Controlled humidification for research experiments
Controlled humidification for research experiments
The ALBA synchrotron, the biggest scientific centre ever built in Spain, is located in Cerdanyola del Vallès, 20 kilometres from Barcelona. The synchrotron is an electron accelerator that generates very fine beams of X-radiation. These beams, when suitably focused, allow scientists to analyse the atomic and molecular composition of various samples of materials, ranging from proteins to viruses, as well as microelectronic devices and new materials. Due to the heat created by the magnets used to deviate the path of the electron beam around the circumference of the storage ring (268.8 metres), a humidification and cooling system has been developed, made up of six air handling units. The contrast was awarded to Axima Suez (now called COFELY CONTRACTING S.A.U.), one of the leading European groups operating in the fields of air-conditioning and industrial and commercial refrigeration systems. The environment is now air-conditioned by six 18,500 m3/h primary air handling units (AHUs), complete with humidification compartment supplied with two humiFog humidifiers. The supervisory system software, according to the outside conditions, decides whether to activate freecooling with enthalpy control or humidification. The temperature and humidity set points are maintained according to design requirements, as evidenced during the inauguration of the accelerator in March 2010.
