Cooling large Machine Shop in KSA

[AsifEFS]

Hi All,

I need some assistance in cooling a machine shop. To be honest I don't have a clue where to begin. A problem we have recently been having is overheating of electronic components of CNC machines and causing these to intermittently malfunction. Now these CNC machines have their own cooling systems but these are not enough in the extreme heat that we get here in KSA (as you can imagine being surrounded by a never ending desert!).

We have 4 large CNC lathe machines, and about 10 smaller manual lathes plus a welding area, all under one roof. I have attached a picture of the general area.

What system do I need to look at to cool this area to a more manageable temperature.

Thanks in advance.

p.s. I don't know if I am asking the question in the right category here.

 

[MintJulep]

A good start would be to quantify the problem.

How hot is it outside?

How hot does it get inside now?

What temperature would you like to maintain inside?

Do you want to cool the entire space, or only the equipment's electronics?

 

[trashcanman]

Cooling load = solar gain + outside air gain + internal gain.
For equipment internal gain, use the KW rating of the equipment. It cannot be more than the power requirements. Find out from the manufacturer the optimum temperature for the equipment. That will be the indoor design temp (max.).

 

[walz]

You have lots of glazing on all sides of exterior walls.
If the max temperature outside is around 116 def F. (which i suppose it would be) cuz i dont know which paritcular area is this in KSA. Go for DX Ducted Split Units. Size them based on total electrical load per area which should be not less than 200W/m2. (if electricity authority allows that, for which i think it will for such an industrial usage)

Put Condensing units outside and the evaporator unit inside (Floor Mounted) Run the Ductwork and install side grilles to throw air at minimum velocity of 500 FPM (feet per minute). Also make sure that their throw covers the whole area.

Make Sure that the air flow inside shouldnt be less than 30 CFM/m2.

Select these units at a discharge temperature not greater than 54 deg F.

If there are certain machines which are having more problem of malfunction, make sure to throw sufficient air towards them.

Package units cannot be used because for that you need to have big openings for supply and return ductwork in the side walls.

Introduce fresh air into it not less than either 20 CFM / person or 0.25 CFM/ft2 (whichever is greater). Use Sand trap louvers with 4 inch thick washable filters on the outside entry ot these louvers.

 

[AsifEFS]

Thanks all for the valuable information. I know where to begin at least.

Facility is located in the Eastern Province, city called Al Khobar.

Will report back if I need any more information. Thanks again.

 

[AbbyNormal]

East sounds like adjacent to the Persian gulf, about the most humid place in the world.

I would work out the required ventialtion rate and come up with an outside air unit to cool air down to 55 and blow it into the space.

If you are seriously considering cooling the whole place down you have a bit to figure out, otherwise you could consider spot coolers aimed at the general vicinity of the machinery

The way we build has a far greater impact on our comfort, energy consumption and IAQ, than any HVAC system we install

 

[imok2]

I would look at the feasability of isolating (Enclosure) the CNC equipment where they are or some modifacation threrof say with a roff and drop curtains for ease of access and using spot coolers ducted in to enclusure because trying to cool the whole plant will require a lot of cooling and looking ai the building it looks like you would need a lot of insulation work and very expensive. Yoy could try this concept on say a few units and the construction costs should be minimal.

 

[hollandhvac]

Al Khobar, nice place, but very very humid. A lot of your cooling capcity will go into fresh air load.

 

[marcoh]

First question is are you trying to cool the whole building for occupanct comfort, or are you trying to prevent the CNC machines from malfunctioning?

Cooling the whole building would be a large (and expensive) task, and would also need to consider proper insulation and ensuring the building is airtight.

Consider upgrading the CNC cooling systems or provide spot cooling to specific areas that need cooling.

 

[AsifEFS]

Ideally I would like to cool the whole building. Right now its so hot and humid that just walking through the machine shop gets you soaked, let alone working. I do feel quite sorry for my operators and workers. It's

I think right now I will have to go with spot cooling for CNC machines which is the cheaper option. We are moving to another location in a year and half so I will look at cooling the whole building in the next coming months and introduce it there.

Again, thanks all for your responses. Will keep you guys updated.