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As a simple way to illustrate this phenomena
imagine a clear, sealed box. Inside the box is a thermometer and
a hygrometer (a device to measure relative humidity). When the box
is sealed the thermometer reads 75° F and the hygrometer reads
50%. Now, place the box in a large walk-in refrigerator. (Remember
that it’s sealed, no air or moisture can leave or enter the
box.) As the temperature begins to drop the relative humidity will
rise. When the temperature reaches 55° F the relative humidity
will be 100% and the box will begin to fog up as moisture condenses
on the walls. This is because colder air cannot hold as much moisture
as warm air; therefore, the bottom of the fraction has become smaller
and the percent relative humidity goes up. If the box is removed
from the refrigerator and allowed to return to 75° F the moisture
will re-evaporate and the relative humidity will return to 50%.
Air conditioners and refrigeration units are designed to chill the
air to a very low temperature as it passes through the unit. This
removes as much moisture as possible for the comfort of people or
the prevention of ice formation. If these systems were used in a
well-sealed enclosure the relative humidity would be reduced to
an extremely low level, very bad for wine. Breezaire cooling units
are designed to chill the air only enough to remove the excess moisture,
leaving enough moisture to keep the wine healthy.
In the wine cellar, desired conditions are generally around 55°
F and 50% to 75% relative humidity. If the cellar is closed and
the cooling unit is originally turned on when conditions are at
75°F and 50% relative humidity it will be necessary to not only
cool the cellar but to remove some moisture. If moisture were not
removed the relative humidity would reach 100%, mold and mildew
would form on the bottles and walls and labels would fall off. Additionally,
if warm moist air infiltrates into the cellar, the excess moisture
must be removed or the relative humidity will rise to unacceptable
levels. The cooling unit will be overworked and the excess water
could overflow from the unit, making a mess.
All BREEZAIRE cooling systems are specialized designs that create
the kind of carefully controlled environment demanded by products
that are highly sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity.
They are not intended for use in standard refrigeration applications.
For assistance in specifying the best system for your unique requirements
and in creating the ideal storage environment, contact your authorized
BREEZAIRE dealer. |
