Air conditioning
Humidity control and why it’s a necessity
John Barker, Chair of the Humidity Control Group, explains the importance of humidity control and some of the modern innovations to achieve it
A
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.
Positive effects
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,
www.heatingandventilating.net
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.
Solutions
The Humidity Control Group is made up of three main supply areas which are humidifiers, dehumidifiers and humidity measurement. All have
12 May 2024
DOWNLOAD THE HVR APP NOW
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36
