Newsletter Number 69
December 2010
NZ Supermarket goes green New Zealand supermarket giant Progressive Enterprises has made a commitment to reduce the company’s overall carbon footprint by 40% by 2015, bringing emissions back to 2006 levels. Progressive, a subsidiary of Australian company Woolworths Limited, owns and operates 152 supermarkets in New Zealand including the Woolworths, Foodtown and Countdown brands. Over the next five years all Woolworths and Foodtown stores will be converted to the Countdown brand. Fantech NZ is proud to have been associated with the latest new store, Countdown Manukau located in Manukau City, South Auckland. McAlpine Hussmann Limited was contracted The JetVent system works on to install the mechanical well-proven tunnel principles... services. Air Conditioning Sales and Project Engineer Edlay Hojird said the building had a 10,000sqm (100 x 100m) footprint, with a single level basement car park and ground floor retail area.
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Along with all new generation Countdown supermarkets, the Manukau store features sustainable design initiatives such as increased use of natural light and energy efficient building management systems. To curb energy consumption from refrigeration and freezer units, the store has introduced energy efficient refrigeration cabinets with new more environmentally friendly refrigerant gases. Edlay said the green design philosophy had extended to the basement carpark where 11 JetVent impulse jet fans from Fantech had been installed. The 50N units are controlled by a gas detection system that ensures carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides and fumes from vehicles are controlled and extracted appropriately. The JetVent fans were selected in conjunction with the Mechanical Consultant, Thurston Consulting. Fantech NZ Technical manager Nigel McQueen said energy efficiency had been a major objective when deciding what fan to use. “Our selection was also governed by the design of the support floor, a stressed diaphragm construction which did not incorporate support beams,” he said.
The Countdow Countdown wn car car p park ark is a ‘semi-open’ design that has multiple openings in the outer walls. “The JetVent system works on well-proven tunnel principles and is able to use these openings to ensure a constant movement of air without the need for ventilation shafts,” Nigel said. “A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis confirmed the most appropriate location for each of the 11 fans which draw air in via the North side of the car park and push it out via the South side.” Ceiling height is often restricted in a car park, and although the Countdown basement car park is 2.7m high, the designers did not want to clutter it with ductwork typically associated with traditional car park ventilation. “The very low profile housing of the JIU series of JetVent fans makes them ideal for general car park ventilation. Furthermore, because an extensive ductwork system is not needed, the result is an aesthetically pleasing, clean car park ceiling and reduced installation costs,” Nigel said. “The entire car parking area appears more spacious, and with the absence of ventilation shafts designers have been able to maximise the number of car park spaces to 319.” Edlay said Fantech had played a major role in the HVAC requirements of the complex. “In addition to the carpark fans, Fantech supplied a number of products for general ventilation in the Countdown store, mall, retail areas, amenities and toilets.”
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Technically Speaking
Table 2 shows the minimum fan total efficiencies required to achieve both 0.5W/(L/s) and 0.75W/ (L/s) at different total pressure drops. As peak fan total efficiencies are typically in the range of 30%-75%, depending on fan type and size, we can see that BCA2010 will limit the maximum total system pressure drops allowable in installations.
With Kerry Dumicich
Implications of Section J5.2 of the BCA 2010 (Part 1)
Fan Total Efficiency required % System Total Pressure (Pa)
Fans are a significant user of energy. The current best data suggests that fans are responsible for anywhere between 8% and 20% of the total worldwide electricity consumption and, of this total, 55% is consumed in the commercial sector. It is no surprise that improving the energy efficiency of fans is considered one of the most cost effective means of greenhouse gas abatement. To help address the limited uptake of energy efficient fans, regulations are being specifically written for fans and ventilation systems. The Building Code of Australia (BCA) includes a section on Energy Efficiency called Section J which has recently been updated in BCA 2010. Also, a Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS) for fans used across all industry sectors is currently under investigation. This article will highlight the main points to consider when designing a system to comply with Section J5.2 of BCA 2010.
