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‘Exploring The Evaporative Cooling Opportunity For HVAC System Specifiers’

Condair ‘Brand Leader’ Interview podcast – Transcript to support learning

Every effort has been made to flawlessly transcribe the interview to support learning but please consider the recorded audio of the interview as the actual source of information for learning purposes. 

Hi this is Mick de Leiburne for BusinessNet Explorer and welcome to a special edition of our ‘Brand Leader’ interview series.

Well, Evaporative Cooling is not a new Air Conditioning technique. Its use can be traced all the way back – to ancient Egyptians – wafting air over water filled pots. However, its popularity for providing high capacity, low energy cooling has recently exploded, largely due to its use in modern data centres.

Today we are joined by Dave Marshall-George, Sales Director at humidity control specialist, Condair, to look at how humidifiers can be used in Air Handling Units to take advantage of this energy and cost efficient cooling strategy.

Dave joins us on the phone….Hi Dave thank you for joining us today on the BNE Product News podcast for the Construction & Building Services industry

Hi Mick and thank you for inviting me to explore the Evaporative Cooling opportunity for HVAC system specifiers

So Dave, let’s start initially with the science – could you talk us through the physics of Evaporative Cooling?

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. And 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.

Now for a mechanical cooler to deliver 680W of cooling, it would consume around 220W 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. Amazingly 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.

What are the main strategies for using Evaporative Cooling in Air Handling Units?

There are three. Direct evaporative cooling, In-direct evaporative cooling and another form of In-direct, which we call Exhaust air in-direct.

Now the first is quite simple. Direct evaporative cooling. The AHU brings in fresh outside air, it passes it through an adiabatic humidifier where it absorbs moisture and is cooled. This then cooled air is supplied into the indoor environment. A percentage of the 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, its not 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 that draws cool outside air into the AHU, and then passes it through a heat exchanger before venting it outside. Whilst the other air stream extracts warm air from the building, passes it through the same heat exchanger and then reintroduces it into 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 evaporative cooling, but if you apply a humidifier to the external airstream prior to the heat exchanger, you can 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 a very hot and humid climate, this may not be the most effective strategy.

However, in temperate climates, this strategy is ideal for data centres or other secure buildings, as it reduces the risk of introducing pollutants to a building from outside. It should be noted however, that this isn’t a ventilation system, so fresh air will still need to be 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 it saturates as close to 100%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.

You have a new Webinar on this subject where one of the key benefits highlighted is Energy Savings. Could you describe one of the case studies presented in the Webinar and explain when and how – the Energy Savings are achieved?

Yes. Our webinar on the 29th September explains the psychrometrics of evaporative cooling, details each strategy and uses real life case studies to illustrate their potential. One such case study is a client we work with in the telecommunication sector. They were needing to replace mechanical cooling systems in rooms that suffered high heat gain from electronic equipment.

They developed an air handling unit that uses 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.

In total the new AHU strategy reduced the electrical energy consumption of the cooling system by an amazing 80% in comparison to the previous mechanical system.

The opportunity for the HVAC industry is clearly exciting – how can our listeners learn more – about Evaporative Cooling – and its benefits?

Alongside the webinar we have coming up, Condair also offers training on this topic in the form of a CIBSE approved CPD. We can offer these 1 hour training sessions either online or in-person. Anyone can request one from our website at www.Condair.co.uk.

In fact, our website has a lot of information, downloads and case studies on this topic for anyone wanting to learn more. It’s a great place to start. It was Condair.co.uk.

Another online resource is a Condair website called MyCoolBlue.com. That’s MyCoolBlue.com. The website uses historical weather data from over 300 locations around the world to accurately calculate how much cooling can be provided via evaporative, free air and mechanical systems for any exhaust air indirect cooling project. Simply input the parameters of the AHU and the desired indoor conditions, and the system will project the cooling capacity that can be delivered across the three different methods.

