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Events and Exhibitions
SMARTER VENTILATION
By Francois Schoombie, ebm-papst South Africa technical and operational director
The future of fan technology and energy efficiency.
Ventilation fans are fundamental to HVAC systems, ensuring air quality, thermal comfort and effective airflow control in buildings and industrial environments. But as technology and energy standards evolve, so too must the fans at the heart of these systems. Two central themes are redefining ventilation today: energy-efficient motor technology, particularly electronically commutated( EC) motors, and smart system integration aligned with Industry 4.0.
At the core of the shift toward more sustainable ventilation lies the EC motor. These motors have transformed how fans operate – especially in systems where energy efficiency and variable speed are key.
Unlike traditional AC motors, which rely on induced magnetic fields and typically suffer from conversion losses, EC motors use permanent magnets with built-in electronics to efficiently convert AC power to DC and integrate with smart systems. The result is a motor that runs cooler, quieter and more efficiently, with precise control over fan speed and connectivity to local or cloud control systems as well as building management systems( BMS).
The efficiency of EC motors becomes most apparent under variable loads. Thanks to fan affinity laws, reducing fan speed by 50 % will cut power consumption by 87.5 %. This makes EC motors a compelling solution for Variable Air Volume( VAV) systems, where fan loads fluctuate depending on demand, occupancy or temperature.
Moreover, EC motors eliminate the need for bulky and complex external Variable Speed Drives( VSDs), simplifying system design and improving reliability and range of operation. EC Motors have built in protection features like under-voltage, phase failure and thermal protections.
REGULATORY MOMENTUM AND GLOBAL STANDARDS As energy costs rise and climate goals tighten, governments are mandating better performance. South Africa, for instance, is moving toward Minimum Energy Performance Standards( MEPS). Requiring IE3-rated motors for all industries as of mid- 2024. These motors represent a step up in efficiency and align South Africa with global trends.
Francois Schoombie, ebm-papst South Africa technical and operational director.
Yet IE3 is by no means the ceiling. Motors rated to IE4 and IE5 standards that makes use of EC or permanent magnet designs are now becoming standard in Europe and are gaining traction in South Africa. When comparing the IE motor efficiency standards,
© RACA Journal
Supplied by ebm-papst
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RACA Journal I November 2025 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za