Air cooling for automotive production

In today’s production environments, automotive manufacturers need to be equipped to deal with modern, heat-intensive processes as well as the rising temperatures affecting the whole of Europe. In order to maintain productivity, ensure employee wellbeing and meet tightening EU operating regulations, air cooling is a vital component for any facility.

While traditional air-conditioning may be an effective climate control solution in relatively well-sealed buildings, such as offices and smaller retail spaces, there are a number of factors that make them unsuitable for large production lines and extreme working conditions.

In most cases, evaporative air cooling is not only the most cost effective option; it is also the only viable solution in terms of practicality and cooling efficiency.

Key considerations for air cooling in automotive production

• Installation costs
  In large facilities such as car manufacturing plants, the upfront cost of implementing a climate control solution can be enormous. Moreover, the installation of complex systems with endless ducting and pipework can disrupt production

• Efficiency
  Energy usage already makes up a huge percentage of the overall production costs of a vehicle manufacturing facility. And while temperature control is essential, having a mechanical air-cooling system running constantly is likely to cause energy bills to skyrocket.

• Ventilation
  A supply of clean, fresh air is important for the health and wellbeing of staff working in almost every kind of factory. But due to the noxious fumes generated by paints and chemicals used in various stages of production, sufficient ventilation is a vital safety measure on automotive production lines.

• Practicality
  Particular zones of a vehicle production plant will be subjected to more intense heat levels than others; parts of some interior laminating processes, for example, take place at 120°C. This makes it a huge benefit to be able to guide cool air exactly where it’s needed.

How does evaporative air cooling compare to air-conditioning?

Using the naturally occurring process of evaporation to create a cold air flow, evaporative air coolers can refresh hot, uncomfortable environments with outstanding energy efficiency and a relatively straightforward installation process, or in the cases of portable systems, no installation needed at all.

Needing only negative pressure from a fan, and the interaction between warm air and water to cool a space, evaporative air coolers are not restricted by specific environmental parameters. And, unlike air-conditioning, which is dependent on a mechanical process using refrigerant gasses, evaporative air cooling is effective in well-ventilated or outdoor environments.

Powerful spot cooling solutions also allow for climate control to be implemented where it is most needed.

Where automotive production can benefit from evaporative air cooling

• Lower energy costs
  By using outside air and harnessing latent heat energy, evaporative air coolers are able to flow cool fresh air into a space and cut energy usage by as much as 90%.

• Better air quality
  In addition to using outside air to cool a space, evaporative air cooling units are able to filter dust, contaminants and other pollutants. They also help to maintain comfortable humidity levels, whereas air conditioning removes moisture from the air, often making it feel stale and dry.

• Improved hygiene
  Evaporative air cooling units from Dantherm Group not only pre filter air before it is recirculated into a space, but also come fitted with UV lights to kill viruses and bacteria that have the potential to infiltrate the atmosphere.

• Added convenience
  Because they don’t rely on sealed environments to work at maximum efficiency, evaporative air cooling units can flow cool air to where it is most needed without being affected by opening doors or large open spaces.

To learn more about the benefits of evaporative air cooling for large-scale automotive production, or to discover the industry-leading stationary and spot cooling solutions from Dantherm Group, fill out the form below to contact our team of experts.