Proper Ventilation: Countering Heat Stress in Indoor Environments

High ambient temperatures and humidity levels in Singapore’s tropical climate is a given. For most residents, dealing with the sweltering heat is an everyday affair, but what may not be obvious is the damaging effects that heat has on one’s physical health, mental well-being, and performance.  

In an environment where there is excessive heat, a worker’s physical functions, capabilities, work capacity and productivity are significantly reduced. And while heat stress is usually associated with outdoor work, it can occur in indoor workplace environments with inadequate ventilation or facilities involving processes with radiant heat.

For Japanese lubricant manufacturer, Kyodo Yushi, workplace safety and management of heat exposure has always been a priority. Headquartered in Kanagawa, the company established its Singapore presence back in 1992 and the Tuas facility is one of four production bases it owns outside of Japan. In April 2019, the team at Kyodo Yushi Asia decisively embarked on a renovation and remodeling project, and Mitsubishi Electric Asia (MEAP) partnered a general contractor to design and supply a brand-new ventilation system for the workshop.

The Search for Better Air and Comfort

The brief was simple. The customer wanted to improve ventilation and increase worker comfort in the main work area where the boilers (heat source) were located. The engineers from MEAP did a quick audit of the existing equipment and proposed a comprehensive, energy-efficient solution that combines air conditioning units with air conducting fans and high-pressure fans.

A comprehensive system that considers fresh air intake, indoor air circulation, and exhaust air removal.

In particular, the team recommended installing a new set of high-pressure fans for fresh air intake, replacing the existing set of exhaust fans near the roof, and fitting air conditioning units and ductless air conducting fans to maximise indoor ventilation. 

Mitsubishi Electric’s high-pressure fans create a safe and comfortable environment by replacing stale, indoor air with fresh, outside air. Designed with noise reduction in mind, the new fan blades effectively cut the amount of noise (at least 3.5dB and up to 6dB) emitted when the fans are in operation. With these high-pressure fans, workers are assured of better air quality in the main work area. 

At the same time, the air conditioning units provide cool air while the air conducting fans circulate it throughout the large indoor space. The air conducting fans generate airflow to solve ventilation and air-conditioning challenges, effectively delivering air movement as far as 30m away. This improves the indoor work environment by reducing temperature variations and it also enhances the air-conditioner’s cooling performance to cover a wider area. Moreover, the airflow generated by these fans provided a wind speed assist effect that translated to thermal sensations that were 1-2°C cooler than actual temperatures measured.

An Efficient, Effective Solution

MEAP successfully completed the installation for Kyodo Yushi Asia in March 2020. Commenting on their experience, Mr. Chua Chuen Wai, Assistant Plant Manager, Kyodo Yushi Asia, shared, “We’re very pleased with the all-rounded ventilation system that the team designed for us. Not only does it serve our needs perfectly, but it also fulfils our desire to be energy-efficient throughout the plant.”

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations that clearly illustrate Temperature Distribution and Wind Velocity. 

Furthermore, the MEAP team included clear layout plans and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations with their proposal right from the start. This additional capability greatly boosted the customer’s impression as not many companies were able to confidently illustrate the desired outcomes. 

Chua added, “Even in the early stages of discussion, we had assurance that the MEAP team understood our challenges and knew exactly how to address them. We’re glad that we found the right partner to help us with mitigating heat stress on our shop floor.”

As climate change continues to intensify and more extreme weather events pop up around the globe, heat stress and its effects on humans will become increasingly critical to watch. Companies must manage heat exposure and protect their workers from heat-related hazards, whether on humane and welfare grounds, or for productivity reasons.

To learn more about MEAP’s effective and efficient ventilation systems, visit www.mitsubishielectric.com.sg/products-solutions/commercial-office/commercial-ventilators/ or contact us here.