And lastly, I’d suggest if anyone wants to learn more, simply contact Condair. Our experienced sales team is always happy to talk to consultants, contractors or AHU companies about the potential savings AHU evaporative coolers can offer.

That’s great and we’ll include the link for the Webinar in the description for this podcast for our listeners. Well, Dave thank you again for joining us today on this special edition BNE Product News ‘Brand Leader’ interview podcast discussing why including Evaporative Cooling is such an exciting option to explore when considering ‘state of the art’ best practice in Air Conditioning in a variety of applications.

Thank you for inviting me Mick. I’ve enjoyed exploring the subject with you. GoodBye.

That’s a pleasure. Cheers.

For more information about Condair please go to www.condair.co.uk

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Tim Scott, Sales & Marketing Director at humidity control specialist, Condair, is retiring after 32 years of service to the company.

Having originally joined the company, known then as JS Humidifiers, in 1988 in the sales department, Tim became Service Director thirteen years later and then finally Sales & Marketing Director in 2007.

During his time Tim has seen the company successfully expand its operations to become the UK’s leading humidifier company and also internationally, to distribute its products across the world from South America to Asia, and becoming an integral part of the global Condair Group in 2014.

Tim Scott, comments, “Looking back across the last three decades working in the humidity control sector, I feel really privileged to have worked with such amazing people, including my direct colleagues and also the wider network of customers, suppliers and distributors. The company has always had a strong family feel, coming from its origins as an owner-operated organisation. A company ethos of fairness and equity, alongside taking pride in our performance and a definite focus on enjoyment and social fun, has meant the last 32 years have been an absolute pleasure.”

Tony Fleming, Head of Condair’s Northern Europe Sales operations, commented, “I am proud to have worked alongside Tim for many years and look back on those years with great memories across both business and social enjoyment. Tim has led the company in a fair-minded, positive and calm way that has made the business not only a successful organisation but a very nice place to work. We wish him every happiness and good fortune in his future endeavours and thank him for the dedicated contribution he has made to Condair.”

The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidification and evaporative cooling, with energy efficient, hygienic and innovative technologies for commercial, industrial and heritage applications. Condair is represented in the UK by Condair plc, which offers system design, manufacture, supply, installation, commissioning, maintenance and spares. You can find out more by visiting the company’s website at www.condair.co.uk.

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In January, Saniflo UK welcomed new Sales Director, Simon Emmons. Based at the company’s head office in Watford, Simon brings a wealth of senior level experience to the role. Simon will strengthen the distribution network for the domestic range and oversee growth of commercial pumps and lifting stations and the Kinedo range of showers, trays and baths.

Latterly, Simon was Sales & Marketing Director at Yale, the security hardware company and prior to that spend many years in the white goods sector; working for household names including Whirlpool, LG, CDA and Electrolux.

Commenting on his appointment, Simon Emmons says: “It was business as usual for Saniflo last year with the company staying open to provide essential products and services to frontline organisations. In 2021 the company has not only seen a return to pre-epidemic business levels, but an increase in sales possibly due to pent up demand as well as the strength of the construction sector. To manage anticipated growth, which has also been stimulated by the launch of new products including grease traps, submersible pumps and commercial lifting stations, my appointment is key and I’m delighted to be a part of the Saniflo team. I look forward to strengthening the distribution network for the domestic range and overseeing growth of commercial pumps and lifting stations and the Kinedo range of showers, trays and baths.”

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Last month Saniflo UK welcomed new Business Development Manager for Kinedo, Warren Knowles. Warren’s main objectives are to increase brand recognition, raise awareness of the range of shower cubicles, enclosures, trays and shower baths and identify new contract and specification opportunities.

Prior to joining Saniflo Warren was National Business Development Manager at JT Ellis & Co and is highly experienced in winning contract work, particularly from housebuilders and large construction businesses.

The new addition to the team follows hot on the heels of the appointment of new Sales Director Simon Emmons in January.

