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Feature
© RACA Journal
© RACA Journal
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The key difference lies in the absence of energy-intensive compressors and refrigerants typical of conventional AC units . Instead , evaporative cooling harnesses the natural process of water evaporation to cool the air , resulting in lower energy consumption and negligible carbon emissions .
" It ' s a green , sustainable solution . The process relies on the interaction between water and air , leveraging the high surface area of water to extract heat from the air . This not only naturally cools the air but also maintains a comfortable indoor climate without relying on harmful chemicals ," says Karovsky .
Its use in pharmaceutical applications depends entirely on the user requirements , and where maintaining a stable temperature around 25 ° C evaporative cooling can meet these specifications effectively . However , the effectiveness of these systems is lessened in regions with high humidity levels , such as coastal areas or tropical climates .
But in dry climates prevalent in regions like the highveld , Northern Cape , Namibia and Botswana , he emphasises the
“‘ The numbers get big very quickly ,’ Rennie acknowledges .”
Cooling extends to the hospital , as on the case of this Netcare hospital project covered in a previous issue of RACA Journal .
RACA Journal I July 2024 efficiency of this system in such environments . " Dry climates are perfect for evaporative cooling ."
Unlike traditional air-conditioning systems that recirculate air , evaporative cooling introduces fresh air from outside while simultaneously expelling stale air , ensuring a constant influx of clean , oxygen-rich air . The water management process within evaporative coolers uses fresh mains water supply to prevent bacterial growth . " There ' s no standing water in our systems . Water is circulated and evaporated quickly , with any remaining water drained out when the unit is not in operation . Fresh water circulation and drainage mechanisms ensure that standing water , a potential breeding ground for bacteria , is effectively eliminated ." This reassurance is particularly relevant for industries like pharmaceuticals , where stringent air quality standards are imperative , says Karovsky .
The unique operational dynamics of evaporative cooling , place the focus not only on temperature regulation but also on maintaining air quality and minimising environmental impact . " In large warehouse applications , the need for unrestricted movement in and out of buildings poses a challenge for conventional AC systems . Evaporative cooling , on the other hand , benefits from open spaces , facilitating air relief and circulation without compromising cooling efficiency ."
Regarding operating expenses , the representative addresses concerns about water usage and associated costs . " While evaporative cooling systems do utilise water , the cost of water in many regions is relatively low compared to electricity expenses . Thus , the primary operating costs typically stem from electricity consumption rather than water usage ," he continues .
With a focus as much on pharmaceutical factories as well as event venues and industrial settings , evaporative cooling systems are highly adaptable to various spatial configurations . In fact , Karovsky explains that evaporative cooling finds widespread use across a spectrum of sectors , ranging from residential to commercial and industrial settings . " From domestic households to large-scale industrial facilities , it offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution . Retail spaces , warehouses , factories and supermarkets all benefit from the energy efficiency and clean air provided by evaporative cooling systems .
" In warehouse scenarios , a straightforward setup involving roof-mounted units dispersing cool air evenly throughout the space is common . However , for more intricate layouts or events , various ducted solutions are employed to direct airflow precisely where needed . While the primary setup typically involves roof-mounted units , the use of ducting allows for customised airflow patterns tailored to specific requirements ," notes Karovsky .
Regarding equipment diversity , he clarifies that evaporative cooling units come in modular designs suited to various project sizes and specifications . " Our units are modular and come in standard sizes , ranging from compact units for domestic use to larger systems catering to industrial and commercial applications .
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