December 2009
Newsletter Number 66
Melbourne Exhibition Convention & Centre se
ts the stan dard
The newly completed Melbourne Convention Centre has been fully integrated with the Melbourne Exhibition Centre to create a modern, user-friendly and versatile environment that makes an architectural statement on the banks of the Yarra River.
“With a total building capacity of 22,000 people, you need to make sure there are no hiccups It is the first convention centre in the world to be awarded a 6 star with the ventilation system,” Mike said. “To ensure a high level Green Star environmental rating. It also won the Banksia Environmental of reliability we have standby fans, pumps and air handling Foundation Built Environment Award; an award presented for buildings, systems.” infrastructure, services and technologies that incorporate significant A major feature of the centre is the 5000 seat plenary hall with sustainable development principles and practices. its gala seating system. “This unique spiral lifting device allows The building’s innovative water management system captures and uses flexible seating configurations in a 510 square metre room that all rain water and is complete with its own black water treatment plant. can be divided into three self-contained, acoustically separate theatres. Solar hot water systems and energy efficient lighting have also been “Visitors to the convention centre breathe comfortably thanks to incorporated to reduce energy consumption. under-floor displacement air systems fitted with carbon dioxide Mike Reid from James L Williams Pty Ltd, a leading mechanical monitoring and control in the plenary hall and foyer.” contractor in Victoria, said an energy efficient HVAC system was Mike said the technical complexity, large scale and tight achieved by conditioning an occupied area up to 2.5 metres above the construction program of the project had combined to make the floor in open spaces through low velocity systems and high efficiency motors. He said 149 Fantech fans were selected for their high efficiency convention centre a huge challenge. “At the peak of the project there were more than 1000 workers on site, and we were able to and there was extensive use of primary and secondary pumping deliver the project on time,” he said. systems incorporating variable speed drives to help limit energy consumption. The Melbourne Convention Centre and integrated Hilton Hotel were designed by Joint Venture Architects Woods Bagot and NH The main foyer, with its 18 metre glass façade fronting the Yarra River, has radiant slab heating and cooling to keep the occupants comfortable, Architecture for the Plenary Group consortium. while efficient chilled beams are used in the ground/mezzanine offices. The Melbourne Convention Centre opened in April 2009.
ZZoo oo panders pand ders to new ne guests g ests Two Giant Pandas will soon be on display at Adelaide Zoo. Three year old Wang Wang and his two year old mate Funi left China in late November, bound for a 10 year stay at Adelaide Zoo. To accommodate its new guests Adelaide Zoo has undergone a major construction project. In addition to the new Panda enclosure, the zoo has a new ticketing area and a function centre known as the Santos Conservation Centre. Giant Pandas are on the endangered species listing with only 1600 left in the wild. To protect the species and secure its long term survival, breeding pairs of Giant Pandas are loaned to zoos outside China. Adelaide Zoo’s Panda enclosure cost $8 million and includes a separate enclosure and day room for each Panda as well as sleeping dens and a nursery. Native to the high mountains and deep valleys of China, the Giant Pandas will be kept cool in Adelaide by chilled rocks. Haden Engineering’s Project
Manager J M John h G Grimwade i d said id tthe h rocks k had chilled water coils constructed from PVC Nitrile material embedded within the Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC) rock. Chilled water enters the rock at 6°C and aims to maintain the surface of the rock at 12°C on a 25°C ambient day. “When the weather is too warm, 25°C or above, the Pandas will stay inside their day rooms where chilled water air handling units complete with heat recovery modules air-condition the room to maintain a maximum indoor temperature of 18°C,” he said. To help facilitate the air flow and cooling Fantech supplied a range of products including five in-line centrifugal fans and two in-line mixed-flow fans. The Panda enclosure is due to be opened to the public on 13 December.
Technically Speaking With Jack Pirie
Fan Total Efficiency Global concern about the level of carbon dioxide (CO2) production and links to climate change have led to increased demand for more efficient equipment and systems that consume less energy. The building mechanical services industry accounts for about 20-25% of the world’s energy consumption, with fans representing a substantial share of that. This is an area where well-engineered fan selections and systems can be made, providing substantial cuts in energy consumption, much of it with an immediate cost benefit.
