Ventilation
The developments in ventilation technology are all helping building services engineers meet the challenges of the latest legislation
ion rate is required, the diffusers can adjust air discharge velocity accordingly.
Another key factor that should be at the centre of an effective ventilation system design is con- trols. According to the Carbon Trust, it is estimated that up to 90 per cent of heating, ventilation and air conditioning building control systems are inadequate in some way, costing industry and commerce over £500 million per year in additional energy costs. Good controls are essential within a building to optimise levels of service, comfort and safety in an energy efficiency manner, so designing them in early to a project can ensure a reduction in overall running costs by prevent- ing wasteful out-of-hours operation and reducing excessive wear and tear.
Control systems are also an essential component for optimis- ing indoor air quality. For example, ventilation speeds can be regulated based on the levels of carbon dioxide in the air. Connecting such sensors to demand controlled units allows airflow to drop when there is less demand for fresh air or increase where the demand is higher. Of course, lowering ventilation rates
provides energy savings through reduction of ventilation fan speed, as well as decreasing heating/ cooling loads.
While demand controlled ventilation is an effective way to manage air quality, reducing over- all energy consumption is another key consideration. And, one type of air climate technology in partic- ular is making a resurgence: heat pumps. Although this technology has not always been associated with a ventilation system, manufac- turers have started combining reversible heat pumps with a recovery wheel as an integral component of air handling units. One key benefit of an integrated heat pump unit is that this ‘pack- aged solution’ reduces the amount of refrigeration related work to a minimum, as components are fac- tory assembled. Of course, whilst this does not totally remove the need for facilities managers to carry out regular leakage checks, it does reduce the work needed to comply with Building Regulations. So, as discussed, maintaining good indoor air quality is a key consideration for modern commercial buildings. The devel- opments in ventilation technology – such as demand controlled systems, controls and the latest AHUs with integral heat pumps – are all helping building services engineers meet the challenges of the latest legislation.
Balancing these technologies with the overall running costs will require greater collaboration throughout the supply chain, from manufacturers to consultants and facilities managers. This will provide a building with the most effective indoor climate solution, and ultimately help reduce the problems of poor indoor air quality in the future.
// The author is the product manager at Fläkt Woods //
New integrated heating & cooling unit
Manufacturers of commercial ventilation systems have always looked to optimise energy efficiencies, especially where air climate is concerned. If specified incorrectly, these can be one of the most energy hungry elements of a building, so ensuring the products installed are designed to minimise running costs is of the upmost importance. Currently, there is one particular type of air climate technology that is making a resurgence: heat pumps. They have been around for many years but, until recently, have not been optimised within a ventilation system. Yet manufacturers are now combining a reversible heat pump with a recovery wheel as an integral component of air handling units . With this in mind, Fläkt Woods has launched the next generation of integrated heating and cooling units: Recooler HP. The new product incorporates a reversible heat pump and a recovery wheel to provide a number of key benefits, including: quick and simple installation, high efficiencies and all year round energy recovery. Utilising a DC inverter scroll compressor, the Recooler HP can achieve a COP up to 6.5, as well as full control of output from 10 to 100 per cent. This delivers the exact temperature required and maintain occupants’ comfort levels more effectively than traditional fixed speed systems. Plus, the inverter drive allows the unit to work at part load, ensuring the perfect balance between reliability and efficient heating and cooling.
So, for building services engineers specifying ventilation systems, it is worth considering the latest air climate technologies available. It could save space and installation costs, plus improve the overall energy efficiency of the building.
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HVR | March 2014 | 33
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