Monodraught Cool-Phase system takes to the ceiling
Monodraught has introduced a ceiling-mounted version of its Cool-Phase system. It has a thermal-energy store using a phase-change material combined with intelligently controlled ventilation to cool buildings. The system can maintain temperatures within the comfort zone while reducing energy consumption by up to 90% compared to conventional systems.
During Summer nights, cool outside air is passed through the heat exchanger to remove heat accumulated during the previous day. The total cooling provided is a combination of the thermal energy stored in the unit, the effects of free cooling and night-time ventilation.
In Winter, Cool-Phase works in reverse, trapping waste heat and using it to warm cool fresh air entering the building.
A Cool-Phase system installed in 2009 for Workspace in a commercial office suffering from overheating caused by high solar gains through the windows and roof has been monitored and results compared with an identical ‘control’ space. Over the warmest six months of 2009, the average daily peak temperature was reduced from 27.2°C to 22.7°C. Compared with conventional air conditioning, electricity savings are estimated to have been 86%.
An installation in a central-London school where the temperature was above 25°C for 56% of occupied hours the previous Spring term no longer suffered such high temperatures. In addition, CO2 levels were maintained below 1500 ppm compared with previously exceeding that level for 42% of occupied hours.
