When designing a HVAC system for critical applications such as a hospital, there are different aspects that need to be considered. Reliability is undoubtedly a main aspect. Thermal comfort and sanitary hot water are equally as important, as comfort is fundamental for a patients recovery. Hospitals usually require heating and cooling – plus sanitary hot water at the same time, and that can happen year round. There are different options to achieve this. Some projects will require the installation of a reversible heat pump plus chiller, for instance. There are some projects where the simultaneous cooling and heating demand can be met by a multipurpose unit like Daikin EWYD-4Z.
A multipurpose unit can be a great solution to simultaneously provide big buildings like hospitals with both cooling and heating, reducing running costs and speeding up ROI.
So, what are the benefits of using a multipurpose unit in a hospital?
Here are a few:
1- Multipurpose units can meet demand for year-round simultaneous heating and cooling
A multipurpose or 4-pipe unit can be the ideal solution for buildings undergoing strong opposite variable loads during the year. Also, multipurpose units are a main option for all those big buildings with double or opposite sun exposure.
Hospitals are among these building types, not only for size or sun exposure, but also for surgical rooms, where the cooling or heating demand is independent from the season.
In fact, medical facilities may require varying temperature levels depending on the specific use of the room. Surgery rooms often require low temperatures. They are usually kept cooler to ensure surgeons and nurses feel comfortable while performing surgery, to ensure against overheating due to their gowns, caps, gloves and masks.
2- A more energy efficient system
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that HVAC systems consume up-to half of the total energy used in healthcare facilities. Subsequently, there is an urgent need in the hospital building sector for more energy efficient HVAC solutions.
Being able to provide a big building like a hospital with both heating and cooling – simultaneously – with just one unit, results in significantly lower energy consumption. In fact, multipurpose chillers, when compared to traditional systems, can deliver the same cooling and heating energy with a 30% lower energy consumption. That means a traditional system consisting of a chiller and reversible heat pump, for instance, or a chiller and a boiler, is significantly less efficient than a multipurpose chiller.
3- Space
Space is another relevant aspect when dealing with hospitals and healthcare facilities. Large buildings requiring simultaneous cooling and heating, often lack the space for the installation of different units for these different needs.
In this case a multipurpose unit, a three in one solution able to simultaneously supply heating, cooling and sanitary hot water – can save space, as it can meet all the building’s needs with one single and compact unit.
To discuss your heating, cooling and sanitary hot water needs within your healthcare facility, with a qualified member of staff, please contact us on 0345 565 2700.