BCA 2010
100 200 300 400 500 600 700
Clause J5.2 (b) (iii) (A) states:
500
This clause applies to ventilation fans that are not part of an air-conditioning system and excludes systems with HEPA filters, and miscellaneous exhaust systems (eg. kitchen exhaust fans or ventilation fans for chemical baths). The W/(L/s) dictates the amount of motor shaft power (W) allowed for every L/s of airflow delivered by a fan. As an example, if the allowable W/(L/s) is 0.75, and the airflow is 2,000L/s, the allowable motor shaft power would be 0.75 x 2,000 = 1,500W. As a comparison between BCA2010 and the previous BCA2009 requirements, if we had a fixed pitch, fixed speed fan with a static pressure drop of 350Pa, the power consumption would need to be reduced from 1.15W/(L/s) as shown in Table 1 to the new constant 0.5 W/(L/s) level. In other words we would only be able to consume 43% of the power specified in the previous BCA version. System Static Pressure Drop (Pa) 200 300 400 500 600
Shaft W/(L/s) in BCA2009 for Fixed Pitch / Fixed Speed 0.75 0.95 1.15 1.4 1.6
Table 1: Fan W(L/s) levels in BCA2009
As shown in table 1, in BCA2009, the Section J5.2 W/(L/s) values increased with pressure drop. That is, the higher the pressure drop the more power could be consumed for the same airflow. By changing the W/(L/s) to a constant value in BCA2010 (ie. 0.5 W/(L/s)) the result is that higher total system pressure drops require fans with higher total efficiencies.
20% 13% 40% 27% 60% 40% Thida Kao & Peter53% Cotterell 80% 100% 67% 120% 80% 140% 93%
If we look at a specific tested fan example, by examining the power consumed at each point on a sample in-line, backward-curved centrifugal fan performance curve and dividing it by the airflow, we can plot the changing W/(L/s) for a specific fan, as shown in the graph below. By plotting the W/(L/s) curve against the airflow performance curve, we can see that W/(L/s) increases with fan static pressure drop. Therefore the highlighted region to the right of the 0.5 W/(L/s) intercept shows where this fan complies with Clause J5.2 (b) (iii) (A). In this case the fan static pressure drop would not be able to exceed 165Pa in order to comply. 600
(A) Have a fan power to airflow rate ratio of 0.5W/(L/s) without filters or 0.75W/(L/s) with filters for a general mechanical ventilation system�
0.75 W/(L/s)
Table 2 : Fan Total Efficiencies required to achieve W/(L/s) levels
In 2010 the stringency of energy efficiency measures for fans in the BCA has increased significantly, especially for higher pressure duct systems. The most significant changes have occurred in Clause J5.2 (b) (iii) (A). “When the mechanical ventilation system is provided by means other than an air-conditioning system and the air flow rate is more than 1,000L/s
0.5 W(L/s)
3 Region < 0.5 W/(L/s)
2.5
400
2
300
1.5
200
1
100
0.5
0
0 1.0
1.2
Key
1.4
1.6
1.8
Air flow (m3/s)
2.0
2.2
Test fan inside furnace
Air flow Performance W/(L/s) Example of W/(L/s) against airflow for a specific fan.
Conclusion BCA 2010 Section J5.2 will reduce the amount of energy consumed by fans by reducing the allowed total pressure of duct systems. The intention of the BCA therefore is to be more system focussed, although fans will also need to become more efficient. Based on the efficiency of fans available in the marketplace today a good rule of thumb is that duct systems should not exceed a total pressure drop of 300Pa (where filters are not used in a ventilation system). Where filters are part of a ventilation system, the total pressure drop should not exceed 500Pa. This topic will be continued in the next issue of Tech Talk where the effects on total pressure drop, and methods of rating motor power will be discussed.
Fans by Fantech Product Selection Program With Stuart Bryson
Anway celebrates 21 year partnership Sam Yeung wanted something different for his industry in Hong Kong so, together with a few partners, he formed Anway Engineering. He believed sales engineers could advance HVAC technology application by bringing in state-of-the-art equipment from overseas.
