AIR CONDITIONING, COOLING & VENTILATION A
John Barker, Chair of the Humidity Control Group, explains the importance of humidity control and some of the achieve it
controlled and regulated indoor environment is necessary for humans to be comfortable inside buildings. Humans need to have a thermal balance between
themselves and the environment they occupy, known as ‘Thermal Comfort’. Thermal Comfort directly influences the actual and perceived quality of the indoor environment; it is determined by the effect of the interrelationship between air temperature, relative humidity (RH) and air movement on occupants; together with human metabolic rate and thermal insulation value of clothing that occupants wear.
The amount of humidity in the air has a direct impact on Thermal Comfort which in turn impacts upon the health and wellbeing of building occupants. Maintaining the level of indoor humidity between 40-60% is essential in spaces that human beings occupy as it allows them to function optimally. Humidity is ever present and has a constant effect on how we feel and what we do. However, the human body is not able to gauge the levels unless the relative humidity is at an extreme.
Humidity is often spoken of in negative terms, but it is in fact essential for a great many Industrial, Commercial and Domestic situations. Maintaining an RH of 40-60% contributes to a healthy and comfortable environment. It also eliminates the build-up of static electricity. Let the RH fall below 40% and staff will start to suffer from dry eyes, respiratory problems and electric shocks. The close control of humidity is important to many industrial processes, where it helps to optimise quality and productivity. It also helps to provide the correct environment for the storage of products and produce and their preservation. As part of HEVAC, which is part of the Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA), the Humidity Control Group aims to raise the profile of humidity control. We as a group do not disagree with the problems caused by the extremes in humidity as it is our members who can measure, monitor, add or subtract moisture allowing us to create the ideal conditions for people or processes and thereby eliminating issues.
Our group objectives are:
• To promote an understanding of the importance and benefits of correct Humidity Control.
• To work with the HEVAC Association, to actively promote national and international policies relating to Humidity Control.
• To participate in the drafting of UK regulations, codes of practice and European Standards relating to Humidity Control.
• To prepare and publish information that will assist those responsible for the selection and application of humidity control equipment (Humidifiers, Dehumidifiers, Humidity Sensors etc..), as well as the commissioning and maintenance of this equipment.
Group members can offer practical advice and solutions in their area of expertise. This we look to communicate through the Group via
case studies, papers on Humidity Control, and approved codes of practice plus through social and print media attention.
The Humidity Control Group is made up of three main supply areas which are humidifiers, dehumidifiers and humidity measurement. All have different areas or industry sectors where they have a primary requirement. Humidifiers are commonly used for human comfort, whether this be in a medical institution or offices where they are key to preventing the transmission of viruses, stopping sore eyes or combating respiratory issues. Other sectors where humidification control is a major factor is within test chambers and laboratories where a required set level of humidity is vital for maintaining a stable environment. This is also the case in museums and galleries where a stable environment of the right conditions is key to ensuring the preservation of the artwork. Dehumidifiers are frequently used with swimming pools but can also create exceptionally dry environments, such as for the manufacture of lithium batteries or within the pharmaceutical and food sectors to ensure the transmission of powders. A more standard application could be to prevent corrosion on metal surfaces or the preservation of valuable items such as classic cars. A humidity monitor, or hygrometer, is used to measure indoor humidity levels. The device detects the amount of water vapour within a space. Humidity monitoring or measurement is essential to understand potential issues or to act as a warning before the moisture level goes out of specification.
This year we held the first ever World Humidity Control Day. The date, 12th March, holds historical significance as it commemorates the birthday of John Frederic Daniell, a pioneer in our field. His legacy as the inventor of the dew-point hygrometer reminds us of the profound impact that scientific advancements can have on our industry.
The purpose of the day is not only to highlight the significance of humidity control in specific applications but also to educate people on the impacts of humidity control on wellbeing and productivity. In future years we hope to add seminars and activities to run as part of the day and continue to raise awareness around this increasingly important issue.
6 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER MAY 2024
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