Optimizing Workspace Air Quality for Employee Safety

Prioritizing good air quality in workspaces has been gaining a lot of traction in recent years. With employees spending the majority of their time in their offices, it becomes crucial for organizations to provide a healthy and safe environment to them. The modern workspace infrastructure is generally characterized by enclosed spaces, lacking windows to accommodate air conditioning systems. As a result, the structures give rise to a sealed indoor environment with hardly any scope for fresh air ventilation.

Unlike the common misconception that air conditioning improves the air quality of the space, it comes as a surprise for many that systems recirculate stale air. Additionally, with the space occupied by a large number of people, it continuously contributes to the build-up of carbon dioxide and pollutants within the space as it is unable to find an escape to the outside. All the factors together account for poor air quality and severely impact the health of the occupants. If left unattended, the poor IAQ can give rise to a range of health issues in a person, such as respiratory issues, allergies, and serious conditions of cardiovascular disease as well.

Moreover, continual exposure to poor IAQ can result in the development of Sick Building Syndrome, where the occupants are very likely to face breathing issues, headaches, asthma, fatigue, and pain in the eyes. Severely compromising the health and comfort of the person, lethargy and absenteeism are some common issues that impact the productivity of the individuals. As a result, it becomes a prerequisite to install technologies that improve the air quality of the workspace, aimed at enabling an efficient work process accompanied by enhanced concentration.

To achieve good air quality, employing Treated Fresh Air Handling (TFA) systems is essential. These systems precondition the incoming fresh air to meet ventilation standards and maintain excellent indoor air quality (IAQ). By filtering and treating the air before it enters the space, TFA systems eliminate pollutants, allergens, and contaminants, effectively impeding the spread of airborne diseases. As a result, these units ensure a consistent supply of clean and healthy air, significantly reducing health issues associated with poor air quality. Additionally, TFA systems are equipped with energy recovery wheels, which recover both sensible and latent energy, contributing to improved IAQ, humidity control, and energy savings.

The advanced systems bode well for achieving optimal indoor air quality throughout the year, irrespective of the weather conditions outside. Providing a stable and comfortable environment, the systems invariably contribute to high levels of engagement and motivation among the employees, enhancing their overall performance round the year.

In the pursuit of meeting the ventilation standards, the advanced technologies also vouch for energy efficiency. Striving to save energy while maximizing the energy recovery efficiency, they eliminate the need to increase the energy costs of the building. Here, by exercising the efficient airflow for ensuring the appropriate circulation of fresh air, the units come in handy for reducing the need for excessive heating and cooling of the space. Taking a holistic approach, they not just contribute to saving energy but extend to reducing the operational costs of the workspace at the same time.

To achieve the purpose, the Treated Fresh Air Handling Units ensure uniform distribution of air, which significantly curtails the demand for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Reducing the overall load of the system, there is a remarkable plunge in the operational cost as well as the energy consumption of the building. Consequently, by installing the systems, businesses can successfully achieve the twofold task of enhancing air quality within the workspace, which clocks substantial energy savings. While focusing on optimizing the air quality of the space, humidity is often neglected by people. But exercising humidity control is a crucial step towards providing a healthy indoor environment to the employees.

Here, the Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS) harness the benefit of unique passive dehumidification wheels for ensuring adequate ventilation of the space. Coming with the ability to eliminate indoor air pollutants while monitoring humidity levels, the system replenishes fresh air to create a more pleasant and productive workspace.

The ability to control the relative humidity plays a crucial role in resisting the growth of mold, bacteria, fungi and prevents the issue of unpleasant odour and discomfort caused by excess moisture. In addition to this, monitoring the humidity can go a long way in safeguarding the office equipment and materials from any potential damage, retaining their longevity and reliability for a long time. Looking at the wide gamut of advantages optimal air quality has to offer for the workspace, it goes a long way in scaling the overall performance of the business.

Promoting the health and safety of the employees along with a comfortable space invariably improves the concentration and productivity of the occupants. In the process, employing Treated Air Handling Units can be considered a strategic business investment because it offers a comprehensive solution for providing energy-efficient ventilation. Conducting pre-conditioning of incoming air guarantees a consistent supply of fresh air. At the same time, monitoring the humidity levels of the space, the systems are an ideal option for ensuring the health and safety of the occupants.

