Custom Dehumidification Units Help Elementary School Pass Makeup Test
Hvac engineers are starting to realize that nearly anything can be specified into a custom makeup air unit. For example, packaged makeup air dehumidification units with reverse cycle heat pump (RCHP) and enthalpy wheel options were specified recently for a hvac retrofit at the Walker Upper Elementary School (Charlottesville, VA). The packaged units were combined with a closed- loop, water source heat pump concept the 33-year-old school employed to replace its existing two-pipe unit ventilator system.
A water cooled, energy-recovery makeup air unit for a/c isn't exactly a new concept in schools. However, adding an RCHP to eliminate a separate hot water heating system, while also including an enthalpy wheel for energy recovery including dehumidification (summer) and humidification (winter), is unique for a school application.