Importance Of Monitoring IAQ Amidst Outdoor Air Quality Plunging To Poor Category

Varun Pahwa, President, Desiccant Rotors International

Pollution has been a pressing concern in the national capital, especially as the city reels under the influence of deteriorating outdoor & indoor air quality. With the Air Quality Index (AQI) plummeting to the ‘severe category’ exceeding the 400 mark, people have been facing a lot of health issues. Looking at the severity of the situation, where the entire focus has been on air pollution outside, people fail to understand its significant impact on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), which can be more contaminated as compared to outdoor air.

The IAQ further deteriorates remarkably in commercial and industrial spaces such as offices, schools, airports, hotels, etc. Such spaces are majorly characterized by the large buildings with complex structures, making it difficult for the contaminated air to find an escape. Consequently, this significantly contributes to the buildup of pollutants, dust, and allergens within the enclosed space. Moreover, with the sharp rise in pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, carbon dioxide levels, VOCs, etc., they are responsible for giving rise to a range of respiratory issues, cardiovascular conditions, and neurological disorders.

Exacerbating the conditions further, long-term exposure to poor IAQ can lead to a condition called Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). People suffering from the condition generally experience fatigue, headaches, lethargy, nausea, wheezing, throat irritation, etc. SBS has also been linked to reduced productivity of the occupants as the unhealthy indoor air comes with the ability to severely impact the physical and mental well-being of the person.

Forcing schools to remain closed on account of poor IAQ, and even offices making major adjustments with 50% working capacity, it has a far-reaching effect on the normal functioning of commercial and industrial spaces. Therefore, understanding the repercussions, it underscores the importance of monitoring IAQ of the enclosed commercial spaces amidst rising pollution outside.

Considering that improving the IAQ can be very challenging for large spaces, installing advanced Air Purification Systems (APS) should be prioritized in the buildings. The technology comes with the proficiency to maintain good IAQ within the facility and, in turn, promotes a healthy environment for people occupying the space. It provides an innovative solution for eliminating the outdoor air pollutants at the source. Being well-equipped with honeycomb designed chemical filters it ensures 100% removal of gaseous contaminants and checks the entry of harmful particulate and gaseous pollutants at multiple levels.

This is majorly because it operates as a “beginning-of-the-tube” system, conducting purification of the air at the source with the help of advanced filtration technologies. In contrast to the standard air purifiers, which work within indoor spaces, treating outdoor air that has already entered and mixed with the indoor environment, the APS systems purge the air at the point where it enters the indoor environment. This fundamental difference positions APS as a proactive solution, addressing air quality issues before they infiltrate indoor spaces.

In addition to this, the systems maintain positive pressure across the indoor space, preventing the infiltration of contaminated air into the building. It conducts thorough cleaning of outside air with the help of proper particulate and chemical filtration before introducing it into the room. Thereby, residing well for diluting the indoor pollutants with the help of clean air outside, the systems also ensure maintenance of carbon dioxide with measuring units.

Therefore, with people taking refuge indoors with rising pollution outside, it becomes essential to deploy Air Purification Systems, especially in large buildings. This can play a pivotal role in checking the influence of outside pollution on IAQ and ensuring people are protected from a range of health problems associated with it.

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

Respiratory diseases: The role of indoor air quality in reducing the risk of disease

Modern-day glass facade buildings, commonly found in urban landscapes, often prioritize aesthetics and energy efficiency over proper ventilation. These structures typically rely heavily on air conditioning (AC) systems, with little to no provision for natural airflow or fresh air intake. As a result, indoor air quality (IAQ) in such buildings is often compromised, leading to a buildup of pollutants, dust, and allergens, which can exacerbate respiratory diseases.

Without sufficient ventilation, the concentration of indoor contaminants increases, creating an environment that can negatively impact occupants’ health. Prolonged exposure to poor IAQ, especially in commercial and industrial spaces where people spend most of their day, can lead to respiratory issues, fatigue, headaches, and in some cases, long-term chronic illnesses. As these buildings are sealed to improve energy efficiency, the lack of fresh air circulation worsens the problem, making it imperative to address IAQ concerns to ensure the well-being of occupants.

