Maintaining Temperature & Saving Energy at Belfast International Airport
Key Objectives
- Maintain thermal comfort
- Energy Efficiency
The Challenge
Due to the high footfall and continuous use of their doors, it was very difficult to maintain a comfortable internal temperature. The temperature loss was affecting the overall thermal comfort, thus creating associated problems with staff and passengers’ comfort and higher energy costs.
The Solution
We carried out a detailed site survey and proposed the best solution which was the installation of two Microshield units over each doorway. Designed and fitted with two auto-actuators meant that the units only came into operation when the doors were opened.
We recorded the temperature within a one metre range of the entrances and studied both doors; one with the air barrier turned off and the other on. This meant we could draw direct comparison in our results and show the effectiveness of the air barrier. When the unprotected door opened there was a sudden thermal exchange and the internal temperature fell to less than 10 degrees. In contrast on the protected doorway the set point temperature was maintained at over 16 degrees with the door open. This proves that the air barrier is creating that highly effective seal across the doorway as promised. The air barriers are also preventing the ingress of smoke, odours and other airborne contaminants, therefore, air quality and general cleanliness are additional benefits. Staff and passengers also found the terminal more comfortable and the reduction in heat loss and reduced energy consumption has also been noticed.
