Computer rooms and telephone exchanges
The air-conditioning systems used in computer rooms and telephone exchanges must ensure the "well-being of the equipment", guaranteeing the right humidity, temperature, movement and cleaning of the air so as to not affect the correct operation of the equipment. For this reason, it is more correct to describe this as process cooling rather than air-conditioning.
The design conditions of the hardware in these systems must be assured so as to avoid read/write errors due to defects on the surface of the tapes, interference between the magnetic heads and disks, or cracks in some of the components. In addition, the maintenance of the correct temperature, humidity and air quality conditions prevents electrical discharges and the risk of irreversible damage to the equipment. In this type of application, an extra unit must be installed so as to ensure full cooling capacity even if part of the installation is not operating.
Process cooling in areas such as data processing centres and computer rooms differs from comfort applications, for the following reasons:
the design temperature and humidity conditions and thermal loads are considerably lower than the corresponding values in applications for personal comfort
the required quantity of fresh outside air is lower
the air must be filtered and distributed in the environment according to the layout and configuration of the hardware in the installation;
the number of operating hours of the installation is much higher throughout the year.
Theatres
In theatres, the acoustic characteristics must be suitable for the specific purpose the structure has been designed for. Sounds must be propagated in such a way that there is no loss in clarity, and, above all in the case of live theatre, the spoken words must remain intelligible.
In no other situation are the acoustics so important in the design of the air-conditioning system as in buildings made for theatrical performances. The large number of people that may be present inside the building, the layout of the various elements on different levels (significant differences in height), and the concentration of the activity into a short space of time (2-3 hours) at times just once per day make the design of the air-conditioning and air distribution systems very complex.
Museums
The buildings designed to house museum exhibitions are very complex structures. Along with the classic concept of the museum as a place in which works of art and ancient artefacts are preserved and displayed, the museum is also conceived as a space for interaction and experimental knowledge of past life. Furthermore, in addition to these functions, the museum often also includes archives, reception areas, dining areas and meeting rooms.
Different spaces with different uses mean different requirements when designing the air-conditioning system, as well as different priorities. For example, in the exhibition rooms the conditions must be suitable for the conservation of the work, without compromising the comfort of the visitors.
Atria, shopping centres and congress centres
Atria and multifunction centres have complex air-conditioning, acoustic, and fire safety requirements. Their architectural and attendance characteristics create problems that are at times difficult to solve. In the design of internal spaces in which special attention is paid to aesthetics, the use of plants, fountains and waterfalls also affect the acoustic qualities of the environment, while the decorative use of lighting systems affects the design of the air-conditioning systems. In addition, the significant height of the spaces increases the lighting requirements (at times satisfied by the use of large windows) and consequently the possibility of considerable heat losses or, vice-versa, the creation of a sort of "greenhouse effect".
In such elaborate spaces, the design of the air-conditioning system must respond to the various different requirements, while the use of building management systems allows substantial energy savings.
Hotels
From a systems engineering point of view, modern hotel structures are very complex, including not only the spaces dedicated to the individual guests, but also common spaces and service areas. In addition to this, there is increasing need for integration in the management of the safety and air-conditioning devices with the aim of optimising running costs.
Office buildings
Very often the buildings designed to house offices also include spaces dedicated to other activities. This increases the complexity of the design and the distribution of energy, and brings about the need for integration so as to optimise running costs. The comfort of people in the workplace is also fundamental for improving productivity.
Supermarkets
The design of the air-conditioning systems inside supermarkets is constrained by the effect of the refrigerated showcases and display cases installed inside. The cooling loads of the air-conditioning system, which vary throughout the day, must be kept separate from the loads of the refrigeration system for the storage of food, which are more constant. It should be stressed that the air-conditioning system, as well as ensuring excellent conditions of comfort for the people present, must also maintain suitable conditions for the correct operation of the display cases.
Despite this, it is useful to integrate the two systems together, as well as with the lighting systems, so as optimise energy consumption.
