GRO-AHU: New Air Handler for Indoor Grow Rooms Lowers HVAC Tonnage Required
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The new CES Gro-AHU offers indoor growers better control of the growing environment, less refrigeration tonnage required than conventional air handlers, and lower cost to operate. The Gro-AHU’s unique design (US patent pending) utilizes variable speed fans, a passive desiccant rotor, bypass dampers, pre and post filtration, specially designed cooling and heating coils, and built-in controls that enable the following advantages.
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The Gro-AHU adapts to the changing environmental requirements for cooling (sensible heat removal) and dehumidification (latent heat removal). The control system uses a proprietary algorithm to operate the system components to maintain the temperature and humidity setpoints at the lowest power consumption for each stage of growth.
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The incorporation of a Cromer Cycle passive desiccant rotor enables the Gro-AHU to remove more moisture per ton of cooling input than conventional air handlers. The Cromer Cycle air conditioner is a proven dehumidification technology that has been used for years in hospital, museum, and other commercial applications. Fewer tons of HVAC means less initial cost compared to conventional HVAC.
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The Gro-AHU operates at a higher refrigerant temperature than other types of dehumidifying air handlers. Other units require colder cooling coil temperatures to remove moisture. In the case of chilled water, the Gro-AHU can operate effectively with pure water at 44F, whereas other systems require 32-35F glycol to achieve the same moisture removal.
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The CES System 2000 Cleanroom Controller
This is a complete package of controls and sensors ready to wire into cleanroom air handling and conditioning equipment.
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CES System 2000 Cooler/Freezer Controller
This system features the same “plug & play” ease of use with an exclusive “Product Saver” technology that protects against product damage due to refrigeration failure.
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Fans
We also make two models of circulating fans for clean rooms that have specific advantages in that market. The S4000, has a physical size advantage, and moves a substantial amount of air in a very small package. Thus, it will fit in space restricted areas like smaller clean rooms.
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Then our second fan product, D8000, uses an energy efficient EC fan motor that works at variable speeds, and its efficiency is higher - the highest available in the industry! It has high performance and it doesn’t require a separate item to control the motor speed. It is very cost effective for moving a lot of air. CES deploys the D8000 very successfully in commercial grow facilities. It allows clients to move large quantities of air and maintain the optimum environment at each plant location.