The spaces extensively depend on centralized air conditioning to keep the temperature cool, but in the process, the systems promote recirculation of stale air. This leads to the buildup of excess carbon dioxide and pollutants as there is no adequate escape for the indoor air. Hence, it is important to focus on meeting the optimal ventilation standards. Incorporating natural ventilation can bring a lot of relief, but to exercise ventilation of large spaces, Adapting towards using advanced HVAC systems can be of great help. It ensures efficient airflow for encouraging proper circulation of fresh air across the room, and in the process, it substantially reduces the excessive need to heat or cool a space.

The absence of fresh air leads to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), a condition where occupants experience symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and lethargy. SBS is a major contributor to increased respiratory issues and reduced productivity, as the unhealthy indoor environment affects both physical and mental well-being. Poor ventilation exacerbates the problem, allowing pollutants to accumulate within the space, which, over time, severely impacts respiratory health.

Indoors with poor air quality are packed rooms filled with harmful contaminants like particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and microorganisms, which aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and sinusitis.

This severely underscores the importance of improving the indoor air quality of the building. Ensuring the proper ventilation of space and deploying advanced HVAC systems can play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of indoor air. Elaborating on the same, let’s explore ways to improve the indoor air quality of the space.

Treatment of pollutants

In order to keep the contaminants in check, installing Treated Fresh Air Handling (TFA) systems come with a lot of benefits. It conducts the filtration of incoming air for supplying fresh air free from any pollutants, allergens, or contaminants. Pre-conditioning the air before it enters the room, it curtails the probability of airborne diseases in people residing in the space.

Humidity control

Humidity is a crucial factor responsible for poor IAQ. But excess moisture in the air is the playground for the proliferation of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, mold, mildew, etc., which can cause nasal and throat irritation, aggravate asthma attacks, irritate the respiratory system responsible for bronchitis, sinusitis, etc.

Therefore, making use of Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems aids in controlling the humidity of the space while exercising proper ventilation of the space. At the same time, they help in removing the unpleasant odour due to humidity and contribute to the comfort of the occupants.

Green Buildings

Understanding the importance of IAQ in keeping respiratory diseases at bay, going for green building solutions significantly comes to aid in maintaining acceptable air quality within the enclosed space. Moreover, considering that the wave of sustainability is being realized across the sector, industry players are adopting net-zero buildings with alacrity. Making use of sustainable materials with negligible emissions of harmful VOCs, the structures inherently ensure that pollution within the space is controlled. At the same time, by incorporating smart designs, the buildings prioritize proper air filtration and natural ventilation of the rooms. Therefore, by maintaining a healthy indoor environment, smart buildings ensure the well-being of the occupants.

Author: 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

Ensuring Product Quality and Worker Safety with Evaporative Cooling

By D Roy Choudhury, AVP, Desiccant Rotors International | The Machinist | May 21, 2024

Industry players are seeking cost-effective solutions for cooling their spaces in anticipation of the hot summer months. The article outlines why evaporative cooling is a viable option for effectively cooling large spaces, such as manufacturing facilities.

With the onset of summer, heatwaves remain a matter of concern among people. Adding to it, working in industrial plants compounds the heat problem as the spaces are inherently complex structures containing heavy machinery where critical processes are carried out. Considering the critical nature of these processes, they further contribute to the dissemination of a significant amount of heat. Predictions based on IMD reports indicate an impending heatwave expected to reach its peak between May and June, can further worsen the situation in an industrial plant setup. The heat within the facility can lead to deterioration of the products, which can immensely compromise the quality and jeopardise the profitability of the company. In addition to this, inadequate cooling owing to the complexity of the structure coupled with the rising temperatures can account for uncomfortable conditions, making the premises unsuitable for working. Additionally, prolonged exposure to excessive heat can lead to a phenomenon called heat stress among the occupants. Symptoms such as swelling, cramps, and exhaustion can also develop among the employees.

