Case Study: Specialized Dehumidification & IAQ Control
Project: Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Special Education (MRC-NECC)
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
1. The Challenge: Harsh Climates & Sensitive Occupants
The MRC-NECC is located in a hyper-arid coastal region where outdoor relative humidity (RH) frequently exceeds 60–80%, particularly during the summer and transitional months. For a facility dedicated to students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), maintaining a stable, low-noise, and high-comfort environment is not just a luxury—it is a clinical requirement.
- High Latent Loads: Abu Dhabi’s proximity to the sea creates massive humidity loads that conventional cooling systems struggle to manage without overcooling.
- Occupant Sensitivity: Many students with ASD have heightened sensory sensitivities. Fluctuations in humidity or the “noise” of high-velocity air can be disruptive to the learning environment.
- Strict Health Standards: High humidity leads to mold and microbial growth, which can exacerbate respiratory issues and compromise the health of vulnerable students.
2. The Solution: High-Efficiency Dehumidification Strategy
To address these challenges, the facility’s HVAC design—utilizing high-performance equipment such as SKM Air Conditioning units—implements a dedicated latent heat management strategy.
A. Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS) The center utilizes specialized Air Handling Units (AHUs) that decouple the cooling and dehumidification processes. Fresh outdoor air is pre-treated to remove moisture before it enters the building, ensuring that the indoor relative humidity remains within the ideal 40% – 50% range.
B. Advanced Condensation Control By utilizing “cold-coil” dehumidification combined with high-precision control systems, the HVAC units can achieve the Apparatus Dew Point (ADP) necessary to “squeeze” moisture out of the air. This ensures that even when the building is at part-load (fewer people inside), the humidity does not spike.
C. Estidama & Sustainability Integration Following the Estidama Pearl Rating System, the dehumidification system is designed for energy recovery. Heat wheels or energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) transfer energy between the outgoing exhaust air and incoming fresh air, reducing the energy penalty traditionally associated with intensive dehumidification.
3. The Results: A Clinical-Grade Environment
The implementation of this specialized HVAC and dehumidification strategy has resulted in several key benefits:
- Thermal Stability: Consistent indoor temperatures of 22°C with stable humidity prevents the “clammy” feeling often found in standard commercial buildings.
- Zero Microbial Growth: By maintaining RH below 60%, the facility effectively eliminated the risk of mold, ensuring a sterile environment for the on-site clinic and residential units.
- Acoustic Comfort: The use of precision-engineered units allows for lower fan speeds once humidity targets are met, reducing background noise and creating a calmer space for sensory-sensitive students.
4. Technical Specification Summary
| Feature | Implementation |
| System Provider | SKM Air Conditioning (High-Performance AHUs/Chillers) |
| Control Target | 45% ± 5% Relative Humidity |
| Sustainability | Estidama Pearl (Equivalent to LEED Silver) |
| Filtration | Multi-stage HEPA filtration integrated with dehumidification |
| Key Component | Cold-coil dehumidification with energy recovery modules |
Conclusion: The MRC-NECC serves as a benchmark for educational facilities in the Middle East. By prioritizing a robust dehumidification strategy, the center ensures that the architecture provides more than just shelter—it provides a scientifically optimized environment that supports the unique needs of its students.