Newsletter Number 70
April 2011
Securing water South Australia for
Designed to deliver up to 100 billion litres (100 gigalitres) of water each year, South Australia’s desalination plant at Port Stanvac, 25km southwest of Adelaide, is part of the state’s Water for Good plan to secure water for the future. The facility will draw seawater from 1.4km off the coast and convert it to desalinated drinking water using a process known as reverse osmosis. During the process the sea water is pressurised and pushed through a series of superfine membranes. The dissolved salts and impurities are filtered out and collected as a saline concentrate, leaving desalinated drinking water which is 99% free of impurities. The facility has been designed and built by AdelaideAqua, who will then operate and maintain the plant for 20 years. At the heart of the plant are two reverse osmosis buildings, each capable of delivering 150 million litres of desalinated water a day. Watson Fitzgerald & Associates have been working on the site for 12 months as the HVAC
contractors t t with ith hC Company Director Di t Peter P t S Spencer as the Project Manager. “The mechanical design includes a range of smoke exhaust, supply air and general exhaust fans, along with rotary vents and transfer fans from Fantech,” he said. “And because the plant processes salt water, all fans and components must be made from stainless steel or powder coated to prevent rust. “The design is relatively simple; however, the large footprint of the two reverse osmosis buildings has made installation more difficult. Five Ø1800mm stainless steel axial smoke spill fans and attenuators had to be individually lifted onto the roof of the first building. Each unit weighed about 1.5 tonnes and had to be lifted 30 metres by a 130 tonne crane to reach its final support frame. Fantech Sales Engineer Jean Butterfield said the desalination plant was the largest project the South Australian office had worked with. “Many of the fans were non-standard sizes and had to be built specifically for this project,” she said. Another unusual aspect of the project was ventilating the tunnel pumping station which is located 40m underground. The station is responsible for pumping sea water into the plant and discharging the concentrated saline back into the sea. These fans will be installed at ground level and ducted through to the pumping station below to ensure the motors are kept cool and remain in operation.
... the desalination plant was one of the largest infrastructure projects in the state...
Peter said, at an estimated cost of $1.8 billion, the desalination plant was one of the largest infrastructure projects in the state. “There are currently about 1400 people employed on site, including 25 of our people”. He said the first building was due to be completed mid-year. It is anticipated that it will start producing drinking water by the end of July 2011. Work has started on the second building and it should be completed in December 2012.
2 of the 1800mm stainless steel fans and attenuators (partially installed) mounted to the roof of the first reverse osmosis buildings.
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Technically Speaking
With this information we can determine the maximum static pressure the fan can generate.
With Kerry Dumicich
PS = PT– PV
Implications of Section J5.2 of the BCA 2010 (Part 2)
PS = 330 – 230 = 100Pa.
In Part 1 of this article (see Tech Talk issue number 69) it was determined that the total pressure created by a fan is linked to the Watts per Litres per Second, W/(L/s). As a result, the W/(L/s) requirements of BCA 2010 Section J5.2 actually limits the attainable total pressure drop of fans to approx 400Pa for fans in systems without filters, and approx 600Pa for fans in systems with filters, based on currently available fan efficiencies.
Static Pressure vs. Total Pressure
The correct method of calculating the pressure drop of duct systems is to base the calculations on total pressure losses for the ducts and fittings. In fact, when looking at duct fitting losses, most manuals base the losses on total pressure. Total pressure is the sum of the static and velocity pressures, where velocity pressure is the pressure created by the velocity of air and acts in one direction (e.g. the force you feel when the wind blows against you) and static pressure is the pressure acting in all directions (e.g. the pressure inside an inflated tyre).
PT = PS + PV
Therefore a fan of this size and efficiency and handling 50m³/s of air, can only be specified to have a maximum static pressure drop of 100Pa to meet 0.5 W/(L/s). This highlights the fact that it is very difficult to meet the W/(L/s) requirements of BCA2010 Section J5.2 for larger airflows as the maximum pressure drops allowed are likely to result in large and impractical duct sizes. In fact, even if a fan could achieve 100% efficiency, it would be difficult to design a system with pressure drops low enough to comply with the BCA2010 Section J5.2 W/(L/s) requirements based on this air flow. It will be interesting to see how design n the future. engineers handle these changes in
Power rating of motors
The Fan Power (or the “W”) in the W/(L/s) requirement is defined as impellerr input h as power including drive losses (such drive losses encountered in a belt e drive fan). For a typical direct drive all fan this equates to the mechanical output power (or shaft power) of the motor. This is typically determined from torque measurements of the motor shaft. wo Motors for fans typically fall into two categories – motors with shafts, or external rotor motors.