Authored by:

Varun Pahwa
President,
Desiccant Rotors International

Role of HVAC for Incorporating Best Practices in Commercial Spaces

Implementing healthy interior practices is essential in commercial buildings, as it fosters a safe and comfortable environment for the occupants. The practices help in optimizing the operations of the buildings and, at the same time, also contribute to the sustainability of the complex setup. It is mandatory for commercial buildings to abide by the building codes and environmental regulations outlined by the regulatory bodies to ensure the safety, efficiency, legal compliance, and sustainability of the buildings. Here, HVAC systems play a crucial role in incorporating best practices in commercial settings by exercising energy efficiency and improving the indoor air quality (IAQ) of the space. The systems strategically maintain and extend the lifespan of the facility in the long run.

Installing advanced technologies such as VFDs, ERVs, building automation systems, etc., into the HVAC systems can help in driving the energy efficiency of the buildings. The variable frequency drives (VFDs) exercise precise control of the systems and modulate the energy consumption. Additionally, energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) optimize ventilation by exchanging heat and humidity between incoming and outgoing air. Dwelling in smart technologies in building automation systems, energy management strategies are employed that monitor and regulate the HVAC systems on the basis of occupancy patterns. All the factors together contribute to a significant saving of energy, translating to a reduction in the operational costs of the building.

Modern HVAC systems focus on improving the indoor air quality (IAQ) of the building. Enabling proper ventilation, and filtration, and implementing humidity control, provides a healthier and more comfortable IAQ for the occupants of the building. Installing Treated Fresh Air Handling (TFA) systems is beneficial for the removal of pollutants, allergens, and contaminants from space. By introducing fresh air into the room, the systems bring about the solution to pollution with dilution.

To ensure the ventilation standards are met, TFA conducts the preconditioning of outdoor air to provide fresh air into the room. The systems are involved in filtration and treatment of air before it is introduced into the room, as a result, the air circulating within the room is clean and healthy. Apart from improving IAQ, the TFA also comes with the proficiency to recover both sensible and latent energy with the help of energy recovery wheels, which play an instrumental role in minimizing energy utilization and go a long way in controlling humidity as well.

In the pursuit of enhancing IAQ in a commercial setting, monitoring the humidity level is also essential to abide by best practices. Humidity control is essential for a healthy indoor environment as it harbors the growth of mold, bacteria, and fungi, responsible for giving rise to a range of respiratory issues like asthma, bronchitis, and allergic reactions. The advanced Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS) come in handy for monitoring humidity levels, facilitated by unique passive dehumidification wheels. The technology executes adequate ventilation of the space to replenish the fresh air and reduce the pollutant level in the air. The maintenance of optimal humidity levels significantly contributes to alleviating the discomfort due to excess moisture. In addition to improving the IAQ, it creates a pleasant environment for driving the productivity of occupants by reducing the instances of lethargy and health issues in them.

In turn, the HVAC systems promote the eco-friendly operation of the building. Demonstrating compliance with energy efficiency, they play an instrumental role in curtailing greenhouse emissions of the facility. Boosting sustainability, the buildings are in alignment with LEED, ASHRAE, ASSOCHAM, Indian Green Building Council codes, and other energy certifications.

It is important to conduct regular maintenance of the HVAC systems to drive greater longevity and reliability of the building. Failing to perform the maintenance can severely impact the lifespan of the system and ultimately disrupt the building’s operation. Systems in good condition save a lot of operational costs and prevent the sudden breakdown of the systems. Employing predictive maintenance tools and software in the form of smart sensors, regular system upgrades, and integration of advanced technologies with Building Management Systems (BMS) can help in the early detection of any issue or error.

Looking at the role of HVAC systems in abiding by the best practices of commercial buildings, industry players can further upscale the offering by installing technologically advanced systems in the building. AI-driven systems or IoT-powered systems enable centralized monitoring, data storage, etc., exercising enhanced performance of the building.

