Requirement Summary
This measure can be claimed if the fans in the Air Handling Units (AHUs) of the HVAC system are installed with Variable Speed Drive (VSD) motors. These are typically variable-frequency drive (VFD) or adjustable-frequency drive motors although other VSD technologies are also available.
Intention
The aim is to encourage the project team to specify VSDs, which modulate the motor speed of AHU fans based on actual demand.
Approach/Methodologies
Air Handling Units (AHUs) are part of the typical HVAC system which contain heating/cooling coils, filters and fans. The fans use a significant amount of energy if they continuously run at a constant speed. Variable Speed Drive (VSD) motors use an electronic device to modulate the speed of the fan motors based on actual heating/cooling demand. The power demand of motors is directly proportional to the cube of the motor speed. So, even a 20% reduction in motor speed cuts down power consumption by about half.
To claim this measure, the design team must demonstrate that all the installed AHU fans have VSD motors.
Potential Technologies/Strategies
VSDs offer a high degree of control and are extremely versatile. They are available both as integrated and standalone devices that can be connected to the fan motor.
Assumptions
The base case for the air conditioning system is dependent on the building size and type. This measure will show savings only if the air conditioning system has AHUs. The assumption is that all fans in the HVAC system will be provided with VSDs.
Compliance Guidance
To demonstrate compliance, the design team must describe the specified system and provide documentation to support the claims.
Design Stage | Post-Construction Stage |
At the design stage, the following must be used to demonstrate compliance:
|
At the post-construction stage, the following must be used to demonstrate compliance:
|
© Copyright 2020 GBCI. All Rights Reserved.
Comments
0 comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.