Speaking about the appointment, Warren says: “Kinedo offers an outstanding range of shower cubicles and I look forward to continuing the momentum of success that the brand has had with housebuilders and specifiers.”

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Shower brand, Kinedo, is delighted to announce the appointment of Nicola Lees to the position of Business Development Manager. Nicola joined the team on 1st Feb 2020 and has hit the ground running thanks to her extensive knowledge of the sector.

Prior to joining the team at Kinedo, Nicola worked for City Plumbing Supplies (Part of Travis Perkins Group) for five years as a Senior Account Manager. She was involved with new build plumbing contractors and housebuilders and prior to this she worked in sales for over a decade with some of the UK’s leading housebuilders.

Nicola is tasked with gaining specifications with regional housebuilders and to develop sales in the leisure sector as well as within bathroom showrooms. She will also be first line of support for national and independent merchants for both Saniflo and Kinedo.

Outside work the mum of one spends her spare time travelling and is planning a wing walking challenge – just for fun.

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As a well-known and trusted market leader for domestic and commercial macerators, pumps and lifting stations, Saniflo recently added the renowned Zehnder pump range to its extensive product portfolio; creating an opportunity for a new member of the sales team. As such Saniflo is delighted to announce the appointment of Michael Hassan to the role of Technical Sales Engineer.

Michael’s new role will include identifying opportunities in commercial sector for this wider range of products and to highlight the larger pumps in the range to new and existing customers. He has a wealth of experience in the sector that includes 13 years of B2B pump sales with companies including Thermo-Fisher, Cole-Parmer, Grundfos and Watson Marlow. Over this time Michael helped to specify pumps in a wide range of industries and applications. From small R&D pumps in labs, food & beverages and dosing pumps for the water utilities to heavy duty pumps for industry and commercial buildings, Michael has assisted a multitude of clients to get waste liquids from A to B in the most expedient way.

Outside work Michael is a big gamer and enjoys building custom gaming PCs. His most recent build has been featured in a benchmark leader board. True to his nature of solving problems he also blogs with advice on PC parts, building and crypto mining to help others in the gaming community.

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Condair has expanded its service team and further strengthened its support for customers in the North of England with the appointment of Daniel Kirk, based out of West Yorkshire.

Daniel is an extremely experienced HVAC technician having worked on both humidifiers and dehumidifiers at SPIE UK, AMS and Newsome.

Tony Tullett, service manager at Condair, commented, “We are delighted to welcome such an experienced service engineer to our Condair team. Particularly as Daniel is not only skilled in service and maintenance of our product technologies but he also brings with him valuable installation knowledge. He is a great addition to what is already the UK’s largest specialist humidity control engineering team. His appointment takes the number of Condair service engineers to 18, spread strategically across the UK. No matter where our clients are controlling their humidity, Condair is well positioned to support them and deliver the manufacturer’s engineering knowledge on-site.”

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Humidification specialist, Condair, has appointed Adam Norton as a humidifier service engineer based out of Edinburgh. Having a service engineer located in Scotland strengthens Condair’s strategic presence in the region and allows the company to provide a more efficient response time to its Scottish customers.

Adam joins Condair from the Royal Navy, where he spent five years as a Leading Engineer Technician and, among other things, qualified as a Nuclear Reactor Operator.

Tony Tullett, Service Manager at Condair, comments, “We are very happy to welcome Adam to the Condair service team. We are very proud to be expanding, even further, the UK’s largest specialist humidifier engineering department. Now with 18 service engineers spread across the UK, Condair is perfectly placed to support our clients wherever they may be, and deliver the manufacturer’s expertise directly on-site.”

The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidification and evaporative cooling, with energy efficient, hygienic and innovative technologies for commercial, industrial and heritage applications. Condair is represented in the UK by Condair plc, which offers system design, manufacture, supply, installation, commissioning, maintenance and spares. You can find out more by visiting the company’s website at www.condair.co.uk.

