, and there are no throwaway cylinders, or mineral scale build-up, and only simple, routine maintenance is needed.

The results so far have been extremely encouraging; closer environmental control is now being achieved across the exhibition spaces, along with a substantial reduction in both energy and maintenance costs. In fact, the reduction in overall costs was so significant that the Museum project a return on investment in around five years.

Museums and galleries have historically utilised steam humidifiers operating with air handling units to control environmental conditions in galleries and art stores. But with control of relative humidity proving a constant challenge, and with increasing energy costs, many seek alternative technologies that can achieve close control of relative humidity, with just a fraction of the energy requirement.

Humidification

Performance upgrades for dehumidification system

Munters says it has improved its DSS dehumidification system with performance upgrades.

Suitable for indoor or outdoor installation, Munters DSS Pro is designed for a wide range of industries that demand dehumidification efficiencies such as pharmaceutical, food, and battery applications.

Equipped with the Munters custom-configured control system, the DSS Pro offers full function integration, delivering the perfect climate whenever and wherever needed. It comes in twenty configurable sizes with three different desiccant rotor types.

The DSS Pro offers key energysaving features. It consumes up to 30 per cent less energy with its Green PowerPurge.

Another energy saving feature is the new AirPro casing, an innovative enclosure that significantly improves durability, reduces air leakage, and reduces

When it comes to size, the DSS Pro offers a reduced physical footprint, which makes the system more convenient to install and can free up much-needed space that can be used to generate revenue. “DSS Pro provides reliable and consistent operations, reduced system footprint and a positive effect on the bottom line”, says Sander Hielkema, product manager Systems EMEA, Munters. “Our innovative and intuitive selection tool Genesys ensures you get the right Munters solution for your specific needs.

It delivers all the technical specifications for installation, startup and lifecycle of the product, right from the start. Changes are easily made with this smart tool, and we can serve our customers better and more efficiently.

Developed for Europe and Asia, the system is the result of a true team effort with the world’s best climate control engineers partnering with our customers to make this a reality,” concludes Sander Hielkema.