HTS Texas and PBK were tasked to find a solution that would solve Klein ISD’s high humidity issues in their older schools and one that would give students the best environment possible. To meet these requirements, A/W Mechanical installed 17 Munters Humidity Controls Units (HCUs) with over 62,000 cfm of 100% outside air (OA), provided by HTS Texas, at three Klein ISD schools including Northampton Elementary. The installation of these units provided multiple benefits for all three facilities.
First, the addition of proper OA lowered the buildings’ CO2 levels providing a better environment for the students.
In addition, the Munters units allowed the owner to avoid increasing the tonnage in their central plant to account for this increase in OA. This amount of OA is equivalent to approximately 475 tons for a conventional system and Munters was able to achieve it with approximately 300 tons. The Munters units can handle this increase in load with their high efficiency systems that utilize desiccant dehumidification technology and exhibit ZERO added reactivation energy.
The Munters HCU’s also lowered the moisture levels in these facilities and the buildings are now maintaining 50% relative humidity (62-65% previously). The lower moisture levels in the space also greatly reduced the latent cooling load from the existing system, allowing it to operate more efficiently.
Finally, with the addition of recirculation dampers, the owner can now use the HCU’s as the primary source of unoccupied cooling and dehumidification. Previously, the only method for unoccupied dehumidification was to run the central plant. Klein ISD currently has the ability to cool and more importantly, dehumidify the buildings during non-school hours using only the Munters HCU’s.
To accomodate Klein ISD’s tight summer schedule, the Munters factory increased production, allowing the project plenty of time for installation and commissioning.