Type of works: supply and installation of Airedale chillers and close control air conditioning units.
HMS Excellent is the Royal Navy’s oldest shore training establishment and delivers a wide range of training functions whilst also providing support for the UK Operational Battle Staff and CINCFLEET. Communications play a vital role in the effective operation of the country's defence capability and require year round reliability. Airedale equipment provides an energy-efficient solution to the Royal Navy's requirements.
The CINCFLEET HQ monitors and controls the operation of the Royal Navy’s fighting ships both in peacetime and in times of conflict. Communications play a vital role in the effective operation of the country’s defence capability, and require year round reliability to ensure that the fleet can maintain contact with HQ at all times. Airedale has recently supplied chillers and close control units for use in the communications and controls centre of the Head Quarters of Commander in Chief Fleet which is based at HMS Excellent, Portsmouth.
Energy efficiency was a critical factor in the design brief. The use of a free-cooling chiller has resulted in considerable energy savings and the screw compressor chillers operate at low sound levels which do not pose problems within the locality. Project manager Ian Wright is delighted with the outcome of the new build project. “The Airedale equipment provides an excellent solution to the Royal Navy’s requirements, and the client is delighted with the performance and durability of the units supplied. A new BMS system was also supplied which will be fully integrated with the site-wide systems. By specifying a free-cooling chiller to handle part of the load we have been able to realise substantial energy savings,” he concluded.
Thermal Transfer installed four Airedale AlphaCool DF50 chilled water close control units together with an Ultima USC 650 kW screw chiller and a UFC 350 kW free cooling chiller. Two direct expansion air conditioners were also supplied for use in the UPS room. The chillers were provided with epoxy painted frames and phenolic coated coils to offer protection from the coastal environment. Airedale also commissioned the new units.
Airedale has worked with the Ministry of Defence for many years and Airedale equipment can be found in Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Army installations around the world. Airedale close control units maintain accurate operating conditions in air traffic control, communications, logistics and training establishments.