When this formula is applied to a particular fan size, the fan with the highest efficiency will be the one consuming the least power. However, if the selection is made over a range of sizes, a different picture can emerge. Consider an axial flow fan required to meet BCA Section J5.2 W/(L/s) ratings, handling 40m3/s @ 600Pa static pressure. From the Fantech Product Selection CD, for fans in the 1400 to 1800mm dia. range, the two fans with the highest total efficiency are the AP1404CA9/31 at 80% efficiency and the AP1806FA12/19 at 73% efficiency; both fans meet the BCA W/(L/s) requirement. Interestingly, although the AP1404CA9/31 fan has the higher total efficiency, it requires 50.36kW shaft power to drive the fan whilst the AP1806FA12/19 requires only 40.50kW. The reason for this is because a fan’s total pressure is the sum of the static and velocity pressures and, as the 1400 dia. fan is smaller than the 1800 dia. fan, its velocity pressure will be higher when handling the same airflow. Fig. 2 illustrates the differences in the total pressures of the 1400 and 1800 dia. fans; in this instance the 1400 dia. fan having to develop 1005Pa and the 1800 dia. fan only 748Pa.
Vacon Drives, Coles Myer Mulgrave
To generate the higher total pressure the 1400dia. fan has to do more work than the 1800 dia. fan therefore using more energy. Unless static regain is utilised, the higher velocity pressure produced by smaller fans is often lost resulting in the energy required to generate it being wasted. 1400
AP1404CA9/31
AP1806FA12/19
1200 PtF
1000
Fig. 1
An early step in improving energy efficiency in Australia was the establishment of AS/NZS1359.5 2004 – “Three-phase cage induction motors – High efficiency and minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) requirements”. The minimum efficiencies of MEPS motors are now between 80% and 96% for the majority of motors which will make further efficiency gains difficult to achieve. Section J of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) legislates minimum performance targets, W/L/s, for fans and air handling equipment in Section J5.2, while allowing AS1359.5 2004 to handle the minimum motor efficiencies. Even with the BCA requirements, further reductions in consumed power of up to 40-50% can be obtained using best practice principle and careful, well considered fan selections. It stands to reason that, with regards to fans, major efficiency gains, and therefore power savings, are possible both now and in the future. The efficiency of a fan impeller is generally rated in terms of ‘total efficiency’. This definition measures how well a fan impeller converts the power output from an electric motor into useful mechanical energy in the airstream, based on total pressure. It is NOT a measure of the overall efficiency of a fan, as losses through the motor or other elements such as belt-drives, are not considered.
Fan pressure, Pa
Fig. 1 shows that the efficiency of a single fan varies greatly over its performance envelope. If a fan is selected too far from its “sweetspot” energy may be unnecessarily wasted. Not only is energy saved by selecting near the “sweetspot”, but noise levels are typically quieter, and there is less chance of the fan entering stall.
800
1005Pa PtF
P sF
748Pa
PsF
600
Duty Point
Duty Point
Pd F
400 200
Pd F 0 30
Fig. 2
40
50
60
30
qV-Volume flow, m3/s
40
50
60
The 1800dia. fan’s cost is approximately 56% higher, or $4,000 more than the 1400mm dia. fan. However, assuming an electricity cost of $0.15/kWh and a fan’s operating program of 10hrs/day, 200days/year, the potential saving in running cost/yr with the 1800mm dia. fan is: (50.36 – 40.50kWh) x $0.15/kWh x 10hrs x 200 days = $2960/yr. In such a scenario the additional cost of the 1800mm fan can be recovered in just over 16 months. Of course, if we take a life cycle approach, the savings in running costs will continue for some 10-20 years; based on a life of 15 years the saving will amount to more than $40,000, almost 4 times the initial cost of the fan. This example highlights, where more than one fan diameter is considered, the importance of focussing on absorbed power figures rather than aiming for the highest total efficiency.
Eltafantech achieves ISO certification A subsidiary of Fantech Australia, Eltafantech Asia began its operation in 2005 and has now achieved ISO 9001:2008 certification. Today there are 25 people employed at the Malaysian manufacturing facility and office. “In this day and age we need to have set quality standards to work to,” Eltfafantech Managing Director Peter Lester said. The ISO 9000 family of standards for quality management systems are recognised internationally. ISO 9001-2008 requires a business to implement a set of organised quality procedures to ensure high quality products, service and adherence to standards. Procedures may include monitoring products through the manufacturing process, testing for defects, and taking remedial action where needed. Adequate records are also required to help review processes and make improvements.
Fans by Fantech
Product Selection Program
Tip No.6
With Stuart Bryson
Adding ancillaries to a fan When choosing to add a fan to a schedule, the Product Selection Program will prompt you with a Fan Details dialog, where usually you would choose the quantity required as well as a location and designation to identify the selection. You can also select ancillary items for the fan, such as speed controllers, guards and mounting feet by clicking on the ‘Ancillary’ button. This will open up a list of seven fixed categories of ancillaries and three flexible categories.
