Eaton-Williams brings FANWALL TECHNOLOGY® into the UK
As part of its Energy-Saver® programme, Eaton-Williams is introducing FANWALL TECHNOLOGY®, an innovative approach to air handler design in the UK.
Using the latest technology from its US based sister company Huntair, the system is being applied across Moducel’s LKP range of air handlers and incorporates the latest developments.
FANWALL TECHNOLOGY® is a new way of customising air handling units using many specially designed high efficiency small diameter direct driven fans mounted in an array within the air handler’s intake.
“FANWALL is ideal for specialised applications and air handlers using the technology are typically 6-10% more energy efficient,” comments Joe Wieckowski, Moducel’s General Sales Manager.
It solves many of the problems usually associated with the upgrade of air handlers particularly in older structures while increasing efficiency and control of temperature and humidity levels. It is therefore suitable for both refurbishment projects and new build or any project requiring a solution where there are stringent size, reliability and noise criteria.
Key benefits of LKP FANWALL TECHNOLOGY®
- Energy efficiency
- Reduced noise
- Built in redundancy/reliability
- Small footprint
- Reduced maintenance costs
FANWALL TECHNOLOGY® versus conventional AHUs
- Length 2490mm against 3690mm
- Noise level approximately 12dB lower
- Fan absorbed power 7.74kW against 9kW
- Air discharge extremely even – take off directly after fan
Energy saving design features
Reduced energy consumption is a major benefit. The LKP FANWALL array can be adjusted by turning one or more fans off enabling remaining fans and motors to be fully loaded at or near peak efficiency.
Variable speed drives permit adjustment of airflow rates by turning fans on or off and smaller fans reduce low frequency noise generation. Additional noise reduction is achieved by surrounding each fan on all four sides in the array with sound absorbing enclosures.
The use of direct drive fan drives eliminates drive loses and improves mechanical efficiency by as much as five percent. Additional efficiency improvements include an improved aerodynamic performance with the elimination of belt guards, large fan pedestals and much of the structure traditionally found in air handlers to support motors and belt drive mechanisms.
Flexibility and footprint
The most attractive benefit of the LKP FANWALL design is the flexibility achieved by reducing the size of the air handler’s footprint. The use of smaller multiple fans spaced across the intake enables the use of much shorter inlet and discharge plenums. Whilst still maintaining good flow characteristics.
The fan array can be configured in almost any layout providing maximum flexibility and enables an LKP FANWALL air handler to be designed to fit in any space that would be impossible for any other air-handling unit.
Maintenance/built-in redundancy
A smaller footprint also means that space freed up can be used for more valuable functions and has maintenance implications. Small fans are easy to maintain and a multiple array provides a highly redundant system without the need for standby units. If one of the fans fails, the variable speed drive will automatically compensate by speeding up the remaining fans. Replacement of smaller fans is also much simpler than that of a larger fan and reduces the amount of time and costs associated with service and replacement.
“Engineers in the past have had to juggle placing a large air handler into a confined space with good airflow characteristics and the need for maintenance access, this innovative approach offers many advantages and should be considered for projects that warrant a customised solution,” adds Joe Wieckowski.
Typical applications include concert and lecture halls, performing arts centres, libraries, musems, art galleries, hospital and clean room environments or for any other application that requires a customised approach to meet stringent criteria.