Makkah: Air delivered through the air conditioners in the Grand Mosque of Makkah is always clean and microorganism-free thanks to an advanced air cooling and purification system. Nine times a day, the air delivered in the mosque undergoes rigorous purification as well as sanitization with ultraviolet technology, an operation made possible by the Technical, Operational and Maintenance Agency at the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, which is responsible for maintaining and operating the electromechanical system of the mosque. Specialized air conditioning units are strategically positioned in the Grand Mosque, supplying visitors with a constant flow of chilled air and completely eliminating germs. The cooling system is capable of delivering up to 155,000 tons of cooling capacity, one of the largest cooling systems in the world. This cooling power is harnessed through two mammoth cooling stations, the largest in the world: Ajyad and Shamiya. Shamiya is situated 900 meters from the Grand Mosque, and produces 120,000 tons of cooling power. The station in Ajyad, located 500 meters away, contributes with a production capacity of 35,000 tons of cooling power. The refrigeration units at the two stations chill the water, bringing it down to a temperature of 4 to 5 degrees Celsius. Water then travels through a network of pipes to the Grand Mosque. Arriving at the mechanical air handling units, heat exchange takes place and then purified and cooled air is released throughout the mosque. These air handling units have recently undergone a comprehensive renewal and upgrade, with the agency replacing heat exchangers as well as air filters responsible for consistent air purification. The purification process is a multi-phase journey that starts with natural air being drawn from the Grand Mosque through highly efficient and technologically advanced filters that act as a shield, preventing the passage of dust particles and minute contaminants into the air conditioning environmen t. The air then undergoes sanitization with ultraviolet rays to ensure that it reaches prayer areas free from any harmful microorganisms or viruses. A team of skilled Saudi engineers and technicians at the agency, armed with rich experience and competence, is responsible for monitoring the temperature levels, maintaining optimal humidity, and ensuring the seamless operation of the system around the clock. They meticulously balance the airflow in various areas of the Grand Mosque, based on the number of visitors and density in these areas. This ensures that the thermal comfort levels are precisely tailored to meet the needs of worshippers while maintaining ideal energy efficiency. They also oversee maintenance orders, adhering to the correct references and technical guidelines, all while keeping a keen eye on security and safety protocols. Source: Saudi Press Agency