These factors collectively impede the productivity of the employees and interfere with the smooth functioning of the day-to-day operations. Therefore, to optimise the output of the plant, it is imperative to maintain the temperature within comfortable limits to boost the performance of the employees. However, cooling down the excess space in large facilities consumes a significant amount of energy. Moreover, with the impending sweltering summer,
industry players are seeking cost-effective solutions to efficiently cool their spaces. Industrial evaporative cooling emerges as the most viable solution for effectively cooling large spaces. Installing air conditioning can be challenging and costly, requiring a large number of systems and leading to high installation, maintenance, and operational costs. Conversely, evaporative cooling ventilates premises in the most economical way, with minimal capital costs for installation and setup prices just one-fourth of those for air conditioning systems. Industrial evaporative cooling provides a cost-effective solution by continuously utilising natural resources to cool spaces in an environmentally friendly manner. By extracting 100 per cent natural air from the surroundings, this mechanism ensures a continuous supply of oxygen to cool large industrial spaces while also eliminating fumes, odours, carbon dioxide, airborne impurities, and built-in dust. This circulation of fresh air reduces sultriness and removes stagnant indoor air, which is responsible for the proliferation of viruses and bacteria. Therefore, in addition to fulfilling the task of cooling down the plant, evaporative cooling plays a crucial role in enhancing the indoor air quality as well. Evaporative cooling significantly lowers temperatures by 10°C to 12°C by employing water-saturated cooling pads to filter out hot, dry air. This mechanism initiates water evaporation to form cool vapours, thereby providing a cooling effect. High-adsorbent materials are utilised to further enhance saturation efficacy, ultimately reducing the overall running costs of the machines. Consequently, there is a notable reduction in energy consumption, with evaporative cooling systems using 80 per cent less electricity compared to other cooling solutions on the market. Brands such as ARCTIC can proficiently achieve the required air quality and effectively cool spaces in a comfortable and hassle-free manner. Considering the wide array of advantages evaporative cooling offers, it has the potential to increase plant productivity. By improving employee comfort and concentration in hot conditions and ensuring optimal machine performance by preventing overheating, these cooling systems contribute to both employee well-being, safety, and operational efficiency within the plant.

Mitigating poor IAQ concerns with efficient ventilation

By Rahul Aeron, Vice President, Desiccant Rotors International | The Daily Guardian| March 05, 2024

With the plummeting Air Quality Index at the onset of winter, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) remains a pressing matter as it can severely impact the health of the occupants. Where pollution is engulfing the country, people prefer staying indoors to avoid being exposed to severe pollution levels outside. But contrary to the common misconception that air inside the room is safe, it comes as a surprise to many that indoor air is 10 times worse and more polluted than outdoor air.

This is primarily because packed buildings lack proper ventilation. With people keeping the doors and windows closed during the winter, the air inside the room is incapable of escaping outside. As a result, the indoor air quality deteriorates manifold, making it severely polluted as compared to the outdoor air. The problem is further compounded in commercial and industrial spaces, such as healthcare, construction, factories, hotels, airports, offices, etc., as they come with complex and tight structures without much scope for ventilation.

The presence of numerous indoor air pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the form of synthetic building materials, furnishings, cleaning supplies, etc. invariably degrades the air within the closed premises. To further escalate the problem, the presence of humidity in the space encourages the growth of microorganisms such as mould and mildew that give rise to musty odour and severely affect the well-being of the occupants.

Poor IAQ can give rise to breathing issues, lethargy, pain in the eye, coughing, headaches, fatigue, and many more health conditions. In addition to this, inadequate ventilation can cause a phenomenon called ‘Sick Building Syndrome’ that can impact the overall health and well-being of a person.

Therefore, gauging the health consequences arising from poor IAQ, it is imperative that occupants focus on improving the ventilation of the enclosed space to experience enhanced public health. By improving the IAQ, ventilation can invariably contribute to curtailing the health risks related to respiratory illness and chronic conditions.
As a result, to achieve optimal ventilation, installing an HVAC system in the building can significantly enhance the proper ventilation of the space. It comes with the ability to supply a steady flow of fresh air throughout the building. It works on the mechanism of bringing fresh air from outside to carry out the dilution of indoor contaminated air. In the process of removing stale air from the inside, it also filters the pollutants coming in from the outside. The systems are adept at maintaining a positive pressure in the building that forces the contaminants to move out of the space.

In addition to ventilating the space, HVAC systems provide thermal comfort to the occupants. They employ advanced desiccant technology to remove moisture from the air with the intervention of hygroscopic substances. It comes handy in maintaining the optimal RH of the building which invariably contributes to toning down the air as per the requirement of the given space and goes the extra mile to inhibit the growth of unwanted microorganisms such as mould, mildew, and other substances.

Installing advanced Energy Recovery systems can further help in addressing the issue of poor IAQ efficiently. Making use of Enthalpy Wheels, the technology is adept at ventilating the space that too without compromising the air conditioning load of the room. Therefore, in the process of improving the IAQ, it also reduces the operational cost of HVAC systems significantly. Moreover, looking at the alarming rate of pollution, employing Air Purification Systems can be of great help in controlling the depleting state of IAQ. Being well equipped with honeycomb-designed chemical filters, it comes in handy in removing the gaseous contaminants from the building.

