TREATMENTS AND FLUIDS
Individual building management policies tend to focus on looking at the way in which air conditioning systems are used, rather than the efficiency of the systems themselves.
It could be argued there’s a good reason - it’s essential for fluids to circulate heat effectively around HVAC systems but there’s previously been a dearth of
options available to improve that efficiency. Those tasked with maintaining HVAC systems have had one hand tied behind their backs as they are forced to choose between a poorly performing heat transfer fluid or simply water. Chilled water systems are used in the majority of air conditioning units in commercial properties because the alternative, glycol, just isn’t efficient and is fairly viscous, meaning it takes a great deal more pumping power to circulate the fluid through the system.
But with the only alternative, water, the freezing point is the problem. You have to put additives into the system such as anti-freeze and anti-corrosion fluids. Because of this the costs start to mount up and regular maintenance is essential.
It’s amazing more hasn’t been done in the past to improve the efficiency of air conditioning units given their usage worldwide.” Many would many would argue that innovation in temperature control is overdue. Now, thanks to hard work behind the scenes of chemists who study the flow of liquids, a step change is finally on the way.
New developments promise to end the dilemma once and for all and for the first time herald potential new green options - and cost savings - for energy managers and those in facilities management. Scientists at Kilfrost, a British- based firm recognised as the original pioneers of safety critical anti- and de-icing fluids for the aviation industry, took on the challenge two-and-a-half years ago.
www.acr-news.com
The team responded to industry feedback that highlighted the need for a new solution, and they brought their expertise to bear on heat transfer in the HVAC sector. Our scientists went into the lab and worked tirelessly to come up with something that would for once provide a viable alternative to what’s currently out there, and bring cost savings too.
We knew we had to make a fluid that was more energy efficient than glycol, but also one that
could maintain its efficiency at low temperatures. It was essential to reduce pumping costs and increase hydraulic efficiency.
The results of testing the
Advanced Low Viscosity (ALV) fluid were impressive. It has been shown to be 66% less viscous than MPG and offer lucrative energy savings. It has an operational temperature down to -40°C and outperforms MEG, MPG, Bio-PDO and ethanol- based heat transfer fluids.
The ALV fluid is part of a family of efficient heat transfer fluids created by the firm, which have been shown in trials to offer electricity savings through a
reduction in pump operating costs. A non-toxic, NSF certified version, ALV Plus, is also available for use in the food and beverage sectors. Data from external tests on the performance of the fluids would be submitted to OEM simulators, allowing Kilfrost to demonstrate the efficiency and performance benefits as well as evaluate the use of smaller HVAC systems.
The steps organisations take to truly reduce their impact on the climate has never been more in the spotlight, and inaction is quickly highlighted by a public that is more environmentally aware than ever before.
The results of our work
could bring choice for those organisations seeking to demonstrate they are at the
leading edge of implementing new ways to protect the environment. Frankly, we’ve waited long en ough.
SRS
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