IPACs provide energy efficient close control for Salisbury Hospital
Moducel, part of the Eaton-Williams group of companies is providing a close control environment for a critical resource at Salisbury District Hospital.
Salisbury’s computing facilities are a key part of the hospital’s infrastructure and the computer room, which is in operation 24/7, is dependent on a full function air conditioned environment.
Two model 40 units from its Invicta Precision Air Control (IPAC) range have been installed in a master/slave combination. Both units were sized for extra duty to enable future expansion of IT facilities by 50%.
The IPAC range combines energy efficiency with a fully featured air-handling unit that delivers precision air conditioning in the most demanding of environments. Widely used in medical environments IPACs can be found providing close control solutions for clean rooms, operating theatres, and pharmaceutical facilities.
Due to the size of the new IT department, which was a converted store area, split-level and in part of the existing area below ground level, access for ductwork was limited. Moducel’s regional office in Cardiff worked very closely with Terry Cropp, Salisbury’s resident electrical engineer to design an effective solution.
The IPACs for Salisbury District Hospital were manufactured with an upflow air pattern and provide full air conditioning functions, humidity control and heating. The units were mounted externally to free up space and feed the first floor with the return air gong back to the IPACs at ground level. Temperature within the computer room is maintained at 21ºC with 40-60% RH.
“In addition to supporting a wide range of facilities that include general administration and health records the IT facilities also support digital x-rays that help speed up treatment and care of patients,” explains Terry.
“The IT facilities are a critical resource, close temperature control is essential.”
One of the IPACs key attributes is its energy savings. Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust selected Moducel’s IPAC units because of the close control benefits and are keen to exploit its excellent performance in respect of energy efficiency. As a result, the hospital is looking at closer control of higher temperatures in the computer room and less reliance on cooling.
The computer room is unmanned therefore, comfort cooling is not an issue, substantial energy savings could be realised by raising the temperature and not cooling as much.
“We are assessing the demands of the facilities and looking to balance the heating load and cooling requirements,” comments Terry. A BMS system and environmental alarms are also in the pipeline.
“Ultimately the overall building design and demands of the hospital’s facilities, will define the level of control that is required.”