ENERGY SAVING
When to upgrade
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eliminated, and ongoing maintenance time and cost are reduced.
Furthermore, upgrading helps ensure that AHUs adhere to energy efficiency standards defined in the ErP (Energy-related Products) directive. After all, equipment that does not meet defined minimum requirements can no longer be marketed in the European Union. And heat recovery (in the form of a thermal wheel, crossflow heat exchanger or run-around coils) – which increase AHU size by around 20% – is not required. Finally, upgrading rather than replacing with
rapid change out in event of future failure (containing, as it does, just eight bolts and a quick-release commando connection). So, in short, it pays to consider upgrading an
existing HVAC set-up, either to add components for redundancy, or remove them for simplicity, depending on the system. Upgrading offers a host of benefits. For
instance, it enables a rapid and demonstrable return on investment because of the improved energy efficiency resulting from new fan designs and savings on drive belts, motor and fan pulleys replacement. It also minimises disruption and reduces
downtime as well as typically costing less than replacement with new equipment. Logistics (such as a crane lift) associated with transporting new plant to roof or plantroom are
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a new unit cuts downtime from around 10 weeks to between two and four weeks. The savings associated with air handling unit refurbishment/upgrade can be dramatic. For example, on a recent AHU upgrade project, we calculated that we could provide 22% to 33% in energy savings simply by upgrading the fans. There were also additional savings as belts and pulleys would no longer need replacement, as well as much reduced maintenance time. On another job, we quoted to replace the fans
with new direct drive EC energy efficient fans complete with new auto changeover function and potentiometer. New electrical isolators, air pressure switches and air flow tubing were also to be installed to match the new fan design. On top of this, general refurbishment included full deep clean, replacement backdraft shutters, replacement internal insulation lining and new roof plate fixings as the existing are damaged. We calculated that all this would result in an energy saving of 28% to 38%.
here are several signs that will help determine whether
refurbishment/upgrade is the right option for a particular HVAC system. Examples include:
The system is in a decent condition and has a clear history of being regularly maintained, however, energy consumption is starting to climb.
Comfort levels in the building are declining.
The HVAC installation is in a densely populated area where replacement would cause expensive disruption to the building’s neighbours.
The application has strict requirements for precise temperature and humidity control – for example, food processing, storage of perishables, chemical processing and storage, and computer rooms.
Management plans to keep the existing system for at least a further 18 months.
The larger the system, the greater the opportunities for energy savings through refurbishment and upgrade. The same argument applies to usage; the more hours the system runs, the greater the prospects for energy saving.
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