CAREL has just completed a major Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) project for the Paideia International Hospital in Italy.
The installation included CAREL humidification systems, adapted and integrated into the air handling units, combining hygiene with reduced energy consumption.
Scientific research carried out over the last two years to find solutions to the problems of ventilation in buildings has shown that correct ventilation and correct indoor relative humidity control are fundamental tools for making indoor spaces healthier, reducing the spread of viruses and bacteria and at the same time stimulating a positive attitude amongst occupants.
Recent regulations include requirements that take this scientific evidence into account, as well as promoting approaches to drive increases in system energy efficiency. Nonetheless, the specific needs of buildings mean dedicated solutions are needed to make best use of energy resources and limit running and maintenance costs.
Together with the Luigi Giuliani design firm in Rome, CAREL examined both the environmental conditions of the various areas of the hospital and the design requirements, proposing two different humidification technologies and a maintenance project for the 21 air handling units operating in the clinic.
Most of the installed units are adiabatic humidifiers, certified for hospital environments and with very low energy impact, guaranteeing high performance and the lowest possible energy consumption:
CAREL’s humiFog technology in fact exploits the high pressure of the water provided by a volumetric pump to obtain extremely fine atomisation through special atomising nozzles.
The water evaporates in a short distance inside the air handling unit, just 600-800 mm. Management of washing cycles, the materials used and the layout of the atomised water distribution system are the main characteristics that guarantee compliance of these humidifiers with the strictest hygiene regulations in force, such as VDI6022 certification, issued by TUV.
humiSteam isothermal humidifiers that produce sterile steam were also installed to respond to the system requirements of some of the clinic’s departments. humiSteam works by applying a voltage to metal electrodes immersed inside a special cylinder containing the water, creating an electric current that heats the water until boiling (Joule effect).
The quantity of steam required varies in proportion to the electric current, which in turn is proportional to the water level: a transformer measures the electric current, and by varying the level of water using a drain solenoid valve and due to the evaporation process, the current, and consequently steam production, can be modulated.
The system features quick start-up and a wide range of feedwater conductivity, for higher performance. Furthermore, built-in conductivity sensors and control software optimise energy efficiency and maintenance costs.
To maximise the benefits in terms of energy efficiency, hygiene and air humidity, the Paideia International Hospital also opted for the services that CAREL offers for its entire range of humidifiers. Inspection and maintenance carried out on the system have allowed the clinic to optimise running costs and extend the life of the units, while maintaining their performance over time.