Optimizing the air quality of commercial spaces with advanced HVAC systems

With people becoming highly conscious about their health, there has been rising awareness around the poor IAQ in commercial spaces. Modern-day commercial spaces are generally glass skyscrapers exhibiting a complex and packed structure with no space of windows for accommodating air conditioning systems. Restricting any scope of fresh air ventilation, the facilities can significantly contribute to poor indoor air quality (IAQ), which can negatively impact the health of the occupants.

Spaces such as malls, hospitals, large office buildings, airports, and other facilities are generally huddled by a large number of people, which leads to the buildup of carbon dioxide and pollutants, responsible for poor IAQ within the space. The situation is further worsened by the air conditioning systems recirculating the stale air, making the indoor environment hazardous for the occupants. It can potentially give rise to a range of health issues entailing respiratory problems, allergies, and even serious conditions of cardiovascular diseases. Prolonged exposure to poor IAQ is also responsible for the development of a condition called Sick Building Syndrome, where people become susceptible to various allergies and life-threatening diseases. It also comes with the ability to affect cognitive function, giving rise to a decline in productivity coupled with increased absenteeism in a person.

This necessitates the deployment of advanced technologies that work towards enhancing the quality of air in the commercial facilities. To achieve acceptable air quality, the industry should proactively consider installing Fresh Air Ventilation systems in tandem with the air conditioning units to provide comprehensive ventilation solutions within the space. Making use of Air Handling Units (AHU) entailing Treated Fresh Air Units (TFA) and Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS) provides a viable solution for introducing fresh air into the space while reducing energy consumption, translating to a decrease in the operational cost of the building.

To achieve good air quality, employing Treated Fresh Air Handling (TFA) systems is essential. These systems precondition the incoming fresh air to meet ventilation standards and maintain excellent indoor air quality (IAQ).
By filtering and treating the air before it enters the space, TFA systems eliminate pollutants, allergens, and contaminants, effectively impeding the spread of airborne diseases. As a result, these units ensure a consistent supply of clean and healthy air, significantly reducing health issues associated with poor air quality. Additionally, TFA systems are equipped with energy recovery wheels, which recover both sensible and latent energy, contributing to improved IAQ, humidity control, and energy savings.

Another major advantage of the system relies on its ability to optimize indoor air quality round the year. Contributing to a stable and comfortable environment, it alleviates health risks and boosts the productivity of the occupants, irrespective of the weather conditions outside. Delivering fresh air continuously, it maintains air quality at acceptable levels for indoor settings. In educational institutes or offices, this plays a pivotal role in elevating the motivation and engagement of the people, resulting in overall better performance of the individuals.

In addition to this, TFA systems come with the ability to provide energy-efficient solutions. It is proficient at meeting the desired ventilation standards without amplifying the energy cost of the building. Striving to manage the airflow efficiently, it ensures appropriate circulation of fresh air, negating the excessive need of heating or cooling the enclosed space. As a result, the benefit is not just limited to energy savings but eventually translates to a significant reduction in the operational costs of the facility as well.

Elaborating on the advantages of the system, TFA can bring about a significant reduction in overall system capacity requirements. By handling and distributing the air efficiently, the system lowers demand for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Ultimately contributing to a reduction in the overall load of the system, it culminates in lowering the operational costs and energy consumption of the systems.

In the pursuit of improving the IAQ, people generally tend to overlook humidity. But maintaining the optimal humidity of the space is crucial for achieving the desired result. Moisture in the air is responsible for the proliferation of bacteria and fungi, which can impact the health of the person. Therefore, TFA aids in controlling humidity within acceptable limits and prevents the growth of microorganisms and the issue of static electricity. In the process of eliminating humidity from the air, it does not incur additional cost, making it a cost-effective solution for commercial spaces. In addition to ensuring the health and safety of the people occupying the space, maintaining proper humidity protects the various materials present in the space and preserves the longevity and reliability of the materials.

Here, the Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS) can also be beneficial for addressing the issue of humidity. Well equipped with unique passive dehumidification wheels, it ventilates the space adequately by removing indoor air pollutants, monitoring humidity levels, and replenishing fresh air in the process. Managing the humidity level, it plays a pivotal role in addressing the issue of mold growth, unpleasant odors, and discomfort arising from excessive moisture. Resisting the accumulation of pollutants, odors, and contaminants, it supplies fresh air for a comfortable, healthy, and productive environment. Therefore, managing the RH (relative humidity) levels, maximizing energy recovery efficiency, and reducing cross-contamination provides a comprehensive solution for improving the air quality of the space.

