Energy savings and lower CO2 emissions library

The Queen Mother Library Aberdeen is a leading light in New Library design, both in terms of aesthetics and low energy use. This new library incorporates a gas-fired Combined Heat and Power (CHP) unit, which produces heat and power while minimising energy loss. Working closely with Arup, Munters incorporated their DesiCool™ system into the design to supply air to the new 25,000m3 library using CHP surplus heat to regenerate the system.

Thanks to the DesiCool™ system, good artefact preservation and study conditions are created whilst providing energy savings. The system meets the commitment to reduce CO2 emissions, energy use and running costs at the new library, whilst improving upon the current Building (Scotland) Regulations.

Munters DesiCool™ system uses this cooling principle to convert surplus heat at the Queen Mother Aberdeen library into productive cooling within one unit, which contains neither compressor, cooling surfaces or condensers.

The district heating CHP system is used to provide both heating and cooling to the Library. The cooling effect is achieved by using “indirect evaporative cooling” via Munters DesiCool™ system. The DesiCool™ systems on the roof will provide evaporative cooling to the ground floor to Level 7 and the lower ground floor offices.

This process absorbs building heat by evaporating water. Heat from the CHP unit is used to regenerate the DesiCool™ system and de-humidify the supply air. Electrical energy is saved since conventional chillers will only be required on the very hottest of summer days. The greatest heat demand in the New Library will be during peak summer months, when the Munters Desicool™ systems provide cooling using desiccant dehumidification and evaporative cooling. This will capitalise on the waste heat from the CHP engine, that would otherwise be rejected to atmosphere, since there is low heating demand across the campus during the summer.

Munters DesiCool™ system can be powered by hot water at a temp of 55-60oC and uses nature’s own method for humidifying and cooling air in the form of desiccant cooling - a solution all the more effective as it converts surplus heat. Waste heat is converted into cooled and dehumidified air which is then distributed into buildings to improve indoor comfort for people.

Thanks to Munters DesiCool™ roof and basement systems, Aberdeen library can monitor and adjust the climate in order to provide a comfortable study and learning environment for over 1500 multi disciplined computer using students and enabling the Library to create the ideal conditions for displaying the original Jacobean artefacts preserved in this iconic building.