Client Background
Fieldens OTR is a leading manufacturer of specialist products, committed to maintaining high operational efficiency and ensuring optimal working conditions for its staff. In their newly constructed poly-tunnel type building, maintaining stable temperatures was vital for both staff comfort and consistent production quality.
The Challenge
The poly-tunnel style building, while functional for manufacturing, presented significant temperature control challenges:
- Winter: The vast, open structure made it difficult to retain heat, leading to cold working conditions that could hinder productivity.
- Summer: The building’s fabric caused it to overheat during warmer months, creating uncomfortable and potentially unsafe working conditions.
The client required a cost-effective, energy-efficient solution that would provide stable temperatures year-round, without compromising the building’s layout or operational flow.
The Solution
After conducting a full site assessment, we recommended installing 7 x Fujitsu high-capacity wall-mounted systems. These units were linked to a single wall-mounted controller to allow centralised management of the entire system.
Why Fujitsu Wall-Mounted Systems?
- High Capacity: Each unit delivers robust heating and cooling performance, ideal for large, open spaces.
- Centralised Control: The single controller ensures easy operation and consistent temperature regulation throughout the building.
- Energy Efficiency: The systems feature advanced inverter technology, leading to reduced energy consumption and lower running costs.
All external units were installed on an adjacent wall, directly opposite the internal units, to minimise pipework and improve system efficiency. To maintain a clean and professional appearance, all external pipework was housed within a white decorative conduit.
Installation Process
- Site Planning:
- Mapped unit locations to ensure even coverage and eliminate hot or cold spots.
- Selected positions to reduce pipework length and optimise energy efficiency.
- Installation:
- Fixed base plates to the walls for secure unit placement.
- Cored through the building structure to run pipework from internal units to the external wall.
- Installed decorative conduit to neatly conceal external pipework.
- System Commissioning:
- Vacuumed and pressure-tested pipework for system integrity.
- Released refrigerant and ran full system tests to ensure optimal performance.
Challenges & Solutions
- Building Structure: The poly-tunnel design posed insulation challenges. By selecting high-capacity units, we ensured consistent temperature control even in extreme conditions.
- Operational Flow: The client needed minimal disruption to manufacturing setup. We carefully coordinated the installation schedule to avoid downtime.
- Aesthetic Finish: Despite the industrial nature of the site, the client wanted a neat finish. The use of white decorative conduit kept all external pipework tidy and discreet.
The Outcome
The newly installed air conditioning system now ensures a stable working environment across all seasons, improving staff comfort and maintaining ideal manufacturing conditions.
Key Benefits:
- Year-Round Temperature Control: Staff can work comfortably regardless of external weather conditions.
- Operational Efficiency: Consistent climate control helps maintain optimal production processes.
- Energy Savings: Centralised control reduces unnecessary energy consumption, leading to cost savings.
Final Thoughts
Both projects demonstrate our commitment to delivering tailored climate control solutions that balance functionality, aesthetics, and cost-efficiency. Whether it’s a retail space aiming for a premium customer experience or a manufacturing site requiring optimal working conditions, our approach ensures long-term results that clients can rely on.
