HVAC Case Study
University of Adelaide Learning Hub

University of Adelaide Goes Green

After receiving feedback from students it was found that there was a strong desire for a central learning environment that provided access to the complete range of required resources. The theme of the Hub was to provide a natural learning environment that mimicked the outdoors. The roof is made from a transparent plastic to provide as much natural light in as possible and 100% outdoor air is used to condition the facility.

Challenge

To provide exceptionally comfortable conditions to the Learning Hub, visited by over 3,000 students daily, in the extreme heat of summer in Adelaide.

Solution

Climate Wizard Customisable Design
The University of Adelaide’s Learning Hub can maintain a comfortable 22 °C (71.6 °F) with a pleasant breeze despite outside temperatures frequently hitting over 35 °C (95 °F) and peaking at 45 °C (113 °F). The solution exceeded the original brief for required efficiency by a factor of 4, to keep the 10,500 m² (34,448 ft²) facility cool with 100% fresh air. This installation of 11 Climate Wizard High Volume Modules (HVM) uses zero CFCs or other harmful refrigerants. This installation is most likely the largest single indirect evaporative project in the world today, with a design cooling capacity of 465kW, when the outside air temperature is 45 °C (113 °F).

The Result

Several years after the commissioning date the central Climate Wizard air conditioning system has not skipped a beat. The University Plant Engineer is full of praise for the Climate Wizard system and for the comfortable and fresh conditions maintained during the hot Adelaide summer. The students as well appreciate the openness and cool comfortable environment in which to study and relax.