FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHY USE PORTACOOL?

Portacool is a commercial viable alternative to traditionally installed air-conditioning.

HOW DOES PORTACOOL WORK?

It is a portable evaporative air-conditioner. That has high airflow and its efficient kuul pad cooling media is effective into higher humidity conditions. Just connect a hose and 240 volts power.

HOW do I select THE RIGHT SIZE UNIT?

Some question to think about before choosing your unit.

• How much area do I need to cool?
• How many people work in the area?
• Can I use different sizes to suit work space layout?
• Do I need to cool the whole area or just where I work?
• Where will my unit be situated?

These questions should help you in determine your unit selection. If not give us a call and we will be happy to help.

What are the benefits of PORT-A-COOL?

• No installation
• Easy setup
• Low running costs
• Environmentally friendly
• No corrosion
• Efficient energy use through high performance motors

What are the advantages of PORT-A-COOL UNITS over INSTALLED UNITS?

• Cool air is produced at low level pushed hot air up and away.
• No need for costly roof access for maintenance.
• No leaks and corrosions to roof in winter.
• Pack units away for winter, units last longer as there is no UV or weather damage.
• Maintenance can be carried out in house and safely at ground level.
• Cooling where it is most effective.

WHY USE PORTACOOL. AND HOW DOES IT BENEFIT MY BUSINESS?

• Increases productivity in those hot months by keeping personnel cool and equipment functional.
• Low operating cost and minimal maintenance.
• Cooling is moveable so it can be used effectively
• Its robust construction and portability means it will provide cooling for ongoing years and will be an asset that can move with your growing business.
• Additional units can be added at any time.

WHAT IS EVAPORATIVE COOLING?

The principle of evaporative cooling is relatively simple. Air moving past water will cause the water to evaporate. The heat necessary to cause evaporation is drawn out of the passing airstream and hence the air is cooled. The human body uses this principle to control body temperature by varying the amount of moisture on the skin surface (perspiration). The evaporation of this moisture cools the skin and helps to lower the body temperature.

Remember the chill after swimming on a hot, dry day, then getting out of the water and feeling the wind hitting your wet skin?

That’s evaporative cooling. Evaporative cooling units replicate this naturally occurring process and can make a hot, uncomfortable environment much more bearable via the constant flow of refreshingly cool air.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The heart of an evaporative cooling system is the pad where the water evaporates and the air passing through the pads is cooled. Evaporative cooling pads, like Küül® pads, are manufactured of fluted cellulose sheets that are glued together. This material is chemically impregnated with special compounds to prevent rot and ensure a long service life. A special water distribution system spreads water over the surface of the pad, ensuring a uniform supply of water to keep the entire air contact surface thoroughly wetted. Fans create a negative pressure, causing air to be drawn through the pads. Evaporation results from contact between air and water. A control system operates the water pump and the fan distributes the cool air. The lower the humidity, the better the evaporative cooling effect is. In other words, the cooling effect is best when you need it the most.

WHERE CAN I USE MY PORT-A-COOL® UNIT?

Port-A-Cool® units work best in lower humidity with an outside air source. Stables, barns, greenhouses, warehouses, garages, athletic fields or anywhere that traditional air conditioning is ineffective or cost prohibitive.

WHY NOT USE TRADITIONAL AIR CONDITIONING?

Evaporative coolers cool air by filtering it through water, thus lowering its temperature. Evaporative coolers produce humid air because the air absorbs water during the cooling process. These systems work best when a small amount of outside air circulates into the space where the evaporative cooler is employed. This also introduces fresh air into the environment and reduces the risk of poor indoor air quality. Central air conditioners, on the other hand, work by taking humidity out of the home. These systems produce cold, dry air and work best in an airtight home. The major advantage of an evaporative cooler is that its operating costs are typically half those of a central air conditioner. The initial equipment cost is also lower than air conditioners.

Along with lower operating costs and simple installation, evaporative cooling can be a perfect, ozone-friendly alternative to traditional air conditioning.

IS IT DIFFICULT TO SET UP AND OPERATE?

Port-A-Cool® units are ready to operate right out of the box. Just add water and plug it in.

WHAT IS HEAT STRESS?

Heat stress can occur in people, animals and even equipment.

Employees required to work in high temperature environments should be allowed frequent breaks in a cool place to avoid symptoms of heat stress including nausea, dizziness, cramps, confusion, unconsciousness, seizure and even death. High temperature environments are temperatures over 33˚C. Evaporative cooling units, like Port-A-Cool®, can lower the ambient temperature an average of 8-10˚C, turning a restrictive 40˚c area into a comfortable 30˚C area.

UNDERSTANDING HEAT STRESS

Heat stress occurs when heat is absorbed from the environment faster than the body can get rid of it. Several factors may contribute to heat stress, such as the type of work activity, the surrounding air temperature/humidity level, and the physical condition of the individual (he/she may be new to the job or new to Queensland).

Our bodies maintain a fairly constant internal temperature even though they may be exposed to varying environmental temperatures.

To keep internal body temperatures within safe limits in hot conditions, the body has to get rid of excess heat – and it does this by evaporating sweat and varying the blood flow to the skin. These responses are controlled by the brain and usually occur when the blood exceeds 37 degrees centigrade.

Factors that may contribute to heat-related health problems at work include:

• Inadequate cooling off or rest periods
• Insufficient water consumption
• Climatic conditions (such as low air movement, high humidity levels and high air temperature)
• Inappropriate clothing
• Individual factors that may cause dehydration (such as poor diet, vomiting, diarrhoea or alcohol and caffeine consumption)
• Individual medical conditions that may cause heat stress (such as heart problems, diabetes or hypertension)
• Individual medication that may affect the body’s temperature regulation
• An individual’s age, general physical fitness and weight

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Environment and seasonal factors that can contribute to heat problems:

• High air temperatures
• Radiant heat from hot objects such as machinery
• Radiant heat from working outdoors in the sun
• Higher relative humidity levels
• Low air movement

Various engineering controls are effective for reducing heat in workplaces. Examples include:

• Reducing the body’s metabolic heat production using automation and mechanisation of tasks
• Reducing radiant heat emissions from hot surfaces and plant e.g. by insulation and shielding
• Using ventilation and air-conditioning
• Humidity reducing methods e.g. install a dehumidifier (seek engineering advice)
• Creating some shade (tarp, umbrella) or at least find a tree for outdoor workers’ rest breaks.