Where PT = Total Pressure Drop, Pa PS = Static Pressure Drop, Pa PV = Dynamic Pressure Drop, Pa. (Where PV ≈ 0.6 V² for normal air conditions) If we consider a large axial fan we can see some difficulties in achieving the required 0.5 W/(L/s) for systems without filters. Example: An exhaust fan has an air flow of 50m³/s and a diameter of 1800mm (2.54m² area). To calculate the velocity pressure, we first determine the velocity from the formula below.
V=Q/A
External Rotor Motor
Shaft motors are rated in terms of their shaft power. Therefore an 11kW 4 Pole motor would deliver 11kW of shaft ave an input (electrical) power (mechanical) power and should have of approximately 12.06kW (based on a MEPS 2 motor efficiency of 91.2%). With external rotor motors their design is such that the torque of the motor cannot be measured without affecting the motor’s performance and therefore the mechanical shaft power cannot be easily determined. Consequently external rotor motors are always rated in terms of input (or electrical) power. As shaft power data is not available for external rotor motor fan assemblies, fan manufacturers cannot advise whether external rotor motors comply with the BCA2010 W/(L/s) requirements. To try and solve this issue the Fan Manufacturers Association of Australia and New Zealand (FMA-ANZ) has submitted a proposal for a change to the BCA, recommending that the definition of fan power should be changed to electrical input power. This would then allow fan suppliers to demonstrate Test fan compliance with BCA in the future. inside furnace
Where V = Velocity in m/s Q = Airflow in m³/s A = Area in m² Therefore V = 50/2.54 = 19.6 m/s. The velocity pressure is then calculated.
Conclusion
PV = 0.6 V² = 0.6 x (19.6)² PV = 230Pa. Axial fans of this size can achieve a maximum total efficiency of approximately 66%, which equates to a maximum fan total pressure drop of 330Pa when achieving 0.5W/L/s (as per Table 1).
Fan Total Efficiency required % System Total Pressure (Pa)
0.5 W(L/s)
0.75 W/(L/s)
100 200 300 400 500 600 700
20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120% 140%
13% 27% 40% 53% 67% 80% 93%
Table 1 : Fan Total Efficiencies required to achieve W/(L/s) levels
BCA2010 should have a significant impact on reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced from fans and will overcome many of the market failures that have slowed the uptake of energy efficient products. BCA2010 will effectively reduce the maximum pressure drop of duct systems. To meet the reduced pressure drops, duct velocities will need to be reduced and hence duct sizes will increase. Designers will be required to select larger fans running at slower speeds, and will need to allocate more space to accommodate the larger fans and associated ductwork. This will have the added advantage of reducing the amount of noise created in a fan installation. Fan/duct system designers will also need to carefully look at systems handling larger airflows to evaluate if it is practical to meet the BCA W/(L/s) requirements. To achieve a practical outcome, a BCA “alternative solution” may be required due to cost and size implications of meeting the “deemed to satisfy” provisions.
Fans by Fantech
Product ro Selection Program With Stuart Bryson
Bigger factory, better service
Eltafantech Malaysia has relocated to new premises in late December 2010 to better service their customers in South East Asia.
Tip No.10:
Selecting e for Smoke Spill Fantech te has three broad product ranges which are suitable for Smoke ok Spill applications. Most of these can be found by selecting ‘Detailed Axial Adjustable Pitch’ from the Fan Type list, and you ta will b be able to choose either the ‘Roof Mounted – Smoke Spill’ or the he ‘In Line – Smoke Spill’ types.
Managing Director Peter Lester said this new facility in Kota Kemuning was double the size of the previous building. “We now have a large manufacturing area that is almost 4,000 square metres and incorporates purpose built assembly areas,” he said. “We are also in the process of implementing lean manufacturing and assembly practices, this means we will be able to improve efficiency, increase our output capacity and reduce lead times to our customers.” Eltafantech has made a lot of progress since its incorporation five years ago, refining operations, engaging new employees and building the business on top quality products. The company also sees many opportunities and challenges in South East Asia and with the new facilities, they are well prepared for the future. The new contact details are: Address: No 147, Jalan Tudm, Kampung Baru Subang, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, West Malaysia.
Fans
Phone: +603 7846 0340
inspire fun design for kids
Nine uniquely painted Fantech roof ventilators brought an element of fun to the newly renovated Infants’ building at John Colet School in Belrose, New South Wales. Demetrius Condos from Templum Design Architects said he originally planned to spray the nine fans to match the roof, but decided it would be more fun if they were painted different colours. He took his inspiration from American abstract expressionist painters and his own memories of brightly coloured mushrooms in children’s story books. “I thought the fans lent themselves to going a bit wild with colour– it is a primary school after all,” he said. “My wife Christine, who is the school bursar, and I, did the initial spraying; and my son Alexander, who was attending year 6 at the time, helped me with the final painting of the colours.” Demetrius said whirly-bird type fans activated by air movement were originally specified. “But the school and architect were not confident that these fans would be effective on hot summer days where there was no air movement,” he said.