Therefore, looking at the complexity of the commercial facilities, employing the systems can come in handy for optimizing the air quality. Looking at the wide gamut of benefits the systems have to offer, entailing pre-conditioning of incoming air, delivery of fresh air, energy-efficient ventilation, and humidity control, they are very likely to prioritize the health and safety of the occupants. And in the process, the systems also reduce the load on the HVAC systems, making them a viable and practical solution for large, complex buildings.

Indoor Air Quality and HVAC Systems – HIGH ON HVAC

INDOOR AIR QUALITY & HVAC SYSTEM

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning or HVAC systems are seeing new age developments as they integrate seamlessly within various spaces.

In recent years, people have become highly conscious about the health repercussions arising from poor indoor air quality. Consequently, to address the issue, there is a growing emphasis on indoor air quality (IAQ) with a focus on achieving the comfort of the occupants. This has invariably contributed to the rising demand for HVAC solutions that accomplish the dual purpose of regulating temperature along with removing pollutants and allergens from indoor spaces.

GREEN VISTAS

The HVAC industry is at a very interesting cusp of development. Driven by the growing importance of net-zero solutions in the segment, the industry is adopting energy-efficient solutions with alacrity to reduce the carbon footprint significantly. “To achieve this goal, the HVAC space is embracing Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems to ensure precise temperature control and zoning capabilities aimed at curtailing energy consumption with efficient operation as compared to traditional HVAC systems. To further strengthen the prospects of providing energy efficient solutions, the industry is focusing on reducing the cooling or heating load by resorting to natural methods of ventilation. By ensuring ingress of fresh air, ventilation plays a pivotal role in removing the contaminants from the space while maintaining comfortable temperature and humidity levels for the occupants. Here, by minimizing the dependence on heating and cooling systems, it contributes to reducing the consumption of electricity,” says Varun Pahwa President, Desiccant Rotors International.

Working towards improving the indoor air quality and hygiene of the space, HVAC systems are
continuously innovating to curtail the proliferation of microorganisms in a closed space.

“The advanced technologies are also contributing to the enhanced automation of the systems for precise control of temperature, humidity, and other factors of the environment. Apart from this, the HVAC industry is progressing at a phenomenal rate by harnessing the benefits of collated data to practice predictive maintenance of the systems to troubleshoot and calibrate the systems to eliminate faults effectively that too in advance,” adds Pahwa.

Driven by the growing importance of net-zero HVAC industry has actively transitioned away
solutions in the segment, the industry is from refrigerants that cause Ozone depletion and adopting energy-efficient solutions with alacrity adopted refrigerants with low Global
to reduce the carbon footprint significantly. Warming Potential.

INDOOR AIR QUALITY

Working towards improving the indoor air quality and hygiene of the space, HVAC systems are continuously innovating to curtail the proliferation of microorganisms in a closed space. As a result, the industry is scaling its offering with the incorporation of advanced filtration systems to capture a wide gamut of airborne contaminants entailing bacteria, viruses, and allergens. “Additionally, the industry is further fortifying the antibacterial and antifungal measures with the integration of UV-light technology into the systems aimed at sterilizing air and surfaces for neutralizing harmful microorganisms. Along with this, the systems are proficient at inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi with antimicrobial coatings on the components contributing to the elevation of indoor air quality of the space. Going a step ahead, the industry is equipping the coolers with highly efficient and reliable antibacterial cooling pads that inhibit the formation of bacteria on the surface to provide the necessary protection against the diseases arising from microorganisms,” says Pahwa.

Smart controls, using Variable Frequency   HVAC industry has actively transitioned away
Drives (VFD), now have a crucial role in    from refrigerants that cause Ozone depletion
optimizing the performance of motors,     and adopted refrigerants with low Global
including AC fan motors and compressors,    Warming Potential.
in the HVAC industry

Energy Recovery Wheels: Harnessing Energy Efficiency in HVAC Systems

Addressing Humidity and Temperature Differences

Maintaining optimal humidity and temperature levels in a facility can be challenging. Simply adjusting the quality of fresh air entering the building can help, but it often comes at the cost of significant energy consumption. Energy Recovery Wheels (ERWs) play a vital role in HVAC systems. While many energy recovery devices focus solely on heat transfer, ERWs, a type of energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), passively transfer both sensible (heat) and latent (moisture) energy between incoming and outgoing airflow.

