At EMEX 2017, ABB’s stand features eBooks, demos and products highlighting the savings achievable and the pitfalls to avoid with the latest drive technology.
An eBook written to help users of variable speed drives (VSD) to improve the energy efficiency of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) applications will be launched by ABB at The Energy Management Exhibition (EMEX), stand E20, 22-23 November, ExCel, London.
It is the latest in a series of eBooks created by the company to tackle the technical challenges facing users of VSDs in the HVAC industry.
Today’s VSDs offer a wealth of features and smart functions that enable users to optimise the efficiency of pumps, fans and other motor-driven applications. For example, onboard counters show exactly how much energy is used compared to direct-on-line (DOL) control methods and can play a key role in securing management funding for future efficiency projects.
Using the least amount of energy
The eBook showcases advanced motor control features, such as energy optimisation (also known as flux optimisation), which help ensure that motors are controlled using the least amount of energy. With energy optimisation, the magnitude of the motor’s magnetic field is controlled according to the actual load and across the speed range to minimise energy being used at all points, thus saving energy constantly throughout the lifetime of an application.
Another energy saving feature is a statistical tool that analyses and interprets drive behaviour including process energy efficiency and operation. The analyser provides information on system maintenance needs and can be used to illustrate and control the system’s energy efficiency. It allows users to identify periods of unexpectedly high (or low) load and can point towards system optimisation improvements.
Energy saving in action
A series of on-stand demonstrations will enable visitors to see, first hand, the savings that are achievable using VSDs. This includes an energy efficiency demo, which uses a balloon to show the cube law principles behind the VSD, that is reducing motor speed by only 20 per cent decreases energy consumption by up to 50 per cent.
The efficiency of the ABB HVAC drive, the ACH580, will be showcased with an on-stand demonstration of the drive and a synchronous reluctance motor (SynRM) package.
The ABB HVAC drive has the highest efficiency class for a drive and provides superior efficiency with all motor types, including induction, permanent magnet and SynRM. When partnered with ABB’s IE4 SynRM motor the ABB HVAC drive achieves energy savings of up to 60 per cent.
Another exhibit will demonstrate the ACH580’s intelligence and BACnet interoperability by simulating the functions of an air handling unit. The drive integrates with a touch panel simulating a BMS operator workstation via BACnet, while the drive’s intelligence is used to control external devices, including a three-way valve and an air damper.
A touchscreen kiosk gives visitors the opportunity to try out ABB’s Zenon supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system. With over 300 supported communication protocols, plus easily configurable interfaces for connection with business planning and cloud-based systems, Zenon can be readily integrated with a building automation system.
Hear from the experts
Experts from ABB’s energy team will be on stand offering advice on how to optimise the energy efficiency and reliability of HVAC applications with the latest VSDs, electric motors and life cycle services, including an ABB energy assessment.
In addition, ABB’s John Guthrie will outline the important issues that must be considered when undertaking an energy assessment of motor-driven applications in order to avoid getting hit with unexpected costs. His presentation will take place on Thursday, 23 November, 10:30-11:00 in the Facilities, Technology & Innovation Theatre.