“
... the fans with fun designs made children feel that their school was special...
You c can now enter in the required duty (air flow and pressure) and a any other optional selection criteria. As the red note describes, you will also need to explicitly select the type of cr motor: o Class H or Class F + HTG, depending on the fire rating requirements. By clicking ‘Select’, you can then review the list uii of possible fans. os The Heritage Smoke Spill series is also a great alternative, and can be selected by choosing ‘General Products’ from the Fan Type list and ticking ‘Smoke Spill’ under “Furthermore, ‘Roof Mounted’. teachers were concerned that there was no cross ventilation in some of the rooms, especially the toilets and first aid room.”
The decision was made to install electric tric fans so there would be control of the e air circulation. Belrose is in the Forest District of NSW, a bushfire prone area, ea, so fans needed to comply with the Australian standard AS3959:1999 “Construction of buildings in bushfire fire prone areas”. Fantech’s BFC Ezifit Thru Roof Exhaust aust Fan iss compliant with the standard and was as ideal for the th he school’s ventilation requirements. It’s ’s constructed from galvanised steel and features a bronze cover mesh h over the inlets to prevent entry of embers. The children were excited to see the fans go up p on the roof and lined up on the balcony to watch the roofer install them them. The terraced playground elevates the children for a bird’s eye view of six fans, where they are often caught glimpsing the unique artwork whilst at play. Demetrius said painting the fans with fun designs made the children feel that their school was special, and kept them talking about the ‘coloured mushrooms’ for weeks afterwards.
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Product News
The EC motor ... could reduce noise and lead to significant power savings.
With Daniel Tan
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EC efficiency
thrusts JetVent forward
The release of the new EC (Electronically Commutated) series of Fantech JetVent fans has thrust forward energy efficiency in car park ventilation.
controller and a variable speed drive. Where the JetVent EC differs, is that the speed control is incorporated into the product,” he said.
Fantech’s Market Development Engineer, Daniel Tan, said the brushless DC technology used in the EC motor was highly efficient, and when combined with integrated speed control could reduce noise and lead to significant power savings.
“The EC fan also has a unique feature called ComLink which allows digital communication between fan units and the matching Digital JetVent Zone Controller. As a result the wiring schemes used to control the fan are very simple and can therefore lead to huge installation savings. The digital communication also allows real time information to be transmitted back to the central monitoring system.”
When performing within AS2107:2000 noise requirements, the fan has the greatest thrust of all similarly sized JetVent fan units. At high speed (25.8r/s), the installed EC fan has a throw distance of 55 metres. Daniel said there was an increased trend towards demandbased operations to maximise efficiency. “Demand Control Ventilation is a smart technology where the ventilation rate matches the demand requirements at any given time,” he said. “Sensors in the car park measure the level of carbon monoxide and provide feedback to the Digital Zone Controller which automatically adjusts the speed of the fan to ensure carbon monoxide levels remain at an acceptable level, minimising power consumption and noise.” “Traditionally this has been achieved with an external fan
In addition to the high efficiency motor and speed control of the new EC units, the entire JetVent range utilises small, high speed fans which are more efficient than those used to push air around traditional ducts. The impulse fans are strategically located and thrust a high speed jet of air which in turn causes movement of large volumes of air through a process known as entrainment. The JetVent range can also help reduce construction costs, provided the decision to use a ductless system is made early in the building design. “The modern trend is to move away from mechanical ductwork and associated constraints,” Daniel said. “At only 365mm high, the JIU-CPCEC fits in most voids and provides the ultimate in car park ventilation efficiency.”
Fantech wins business award Fantech has won the Employment category in the platinum year of the Premier Regional Business Awards run by the Greater Dandenong Chamber of Commerce. Fantech won the Employment category and overall award in 2009 and therefore was automatically a candidate for the 2010 awards which recognised the ‘best of the best’ from the past 20 years. Accepting the award at a Gala Dinner at the Crown Palladium Ballroom on 17 March 2011 was Fantech Marketing Services Manager Frank Cosentino. He said it was an honour to win the award two years in a row and especially against the best of the best. It was testament to the people that work at Fantech and their true commitment, passion and hard work. “These awards are about recognition, but most importantly they are also about being involved, having a go and being part of something that has a positive run-on effect in many ways,” he said.
It was testament to the people that work at Fantech ... Pictured from left to right, Donna Rodgers from category sponsor ESP Tecforce, Fantech Marketing Services Manager Frank Cosentino and chamber president Robert Downing
JetVent guide now available Fantech has just released its practical guide on the design, selection and implementation of impulse ventilation systems for car parks. Fantech’s Marketing Services Manager Frank Cosentino said that the JetVent range of fans was introduced back in 2006 and has since lead the way with its performance, product development and industry training.
