Trelleborg Aerospace Ltd is a world-leading manufacturer of aerospace sealing systems and reinforced elastomeric components for the aerospace industry. Maintaining a comfortable and productive working environment is essential to support both employee wellbeing and manufacturing efficiency.
During the summer months, temperatures within the production area regularly exceeded 35°C, creating challenging working conditions. The company began exploring viable cooling solutions that could effectively reduce temperatures while remaining energy efficient and environmentally responsible.
- Client
The Solution
To address the issue, EcoCooling approved installers, Celsius Design, carried out a comprehensive site survey at no cost. The survey assessed the building’s thermal performance and quantified the potential heat load within the production area. The findings revealed that the facility was subject to more than 490 kW of summertime heat gain.
Based on these results, a bespoke EcoCooling based solution was designed and installed. The system comprised 14 wall-mounted, down-discharge EcoCoolers positioned along one side of the building, together with 9 high-capacity extraction fans installed on the opposite side. This arrangement created an effective crossflow ventilation system, delivering a constant supply of cool, filtered fresh air throughout the production area while efficiently removing warm air from the building.
Why Evaporative Cooling?
Evaporative cooling provides a highly effective alternative to traditional refrigerated air conditioning for large industrial spaces. Unlike refrigeration systems, which often struggle to cool areas where doors and windows are frequently open, evaporative cooling introduces a continuous supply of fresh outside air. This means doors and windows can remain open without compromising performance.
The technology uses water as the cooling medium rather than chemical refrigerants, making it both environmentally friendly and cost effective. A typical EcoCooler consumes approximately 460 m³ of water per year based on standard factory operation in Derby when used alongside an extraction fan. Each unit can provide cooling coverage over an area approximately 15 metres in diameter, delivering significant comfort improvements with minimal energy consumption.
With no refrigerants, low running costs, and a constant supply of fresh, filtered air, evaporative cooling offers a sustainable and efficient solution for industrial environments where traditional air conditioning can be expensive to install and operate.
The Result
By implementing the EcoCooling system, Trelleborg Aerospace gained a cooling solution specifically designed for the demands of its production facility. The system significantly reduced workplace temperatures, improved air quality, and provided a comfortable environment for employees, all while minimising energy consumption and environmental impact.
All equipment was installed during normal working hours, with no manufacturing downtime.
