A Successful Case Study ​- Improving Cooling Efficiency in Maternity Unit

Improving Cooling Efficiency in Maternity Unit – A Successful Case Study ​

Introduction: In collaboration with a NHS Trust, our team at SR Industrial undertook a comprehensive project to enhance the cooling capabilities of the Maternity Unit. ​ This case study highlights the work we carried out and the positive outcomes achieved through our expertise and innovative solutions.

Objective: The primary objective of the project was to address the extreme temperatures experienced in the maternity unit during the summer of 2022. ​ Our goal was to determine the feasibility of incorporating chilled water cooling coils into the existing air handling plants and propose cost-effective solutions to improve cooling efficiency. ​

Challenges:

1. Extreme Temperatures: The maternity unit faced significant temperature fluctuations, with external ambient conditions ranging from 28°-38°C locally. ​ This posed a challenge in maintaining a comfortable environment for patients and staff.
2. Outdated Cooling System: The existing cooling system relied on air cooled chillers and lacked the capacity to provide cooling to all air handling plants in the unit. ​ Upgrading the system without disrupting operations was a critical challenge.

Approach:

1. Feasibility Study: We conducted a thorough feasibility study to assess the existing central chilled water system and air handling plants. ​ This involved understanding the system’s capacity, identifying potential areas for improvement, and evaluating budget costs for proposed solutions.
2. Innovative Cooling Solutions: Instead of adding remote cooling coils, we proposed adapting the central air handling plants to incorporate central chilled water cooling provision. ​ This approach maximized the existing infrastructure and minimized additional costs.
3. Energy Efficiency Measures: In addition to improving cooling efficiency, we recommended replacing the outdated Centrifugal fans with more energy-efficient EC plug fans. ​ This not only reduced energy consumption but also provided the possibility of incorporating fan failure standby. ​

Results:

1. Enhanced Cooling Capacity: By adapting the central air handling plants, we successfully expanded the provision of cooling to all main air handling plants in the maternity unit. ​ This ensured a comfortable environment for patients and staff, even during extreme temperatures.
2. Cost-Effective Solutions: Our proposed solutions, including unit-by-unit conversion and incorporating necessary chilled water plant adaptations, proved to be cost-effective alternatives. This allowed for future expansion and flexibility in incorporating cooling facilities as needed. ​
3. Energy Savings: The replacement of outdated Centrifugal fans with energy-efficient EC plug fans resulted in significant energy savings. ​ This not only reduced operational costs but also improved the overall sustainability of the facility.

Conclusion: Through our expertise and innovative solutions, we successfully improved the cooling efficiency in the Maternity Unit. ​ Our work involved adapting the existing infrastructure, incorporating cost-effective solutions, and enhancing energy efficiency. The project’s outcomes not only addressed the extreme temperatures experienced but also provided a comfortable and sustainable environment for patients and staff.

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