Three different temperature ranges for sensitive goods
Euphoniums, cajons and agogos – all these wonderful musical instruments can be found in Treppendorf in the Steigerwald in the 7,700 square meter logistics halls of the Thomann music store. In total, there are about 24,000 items here – from guitars and pianos to stringed instruments and various types of percussion instrument.
“We need a special indoor climate for storing musical instruments,” explains Stefan Thomann, co-founder and project manager for logistics at the music retailer. “The items are very sensitive; for example, if the humidity is too low, the tops of guitars can crack. With temperatures, constant air quality is especially crucial.”
Therefore, the company paid special attention to heating and air conditioning technology. Stefan Thomann: “For the pallet warehouse, we only had low temperature requirements because employees are not permanently working here. In the small parts storage area, on the other hand, we were aiming for a temperature of 16 to 17 degrees. But for incoming goods, it had to be a little warmer. The challenge with the technology: despite the three different temperature areas, it is one large, continuous hall.” This three-part temperature concept was realized by LK Metall. Two RBW direct-heated warm air generators with integrated mixed air equipment were used in the pallet and small parts warehouse, which were mounted on the hall ceiling between the two areas. An RBW warm air heater with integrated mixed air unit was also installed in the goods receiving area.
Music store Thomann
Evenly from the floor to the roof
The heating system is controlled by a building management system and several thermostats. If the temperature in one of the zones falls below a programmed set point, the respective heating system automatically turns on. Through the surface of the combustion chamber, the heat released by the burner is transferred directly to the passing air. Thus, up to 95 % of the energy used is converted directly into heat. In addition, further heat exchange of the flue gases takes place through the downstream, countercurrent heat exchange tubes, which are washed by the air flow along the entire length of the plant. At the end of the heat exchange pipes, the heated air leaves the plant via mixed air parts. Individually installed return air ceiling fans ensure uniform heat distribution over the entire height of the hall. A differential temperature control system also optimizes and reduces the temperature differences from the roof to the floor in the entire hall area to around 3 to 4 degrees.
A special feature of the system: the warm air generators can be used not only for heating, but also for ventilation. “In the summer months, the temperature in the hall is driven down by a summer night cooling system,” explains Harald Wimmer Sales Manager at LK-Metall. “This allows air temperature, air quality and air distribution to be adjusted as needed.”
Thanks to the finely tuned heating technology between the halls, the sensitive musical instruments will be safely stored in the future with regard to room temperature.
