Application prospects of a central air conditioning system in an engine room at a waste water pumping station

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Engineering support is crucial for controlling microclimate parameters in rooms experiencing high thermal excesses. It is necessary for mitigating the impact of technological processes on worker health. Recent instrumental research has classified the engine room of a high-voltage sewage pumping station as one such environment, owing to its specific technological conditions that result in significant heat generation. This has led to exploring the potential use of air conditioning systems for such type of rooms in buildings. AIMS: The objectives are to assess the feasibility of implementing a central air conditioning system in the engine room of a city's high-voltage seweage pumping station and to calculate the capital costs for installing refrigeration elements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved reviewing current scientific literature on the viability of air conditioning systems for such applications and conducting preliminary calculations of the required characteristics for refrigeration equipment. It was found that modern design solutions for refrigeration equipment can be integrated into the engine room. RESULTS: The study found that installing an air conditioning system using an artificial cold source (refrigeration machines) for a structure operating with 5 pumps amounted to 49,450,000 rubles. For designs with 3 working units, the cost of the equipment was estimated at 25,650,000 rubles. Employing only air humidification strategies would reduce capital costs to 9,900,000 rubles (for 5 working pumps) and 5,800,000 rubles (with 3 working pumps). CONCLUSIONS: Although implementing an air conditioning system in high-voltage sewage pumping stations is feasible, it requires large investments during the installation and operation processes. Operating costs during warmer months would be higher if only air humidifying equipment is used instead of installing refrigeration machines.