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Humidity control and evaporative cooling specialist, Condair, has appointed Paul Kipp as Area Sales Manager covering the north of England and Scotland. Paul will take on responsibility for expanding sales of humidifiers and dehumidifiers across the region. 

Paul joins Condair with many years’ experience in the UK HVAC sector, having previously worked for Carel, Systemair, Daikin, Flakt Woods and Fujitsu. 

Dave Marshall-George, UK Sales Manager at Condair commented, “We are delighted to have Paul Kipp join the sales team at Condair. His incredibly strong knowledge and experience in the sector will help us develop further our sales across Scotland and the north of England.” 

Paul added, “It’s a great pleasure to join this global leader in humidity control. Condair has the most comprehensive range of technologies across both humidifiers and dehumidifiers available in the UK. This enables the company to always be able to provide the most appropriate product for a client’s project. I am looking forward to building strong relationships with consultants, contractors, AHU companies and production managers across the many industries Condair operates in.” 

The Condair Group is the world’s leading specialist in humidification and evaporative cooling, with energy efficient, hygienic and innovative technologies for commercial, industrial and heritage applications. Condair is represented in the UK by Condair plc, which offers system design, manufacture, supply, installation, commissioning, maintenance and spares. You can find out more by visiting the company’s website at www.condair.co.uk.  

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Saniflo, market leading producer of macerators and pumps, has introduced a comprehensive collection of shower trays to its Kinedo portfolio of trays, enclosures and shower cubicles. The new ranges will complement the Kinerock tray which was successfully launched last year.  Some four further collections are now available to suit all styles, tastes and budgets. These come in a range of sizes and colours; some are cuttable and there is a range of surfaces from a luxurious stone finish to smooth white. Each carries a 10 year warranty.

Positioned at the top end of the portfolio is the new Kinestone, a luxurious, lightweight and durable tray that is textured to look like slate. Oozing quality the tray is just 30mm thick can be very easily cut to size on site if required and features excellent non-slip credentails. Made from Biolith, a high density cellulite structure, the tray is highly resistant to damage and available in square and rectangular shapes with sizes between 800mm and 1800mm. Produced in six colourways that reflect the modern bathroom there is a colour to suit most décor schemes including white, grey, black, sable, anthracite and chocolate. Every last detail has been thought of in this new range such as metal gullies that match the tray colours.

Kinesurf Pietra is a classic simple design that sits firmly in the middle of the tray portfolio.  Lightweight and with a stunning mineral textured surface this tray is 40mm think and also cuttable. Four colours – white, black, anthracite and grey – can be teamed up with matching wall panels if required. The grainy Biocryl surface is reinforced with Biotec, a high density polymer that is also used to reinforce the ultra-flat stainless steel waste to match the tray colour. Multiple sizes in square and rectangular shapes can be specified from the compact 800mm to the walk-in1800mm. Another feature of this tray is good surface grip which offers peace of mind for users.

The mid-market Kinesurf + tray range comes in square, rectangle and quadrant shapes each featuring a fine textured surface. The flexible range comes in multiple standard sizes and has the benefit of a choice of waste positions. The ultra-flat waste has a coloured metal waste grill to match the four colours of the tray – white, black, anthracite, grey – whilst each tray is 40mm thick and has a grainy Biocryl surface with Biotec reinforcement.

Kinelisse is a comprehensive range of high quality contract trays featuring simple, classic looks. The slimline, low profile white gloss tray is of stone resin construction and both sturdy and durable. Designed to suit any style and décor of bathroom it comes in a vast range of sizes and variations from 800mm through to 1800mm in square, rectangle, quadrant and off-set.  At 35mm thick the tray is well suited to the new range of Fast 2000 enclosures and bulk qualities are available for commercial and residential projects.

All the new trays can be installed in raised, recessed or flat installations. A brand new Kinedo Shower Tray brochure is now available for download from www.kinedo.co.uk or hard copies can be sent by post by filling in the contact form on line.

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