MONTH IN FM
JULY 2020 39
FMJ.CO.UK
ELY HOSPITAL OPTS FOR AN ECOCOOLING
FRESH AIR SOLUTION TO HELP PREVENT
THE SPREAD OF COVID-19
The Princess of Wales hospital chose
EcoCooling’s evaporative cooling solution to
address the high temperatures in both clinical
and sta areas. The units work as part of a
mechanical ventilation system that provides
fresh air and will operate at a fraction of the
cost of refrigeration based air conditioning.
The challenge
Not only was the existing air conditioning system
ageing and therefore becoming increasingly
ine ective, but it was also very costly to run, which
was an ongoing concern for the hospital. Another
consideration for the hospital was the cleanliness of
the air.
The legacy air conditioning system was based
on the recirculation of air over refrigerated cooling
coils, potentially allowing harmful bacteria to be
reintroduced to the areas. Now the opportunity
presented itself to install a solution that used fresh
air rather than recirculated air, to help dilute levels of
bacteria.
The solution
EcoCooling’s evaporative coolers o ered the obvious
solution, as they met all of the cooling and ventilation
requirements for the ward and sta o ice, whilst being
a certified legionella safe system.
Following a site survey, a system consisting of two
EcoCoolers was proposed. The new system would
provide 40% more cooling than the existing air
conditioning system at a fraction of the operational
cost. Most importantly being a fresh air solution, there
would be no recirculation of air or germs.
Being a versatile solution, the coolers could be
installed on the ground, therefore removing the need
for roof work, which helped to minimise disruption to
patients and sta .
An additional benefit is that open doors and
windows do
not a ect the
EcoCooler’s
performance
so suitable
internal
non-fire
doors within
secure areas
can be le
open, which
reduces
touchpoints,
further
minimising
the spread of
bacteria.
The long lifespan of the EcoCooler also means it
will not need replacing as quickly as the previous
air conditioning units, which coupled with the
significantly lower running costs and simple
maintenance procedures make it the lowest total cost
of ownership solution for the hospital.
The result
The hospital now
has a system that
works e ectively
to ensure
comfortable
conditions for
patients, sta
and visitors,
even on the
hottest days.
It is more cost
e ective to run
and substantially
more energy e icient than the old system, helping to
cut costs and reduce the hospital’s carbon emissions,
therefore supporting its sustainability objectives.
Being a fresh air solution, the hospital areas are no
longer filled with recirculated air, instead, sta and
patients are in a healthy, fresh air environment that is
safer as it reduces the risk of infection.
Benefits
Keeps patient and sta areas comfortably cool
even on the hottest days
A supply of fresh air that has naturally lower
bacteria levels than recirculated air
Low total cost of ownership, with much lower
running costs and a longer life span
Ability to leave doors and windows open without
a ecting the performance of the system
E icient cooling solution with much lower
running costs and energy consumption
No need for harmful refrigerants, making it an
environmentally friendlier solution
“We couldn’t be happier with the EcoCooling
installation in our inpatient ward and our sta
area. The solution perfectly supports our Trust’s
sustainability objectives, not only is it e ective and
low cost, it uses fresh outside air to help keep the air
clean. It’s an excellent system I think it will become
more popular as hospitals look to move away from
systems that use recirculation” said Chris Leonard,
Estates & Facilities Manager - Compliance & Technical
for Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust.
www.ecocooling.co.uk sales@ecocooling.co.uk (0)1284 810586
/www.ecocooling.co.uk
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