Evaporative cooling is an energy-efficient and effective cooling and ventilation solution for large spaces, says EcoCooling head of technical operations Toby Beresford.
With summer around the corner, rising temperatures and inadequate ventilation in buildings provide another hurdle for businesses looking to get back to normal amid the Covid crisis. Evaporative cooling can offer an effective solution in a cost- and energy-efficient way.
With over 500 installations for some of the largest manufacturers and distributors in the UK, EcoCooling evaporative cooling systems are a proven, flexible solution which can be deployed quickly to address overheating and ventilation issues. In settings from compact workshops to large warehouses, there are many reasons why evaporative cooling is becoming a first-choice option for many businesses.
Refrigerant-free
As part of a balanced ventilation system, evaporative cooling is achieved through the natural process of direct evaporation of water into supply air, which is extremely effective in temperate climates like the UK. Air supply temperatures off the coolers do not exceed 25ÅãC, without the need to use any refrigerant technology.
Even on the hottest days, a standard unit covering a 250m2 area or spot cooling a 15m diameter zone can operate at a cost of less than 13p in electricity and 1p in water per hour, based on service costs of Åí0.12/kWh and Åí1.20/m. respectively. This gives an energy saving of 90% compared with an equivalent refrigeration based system with a 35kW cooling load.
An additional benefit of an evaporative cooling solution is the cost of installation, which is a fraction of that of refrigeration.
Considering carbon footprint, a cooling unit would account for 1,749kg annually, compared with 17,495kg for the alternative. When combined with the latest in electronically commutated fan technology, efficiency is second to none and can help businesses achieve ambitious carbon reduction targets.
warehouse
Effective and simple cooling
Aside from the cost and energy saving benefits, evaporative cooling is a versatile and resilient solution which can often be used in situations where traditional cooling methods are either impossible or cost-prohibitive.
Evaporative cooling solutions work just as effectively regardless of the level of containment, such as in areas where windows and roller-shutter doors are in constant use, or in factories with extraction requirements. Due to the modular nature of the units, they can even be installed in conjunction with existing air handling units and extract fans to reduce costs further and provide the cooling needed quickly and effectively.
As standard, a cooler comes with a variable speed fan, allowing manual and automatic thermostat-based control which can easily be integrated into a building management system or fire system. Sites requiring a more tailored approach can take advantage of PLC-based control, allowing a wide array of configurable options, from scheduling to temperature mapping.
Combined with a range of filtration options, evaporative cooling can be used in sites with high air quality standards, such as food manufacturing and pharmaceutical settings.
Increasing productivity
A well ventilated, comfortable work or storage area has been shown to increase productivity and product stability and improve the wellbeing of staff throughout the year. This is especially true in summer, where without an effective cooling solution some processes may need to be halted altogether, and excess heat becomes a safety and quality concern for staff and product.
A well-balanced ventilation system is particularly important for businesses looking to maintain consistent and efficient operation in light of the continuing Covid risk, while also helping to remove unwanted dust and particulates from the air.
EcoCooling is an established UK manufacturer of evaporative cooling solutions, with a large stockholding in its Suffolk warehouse and a wide network of established installers across the UK. Its experienced team is ready to discuss your project to combat summer heat.
T 01284 810586 | sales@ecocooling.co.uk
www.ecocooling.co.uk