Peter said that it had proved to be a good business decision, as positive feedback from staff indicated that the detailed procedures of ISO 9001 had made it easier to introduce a new quality management system. “Achieving ISO 9001-2008 certification gives us a much stronger credibility with our customers and opens a lot more doors when conducting business in and around South East Asia,” he said.
Tick the ancillary categories you require for the fan. For the flexible categories, enter a description, such as Backdraft Damper or Painting.
Southern Cross East Tower
Etihad Stadium
The product code drop down will include a list of ancillary items which are available – refer to the website, or your Fans by Fantech catalogue, to determine the suitable ancillaries for your fan. Check the quantity per fan required (feet and mounts usually require more than 1 per fan), and confirm your choices by clicking ‘OK’ and then ‘Save to Schedule’.
D&E values stand the test of time People are at the core of D&E Air Conditioning’s success.
Founders Doug Langford and Ernie Wills began the company in 1989 with only a handful of employees. With Ernie now retired and Doug involved in D&E’s parent company, the Hastie Group, original employee Greg Andrews has taken over as General Manager. “Right from the start Doug and Ernie instilled a sense of belonging in their employees,” Greg said. “They offered training to apprentices, trainees and graduates, along with other staff, and helped them to progress through the company. “D&E still follows that philosophy today and as a result a number of early trainees and apprentices have been with us for 10, 15 and 20 years and now head our departments.” Initially the company began with a willingness to work on any size and type of project, and this is still the case today. By the end of the first year the business had grown to 15 employees. Demand for their services continued to increase and today there are over 250 employees based at the Melbourne office.
Five years ago the Hastie Group acquired D&E Air Conditioning. Greg believes this has complimented and added to D&E’s strength in the industry. Belonging to an international group which provides a full range of building and engineering services has given D&E greater scope, while still being able to maintain the original core values as founded by Doug and Ernie. “We also have a regional office in Geelong, an installation business in Perth, have worked in all states of Australia, and internationally in Papua New Guinea, Thailand and China. Our experience in the mechanical services industry is extensive.” Offering a range of mechanical services to both small and large commercial and retail developments, the company specialises in pharmaceutical, hospital and laboratory installations. “We are keen to promote designs with low environmental impacts via our in-house Green Star and NABERS accredited engineers.” Some recently completed projects with better environmental outcomes include: Southern Cross 2 (5 Star Green Star Office Interiors); 181 William St (5 Star Green Star Office As Built - 4.5 NABERS commitment); 140 William St, Perth (5 Star Green Star Office Design); and Myer C9 Docklands (5 Star Green Star Office As built).
Fantech congratulates D&E Air Conditioning on their 20 year milestone.
Energy recovery products now available through Fantech Air Design is pleased to announce the release of the Modutherm Air Handling range with Energy Recovery (ER) capability. The Queensland-based company, which is part of the Fantech group, can now offer their customers a range which incorporates Klingenburg plate and rotary heat exchangers with air flows to approximately 11,000l/s. The heat exchanger is the heart of a heat recovery unit and Air Design is proud to be working in collaboration with Klingenburg to supply this component. Klingenburg is a world leading developer and manufacturer of heat recovery components based in Germany. Air Design’s National Sales Manager Adrian Bartlett said, “Working with Klingenburg to supply rotary and plate heat exchangers added confidence and great value to the Modutherm ER range. Klingenburg has an impressive history and have been in operation since 1982, supplying Eurovent and ARI certified heat exchangers for use throughout the world. They have a selection program that enables accurate product design and a website that is highly informative.”
Modutherm ER with rotary heat exchanger, DWDI fans & integral filter plenum.
The units feature an aluminium pentapost frame system, double skin polyurethane panels and unique quarter turn lock panel retention systems providing easy access to components within the housing. The polyurethane has an Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP) and Global Warming Potential (GWP) of zero, which reduces the product’s impact on the environment. Modutherm Energy Recovery units are available with forward and backwardcurved DWDI fans or centrifugal plug fans, and high efficiency deep bed and panel filters. Adrian said “There has been a lot of interest in the range, particularly the models with the Sorption rotary heat Klingenburg Rotary exchanger, which transfers Heat Exchanger both sensible and latent energy ensuring the greatest energy recovery. The rotor has a zeolite coating that acts as a molecular sieve, which, in combination with its purge or cleaning sector, ensures no odour molecules are transferred and leakage is kept to a minimum.” A comprehensive catalogue has been developed to highlight the key aspects of the range. However, if the exact solution is not within the products listed, the Modutherm modular box construction system can be configured to suit individual requirements.
