DRIVE AND CONTROL TECHNOLOGY


help combat climate change, As a specialist in this field, and with its sole focus and support geared toward Variable Speed Drives, Digicon was the obvious choice. The speed of response to our enquiry, and the professionalism with which the whole process was undertaken from start to finish, were excellent.


Concise and helpful report “The initial report was extremely concise and very helpful in securing funding for this project. We were equally pleased with the timescaling of the installation, which was co-ordinated to minimise any disruption to the hospital. One of the additional factors that we took into account when selecting a drive supplier was response times and support in the event of any problems. Digicon proved to be excellent in this respect following a minor problem; we had one of its engineers on site within three hours of my initial phone call. The company also has technical support available if needed. I would have absolutely no problem recommending Digicon to anyone in the future.”


Good air quality is, of course, vital in healthcare facilities; not too humid, dry, cold, or hot. Pressure must be maintained higher in some areas, yet doors must open easily. Laboratories and surgery rooms should be sterile, and contagious patients hygienically isolated. Environmental conditions vary on a constant basis, and as hospitals operate ‘24/7’, it is imperative that stable conditions are always maintained. The key objective is to meet patient care goals with optimum operational efficiency and system performance. This includes upholding stringent environmental standards and indoor comfort conditions throughout the hospital; from operating theatres, to intensive care and baby care units, to emergency care, general wards, and ancillary areas.


The Danfoss HVAC drive ‘family’.


The role of inverter drives Why is the role of inverter drives crucial in an efficient hospital? The various fans, pumps, cooling towers, and humidification systems of today’s hospitals are accountable for some 40% of that building’s energy costs. Further costs may derive from cleanroom functions and compliance with environmental regulations. Energy savings are mainly achieved through electronic motor control. The use of Variable Speed Drives to ensure demand- matched ventilation can reduce energy costs by 10-25 %.


While the modern building energy management system (BMS) has made an enormous contribution to overall control of the system, and fieldbus networks have simplified connectivity throughout the building, the greatest contribution to energy efficiency has come from variable speed control of the fan and pump motors themselves. Rapid advances in VSDs over the past 20 years have revolutionised the technology for HVAC applications – to the point where it is rare for a major new hospital to not have full VSD control of the HVAC system linked to the BMS. This ensures close control over environmental conditions, and, particularly importantly in hospitals, control of flow between the wards to prevent the potential spread of infection.


Room pressure control – drive speed increases or decreases to keep differential pressure constant and compensate for the opening of doors.


emissions, improve the internal environment for all parties, and increase operating profitability. Hospitals have a wide range of energy uses, which in turn means significant potential for energy and cost savings. The installation of variable speed drives is the most effective way to turn these objectives into reality.


Estates and facilities teams within a hospital know only too well that keeping patients, staff, and visitors comfortable requires high levels of well-maintained and efficiently run M&E and HVAC services. Through energy efficiency and conservation measures, an NHS Trust or healthcare provider can dramatically reduce energy use and utility bills, reduce CO2


A mass production first In 1968, Danfoss became the first company in the world to mass produce electronic variable frequency motor controls, making it possible to disconnect the motor speed from the mains frequency and vary the speed of the motor. Later technology made it possible to regulate the torque as well. The various applications for drives and controls within hospital buildings are well understood by Danfoss, and as a global market-leader within the HVAC industry, the company has built a wealth of knowledge, and developed products and technology to ensure that we both meet existing demands and determine future trends in this industry. Digicon has built up a team of technical specialists, who together have over 100 years’ experience in the industry – from installation engineers to technical, sales, and support staff. Danfoss Drives and Digicon have proven experience in the hospital sector, where there are multiple demands to meet. The reasons are obvious, but it takes experts to arrange it in a cost and energy-effective way. The Danfoss VLT HVAC Drive is the optimal choice for any application.


The case for intelligent inverter speed control


The case for intelligent inverter speed control of fans and pumps in hospitals is well made, and more than adequately demonstrated. The initial capital cost is very quickly offset by the returns, with adopting such control technology without doubt the most effective use of a capital resources. The benefits achievable include major improvements in efficiency, substantial cost savings, enhanced levels of comfort all year round, and a vital reduction in carbon emissions.


When Digicon was founded, my vision was of a company that offered a no- nonsense approach with confidence and expertise within the drives industry. Over the past decade, Digicon has established itself in the industry as being just that. We have built up a team of some of the best engineers in our sector, with exceptional skills and knowledge. Digicon provides intelligent and energy- efficient motor control solutions and services nationwide, for both industrial processes and the commercial building markets. Climate change is happening, and it is happening fast. We must all take our responsibility to reduce energy consumption seriously. Installing Variable Speed Drive technology to reduce your carbon footprint makes perfect sense. We are proud to be authorised distributors of Danfoss VLT and VACON products, with the largest stockholding in the UK available for immediate delivery.


hej October 2020 Health Estate Journal 91


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