Humidifier aids emissions testing at Jaguar
One of the first customers to benefit from the latest developments in humidifier technology is Jaguar Cars who are using Vapac’s energy efficient gas fired humidifier.
One of the first customers to benefit from the latest developments in humidifier
technology is Jaguar Cars who are using Vapac’s energy efficient gas
fired humidifier.
Vapac’s Gas Fired (GF) atmospheric steam boiler sets new standards in humidity control by addressing energy efficiency and cost effectiveness without compromising performance levels. The prestige car manufacturer has taken advantage of the benefits by installing two gas fired units to provide greater humidification control for its emissions testing facilities in Coventry.
The test facilities at Coventry are in continuous use as vehicles need to be regularly tested and evaluated to keep abreast of legislation, emission controls and product development. The tests can vary from country to country; it is therefore essential to ensure that engines meet the required levels for each market.
On site Jaguar has four purpose-built test cells. Each cell operates as a stand-alone facility with its own control panel. They are fully equipped to monitor the car’s engine performance and emissions.
Prior to testing, vehicles are ‘soaked’ at 25°C to provide a control point. They are then put through an extensive battery of tests. The cells are required to replicate a wide range of climatic conditions and humidity is a key part of the testing.
Vehicles are tested at set design parameters, ranging from 20-30°C with 38 per cent humidity inside each cell. Prior to installing Vapac’s gas fired humidifiers, Jaguar relied on standard steam generators installed some 16 years previously. Although the steam boilers are on all the time even when not in use it is becoming increasingly difficult to meet the humidity requirements when carrying out 40°C and 10°C tests.
A decision was taken to upgrade each cell. Alternative methods of introducing humidification were explored including adiabatic systems, but the poor quality of the water, running costs and waste water were difficult obstacles to overcome. A number of solutions from various suppliers were explored but units were either over capacity or required ‘multi-banking’.
Although Vapac’s GF range had only just been launched, based on experience of using Vapacs in the computer suites and the company’s reputation in humidity control, Jaguar ordered two systems as part of the first phase of refurbishing the test cells. Two GF60P gas fired humidifiers were installed in a master/slave configuration, allowing the potential for either one of the humidifiers to run as an individual proportional unit should humidification be required whilst one unit is serviced.
Because the gas fired humidifier is nonconductivity dependent and incorporates a stainless steel heat exchanger, Jaguar were able to use an existing supply of softened water. This dramatically reduces scale build-up within the unit, reducing maintenance costs.
“We now have humidity control within ±2% which is equivalent to laboratory conditions. The GF units have met our performance requirements and provide a far more energy efficient alternative” says Alan Coles, Project Engineer at Jaguar.