ECFanGrid Retrofit

Retrofit of a belt-driven fan with a volume flow of 25,700 m³/h in the administration building of a German television station. The pictures clearly show the two old rails from the old fan still visible on the floor. The fan was mounted on these rails with spring suspension. The ECFanGrid system is so well balanced that even when the fans are mounted rigidly, no vibrations occur in the air handling unit. Balancing is carried out in accordance with DIN ISO 21940-11 in quality class G2.5 or G6.3, depending on the impeller size. In order to comply with VDI 6022, a second filter stage behind the belt-driven fan was previously required (belt abrasion dust). After retrofitting, it was possible to remove the filter stage and thus reduce the pressure losses of the system, which led to further energy savings.

ECFanGrid retrofit in the 5-star INTERCONTINENTAL BERLIN hotel: Four old ventilation systems were equipped with the latest EC technology during the renovation of a large conference room. ECFanGrids were used in various configurations, always optimally adapted to the existing cross-section of the existing air handling unit. The technical rooms in which the air handling units are located were very cramped. However, thanks to the compact design of an ECFanGrid Retrofit, the upgrade was still easy to implement.

Replacement of a large belt-driven fan with an ECFanGrid in a hospital. The more even distribution of airflow through the rectangular duct – 5.9 m wide and 2.0 m high – leads to greater efficiency of downstream components such as filters and heat exchangers. Another important factor was hygiene. The installation of the ECFanGrid eliminates abrasion from the belt drive. In addition, the mechanical design – with freely accessible floor – has significantly improved cleanability.

Retrofit of an old axial fan in a theatre. After years of operation, the entire fan urgently needed to be replaced after one of the blades broke. Due to the location of the equipment room in the basement, replacing the bulky fan was a challenge. For this reason, it was also absolutely necessary for the customer that replacement be made much easier in the future. The new ECFanGrid system with a volume flow of 130,000 m³/h was a good choice, as two people can handle all components. The equipment was brought in via normal stairs and lifts to transport the material on site. Due to the structural conditions, a service door was integrated instead of a bulkhead plate. This also reflects the flexibility of the ECFanGrid retrofit system.

Replacement of an old twin belt-driven fan in a roof air conditioning unit in the office building of an automotive supplier with a supply air volume flow of 27,800 m³/h. The fan drove two impellers simultaneously with one motor. Both bearings were permanently lubricated. Over time, the entire system became unbalanced. This created a large gap between the impeller and the cone, which led to a significant reduction in the fan’s efficiency. The replacement not only optimised energy efficiency, but also the entire system in terms of pressure losses, cleanliness, maintenance and balancing. The system was renewed in just 2 days. The payback period is 3.1 years.

At an airport in Germany, an old belt-driven fan in a ventilation unit was replaced. The new ECFanGrid fans regulate an air volume of 50,000 m³ per hour in the relevant public area of the terminal. The ECFanGrid control cabinet system acts as the central connection point for all fans. In addition, downstream components such as filters and heat exchangers are supplied with a more efficient and even flow of air. Furthermore, the baffle plate of the belt-driven fan could be eliminated, which significantly reduces pressure losses. With a 44% increase in energy efficiency, approximately 40 tonnes of CO2 can now be saved annually. The fan was replaced within just five days. The payback period for this conversion example is only 2.3 years.