Research & Development

Imperial College

As part of our framework partnership, Crofton was commissioned to design environmental control systems for the new laser laboratory facility.

Made up of three experimental cells in a congested space, the laboratory would be subjected to experiments at different times and for different durations, highlighting the importance for an environmental control system which was able to cope with load variation.

Further constraints included the need to keep the cells free of plant equipment, as well as being able to maintain the temperature within very close tolerances within +/- 1ºC all year and under dynamic load conditions.
 
The solution relies on central plant to filter, dehumidify and cool the air, from which air is distributed through ducts to a series of laminar flow panels. The supply air to each cell is independently temperature trimmed to accommodate local changes to thermal loads.

At the design stage, Crofton undertook detailed surveys and produced a series of construction quality plans and sections, fully coordinated with the multiservice installations, HVCA plant and equipment, racking and laboratory equipment. Careful consideration was given to air flow dynamics within the space in establishing the location and number of laminar flow panels, so that temperature stability over the laser equipment was achieved.