Industrial air conditioners maintain an ambient interior temperature and humidity for factories, warehouses, manufacturing units, etc.
Various industries use industrial ACs are designed by focusing on the specific requirements of particular industries.
Their complex components operate together to maintain a preferred range.
Let’s simplify how an industrial AC works by understanding its components first.
Components of Modern Industrial AC for Temperature and Humidity Control
Industrial air conditioners comprise complex and more efficient components in maintaining interior temperature and humidity than domestic units. These components are:
Compressor
A compressor is considered the heart of an industrial AC. It compresses a gaseous refrigerant to liquefy by increasing pressure and temperature to initiate heat transfer.
Evaporator
In the evaporator, the air cools down once it loses heat to the liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant gains more heat and goes to the condenser.
Condenser
A condenser is a medium that lets the refrigerant lose heat and release it to the environment. The refrigerant liquefies again and returns to the compressor to repeat the same process.
Expansion Valve
An expansion valve reduces the refrigerant pressure and temperature to maximise its ability to absorb heat in the evaporator.
Control System
The control system of an industrial AC comprises thermostats, humidistats, and actuators. It provides a human-machine interface (HMI) that operators can use to check temperature and humidity levels to make necessary changes.
Filters and Air Ducts
Most industrial ACs contain filters and air ducts to remove contaminants and maintain a consistent flow of cooled air in an enclosed space.
Additional Components
These additional components of an industrial AC maintain a balance between the temperature and humidity levels in an enclosed space.
- Sensors: Independent sensors measure and monitor humidity and temperature to accurately display the levels in real time.
- Desiccant Dehumidifiers: These advanced humidifiers are installed for ultra-low humidity levels for specific industrial setups.
- Variable Speed Drives (VSDs): These units optimise airflow rates and moisture extraction. They enhance the energy efficiency of an industrial AC.
The complexity of these components is decided by the level of sensitive temperature and humidity control aligning with specific industries.
How Industrial ACs Control Temperature and Pressure: A Brief Overview
The industrial ACs are designed to regulate temperature and humidity by using the components mentioned above. Here is how a modern industrial AC works.
Controlling Temperature
Heat Exchange in Evaporator Coils
Refrigerants flow inside the cooling coils in an evaporator for heat exchange and cool down the air in contact with the coils. These cooling coils are distributed across the space to increase the surface area for efficient heat exchange.
Thermostatic Control
Thermostats are precise sensory equipment that measure the temperature and maintain the required level. This equipment allows minute adjustments by following the manual commands entered in the control panel and helps set a temperature range.
Controlling Humidity
Dehumidification Process
In this process, warm air with moisture enters the cooling system and runs over cold evaporator coils. This step causes moisture to condense and collect as liquid water. The cooled air is almost devoid of moisture and is much drier than the hot air.
Reheating Function
In this step, the dehumidified air is then reheated following the set temperature range. This partially heated air reaches the ambient temperature and keeps the interior to strike a balance between the optimal temperature and comfortable humidity.
So, why both temperature and humidity need to be controlled? Here are a few reasons.
Benefits of Controlling Temperature and Humidity by Industrial ACs
Proper control of temperature and humidity inside an industrial setup imparts the following benefits.
Operational Efficiency
Industrial equipment loses heat inside an enclosed space and may compromise the overall product quality. Overheating may also compromise equipment integrity. It may also impact on the operators’ cognisance and may affect the outcomes.
Hence, a controlled interior atmosphere ensures operational efficiency for manufacturing, assembling, storing, etc. For instance, an industrial AC avoids equipment overheating and maintains server uptime.
Product Quality
Industrial ACs can improve product quality by managing humidity and temperature levels. The shelf lives of products like pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food, beverages, etc increase.
In the same aspect, industrial ACs can maintain consistency for electronics like server rooms, product storage, warehousing facilities, packaging facilities, etc.
Energy Consumption Optimisation
Sensors and VSDs manage industrial AC output on a real-time basis and optimise energy consumption.
So, industrial AC’s dual focus on temperature and humidity boosts operational efficiency, reduces maintenance charges, and maintains product quality.
The next question is what type of industrial AC is ideal for your setup. This is where industries rely on Tempcon’s genuine industrial AC solutions.
Trust Tempcon for Industrial AC Needs
Invest in the right solutions with Tempcon’s expertise. We bring four decades of experience to the table to understand your specific needs and provide the same. Our industrial ACs can efficiently control temperature and humidity without compromising energy usage.
Let us help you find the right industrial AC solutions for maximum productivity.
