Drives&Controls & BACK TO BASICS n SPONSORED BY The EC fan vs drive debate isn’t as simple as it seems Electronically commutated fans continue to grow in popularity, particularly in HVAC applications, but they’re by no means the only way to improve efficiency. Andrew Knight, HVAC services manager at Essex-based Gibbons, an ABB Value Provider, offers his perspective on the EC fan versus drives debate. The HVAC sector has been transformed in recent years with the increasing adoption of EC (electronically commutated) fans. They have plenty to offer for AHU (air-handling) applications. They’re compact, efficient, and often have a lower upfront cost than separate motor-drive configurations. Conversely, a separate drive and motor also has its advantages, particularly in terms of reliability, servicing, and long-term maintainability. EC fans may be less practical on larger duties, higher pressure applications, or where future access and repairability are key considerations. In these cases, an external inverter drive with a highefficiency motor, such as ABB’s SynRM technology, can offer a robust and efficient alternative. At Gibbons, we work with both EC fan and motor-drive systems. Over the years we’ve seen cases where EC fans were the obvious choice, others where the motor-drive was more suitable, and many where either option could have worked perfectly well. Ultimately, the right choice depends on the application. Whether the control element is integrated into the fan, or handled by an external drive, the principle is the same. Both options benefit similarly from cube law efficiency improvements. We see them less as competing technologies, and more as different ways of achieving the same goal – saving energy. The biggest efficiency gain comes from introducing speed control in the first place. A synchronous reluctance motor and drive will help you to squeeze the final few percentage points of efficiency from a system, but either configuration will already save vast amounts of energy compared to a belt-driven centrifugal fan without speed control. The best choice often comes down to practicality. In some installations, maintenance and longevity are the key considerations. A drive-motor system is generally more serviceable and typically has a longer life, and provides greater flexibility in higher pressure systems. EC fans meanwhile are an excellent fit for smaller AHUs, particularly if EC technology is already in place. Sometimes availability is a factor. We can often source motors and drives faster than we can EC fans, helping projects to move forward more quickly. Both EC fans and drives have an important role to play in improving fan efficiency, but despite what manufacturers on either side may say, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. It will always depend on the specific needs of the application. For more information, visit www.gibbonsgroup.co.uk The EB260 encoder from BAUMER combines the precision of optical sensing with durability, compactness, and the cost-efficiency of magnetic systems. This means new opportunities in Drive Technology and Factory Automation. • Ultra-Compact design only 11mm installation depth. • Multiple parameterisation options mean simple integration. • Sophisticated Baumer technology eliminates signal errors. • Smart condition monitoring features an integrated Airgap monitor. LowHarmonics is unique by way of merging high precision and superior reliability and the EB260 encoder illustrates the pioneering technology of BAUMER’s innovative sensors and encoders. Find out more at: www.baumer.com/c/91644 T: 01793 783 839 E: sales.uk@baumer.com LowHarmonics Encoder Opens-Up New Opportunities in Automation Both EC fans and drives have a role to play in improving fan efficiency
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