Laboratory responds to phase-change ventilation system
Ventilation problems in a busy laboratory at Bournemouth University have been addressed using Monodraught’s Cool-phase ceiling-mounted low-energy cooling and ventilation system. The system maintains comfortable temperatures using up to 90% less energy than conventional cooling systems.
The 100 m2 laboratory on the second floor of Christchurch House regularly accommodates 70 students. Restrictors on the windows limited the amount of fresh air entering, and it was not enough to reach all areas.
M&E consultancy Henderson Green was called in, and university energy officer Dave Archer drew the attention of managing director Russell Pitman to an article about Cool-phase in an HVAC magazine for consideration.
Henderson Green was asked if Cool-phase would meet the fresh-air requirements and cooling load, and Monodraught was ask to design a system and provide calculations to confirm if it could achieve the required performance.
Russell Pitman explains, ‘We reviewed and eventually tested the Cool-phase system against the air-handling option and found that from the energy-saving viewpoint Cool-phase won hands down — with relatively little increase in cost. Encouraged, we went into a more detailed phase with Monodraught to ensure that the initial calculations matched the requirements of the spaces in everyday operational conditions.’
Two Cool-phase systems were installed over four days with minor structural issues.
Since completion of the installation, Monodraught has been gathering its own data. The university estates department has also been recording data on its BMS, Both sets of performance data will be reviewed.