Tip No.9: Selecting a Silencer The Fantech Selection Program has two methods of selecting a silencer. The most direct way is to click ‘Silencers’ from the main Fan Selection screen. Alternatively, you can continue from the Acoustic Analysis we performed in the previous issue by clicking the ‘Select Silence’ button and the program will automatically fill in the required Insertion Loss values.
The first couple of years were tough, but by 1984 Anway was appointed distributor for a range of Italian manufactured centrifugal fans and the following year a range of Swedish manufactured in-line duct fans using external-rotor motors. “At the time most fans supplied to our market were from Europe. However, it made sense to source fans from Australia which provided quicker shipping times and lower costs,” Sam said. “A good friend had worked in Australia and helped me get in touch with Fantech.” In 1989 Anway Engineering became the exclusive distributor of Fantech products for the Hong Kong and Macau market. Sam said having a supplier that could deliver quickly was a distinct advantage. “In one instance our competitors failed to deliver a large order for the podium shopping arcade in the International Commerce Centre, so he came to us for help. Fantech managed to deliver in four weeks which helped the contractor meet the building inspection date.” Today Anway has 16 permanent staff in their Wanchai office in Hong Kong. “We want designers to think of us as a solutions provider and come to us for advice on design, installation and maintenance of fire and smoke control fans, ventilation, air purification, and hydronic water treatment systems,” Sam said. The company is currently working on the new Tamar government headquarters which is located on the waterfront next to Victoria Harbour and includes more than 400 fans, each selected for their high operating efficiency. Fantech is pleased to have been associated with Anway Engineering and congratulates them on their 21 year partnership.
Engineering students take to the fast lane Swinburne University of Technology engineering students are teaming together to compete in the Formula SAE Australasian competition in December. Formula SAE began in 1978 in the United States as a student design competition organised by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). The competition aims to give final year engineering students the opportunity to work together as a team on a project where they gain practical experience in all aspects of car manufacturing. “Swinburne has competed in the Australasian event since its inception in 2000,” Chief Dynamics Engineer Doug Gibb said. “This year we have a team of eight primary members, but under the rules we can also seek advice from professional engineers and university staff, but the
On the Silencer Selection Details screen, enter the Air Flow where you have the choice of entering a Maximum Pressure Drop to limit your results. For Rectangular Silencers, you must specify the Width and Height; for Circulars, Diameter is essential. If Length is an important factor, you can enter that too. If you haven’t performed an Acoustic Analysis, you will need to enter the insertion loss, or noise reduction, you require for the silencer. Choose the Silencer Type(s) to suit your fan or ductwork and click ‘Select’. You can sort by Model or Pressure Loss and compare the Required Noise Loss against the Achieved, by clicking the ‘Details’ button. design and manufacture of the car must be that of the team.” The 2010 team again decided on a chrome-moly space frame which has been welded by Chief Chassis Engineer and team leader Matt Dwyer. The car’s powerplant is a 600cc motorbike engine that has been extensively tuned by the students and produces an impressive 60kW at 12,000rpm (through a 20mm inlet restrictor). The result is a sleek machine with cornering forces of 2g, braking forces of 1.3g and can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in four seconds. Doug said, because the competition was a course project, the team would be judged on static events where the students will present information on the car’s design, research undertaken, manufacturing, testing, costing and marketing. The assessment also includes dynamic events to see how well the car performs such as skidpan, acceleration, autocross and endurance. Fantech is keen to assist young engineers in their pursuit of knowledge and practical experience. As a sponsor, the company wishes Team Swinburne all the best for the competition.
