GREEN MATTERS
Energy effi ciency in humidity control
Energy effi ciency is a key consideration in the decision-making process of any fi nancial investment, no more so than in recent years. As specialists in humidity control, Humidity Solutions is frequently asked for advice about low-energy systems. By identifying a few key application criteria, we can make a sound recommendation.
Two energy savings in one system results in potentially lower running costs for the temperature/ humidity control after adding the humidifi er. The system design also needs to be considered to determine which method of cold water humidifi cation is best suited.
F
irstly, we would look at whether the application requires a humidifi er, dehumidifi er or both. Secondly, does the application require cooling? If so, an adiabatic humidifi er
can assist in providing low-energy cooling. Thirdly, what is the duty required?
Humidity
Humidity can be added to the air by either boiling the water to generate steam, spraying/atomising water or by evaporation. Steam humidifi ers will unavoidably use a lot of energy in the isothermal process of changing the physical state of the water from a liquid to a gas (steam). However, as a system, this process may provide the most energy-effi cient way of adding humidity.
Hidew Refrigerant Dehumidifi er being used in a large swimming pool
Low-energy humidifi ers are generally adiabatic systems, which include ultrasonic, high-pressure spray and evaporative humidifi ers. Because no heat energy is required, the power source is only to power oscillators in the case of the ultrasonics or small pumps in the case of the evaporative or spray system. Consequently, these use approximately 10% of the energy to run the humidifi ers compared with steam generation. In addition, these cold water humidifi ers provide cooling to the air, which can reduce the load on traditional air conditioning. Two energy savings in one system results in potentially
Adiabatic evaporative humidifi er proving humidity and cooling to a data centre
26 June 2025 •
www.acr-news.com
lower running costs for the temperature/humidity control after adding the humidifi er. The system design also needs to be considered to determine which method of cold water humidifi cation is best suited. Large direct air systems are generally spray systems, while small laboratories or test chambers are often suited to ultrasonic humidifi ers. Data centres and manufacturing process control frequently favour evaporative systems. Despite using a lot of energy, steam humidifi ers may, in some cases, be the low-energy option for the system. This is because adiabatic humidifi ers, while using a small amount of energy, do cool the air. This can be a great advantage in environments where excess heat is a by-product of the
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