... more than a simple brochure.
“This full colour reference for developers, builders and mechanical engineers, is more than a simple brochure. It contains detailed information that provides guidance and clarity,” Mr Cosentino said. “It goes through how the technology works, its advantages over traditional ducted ventilation systems and exampless of system layouts and applications”. The guide also includes full specifications and detailed dimensional drawings of the entire range of Fantech JetVent fans, and a step-by-step guide that takes the reader from the initial car park geometry assessment and design phases through to the installation, commissioning and maintenance of the product. This section of the guide also includes information on a number of control solutions and how they could help to reduce power consumption and noise levels. For your copy of the guide contact Rafael Mayen, on (03) 9554 7868 or email rmayen@fantech.com.au
Major Air increases its fan base in
Tasmania
Major Air, Fantech’s agent in Tasmania, has increased its presence in the air-movement market with the acquisition of Pacific Fans of Hobart, a business that has been in the air-movement industry for over 30 years.
New major projects co-ordinator for Victoria Phil Nevill, a well respected member of the Fantech team, has been promoted to Victorian Major Projects Co-Ordinator. A qualified electrician and commissioning technician, Phil previously worked for HVAC contractors for more than 20 years before joining Fantech in 2002 as an internal sales representative and later as an external HVAC sales representative. “I look forward to the challenges my new role may present and am quite excited about working with customers at all levels. I’m confident my contracting background and the depth of knowledge I have accumulated will provide a high level of service and good outcomes for customers,” he said.
Major Air Managing Director Rhys Bennett said this came into effect on the 1st of February and has improved service levels in Hobart by providing customers with access to a greater range of products. “We will continue to operate from the Pacific Fans’ location in Moonah, as well as our current Major Air office in Launceston,” he said. Rob Thomas, an experienced member of the Major Air team, heads the Hobart operation and is assisted by Diane Faulkner who is a veteran fan sales and administration manager for Pacific Fans. Rhys said that in addition to the greater range of products available to customers, the acquisition would give Major Air the capacity to hold more stock in the state which would ensure faster delivery of products or simply the improved ability to pick one up if required. “The staff at Major Air and Pacific Fans posses the knowledge and experience in the industrial, commercial and domestic ventilation markets that will ensure customers get the highest level of service,” Mr Bennett said.
AC Goulding celebrates 25 years Today the core business is major construction projects in Melbourne, although the company operates throughout Australia. Much of this work is through AC Goulding Light Commercial, a company established in 2001 to take care of the small to medium sized commercial projects and the larger domestic installations. “AC Goulding Air Conditioning is still the flagship business in the ACG group. Residential customers from 30 or 40 years ago still turn to me for little bits of maintenance and repairs,” Cliff said.
Today the core business is major construction projects...
The ties between Cliff and father in-law Ron remain strong as could be seen when they both appeared on the ABC’s The New Inventors program with GRAS, an innovative water recycling system they developed to use greywater and rainwater for irrigation.
Along with GRAS, the company is proud to manufacture controls and mechanical switchboards under licence for use in their own projects. “Not having to rely on software companies for technical support is a real bonus,” Cliff said. “It means we are 100% responsible for the outcomes achieved from design to finish and this is extremely satisfying when it all comes together.” One of the more interesting projects the company has been involved in was the redevelopment of the Supreme Court of Victoria. “The project was a challenge - the original architecture featured high atriums, cooling chimneys and tunnels which had been there for more than 130 years. These had to be integrated with underfloor hydronic heating and inverter air conditioners for passive ventilation in a new, ‘green’ package,” he said. “We were very aware of noise in the mechanical design and used Fantech silencers to ensure the ambience of the courtroom remained the same.”
Fantech congratulates AC Goulding on reaching their 25 year milestone.
FAN ENGINEERS
As a young apprentice Cliff Goulding fell in love with the boss’s daughter, Fiona. They married and soon after in 1986 began AC Goulding Air Conditioning to service home heating and small-scale commercial air conditioning customers.
Want to improve your FAN KNOWLEDGE ?
TRAINING PROGRAM
Then join us for a one day Fantech “Fan Training Program” which has been designed for engineers working for consultants and contractors. Fantech’s technical experts give presentations on key concepts that are crucial for anyone wanting to expand their HVAC knowledge. Program dates; Sydney: 2nd of June, Coffs Harbour: 28th of June, Newcastle: 26th of July, Brisbane: 30th of August, Townsville: 4th of October, Canberra: 26th of October If you would like to register for a training program please contact Rafael Mayen on (03) 9554 7868 or rmayen@fantech.com.au.
WOULD YOU LIKE MORE INFORMATION? Please send me a “JetVent Impulse Ventilation for Car Parks Guide”. 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
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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 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. Christchurch Wellington
(09) 444 6266 (03) 379 8622 (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