In this article, Ron Heymann, Senior Regional Manager, HVACR at ABB, will explore the crucial role of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) solutions in hospitals, with a particular focus on the use of variable speed drives (VSDs) to improve indoor air quality and energy efficiency.
The quality of HVACR systems holds significant implications, specifically within hospitals, as inadequate air quality and the presence of harmonics in electrical distribution networks can compromise the integrity of critical areas such as isolation and operating rooms, the functioning of sensitive and critical equipment, and overall energy efficiency. This results in an increase in a hospital’s annual OPEX costs.
Expansion of the HVACR system’s design
VSDs are essential in providing optimal air quality as part of an overall “healthy building design” implemented by pioneering architects and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) firms around the world. They incorporate many design elements learned during and since the pandemic like the increased use of dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS). They are also essential in enabling necessary functions such as maintaining proper pressure in isolation and operating rooms. These are in addition to the basic heating and cooling functions most people equate to an HVACR system.
These are in addition to the basic heating and cooling functions most people equate to an HVACR system
Beyond air quality control, drives also play a key role in cutting maintenance and energy consumption costs by offering superior control over the motors powering the various fans, pumps, blowers, and compressors that comprise current day HVACR systems. VSDs allow the expansion of an HVACR system’s design with capabilities such as over-speeding variable speed components while still maintaining high system efficiency.
Use of ultra-low harmonic VSDs
Most newer hospitals will already be fitted with VSDs, whereas older facilities may require significant upgrades or retrofits. However, while VSDs bring many benefits in terms of energy efficiency, they along with other non-linear electrical loads can introduce harmonics into the electrical distribution network.
Harmonics negatively impact energy efficiency and equipment reliability. This potential impact on energy efficiency and reliability cannot be underestimated. More harmonics lead to higher energy losses, contributing to escalating utility bills. In the US, utility companies go as far as to charge for poor power factor, adding to annual OPEX budgets. There is good news though, as the use of ultra-low harmonic VSDs significantly reduces the amount of harmonics introduced into the electrical distribution within a hospital.