Modutherm ER with plate heat exchanger, DWDI fans & Please contact your local Fantech office for a copy of the integral filter plenum. catalogue or for further details.
Product News
With Kerry Dumicich
Fantech proud to distribute Vacon drives Fantech is proud to announce that it can now provide the high quality Vacon range of drives throughout Australasia. Fantech aims to align itself with strong reputable products and brands, and Vacon’s reputation for manufacturing high quality AC drives made them the ideal choice. Fantech is now able to assist with the selection and supply of fan and drive packages, which helps to simplify the design and construction of the mechanical system. AC drives are definitely the way of the future. The technology enhances motor performance, with lower starting currents and reduced running costs contributing to savings on energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint.
additional cabinets and is ready for immediate integration into the network. With versatile control and programming capabilities, this is a simple, impressive drive that is suitable for most HVAC applications.
And when it comes to choosing an AC drive, Vacon units are among the best in the world. Furthermore, the technical support offered by Vacon’s premium partner CMG, is second to none.
The Vacon NXS is also popular in building services. The robust design incorporates effective protection against supply network disturbances, and with a power range up to 90kW at 380-500V, the NXS is a reliable all-purpose drive.
One of the unique features of Vacon drive units is their modular design. The drives are available with 240, 415 and 690 volt options, a choice of air-cooled or purpose designed liquid-cooled drives and have the capacity for several Input/Output cards and field-installable conversion kits. The Vacon NXL is a powerful and compact AC drive well suited to general light industrial applications from 0.75 to 30 kilowatts. Offering a high level of protection, the unit can be installed on the wall without
The beauty of Vacon drives is that they are quick and convenient to install, connect and commission and can be easily mixed and matched to suit individual client needs. Fantech can also provide a range of accessories including keypad door mount kits, through-mount adapters for panels, brake resistors and various filters and varnished circuit boards for corrosive environments.
A Life time
15 years
Mitch Jeffrey
of service
Fantech Victoria – Internal Sales Engineer
Focused on customer service, Fantech staff are the backbone of the company. Management salutes their contribution, especially those who have reached 10, 15 and even 20 years of service.
20 years
Mario Kohler
Fantech Victoria – Assembly Technician Mario Kohler may have been born in Chile but he is right at home in the Fantech assembly area. He joined Fantech four years after arriving in Australia and has spent the past 20 years assembling a wide range of products. “I enjoy life and when not at work I like to exercise and spend time with my wife Edelmira,” he said.
Stuart King
Fantech Victoria – Development Engineer Stuart King likes life in the fast lane as he races his home-built Westfield clubman race car round the track, but three years ago he chose to slow down to a part-time position. He remains at the forefront of development and innovation in the company but these days tends to work on special projects within the R&D department. “Fantech is a friendly supportive place to work and I love the fact that we all work together as a team,” he said.
Tina Jordan
Fantech NSW – Despatch Clerk Making sure customers receive their goods on time is the task of Tina Jordan as she organises outward goods from Fantech’s Sydney office.
Initially working in export sales and dealing with South East Asia, Mitch Jeffrey transferred to an internal sales position in July 1997 and now focuses on the Victorian client base. “I enjoy problem solving,” he said, “and helping consultants with special designs.” When not at work Mitch gets a lot of satisfaction from building and upgrading computers and along with wife Karen enjoys supporting their three children in gymnastics and their careers.
10 years
Peter Hanna
Fantech NSW – Sales Engineer After ten years of working as a Sales Engineer with Fantech Peter Hanna’s enthusiasm for the job just keeps growing. “I guess I’m a bit of a hunter and gatherer,” he said. “I enjoy getting out there where the excitement is, the diversity of my clients, the spread of personalities and consistent work demands. It is all really interesting.” At home a three year old granddaughter keeps him entertained.
A keen photographer, he takes the opportunity to record the ever-changing beauty of the South Island scenery whenever he gets the opportunity.
Shannon Bayley
The Ventilation Warehouse Sydney – Branch Supervisor Shannon Bayley started in the assembly area at Fantech and slowly worked his way through QA, into sales and finally Branch Supervisor for The Ventilation Warehouse in Sydney. “I like the fact that I get to meet a lot of different people, from engineers through to home owners who do their own installation,” he said. Seven children keep him very busy, but Shannon likes to make time to play rugby league.