Product News
With Frank Cosentino With Kerry Dumicich
Say goodbye to toilet odours Ever left the toilet embarrassed by the smell you created, or worse, opened the door to a pungent aroma left by someone else? We all have – and it’s not a pleasant experience. Now you can say goodbye to toilet odours with a new toilet ventilation system from Fantech. The OdourVac OVK1 system is ideal for homes, apartments, offices and high use areas such as restaurants and pubs. It uses an in-line fan to draw odours directly from the bowl. The beauty of the product is its simplicity. It utilises the toilet cistern’s own
overflow pipe to draw the odour directly from the source and, as a result, is compatible with most toilet suites on the market. A sliding balancing valve regulates the airflow and can be easily adjusted to maintain performance while minimising draft. The high quality fan uses less energy than a conventional ceiling fan and can be activated by a light switch, separate fan switch or movement sensor so that it only runs when necessary. While harmful and expensive aerosols and deodorants simply disguise the problem, the OdourVac actually removes the smell, drawing the offensive odours from the toilet and exhausting them outside the building. The OdourVac toilet ventilation system (OVK1) comes with its own high quality fan, external grille and fittings. A length of 50mm PVC pipe must be purchased separately as the distance from the toilet to external grille differs greatly from house to house. The OVK1 is perfect for ventilating toilets and powder rooms, but the OdourVac Add-On Kit (OVK2) may be more suitable when ventilating two or three points such as a bathroom, toilet and laundry. The OVK2 add-on kit is able to exhaust odour from the toilet as well as steam from the shower or bath. It is an add-on kit for a 150mm diameter ducted exhaust fan system.
The OdourVac toilet ventilation system (OVK1)
Fantech products now Revit models Fantech customers can now access all Fantech products as 3-D Revit models, suitable for use in Building Information Modelling (BIM) packages such as Autodesk Revit MEP. Fantech Engineering Manager, Kerry Dumicich, said the Revit models included important information such as product codes, electrical data, airflow and pressure. “The significant advantage of BIM software, at this point in time, is its ability to look at the building as a whole, 3D Revit Model using the information in the Revit model to detect any clashes of components,” he said. “Normally the variations component of a project, which covers any items that need to be changed or fixed during or after installation, could be as high as 18% of the total cost. But BIM has the potential to iron out any problems before construction commences, which could lead to substantial cost and time savings. “Furthermore, the information stored in a BIM model can be accessed by all stakeholders in the project. As a result schedules can be automatically generated and the project tends to run more smoothly and efficiently.” Kerry said, in the future information in Revit models could be used to calculate pressure drops and energy use, leading to greater energy efficiency. Fantech has worked with Design Content, a division of KarelCAD, to create models of their fan range. The Revit models are available through subscription to the Design Content service which is available at www.designcontent.com.au
Fantech has four of these ducted exhaust fan systems – ducted in-line, ducted through roof, ducted through wall and ducted in-wall installation. OdourVac balancing valve
Capricorn moves behind to get ahead For 2 F 27 7 years C Capricorn i A Air i C Conditioning, diti i F Fantech’s t h’ ffar north Queensland agent, has serviced its customers from relatively basic premises. That has changed with the construction of new purpose-built offices and warehouse at the rear of the original building at 13 Mackley St., Garbutt, Townsville. “Our building was essentially an old tin shed with shelving placed wherever we could put it; as a result it was quite cramped to work in,” Capricorn Air Conditioning manager Sam Rundle Snr said. “The new 630sqm warehouse is a lot more organised. We will be holding about 50% more stock and access it more efficiently than in the past which means faster and safer delivery to our customers.” Summer rain in the tropics poses a big problem for unloading and loading trucks. To overcome this, the new building has been designed with a large undercover truck loading and unloading bay. Sam said the 250sqm office space was also tailored to the growing needs of the business, including a meeting room, two large offices for the sales and administration staff, storeman’s office and reception area. Capricorn Air Conditioning hopes to move into the new building before Christmas.
A lifetime of service
Focused on customer service service, Fantech staff are the backbone of the company. Management Lyle salutes their contribution, especially those who Shoesmith have reached 10, 15, 20 and even 25 years of service.
John Gilmore
Jean Butterfield
Ray Werrett
Lance Reeve
Brad Ackehurst
15 years
20 years
25 years
Fantech Victoria – National Operations Manager In 1985 Brad joined Fantech as a first year sheet-metal apprentice, and in the last year of his apprenticeship was given the opportunity to move into the office as a production assistant. “It was through that role that I was exposed to many elements of the business and later worked as a Purchasing Officer,” he said. In 1999 Brad was offered the role of production manager and 10 years on, was promoted to National Operations Manager. “I like working as part of a team that is focused on improving and providing g high quality products,” he said.
