Exploring Advanced Humidification Solutions at ARBS 2024: A Visit to Carel

During my visit to ARBS 2024, I was drawn to the impressive and expansive stand of Carel. When I think Carel I automatically think of refrigeration controllers but a glance at the stand showed me how much I don’t yet know about Carel. With a diverse range of products on display, I decided to focus on humidification options, leveraging my background in PC3 laboratories.

HumiSonic Direct: Energy-Efficient Humidification

The first product I examined was the HumiSonic Direct. This humidifier is remarkable for its energy efficiency, using only 10% of the energy typically required by an isothermal humidifier. The key feature of the HumiSonic Direct is its ability to provide humidity directly to the room, eliminating the need for ductwork or sparge piping. This makes it an ideal solution for direct room applications. Mark Jones, a specialist at Carel, guided me through various applications, highlighting the versatility and effectiveness of this product. In my facilities management days I have worked in QIC2/3 labs where moisture builds on 100 micron mesh screens and restricts airflow – ultimately leading to ducts filling up with water ( as controls call for more steam) . I believe that this “direct to room” solution is a great solution to mitigate risk of ducts filling up with water e.g. low flow applications, moisture sensitive equipment in room, existing duct with insufficient insulation etc.

HeaterSteam System: Precision in Humidification

Next, we looked at the HeaterSteam system. Designed for critical applications, the HeaterSteam offers an accuracy of plus or minus 1% relative humidity (RH). It features a titanium heating element housed in a 316 stainless steel container, which is lagged to prevent heat losses. This system is particularly valuable for environments where precise humidity control is essential.

WTS Water Treatment System: Ensuring Optimal Performance

Carel also showcased their WTS water treatment system. Supplied with mains drinking water, the CAREL reverse osmosis water treatment system produces demineralised water with ideal characteristics for use with CAREL humidifiers and evaporative coolers. The WTS system is crucial for maintaining the long-term efficiency and reliability of humidification equipment. In my facilities management experience scaling is a major issue I have seen on humidifiers even in Brisbane CBD and water treatment was required to be retrofitted to avoid costs and disruptions of scaling.

Carel CPQ Selection Tool: Simplifying System Design

One of the highlights of my visit was exploring the Carel CPQ selection tool. Mark demonstrated how this tool integrates various components such as electronic expansion valves, humidification systems, sensors, protection devices, and controllers. The humidification tool within CPQ allows users to size a system based on ambient conditions, calculate the required humidification load, and select appropriate options. This tool is invaluable for designers and consulting engineers tasked with selecting humidification equipment.

Conclusion

Overall, my visit to Carel at ARBS 2024 was highly informative. The HumiSonic Direct and HeaterSteam systems offer innovative and efficient solutions for humidification, while the WTS water treatment system ensures long-term performance. The Corel CPQ selection tool simplifies the design and selection process, making it a valuable resource for professionals in the field.

Thank you to the Carel team for their insights and demonstrations, making this a worthwhile stop at ARBS 2024.