Energy
• Reliable harmonic mitigation : While AC drives increase precision , save energy and extend application lifetime , they also introduce harmonic currents to the hospital grid . If not kept under control , harmonic currents can affect the performance and reliability of generators and other equipment .
• Hospital drives are operation critical : AC drives enhance and support the operation and reliability of complex hospital HVAC systems . Regulating air flow , humidity and temperature , smart operation ensures patient and staff comfort and safety – also in the event of fire – while optimising conditions in operation rooms and wards .
REAL-LIFE EXAMPLES We have assisted a number of hospitals worldwide in optimising energy efficiency and saving costs , while ensuring stable , optimal thermal conditions for patients , visitors , professionals , and equipment .
One example is MERSIN University Hospital in Turkey , a modern facility of 170 000m 2 with more than 1 000 beds , which is saving costs while also reducing its carbon footprint and improving indoor comfort .
Originally , the MERSIN hospital was designed with a traditional district cooling system , applying constant flow and hydraulic coupling . This type of system requires major investments in a large number of pumps and manual balancing valves . Added to this , the solution carries high installation and commissioning costs , and the technical installations take up valuable space .
After the initial dialogue , an alternative solution was proposed ; a variable flow system with Pressure Independent Balancing and Control Valves ( PIBCV ). After careful evaluation of the automatic balancing solution , the consulting engineers in charge of the system design and the construction company that owns the building were convinced to go for the variable flow system , first and foremost due to the following advantages :
• Significant reductions in initial investment costs by eliminating zone pumps and the number of valves ;
• A decrease in installation and commissioning costs through less complexity , and by using automatic balancing valves that require no manual balancing ;
• Reliable and precise flow control and perfect cooling at all times ;
• Easy integration into the building management system ( BMS ) with fewer control points ; and
• Freed-up space , leaving room for the vital functions of the hospital .
The hospital also noted several advantages in terms of energy and cost savings in the daily operation of the cooling system . Among others , the organisation has been able to lower the energy consumption of the pumps , the chiller efficiency has been increased , and the heat loss on the return lines has been minimised . Furthermore , patients and staff have expressed their satisfaction with the pleasant indoor climate that facilitates recovery and general well-being .
A second Turkish hospital seeing the energy efficiency benefits delivered by this is Memorial Bahcelievler Hospital in Istanbul , which has experienced a 30 % energy saving . An additional 20 % energy savings is being seen , thanks to hydronic balancing and flow control . The hospital environment is now also safer , with built-in Fire Mode and seismic protection , and Memorial Bahcelievler has managed to lower its carbon emissions by 200 tonnes .
While doctors , nurses , and medical staff work tirelessly to tend to patients and bring them back to health , so the HVAC systems at hospitals too play an important role , providing a comfortable and hygiene-critical environment in different parts of the hospital .
Danfoss celebrates those who not only work tirelessly within the healthcare industry , but also those who have contributed towards achieving the highest levels of energy efficiency by rethinking the HVAC systems in hospitals . RACA
www . hvacronline . co . za RACA Journal I March 2022 49