At IDS, we offer a HVAC Optimisation Assessment to ascertain and optimise the motors that power your HVAC systems.  We look for:

• large motors that run for extended periods
• we check motor age and type (checking for drop in efficiency)
• efficiency ratings
• run hours
• times of operation
• seasonal changes
• occupancy levels
• cost implication in the event of a failure
• and whether we would recommend that variable speed drives are fitted

During the HVAC Optimisation Assessment, we look for the best location for the variable speed drive, cable lengths and runs, what type of sensors may be fitted, or options to fit suitable sensors. Feedback options, ModBus and BacNet are fitted on the specifically designed for HVAC, ACH580 inverter with STO and Fireman’s override as standard.

Already have variable speed drives installed?

At IDS, we specify, supply, install and commission ABB variable speed drives. During a HVAC Optimisation Assessment, we will check that your previously installed drives are fully optimised.

For HVAC systems with drives already installed, we check:

• current parameter settings
• control philosophy
• operating periods, internal clock
• seasonal periods
• occupancy levels
• drive lifecycle
• age of the drive
• motor age and type
• previous fault history
• previous service history
• fan replacement period
• cleanliness of the filters

You may have had variable speed drives installed and set to a specific running limit due to time or cost constraints on the initial install.  It may be possible to further reduce your energy consumption with these drives by fitting sensors and setting a PID to further control the VSD.

On HVAC systems we would normally set your variable speed drive to 40Hz, this is your 20% speed reduction which gives a 50% energy saving.  But on further interrogation, you notice that there may not be as many people in the office at any particular time, the systems still run at 40Hz, by fitting a co² sensor you will be able to determine occupancy levels and the drive will adjust to run according to these requirements, a further speed reduction of just 5% could still give you an additional 15% energy saving.  Similarly, with a temperature sensor, the British weather is unpredictable and is never constant, the variable speed drive will react to the differing temperature and will ramp up and down the speed accordingly, this will optimise your plant giving a variable energy saving.

We will be happy to look at your variable speed drives when we are on site, as part of our energy efficiency motor survey, we can check your current drives, offering a health check and an optimisation assessment to further enhance the energy reducing capabilities.

Working with IDS

Book a HVAC Optimisation Assessment by calling our engineers on 0115 944 1036 or email [email protected]