An automated dust collection system using automated dampers that close when equipment is not being used, greatly reducing unneeded ventilation.
In many manufacturing facilities, dust and fume collection systems serve several stations. They are often turned on at the beginning of the shift and left on at full speed for the entire shift, regardless of demand. This proposal is to provide an automated fume or dust collection system, using motorized dampers that close when equipment is not being used, and using variable speed drives to reduce airflow to the minimum needed for good dust and fume collection. This greatly reduces unneeded exhaust and make-up air.
This proposal will work well for fume or odor collection systems. But, analysis will be needed when trying to apply it to systems designed to collect particulates because particulate/dust collection systems need a minimum velocity to keep the particulate suspended in the air.
If the space is conditioned, there would be additional savings in having to produce less conditioned makeup air.
Status:
Baseline Description: Exhaust fumes with a constant speed 5 Hp motor 8 hours per day, 5 days per week Baseline Energy Use: 12500 kWh per year per unit
For a 5 Hp motor, the efficiency about 60% at full load, or 6.3 kW. for 2,000 hours of operation per year, the energy use for the baseline is 12,500 kWh/yr.
This is a strategy, not a manufactured product.
"Typical" Savings: 25% Low and High Energy Savings: 5% to 75% Energy Savings Reliability: 5 - Comprehensive Analysis
Savings will depend on site specific operations. Caution on dust collection as velocity is important to keeping particulate entrained in the air stream.
Energy Use of an Emerging Technology is based upon the following algorithm. Baseline Energy Use - (Baseline Energy Use * Best Estimate of Energy Savings (either Typical savings OR the high range of savings.))
Simple payback, new construction (years): N/A
Simple payback, retrofit (years): N/A
Cost Effectiveness is calculated using baseline energy use, best estimate of typical energy savings, and first cost. It does not account for factors such as impacts on O&M costs (which could be significant if product life is greatly extended) or savings of non-electric fuels such as natural gas. Actual overall cost effectiveness could be significantly different based on these other factors.
Ales Litomisky, 01/01/2006. New Saving Opportunity: On-demand Industrial Ventilation Energy Engineering , 103
Ales Litomisky, 10/06/2006. Exhaust Ventilation Energy Saving In Car Manufacturing and Other Industries Ecogate, Inc.
Ales Litomisky, 06/27/2007. On-Demand Ventilation Energy Saving in Industrial Applications Ecogate, Inc.
Ales Litomisky, 01/01/2005. Innovative Energy Efficient Industrial Ventilation Energy Systems Laboratory