From left Peter Cotterell, George Atu, Thida Kao, Kerry Dumicich, Peter Keys, Daniel Triffle, Paul Menara, Glenn Morgan & Brad Ackehurst
Ray Werrett
Paul Menara
Jean Butter eld
Fantech Northern Territory – Sales Engineer
Fantech Victoria – National Credit Manager
Fantech South Australia – Sales Engineer
Twenty years ago Ray began working as an assembler in Fantech’s factory. From there he progressed through Internal Sales and Export Sales Engineer positions. “We have a lot of support available to us, and in turn so do our customers. Being able to provide our customers with great value and a trusted product is very satisfying,” he said.
Not being pigeonholed with pure accounting functions has kept Paul at Fantech for 20 years. “I enjoy the diversity of roles and the ability to get involved in multiple facets of the business,” he said. “It is a good corporate culture where staff and management work together to get things done and meet the challenges put in front of them.”
As a keen Receptionist who enjoyed her job, Jean gradually developed a good knowledge of fans. Further in-house training and support from peers helped her work her way to her current position as a Sales Engineer. “When I started it was a small office, we all got on well and worked hard to provide good service and a good product. Now we are a much larger company but those same values still remain,” she said.
Air Design Queensland Fan Assembler When Lyle first started with Air Design 20 years ago there were only three staff in the factory. Today he works mainly in fan assembly and occasionally in inwards goods. “The staff are very good and they treat everybody well,” he said.
Kerry Dumicich
Peter Keys
Lance Reeve
Fantech Victoria – Engineering Manager Kerry joined Fantech as an engineering graduate and has remained with the company ever since. “I have enjoyed the constant challenges as I progressed from my original role as Acoustic Product Specialist to broader fan engineering activities and then being promoted to my current role as Engineering Manager,” he said. “The ‘can do’ culture and friendly staff make it a good working environment.”
Fantech Victoria – Despatch Peter has recently returned to despatch where he began his working life with Fantech over 15 years ago. “Whether I’m working in despatch or inward goods, you are doing something different every day,” he said. “Work colleagues have become friends and this makes it a good place to work.”
Fantech NSW - Industrial Sales Engineer Lance has spent time working in HVAC sales, a stint with sister company Elta Fans in the UK, and most recently in industrial sales where he works closely with tunnel fan partner Witt and Sohn of Germany. “I spend the majority of my time working on tunnel ventilation projects which I find very challenging and provides me with huge variety,” he said.
Daniel Trif e
Peter Cotterell
Thida Kao
Fantech Victoria – Assembler
Fantech Victoria – National Business Development Co-ordinator
Fantech Victoria – Victorian Major Project Co-ordinator
Daniel began working on the fan wheel balancing machine and worked his way through to the assembly area. “There have been a lot of changes in 10 years, but the biggest change was moving from the Mulgrave factory to the much larger and more efficient premises at Dandenong South,” he said.
10 years
Lyle Shoesmith
Glenn Morgan Fantech Victoria – National Business Manager - Resellers Market Glenn has returned to his original position of National Business Manager for the Resellers Market after a few years as Victorian Sales Manager. “It’s an exciting time,” he said. “Ten years ago the reseller market was a brand new business for Fantech. We have grown the business ten-fold since then and are now a prominent player in the air movement category of the electrical wholesale market.”
Since joining Fantech, Peter has worked in a number of different sales positions including a stint as Victorian Sales Manager, to his current national role. “I enjoy the diversity and daily interaction with a wide range of customers from mechanical contractors, consultants and national partners,” he said. “Over the past ten years many of these people have become close friends.”
George Atu Fantech Victoria – Assembler In his 10 years at Fantech, George has watched the factory area grow and innovations such as computers in all work areas introduced. “We all get along very well in my area and it makes for a nice working environment,” he said.
Thida began her working life at Fantech as an Internal Sales Engineer and soon transferred to External Sales engineer. “I love dealing with people and finding solutions for them,” she said. “We have a great range of quality products and fantastic support from engineering, sales and marketing which makes my job very rewarding.”