Looking at the rising menace of poor IAQ on health conditions, in addition to employing an HVAC system, people should also adopt Green Buildings with alacrity. By making use of green products, the buildings are the way forward in striking the right balance between the comfort of the occupants and reducing the energy consumption of the building.

Energy Recovery Ventilators: Enhancing Indoor Air Quality while Saving Energy

Urbanization has led to the emergence of air pollution at an advanced level. Global efforts are underway to address the environmental havoc caused by outdoor air pollution. However, amidst the magnitude of this issue, people often overlook the equally detrimental effects of indoor air pollution. Indoor air pollution can sometimes exceed the damage caused by outdoor air pollution, as it becomes trapped within enclosed spaces with limited ventilation.

Modern building structures, with their tight designs aimed at minimizing air infiltration, further exacerbate the problem by restricting the entry of fresh air. Consequently, indoor air pollutants such as formaldehyde, asbestos, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dust, pollen, dirt, pet dander, biological growth, and excess humidity accumulate, deteriorating Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and making it 2-3 times more polluted than outdoor air.

Occupants become highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of poor IAQ, which can lead to severe short-term and long-term health issues that may not manifest immediately but persist as underlying ailments.

Breathing difficulties, fatigue, and eye discomfort are some direct consequences of poor ventilation. At the same time, a phenomenon known as “Sick Building Syndrome” has emerged, significantly impacting overall health and well-being, particularly for individuals with pre-existing allergies and asthma conditions.

The problem intensifies in large commercial and industrial spaces with complex, tightly sealed structures and high occupancy. In addition to the negative implications on health, poor IAQ in settings such as offices, schools, and workplaces can significantly impair concentration and productivity among occupants.

Role of Energy Recovery Ventilators

Fortunately, the menace of poor IAQ can be mitigated by introducing clean, fresh air from outside into the building. Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) is the most effective solution for improving IAQ by continuously circulating cool, fresh air.

Energy Recovery Ventilators is a balanced mechanical ventilation system that conditions incoming fresh air by recovering energy from the outgoing stale air, matching indoor temperature. Not only does ERV efficiently eliminate thick indoor air, but it also replaces it with fresh outside air.

This versatile technology not only exchanges dry heat but also removes moisture from space. Furthermore, ERV minimizes energy loss by transferring humidity and heat from the outgoing stale/exhaust air to the incoming fresh air throughout the year.

Energy recovery ventilation is the future of intelligent buildings that prioritize energy efficiency. It seamlessly integrates with HVAC systems without compromising operational capacity, significantly enhancing overall efficiency. By adopting ERV, facilities can achieve comfortable conditions in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner, marking a significant step towards healthier indoor environments.

Exploring ERV and HRV Systems: Unveiling Their Inner Workings

As previously mentioned, ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilation) and HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilation) systems ensure a consistent supply of fresh air while harnessing and reclaiming energy before it exits the building. This remarkable feat is achieved through a heat exchanger, which transfers heat between the outgoing building air and the incoming fresh air. It’s important to note that the two airstreams never come into direct contact.

Instead, ERVs and HRVs employ various technologies to transfer heat and humidity, pre-conditioning the incoming fresh air. The choice between ERV and HRV technology depends on factors such as the building type, its specific usage, and any seasonal or climate variations that may come into play.

The primary consideration in selecting the appropriate technology revolves around the need for humidity control. While a heat recovery ventilation system solely recovers heat from the exhaust air, an energy recovery ventilation system goes further by recovering heat and moisture. This capability allows for effective control of humidity levels within the building. In most building applications, this can significantly impact heating and cooling costs, as well as overall comfort throughout the building.

Despite the seemingly complex nature of these systems, ERVs and HRVs can be highly efficient. The efficiency level can vary depending on the technology employed and its specific application. However, these units can generally achieve efficiency levels ranging from 50% to 80%, effectively capturing a substantial portion of the energy before it escapes the building.

By pre-conditioning the incoming air, an ERV or HRV reduces the load on the building’s HVAC system. This translates to lower energy bills and the potential to downsize the HVAC system, resulting in additional cost savings.

The benefits of ERV and HRV systems extend beyond reduced heating and cooling loads. These systems can help balance the ventilation system, effectively addressing any positive or negative pressure issues within the building. In doing so, they can minimize uncontrolled infiltration or exfiltration, if present (although tighter structures typically do not encounter this problem).