Understanding the Energy Recovery Wheel

The Energy Recovery Wheel consists of a rotating wheel with absorbing materials that offer a large internal surface area, facilitating efficient heat exchange (energy transfer). Additionally, the spinning wheel is coated with a desiccant material that absorbs moisture, aiding in the transfer of latent energy.

The Benefits of Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing

In manufacturing, energy consumption is a significant factor in production costs. As the industry becomes increasingly competitive, businesses strive to reduce expenses without compromising product quality. Energy-efficient technologies can be crucial in improving processes and overall quality, leading to increased output while reducing costs. Embracing energy efficiency results in cost savings and aligns with sustainability goals, reducing emissions and the company’s carbon footprint. Prioritizing energy efficiency allows plant managers to reduce energy consumption without compromising product quality, making it an excellent business strategy for manufacturing companies.

Energy Recovery Wheels for Enhanced Efficiency

Energy Recovery Wheels utilize porous materials that efficiently transfer both sensible (heat) and latent (moisture) energy, minimizing the wastage of conditioned indoor air. By incorporating desiccants such as Silica Gel or other molecular sieves, the cost of air conditioning can be reduced, resulting in potential savings of up to 50%.

Limitations and Considerations

It is essential to acknowledge that ERWs come with certain limitations. Concerns regarding cross-contamination arise when fresh air is introduced to areas that handle lethal products, oncology medications, or hormone-sensitive products. Proper assessment and design considerations are crucial to ensure the appropriate use of ERWs in such applications.

Understanding the Working Principle of ERWs

The transfer of energy occurs between the supply air and exhaust air in an ERW system, adhering to the principles of the first law of thermodynamics. The ERWs are positioned within building ventilation systems where exhaust and outside air flow in different directions but are adjacent. As the ERW rotates, one-half of the wheel is exposed to outdoor air, while the other half faces contaminated air. This configuration enables a counterflow exchange, allowing the ERW to absorb desired humidity and temperature from the outside air and passively create the desired temperature within the building through different driving mechanisms.

The rotating wheel facilitates energy exchange from the higher to lower airstream, utilizing sensible energy (via a honeycomb metal matrix) and latent energy (via a moisture-absorbing material such as silica gel). Outdoor and indoor airflows are aligned in parallel ducting. As the outdoor air passes through the ERW, the exposed half of the wheel absorbs sensible and latent energy, transferring it to the inside air. This process keeps the airflows separate, and the exchanged air entering the premises is either warmed or cooled based on the physical properties of the Energy Recovery Wheel.

By recycling the beneficial properties of air inside the building, rather than relying on new energy sources, the exhaust air preheats the supply air in winter and pre-cools it in summer. The desiccant coating plays a crucial role in achieving these desired outcomes. Some systems even use Energy Recovery Wheels to reheat supply air after it has been cooled, offering an effective means of humidity control.

Maximizing HVAC Efficiency with Energy Recovery Wheels

Incorporating Energy Recovery Wheels into HVAC systems can improve energy efficiency while maintaining indoor comfort. By utilizing the capabilities of ERWs, facilities can reduce energy consumption and operating costs and create a healthier indoor environment. When selecting an ERW system, you must consider specific requirements and consult experienced HVAC experts. Embrace the power of Energy Recovery Wheels and unlock the potential for enhanced HVAC efficiency in your facility.

What are Purge Sections?

ERW designs incorporate purge sections to mitigate the risk of cross-contamination. These sections leverage the pressure difference between outdoor and return air to purge the trapped contaminated exhaust air with clean air before it enters the supply airstream. Strategically positioning the purge section within the ERW acts as a safeguard, eliminating any potential for cross-contamination and ensuring that only clean, fresh air is supplied to the indoor environment.

With DRI Rotor’s expertise in energy-efficient designs and commitment to delivering sustainable solutions, you can rely on our team to optimize your ventilation system’s performance and create a healthier, more comfortable indoor environment. Request a call back now.