John Gilmour Fantech New Zealand – Senior Sales Engineer Wellington Originally an Internal Sales Engineer in Christchurch and later moving to oversee the Lower North Island region, John has found working at Fantech very challenging and rewarding, especially with such a large variety of customers. “The staff are very helpful and are great to work with,” he said.
Crest Air Conditioning celebrates 30 years This year Crest Air Conditioning celebrates 30 years in operation operation. Founded in 1980, the company serviced the hills area of New South Wales, working primarily in the residential and light commercial markets. Within five years of its inception they had formed a service department and branched into the commercial sector. Thirty years later Crest has not forgotten its foundations and they are one of the few companies to work within all aspects of the industry from residential through to commercial. Based at Baulkham Hills, about 30 kilometres northwest of Sydney, the company of 80 employees help service the Sydney Basin and regional NSW. Managing Director, Andrew Johnson, joined Crest in 1990 as a first year apprentice and worked his way through various roles, taking over the reigns in 2008. “The company has worked hard to build and maintain relationships and this is evident in our many long term clients, staff, suppliers and contractors. Our company motto ‘always complete the solution’ is the basis of what we do at Crest, whether it be installing a system to a home or commissioning a multi-storey building,” he said.
Crest Air Conditioning Team One of the company’s specialties is their design, installation and commissioning of Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) technology. “We recently installed a Daikin heat recovery VRV system at Daikin Australia’s head office at Chipping Norton in Sydney,” Andrew said. “The new building has adopted an innovative environmental design that achieved a 5-star NABERS “The company has worked hard to energy rating. build and maintain relationships...” Together with Daikin Australia, and architects MMA, we won the HVAC Project Excellence Award 2010 at ARBS.” Another high profile project that was not without challenges was the redevelopment of Chatswood Chase Shopping Centre. Andrew said the project was very demanding as it involved the complete refurbishment of the shopping centre whilst the centre was still open for business. The $116 million project ran for two years and was completed late last year. Fantech congratulates Crest Air Conditioning on their 30 year milestone.
Raising spirits with good mental health As has become the tradition at Christmas, our businesses, including Fantech, The Ventilation Warehouse and Ideal Rayson, will donate money otherwise used to buy Christmas cards to a worthwhile charity. This year the proceeds will go to Beyondblue: the national depression initiative. These valuable research funds will go towards improving treatments, knowledge and clinical practices for depression, anxiety and related disorders.
In 2000 Beyondblue was established as a not-for-profit organisation. Ten years on it remains a valuable resource for people with mental health issues, and helps the general public identify the symptoms of depression, understand the personal and social impact, and encourages affected individuals to seek help. For further information visit www.beyondblue.org.au or call 1300 224 636.
WOULD YOU LIKE MORE INFORMATION? Please send me a “Keen to be Green” Mouse Mat. Please send me a “Keen to be Green” Poster. Please send me additional information on the OdourVac toilet ventilation system Please send me a copy of the Fans by Fantech Product Selection CD. Please send me a copy of the current Fans by Fantech Catalogue.
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Fantech - a member of the Elta Group of Companies
Fantech Contacts
Happy festive season from the Fantech Group. Australia Adelaide (08) 8294 0530 Albury (02) 6025 1866 Brisbane (07) 3299 9888 Canberra (02) 6280 5511 Darwin (08) 89470447 Launceston (03) 6344 6888 Melbourne H.O. (03) 9554 7845 This number has changed. Please update your records. Melbourne CBD (03) 9696 3044 Geelong (03) 5229 0188 Newcastle (02) 4961 6088 Perth (08) 9209 4999 Sydney (02) 8811 0400 Sydney CBD (02) 9698 8130 Sydney South (02) 9153 6005 Townsville (07) 4775 5222 Wollongong (02) 4226 5133 New Zealand Auckland H.O. (09) 444 6266 Christchurch (03) 379 8622 Wellington (04) 566 0532 Asia For agents in the Asian region call (603) 5121 4453 or visit www.eltafantechasia.com
Visit our website at www.fantech.com.au