When Wilson Blanchard, property managers of the high-rise office building at 25 Main St W in Hamilton, spoke with their leaseholders about tenant improvements, one of the areas of focus was humidification—or the lack thereof. The call for humidification was primarily to reduce static electricity, which can be detrimental to modern electronics. We were excited to deliver a solution that both addressed static and created a healthier environment for tenants!
Challenges
The initial challenge was the significant humidification load of 1,400 lbs/hr, which was too large for typical electric steam humidification solutions. This would have required the installation of at least three gas steam humidifiers, leading to higher installation costs and budgetary concerns. Additionally, ensuring the system could maintain comfortable humidity levels while minimizing energy consumption posed a considerable challenge.
The Solution
The entire building was ventilated using two hydronic air handling units located in the mechanical room—one for ventilating the interior zones and corridors, and the other for the perimeter of each floor. The overall airflow in the building was 140,000 CFM.
We proposed a single in-duct adiabatic high-pressure nozzle system, which has several advantages over typical humidification solutions:
- Capacity for Large Moisture Requirements: The system can handle substantial moisture needs on a single unit.
- Flexibility Across Air Handling Units: It can be used in multiple air handling units without losing performance.
- Energy Savings: The solution offers an estimated savings of approximately $40,000 per year compared to standard electric steam systems and $10,000 per year compared to gas.
- Extended Free Cooling Window: The system enhances adiabatic cooling, prolonging the period during which free cooling can be utilized.
- Delayed Chiller Operation: It can postpone chiller operation during shoulder seasons, thereby avoiding peak demand charges.
Although the owner was primarily looking for a solution to alleviate tenant complaints regarding static electricity, the implementation of a proper humidification system also resulted in a healthier working environment. Maintaining relative humidity levels between 40-60% RH has been proven to improve indoor air quality (IAQ). The Sterling Chart provides a visual representation of the relationship between relative humidity and the viability of viruses, bacteria, and other harmful organisms.
Conclusion
The successful implementation of the adiabatic humidification system at 25 Main St W not only addressed the immediate concerns regarding static electricity but also enhanced the overall indoor air quality for tenants. By prioritizing both safety and comfort, we demonstrated our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern workplaces. The project showcases the importance of integrating effective humidity control strategies to create a healthier, more productive environment for all building occupants.
