Cas pratique : Comment la climatisation intelligente a évité une catastrophe dans un entrepôt pharmaceutique
Reading time: 4'

Case Study: How Smart Air Conditioning Prevented a Disaster in a Pharmaceutical Warehouse

A custom solution for a high-risk environment

In the pharmaceutical sector, temperature and humidity control isn’t about comfort—it’s a critical requirement. Some products, including vaccines, temperature-sensitive medications, and active ingredients, must be stored within extremely precise temperature ranges. A variation of just a few degrees can compromise their effectiveness or render an entire batch unusable. This was exactly the situation when we were called to a pharmaceutical warehouse in Laval, where an impending HVAC failure was threatening millions of dollars’ worth of inventory.

Context and urgency of the intervention

When the warehouse manager reached out to us, the situation was critical: the existing air conditioning system was failing, with uncontrolled temperature spikes reaching up to 26 °C in sensitive zones. The client had already experienced a minor incident a few months earlier and was determined to avoid a full-scale catastrophe. The need was not only to install a high-performance commercial air conditioning system, but also to ensure reliable redundancy and real-time smart monitoring.

Comprehensive technical assessment

At AirGreen, we always start with a full thermal and operational assessment of the building. In this specific case, the warehouse presented several challenges:

  • A space of over 1,200 m², segmented into various storage zones, each with different temperature requirements.

  • An outdated ventilation network, poorly suited for consistent air distribution.

  • No smart detection or alert system, leaving staff blind in case of sudden temperature shifts.

We therefore designed a custom solution, integrating multiple high-capacity commercial wall-mounted air conditioners from Gree, connected to a centralized smart control system with temperature and humidity sensors installed in each critical area.

Equipment selection: efficiency, reliability, and connectivity

We selected the Gree U-Match 36,000 BTU, a commercial wall-mounted air conditioner known for its durability and ability to maintain stable temperatures even under high thermal load conditions. Key features that guided our choice included:

  • 36,000 BTU power, ideal for large spaces.

  • DC Inverter technology, ensuring efficient and stable operation.

  • Built-in Wi-Fi control, compatible with Building Management Systems (BMS).

  • Wide operating range (up to -15 °C for heating and +48 °C for cooling), which is crucial for warehouses without secondary heating.

We installed four wall-mounted units, each serving a separate zone of the warehouse, with independent thermostats all connected to a central monitoring interface.

Installation: challenges faced and solutions delivered

The installation was completed over a four-day period, scheduled outside of regular business hours to minimize disruption to operations. Key challenges included:

  • Limited ceiling access, requiring specialized lifting platforms.

  • The need for electrical redundancy, to ensure units remained functional during a power outage.

  • Managing complex airflow patterns, due to enclosed areas and extensive metal shelving that could obstruct air circulation.

We addressed these issues by:

  • Adding directional deflectors to the wall-mounted units to optimize air movement.

  • Installing a dedicated backup power supply for the control system.

  • Performing a precise rebalancing of the existing ventilation network.

Immediate results and tangible benefits

Just 24 hours after the system went live, the results were striking:

  • Temperature stabilized at 20 °C ± 0.5 °C across all critical zones.

  • 50% reduction in energy consumption compared to the previous system.

  • Real-time monitoring available via both mobile and desktop interfaces.

  • Automatic alerts sent to staff in the event of a temperature deviation over 1 °C.

The warehouse manager told us this new system has completely eliminated the daily stress of monitoring temperatures, allowing him to fully focus on logistics and operations.

Why this installation is a benchmark example

This project perfectly illustrates AirGreen’s expertise in complex commercial HVAC installations, where every detail matters. Beyond our ability to respond quickly, we demonstrated our skills in:

  • In-depth diagnostics tailored to the pharmaceutical industry’s specific needs.

  • Optimal equipment selection, both technically and energetically.

  • Seamless integration of smart technologies, without compromising safety.

  • A proactive approach to preventive maintenance, thanks to IoT connectivity.

Tips for businesses storing sensitive products

We recommend that businesses in sensitive sectors (pharmaceuticals, food processing, biotech) take the following steps:

  • Have your HVAC system inspected annually by a certified professional.

  • Opt for multi-zone systems with independent control.

  • Prioritize units that support smart building management systems.

  • Include a backup energy source to ensure operational continuity.

At AirGreen, we know that indoor climate control is far more than just comfort: it’s a strategic necessity, especially in critical sectors. Our mission is to design and deliver tailored HVAC solutions, built for today… and ready for tomorrow.

Leave a comment