Variable Speed Technology
The US Department of Energy has indicated that 65% of electrical energy used in commercial and industrial systems comes from electrical motors powering centrifugal pumps and fans. Of the government’s total energy usage, 45% comes from the heating, cooling, and ventilating of buildings.
Huge savings can be accomplished through the use of variable speed technology (VST).
When retrofitting systems with VST, payback periods are ranging from one to two years depending on the type, size, and application of the system. It is estimated that motors incorporating VST and linked to the building’s DDC system, are up to 65-70% more efficient than motors operating at a constant speed at voltage.
It is usually only on the hottest and coldest days of the year that systems must operate at 100% capacity. Systems with variable speed fan motors allow the airflows to exactly match the system’s heating and cooling demands and offers the opportunity to save electrical energy and money.
VST also contribute to the overall comfort level within the building by regulating air and water flow as according to the instantaneous heating and cooling load. Closer system temperatures and humidity set points can be controlled with variable air and water flows within the HVAC system, resulting in higher human comfort levels, Noise levels are also reduced with the use of VST on system motors.
VST also eliminate short cycling of motors, which will result in longer life of the motors and driven equipment.
*From A/C, Heating , and Refrigeration News
