AC to EC Fan Upgrade for APAC S80 Condenser Fan
The condenser fan upgrade achieved a reduction in input current by 82%, from 6.4A down to 1.14A, using ebm-papst 630mm EC RadiCal fans.
The project
In collaboration with contracting firm Computer Cool, EC Upgrades, the retrofit arm of ebm-papst A&NZ, have recently completed an EC fan upgrade of an APAC S80 split-type commercial air-conditioning unit. The upgrade was conducted in a commercial building in Blackburn, Victoria. Measurements were taken to analyse the effectiveness of the replacement of conventional, AT 18/18 belt-driven forward curved fans with new ebm-papst EC direct drive backward-curved fans. The old AC condenser fans were replaced with one ebm-papst BF630RC-001 fan assembly per refrigeration circuit.
Verification
Potential adverse effects of the current consumption of the compressor were investigated at different head pressure set points: along with the EC fan a head pressure controller was installed, varying the condenser fan speed based on condensing pressure in the heat exchanger. The condensing pressure was logged during the monitoring of the system before and after the installation to gauge the system effect. The unit has dual refrigeration circuits, each having their own condenser fan, operating in a dual speed arrangement. Results presented in this case study were measured in the lead refrigeration circuit 1.
In collaboration with contracting firm Computer Cool, EC Upgrades, the retrofit arm of ebm-papst A&NZ, have recently completed an EC fan upgrade of an APAC S80 split-type commercial air-conditioning unit. The upgrade was conducted in a commercial building in Blackburn, Victoria. Measurements were taken to analyse the effectiveness of the replacement of conventional, AT 18/18 belt-driven forward curved fans with new ebm-papst EC direct drive backward-curved fans. The old AC condenser fans were replaced with one ebm-papst BF630RC-001 fan assembly per refrigeration circuit.
Verification
Potential adverse effects of the current consumption of the compressor were investigated at different head pressure set points: along with the EC fan a head pressure controller was installed, varying the condenser fan speed based on condensing pressure in the heat exchanger. The condensing pressure was logged during the monitoring of the system before and after the installation to gauge the system effect. The unit has dual refrigeration circuits, each having their own condenser fan, operating in a dual speed arrangement. Results presented in this case study were measured in the lead refrigeration circuit 1.
Results
The condenser fan upgrade achieved a reduction in input current by 82%, from 6.4A down to 1.14A, using ebm-papst 630mm EC RadiCal fans. On top of this, additional savings were calculated at $797 per fan per year. This is due to reduced maintenance and parts cost: EC fans do not require bearings, belts, pulleys and other accessories.
Test results also confirm that the installation of the EC fan into the APAC unit did not adversely affect the unit’s compressor load. The system remained within the unit’s operating parameters and the head pressure set point was adjusted to maximise combined power savings of compressor and fan input power.
Compressor input current (average) over logging period
APAC Existing fan in operation 18.94 A
New EC Fan in operation 19.11 A
Increase < 1%
The condenser fan upgrade achieved a reduction in input current by 82%, from 6.4A down to 1.14A, using ebm-papst 630mm EC RadiCal fans. On top of this, additional savings were calculated at $797 per fan per year. This is due to reduced maintenance and parts cost: EC fans do not require bearings, belts, pulleys and other accessories.
Test results also confirm that the installation of the EC fan into the APAC unit did not adversely affect the unit’s compressor load. The system remained within the unit’s operating parameters and the head pressure set point was adjusted to maximise combined power savings of compressor and fan input power.
Compressor input current (average) over logging period
APAC Existing fan in operation 18.94 A
New EC Fan in operation 19.11 A
Increase < 1%
