Drives for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) - energy efficient solutions
Building system installers, contractors and end users are all using modern HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning) systems to not only provide the best possible environmental control, but also to reduce the energy consumed by the installation and thereby its carbon footprint. Emerson is a global leader in providing these solutions. Sales in Emerson’s Climate Technology business were nearly $4bn in 2008, with many sales directly into the HVAC sectors.
As a part of Emerson, Control Techniques’ variable speed drives have a critical role in the performance of any HVAC solution. The motors that drive compressors, pumps and fans typically consume more than 98% of the electrical energy in the HVAC system. Control Techniques drives save up to 30% energy when fitted to commercial HVAC installations while enhancing system operation.
Key benefits of using Control Techniques drives in HVAC systems
- Optimal starting performance increases the lifetime of mechanics and reduces wear of equipment (e.g. belt wear)
- Inverter integrated control and reduced starting currents reduces external installation effort and costs
- Lower pressure differences reduce mechanical stress for valves and pipes
- Inverter communication allows process data acquisition and diagnostic via PC or remotely via Ethernet
- Inverter intelligence offers combined system control of multiple compressors with operation dependant switch-over for optimal lifetime and performance
- Able to reach the temperature set-point faster by improved control, increasing productivity and saving energy
- Short pay-back times of 1 to 2 years possible
Drives in HVAC systems
There are two main uses for drives in HVAC systems, pumps and fans.
Fans / air handling systems
From single large fans through to a complex air-handling system, comprising of many fans of various sizes; the use of drives provides the ability to optimise control, significantly reduce energy consumption and reduce overall maintenance.
The in-built PLC functionality of the drive allows the installed system to be simplified. There is no need for a multitude of local controllers as all basic input and outputs can be controlled from the drive.
Pump systems
Both the Commander SK and Affinity can be used with pump systems to help increase system performance and generally reduce energy consumption.
Control Techniques products for the HVAC industry