Moreover, ERVs and HRVs can be configured in various setups, whether integrated with an existing HVAC system or installed alongside a new one. This flexibility allows for customization based on the unique needs of the building.

At DRI Rotors, we assist our customers with the most profitable energy ventilators for their business needs. Get in touch with our representatives today to discuss the best solution for you.

Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems: Providing Optimal Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality

Various approaches have been undertaken to conserve energy and enhance indoor comfort. Initially, the concept was to seal buildings, minimizing the infiltration and ventilation of air, thereby retaining the warm or cold air inside and reducing energy use.

Unfortunately, this method quickly showed flaws as the building occupants started to experience symptoms like dry coughs, headaches, and nasal irritations. The culprit has been the contamination within the air conditioning system.

Research has consistently highlighted the correlation between indoor air quality and human health after this revelation. As a result, the approach shifted from sealing buildings to sourcing solutions from external air i.e. Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems.

So, What Exactly is a Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS)?

Judging by its name, one could assume the system is designed for outdoor use. However, having a system intended to enhance outdoor air quality wouldn’t make sense. Thus, it’s a system built outdoors to modify indoor air quality.

In essence, DOAS is an outdoor HVAC system, typically complementing other HVAC equipment. It acts as an air filter for the HVAC system, filtering the outdoor air before introducing it inside the building. As such, DOAS can eliminate outdoor air contaminants and minimize indoor air pollution.

Usually, HVAC systems must process a considerable amount of outdoor air to provide warm or cold air indoors. The high humidity of outdoor air can lower the efficiency of the HVAC. DOAS addresses this by dehumidifying outdoor air and reducing energy consumption during ventilation.

Hence, when used alongside an indoor HVAC system, a DOAS can significantly improve indoor air quality, decrease energy usage, and avoid moisture-related issues within the HVAC system.

Indoor Air Quality Begins with Proper Ventilation

CO2 management in occupied spaces is at the heart of most ventilation requirements. As people breathe out CO2, high concentrations of this gas can accumulate in heavily populated areas, potentially reaching levels as high as 2000 to 5000 ppm, compared to the outdoor average of 400 ppm. Adequate ventilation is crucial to maintaining low CO2 levels and indoor air quality.

The Power of Decoupling with DOAS

DOAS offers several benefits over central station ventilation, making it a preferred choice for many designers. These benefits include enhanced ventilation quality, decoupled energy efficiency, and better control over temperature and humidity. Traditional central air handlers and rooftop units generally mix, condition, and supply outdoor and recirculate return air to space through a single piece of equipment, with outdoor air making up a small fraction of the supplied air.

The primary issue with these systems is the need for more ability to measure or control where the outdoor air ends up. Using a DOAS unit to decouple the ventilation air from the central recirculated air ensures evenly distributed fresh air across the building.

Moreover, the decoupling process allows controlled delivery of ventilation air to only occupied areas of a facility, promoting energy savings in low- or mixed-occupancy spaces. Such precise control is unachievable with centrally distributed ventilation systems.

Furthermore, the conditioning and supply of ventilation air is typically the most energy-intensive part of HVAC systems. Extreme temperature and latent loads can overpower traditional central stations or small terminal conditioning equipment, causing temperature control issues and excessive humidity.

DOAS is specifically designed to manage the extremes of processing ventilation air efficiently. By decoupling the ventilation air from the recirculated system, facility managers can independently control space humidity and temperature using DOAS for primary dehumidification and recirculating equipment for temperature control. This method promotes thermal comfort and ensures fresh air delivery to occupied spaces.

Packaging Efficiency

DOAS achieves the abovementioned benefits by leveraging cutting-edge refrigeration, control, and energy-recovery technologies. Most DOAS units are packaged direct expansion (DX) systems incorporating efficient variable-speed or multi-stage compressors for precise temperature and humidity control. This broad range of compressor capacity modulation is crucial to maintaining optimal comfort while minimizing energy usage. Coupling variable-speed DX technology with energy recovery solutions, like enthalpy wheels, plate heat exchangers, and hot gas and liquid sub-cool reheat systems, allows for high efficiency even under challenging conditions.

As the focus on ventilation and air quality continues to grow among facility managers and building owners, a trend expected to intensify, DOAS systems are increasingly recognized as a viable choice to promote energy-efficient healthy buildings. Get in touch with DRI Rotors to keep your facilities more relaxed and comfortable than others.