Greg Drechsler
Air Design – Production Supervisor for axial fans and warehousing Greg Drechsler enjoys the company of workmates and enjoys coming to work each day. His current job as Production Supervisor sees him involved in fan production and scheduling, stock control, supervising the warehouse’s inward goods area and purchasing. When not at work he enjoys photography, bushwalking, camping and taking his modified Toyota Surf for a spin in 4WD events including night navigation.
Bob Wright
Fantech New Zealand – South Island Sales Engineer Bob Wright was a bit at sea after leaving the navy to become a Fantech Sales Engineer. “It was a steep learning curve as I had no previous experience in the industry,” he said, “but I like the daily challenge of supporting our customers at the end of an extended supply chain.”
Bob Wright
When Tina first started with the company 20 years ago there were only seven people in the office and she took on many roles including banking, invoicing, and chasing debtors. “I like to travel within Australia and see new places,” she said. “I also enjoy camping and watching sports.”
Shannon Bayley Peter Hanna
Greg Drechsler
From left to right: Greg Drechsler Mario Kohler, Mitch Jeffrey, Stuart King
Tina Jordan
Anthony Lamaro, Fantech Victoria
AIRAH conferences show way forward Fantech F t h iis proud d tto h have supported t d ttwo A Australian t li IInstitute tit t off Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) conferences this year, ‘Achieving the Green Dream’ and ‘Pre-Loved Buildings’. Both were aimed at improving the sustainability of our built environment. The Achieving the Green Dream Conference was held on 15-16 July at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. The conference explored the practicalities of designing, building and fitting out green buildings and the relationships between architects, builders, building owners, facility managers, engineers, commissioning technicians and contractors. “The demand for green buildings has risen steadily over the last few years so that it has almost become the default design criteria,” AIRAH Technical Manager Phil Wilkinson said. “However, putting the design into practice and achieving that green dream is often a lot more difficult.” Phil said there was sometimes tension between these various groups, which impacted on the performance of a building. “Improved communication and good working relationships help ensure that the construction and ongoing maintenance of a building enables it to live up to the full potential of the initial design. As architect Andrew
Gutteridge aptly put it, ‘Integration is the new green dream’, and this is advice we should all be following.” Although there has been much emphasis on new buildings constructed with sustainable design imperatives, AIRAH feels that improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings is a continuing challenge. The 4th AIRAH Pre-Loved Buildings Conference on 19-20 November at the Telstra Conference Centre in Melbourne, dealt with issues surrounding the 98 percent of buildings that already exist. “Updating the existing building stock in Australia has become the most urgent of priorities,” Phil said. “They represent an obvious area where improvements can be made, efficiencies achieved and dollars saved.” Fantech Marketing Services Manager Frank Cosentino said it was important to be involved in industry events such as the AIRAH conferences. “Conferences are a great way of disseminating technical information and the presentations often stimulate valuable discussion as delegates network between sessions,” he said. “Fantech is pleased to have sponsored these events which show us the way forward to a more sustainable future.”
Boosting child health research Fantech, Systemaire and Air Design will donate the money otherwise Fantech spent on Christmas cards, to a worthwhile charity. This year the money will go to the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research.
suburbs named after her – the Fiona Stanley Hospital.
The Perth institute is dedicated to the prevention of major childhood diseases and disabilities. The major research areas are asthma, allergy and respiratory disease, cancer, Aboriginal child health, social and emotional wellbeing, understanding disability, healthy development, the early years and infectious disease.
CMS Engineering, a leading WA mechanical services contractor, is a Professor Fiona Stanley AC & strong supporter of the institute. Each year some healthy, Director Ken Mesure chairs the St George’s Day happy children. Function committee which holds events like the St George’s Day Ball to raise money for charity. The committee has raised about $130,000 towards child health research at the Institute.
Its founding Director Professor Fiona Stanley was recognised in 2003 for her contribution to child health when she was awarded Australian of the Year. She will also have a new major trauma centre in Perth’s southern
For further information visit www.childhealthresearch.com.au
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 Vacon VSD range Please send me additional information on the Air Design Energy Recovery Range Please send me a copy of the Fans by Fantech Product Selection CD. Please send me a copy of the 2008 Fans by Fantech Catalogue.
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Fantech - a member of the Elta Group of Companies
Fantech Contacts
WOULD YOU LIKE MORE INFORMATION?
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