Modern Building Services

E C fans are promoted as a more energy efficient solution for cooling in facilities such as data centres, but the reality might be more complicated, as Carl Turbitt explains. Energy costs can account for a large proportion of a building’s upkeep, and in specialist facilities like data centres, this figure can be as high as 40 percent. Much of this is due to cooling requirements and the large number of fans needed to keep temperatures low. In general, there are two main types of fan technology on the market: motor and drive configurations, and EC fan assemblies. Both are capable of precise speed control and optimisation of plant, which can therefore save you money on your energy bills. EC fans may appear cheaper up front, but when you consider the cost over the lifetime of the asset, the motor-drive package will generally come out on top. Having two separate devices rather than one aids with heat dissipation, resulting in less wear on components, and a longer lifetime. Moreover, when it comes to replacing an EC fan, you will often be locked into a particular configuration and a particular manufacturer, which in turn could put you at the mercy of long lead times since EC fans are often made to measure. Conversely, if a drive or motor fails, it can typically be replaced off the shelf with a similar product from any major manufacturer. It may seem counterintuitive, but having two devices rather than one can also increase simplicity, as multiple fan motors can be run from the same drive. An EC fan on the other hand requires each fan to have its own drive, which can get complicated in data centre fan arrays with large numbers of units. It also requires additional overload protection. EC fans have a limited power rating, therefore a fan array will typically require several of them to reach the required airflow levels. This could mean more potential points of failure, whereas a drive and motor can go up to 250 kW without breaking a sweat, providing more power with less complexity. To learn more about VSDs and how they stack up against EC fans, download our white paper: https://new.abb.com/docs/ librariesprovider53/about-downloads/white-paper_hvac_ drives_3aua0000193190_reva.pdf?sfvrsn=2 To learn more about VSDs and how they stack up against EC fans, download our white paper: https://new.abb.com/docs/ librariesprovider53/about- download s/white-paper_ hvac_drives_3aua0000193190_ reva.pdf?sfvrsn=2 Why EC fans may not be as sustainable as they seem ADVERTORIAL W ith HVAC systems accounting for around half of all energy use in buildings, and with energy prices increasing there is renewed pressure on commercial facilities to reduce their carbon footprint and improve sustainability. Many of the electric motors used in HVAC systems are run without any form of speed control, meaning they are essentially ru ning at full power all the time, irrespectiv of demand. A variable speed drive (VSD) is a device that electronical y controls he speed of the otor, ensuring that it nly draws the minimum amount of energy that it requires to achieve requir d output (absorbed power). A drive ru ning a fan or pump in a HVAC system c n halve the amount of energy used. Extrapolate this across multiple applications and multiple buildings, and the energy savings can quickly accumulate, resulting in significantly lower electricity bills. With the latest generation of SynRM motor and drive solutions, the energy savings can be even greater. ABB’s “Energy Snapshot” service is now available for HVAC system operators. The service provides operators of motors and motor-driven equipment with new insights into where the opportunities for efficiency improvements lie within a facility. Applications that can benefit include air handling units (AHU), condenser fans, compressors, hot, cold and booster pump sets. The service involves an engineer from ABB or an approved ABB Value Provider carrying out an in-person visit over the course of half a day. During the visit, the engineer will identify the motor-driven applicati s that offer th gr atest opportunity to cut energy use i the sho test possible time. A comprehensive report is then produced setting ou the recommended course f action, offering a compelling business case for investment in energy efficient motor and variable speed drive (VSD) technologies. The report is bespoke for every facility, incorporating actual operating data gathered during the inspection to recommend appropriate solutions, and provide compelling justification for them. This includes projected CAPEX and OPEX estimates, savings forecasts, payback points and energy/CO 2 saved over time, illustrated using charts and graphs as well as raw figures. HVAC systems comprise an estimated 50 percent of the energy used in buildings. With energy prices spiralling, a free service from ABB can help to identify the easiest opportunities to educe outgoings, as Carl Turbitt , HVAC Drives UK Sales Ma ager, explains. To regist r your interest in the Energy Snapshot service, visit: https://campaign.abb.com/ EnergySnapshot2022 , or contact Carl Turbitt directly at carl.turbitt@gb.abb.com , on 01925 741111 , or find him on LinkedIn. Freemotor evaluation service highlights hidden potential energy savings ADVERTORIAL For piping systems of building services, you need compensators to absorb thermal expansion, reduce vibration and noise. ERV rubber expansion joints from ELAFLEX, setting standards for decades and offering the ideal solution. Type ROTEX is an EPDM Rubber Bellows (PEEK reinforced) for both LPHW and MPHW to 130°C constant temperature . DIN 4809 approved, no obligation to dismantle this type within 10 years . Many other ERV types available, e.g.: • ERV-R: WRAS Approval • Type TA: tted with a white PTFE lining for extensive chemical resistance, FDA approved • ERV-GR: for Acids, Alkali and aggressive chemicals • ERV-W: white Nitrile (NBR) to foodstuff standards • ERV-GS: ISO 15540 ( re resistant ) High Grade Expansion Joints from ELAFLEX ELAFLEX Ltd. Riverside House, Plumpton Road · Hoddesdon, Herts EN11 OPA Ph. 01992 45 29 50 · E-mail: sales@ela ex.co.uk www.ela ex.co.uk MADE IN GERMANY Email your enquiry to: sales@elaflex.co.uk Check out our configurator : ervconfigurator.elaflex.co.uk Ad_2020_ERV_90x270_Ltd_EN.indd 1 20.07.2020 10:43:40