The processing workshop for metal materials such as steel and steel pipes covers an area of 15,000 square meters, is 8 meters high, has 170 workers, and is equipped with 10 heavy-duty metal processing machines. The outdoor maximum temperature remains at 35℃ for 3 to 4 months each year. How many kilowatts of cooling capacity is needed?
To estimate the cooling capacity (in kilowatts, kW) needed for a metal material processing workshop of the described size and usage, we'll account for space volume, heat sources (people, machines), ambient conditions, and ventilation.
1.Workshop Basic Information
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Area | 15,000 m² |
| Height | 8 m |
| Volume | 15,000 m² × 8 m = 120,000 m³ |
| Number of workers | 170 |
| Heavy machines | 10 units |
| Outdoor max temperature | 35°C (3–4 months/year) |
| Target indoor temperature | ~26–28°C |
| Structure | Steel/metal or concrete structure (likely with poor insulation) |
| Ventilation | Assume 5–10% fresh air exchange |
2.Cooling Load Estimation
Cooling load consists of:
1) Heat gain from the building envelope (walls, roof, windows): Poorly insulated metal buildings at 35°C ambient can contribute significantly
Estimated: 500–700 kW
2) Fresh air ventilation cooling load (5–10% new air): For 5% fresh air on 120,000 m³, ≈ 6,000 m³/h of hot air needs cooling
Estimated: 120–180 kW
3) People heat load: 170 workers × 150 W = 25.5 kW
4) Machinery heat load: 10 heavy-duty metal machines, assume 10–15 kW of heat per unit
Total: 100–150 kW
5) Lighting & miscellaneous: Estimated: 50–80 kW
6) Safety margin (10–15%): Adds around 100–150 kW
3.Total Estimated Cooling Capacity
Total cooling capacity required ≈ 900 to 1,300 kW
Depending on insulation, new air ratio, and indoor air distribution system.
4.Recommended Cooling Capacity
To ensure comfortable working conditions during peak heat months, allowing some buffer:
Recommended: 1,100 ~ 1,300 kW of cooling capacity
5.Cooling System Type Suggestion
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Air-cooled chiller + AHU/FCU | Best for large open factories, scalable |
| Rooftop package AC units | If roof load is acceptable, easy to install |
| Direct expansion (DX) multi-split systems | Not recommended for large industrial workshops |
