ENERGY SAVING
Safeguarding sustainability
Modern construction and building management has a focus on sustainability as we try to drive down the carbon footprint of our buildings – particularly the large commercial variety. As voracious users of energy and water, improving the way HVAC systems operate is a key step in this process. Designing energy efficient heating and chilled water systems is paramount, but if these don’t function at their optimum and meet their design life, then many of the benefits are lost. Steve Munn, managing director for Hevasure, discusses.
W
hen it comes to saving energy in buildings a major focus needs to be on HVAC systems, with the latest,
most efficient solutions to heating and cooling employed wherever possible as we strive towards a low carbon future. This is of course the right approach and there are exciting developments in building services technology revolutionising the way temperature is controlled in commercial properties. What must not be overlooked, however, are the closed circuit water systems behind the HVAC. Ensuring this pipework and its associated components work efficiently is key to improving sustainability and preventing downtime. Commonly beset by corrosion – an issue that leads to system fouling, pipe degradation, low efficiency and breakdown – taking steps to keep corrosive conditions at bay will help HVAC meet its true potential.
The cost of corrosion Corrosion significantly impacts the performance of water reliant piped services in a number of ways: Build-up of debris in pipes and components causes restriction, which can lead to increased pump energies in order to maintain flow rates.
Heat transfer is reduced as a result of corrosion debris on heat exchangers and emitters.
Valve seats can be eroded, leading to changes in flow characteristics.
30 January 2021
Heavily degraded pipework and components will eventually leak.
All of these problems directly or indirectly lead to compromised efficiency and potentially reduce the system’s lifespan, negatively impacting sustainability.
Out with the old school… Despite its massive impact, until recently, the
means to preventing corrosion were decidedly ‘old school’, with sampling and corrosion coupons the predominant tools for deciphering the condition of a water system. The problem with these approaches is that they are not real-time – after a sample has been taken, sent to a laboratory, analysed and returned, conditions may have changed. Sampling also ignores dissolved oxygen levels, which are the precursor to almost all forms of corrosion.
Instead it tends to focus on the
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