ROLE OF HVAC SYSTEMS IN WAREHOUSES

Warehouses are critical components of the supply chain industry. The need for an efficient warehouse has become even more essential due to the pandemic. The size of India's e-commerce market has more than doubled in the last year. As the size of India’s e-commerce market grows, the demand for warehouse spaces has also increased. Hence, maintaining a proper environment in a warehouse is very essential. Every warehouse has different temperature requirements. Some warehouses must maintain a low temperature for products that require cold storage, whereas humidity is an issue in others. Ventilation is critical in a warehouse that serves as a distribution center.

What is an HVAC System?

HVAC, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning is a mechanical discipline that is part of MEP. It is a combined system that can heat or cool the atmospheric air while conditioning the air quality based on the needs. Indoor HVAC systems can be used for tasks such as cooling, heating, moisture control, dust removal, and oxygen replenishment. The HVAC system is divided into three distinct systems: heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

Although the HVAC system can be customized according to operational needs, its basic components remain the same. The following are the basic components of the HVAC system are:

·       Air Return Setup

·       Air Filters

·       Electronic Heating Elements

·       Exhaust Outlet

·       Compressors

·       Blowers

·       Coil

Benefits of HVAC Systems in Warehouses

1.     Maintaining proper warehouse temperature: Temperature control is one of the most important warehouse maintenance requirements. When the temperature rises in the summer or falls in the winter, it can damage the inventory, which can lead to unhappy customers. Extreme cold also causes other problems, such as exposing employees to cold-related illnesses. Maintaining the warehouse temperature (heat or cold, depending on the need) is difficult due to its large volume and common open points, such as large doors and windows, which cause air leaks. An efficient HVAC system will regulate the proper warehouse temperature.

2.    Air Ventilation in warehouses: Proper ventilation is very critical in a warehouse for the staff to work effectively. It also prevents damage to the inventory stored. An efficient HVAC system will maintain proper ventilation in the warehouse to provide a comfortable environment for the staff working in the warehouse.

3.    Saves Energy: It takes a lot of energy to heat or cool a large warehouse conventionally. According to reports, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) account for approximately 30% of total energy costs associated with warehouse operations. Modern HVAC systems have smart sensors to monitor employees through motion and heat signatures. These sensors send signals that indicate which areas to heat or cool (as preferred) and when to do so. When no one is in the warehouse, they turn off the warehouse heaters, resulting in significant energy bill savings.

Modern HVAC Systems in Warehouses

Modern HVAC systems in warehouses are more efficient and cost-effective as they are integrated with smart technologies. These smart technologies can be used in the warehouse HVAC system in several ways such as:

1. Cool Roofing: One of the main factors that make warehouse conditioning difficult is the roof as it is a major conductor of heat and cold. For Instance, the roof absorbs heat in extreme summers, thus undermining the efforts to cool the indoor spaces and resulting in unnecessary wastage of energy. This issue can be resolved by using a cool roof system, which is designed to keep the heat out. A cool roof system does not absorb too much heat from the sun because it is made with poor heat conductors and has a high solar reflectance.
2.  Transpired solar walls: Solar energy is the best alternative clean energy because it is environmentally friendly and conveniently cheap for warehouses with high utility bills. Thus, most modern, heavy-duty houses are built with transpired solar walls. A transpired solar wall is a perforated solar collector wall that absorbs and stores heat from solar rays. At the same time, cold air from outside enters the warehouse's ventilation system through the perforated wall and is heated.
3. Sensors & smart thermostats: As mentioned previously, smart sensors can monitor employee movements, and when it is used together with smart thermostats the sensors will send signals to HVAC systems indicating which areas to cool or heat and when.

 Conclusion

Although cooling and heating a warehouse can be a challenge, it is essential for the productivity and welfare of your inventory and employees. Luckily, proper HVAC systems can assist you in maintaining proper warehouse temperature. In addition, an efficient HVAC system will reduce energy bills and improve air conditioning efficiency in your warehouse. BuildMyInfra offers a whole range of services for building an efficient HVAC system in your warehouse. Contact BuildMyInfra for more information.