Hydro Extrusion’s solutions: heat dissipation

To conclude this series on Hydro’s aluminium foundry, we share another interesting fact that presented us with an unusual design challenge. We have previously mentioned that we have strong acoustic requirements to protect the neighbourhood, and that the furnaces generate a lot of heat, which we had to dissipate while minimising noise.

Using sandwich panels was therefore the obvious choice for the building façade, the thickness of which in this case had to be considered due to wind load and acoustic rquirements. These requirements were met by the selected rock wool filled panel with a thickness of 15 cm, however, its thermal insulation capacity was not an advantage. The heat generated during the casting process is treated in two ways: part of it is used as waste heat to temper the storage area, while the remaining heat is ventilated out of the building to ensure proper working conditions for the workers inside. Exhaust is provided by a system of air intake louvers on the façade and axial fans on the roof, both with sound attenuators. At peak capacity, 1,000,000 m3 of air per hour is moved without creating drafts or overpressure or depression inside the building that would prevent doors from opening.

During the design phase, we explored several concepts on how to dissipate heat the fastest without disturbing the technology and the cranes. Finally, we opted for a concept in which the fans on the roof extract the air above the points most affected by heat build-up and exhaust it to the outside.

If you have missed it, check out our previous posts on the subject:

Hydro Extrusion’s solutions for the support structure

Hydro Extrusion’s aluminium recycling plant: the casting pits

Hydro Extrusion’s new aluminium recycling plant