HVAC Case Study
Mina Tent City chose Breezair: not just another desert cooler

The tent city

Mina tent city is a fascinating logistics exercise involving more than 100,000 tents and houses, hosting approximately three million people in over 20 square kilometres. The tent city hosts Pilgrims performing the sacred pilgrimage to Makkah, called Hajj. It is mandatory for all muslims to perform it once a year. The harsh summertime temperatures in the Mina Valley can easily reach more than 45°C. This resulted in very uncomfortable conditions for pilgrims. For this reason the Saudi Government and Ministry of Hajj committed to find an energy efficient solution that could cool the temperatures inside the tents.

The Breezair choice against desert coolers

Breezair evaporative air conditioner outperformed more than 200 other air conditioning brands (most of them desert coolers). The three year tender evaluation process saw Breezair and other contenders tested on site over several months, in all conditions and seasons. This included comparative tests done during a pilgrimage to assess performance under real-world conditions.

Breezair delivered spectacular results against a comprehensive set of criteria that included energy-efficiency, reliability, performance and low environmental impact. The in-built safety mechanisms, economical use of water, ease of control and compact design were critical for the committee to select Breezair.

Seeley International Sales Director, EMEA, Mr Xavier Delaigue, said winning the significant supply contract reflected the strength, innovation and durability of Breezair evaporative air conditioning. “It provided an opportunity for Seeley International to showcase its ability to deliver on the large scale order within a very short timeframe” he said.

The installation

A four year air conditioner replacement plan started in 2015. Seeley International fast-tracked production and installation. The official distributor for Seeley products ALSAEED completed the project in 2018, well ahead of schedule.

“Seeley International’s ever growing export market involving more than 100 countries, has been bolstered by this extraordinary export project. Our thanks go to Alsaeed HVAC, our distributor for the kingdom of Saudi Arabia – and particularly Salman Alsaeed, CEO of Alsaeed Trading Group. They provided a turnkey solution on time and within required specifications. Alsaeed HVAC commissioned and supervised this specific very large installation and in fact does so for every pilgrimage. Managing the ongoing operation of this many air conditioning units is itself a remarkable achievement involving precision project management skills.” continues Mr Xavier Delaigue.

Breezair is the coolest, quietest and most energy efficient evaporative air conditioner in the world, not just another desert cooler! Breezair brings in 100% fresh, clean, filtered outside air, never recirculating stale air. Unlike refrigerated air conditioning, the cool air won’t dry out the skin, nose or eyes. These factors combined were key to select Breezair.

Salman Alsaeed, CEO of Alsaeed Trading Group said: “We have enjoyed a long and highly successful partnership between our two companies. The success of this project is because of the excellence of Seeley International in delivering the most reliable coolers on the market with the highest levels of energy efficiency.”

“The issue of energy efficiency is of great importance. The Saudi Government and Ministry of Hajj want to proactively achieve substantial energy savings. Achieving a 35% energy savings in the Mina Valley thanks to Breezair cooling technology demonstrates advanced technology and a strong commitment to the environment,” he said. This is one of the reason a low cost desert cooler brand hasn’t been chosen.

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