AHU Fan Section

General discussion / Salient features:

Fans shall be centrifugal double inlet, double width; single inlet single width; or plug direct drive units, manufactured in continuously welded mild steel with stiffeners where necessary with IE3+ permanent magnet motors. Where double inlet fans are used, bearings should be double row ball or roller bearings in cast iron Plummer-block bearing housings. Impellers shall be backward curved with continuously welded high quality steel aerofoil blades. Fans shall be statically and dynamically balanced to BS 5265. Supply air fans shall be arranged so as to minimise suction-side leakage air flows. If two-stage filtering is used, the supply air fan is to be arranged between the first and second filter stage. The fans shall be selected for operation at fan total system input efficiency (to include all motor, drive, and inverter or controller losses) of not less than the efficiencies stated in the table below and the fan discharge velocity shall not exceed 10 metres per second as long as this does not compromise efficiency. The table below shows the typical fan selection based on air flow rates (M3/sec) and the total static pressures. It also shows the system input efficiencies which the fans must meet. 2.5m3/s AHU Configuration 500Pa 2W X 11/2H Fan types: A, B, C Noise 75DB System input efficiency: 63% Fan types: A, B, C Noise 83DB System input efficiency: 65% Fan types: A, C Noise 89DB System input efficiency: 66% Fan types: A, C Noise 92DB System input efficiency: 67% Fan types: A, C Noise 95DB System input efficiency: 66% 5m3/s 21/2W X 2H Fan types: A, C Noise 76DB System input efficiency: 68% Fan types: A, C Noise 84DB System input efficiency: 70% Fan types: A, C Noise 89DB System input efficiency: 70% Fan types: A, C Noise 92DB System input efficiency: 69% Fan types: A, C Noise 95DB System input efficiency: 69% 10m3/s 4W X 3H Fan types: A, C Noise 95DB System input efficiency: 69% Fan types: A, C Noise 86DB System input efficiency: 71% Fan types: A, C Noise 90DB System input efficiency: 72% Fan types: A, C Noise 94DB System input efficiency: 72% Fan types: A, C Noise 97DB System input efficiency: 72% 20m3/s 6W X 4H Fan types: C, A Noise 82DB System input efficiency: 68% Fan types: A, C Noise 90DB System input efficiency: 72% Fan types: A, C Noise 94DB System input efficiency: 72% Fan types: A, C Noise 97DB System input efficiency: 72% Fan types: A, C Noise 100DB System input efficiency: 71%

1000Pa

1500Pa

2000Pa

2500Pa

Fan types: A Double Inlet Backward Curved Aerofoil Blade Direct Drive B Backward Curved Aerofoil Blade Direct Drive Plug Fan C Double Inlet Backward Curved Blade, Belt Drive

Note it should be clear that these are minimum levels are system input efficiencies. This is not the same as total efficiency or static efficiency as have more commonly had been used historically by fan manufacturers.

FanSystem = FanStatic Motor belt-drive Inverter installation

Care should be taken in selecting components that components are optimised for their load: a premium efficiency motor driving a premium efficiency fan does not necessarily equate to a maximum efficiency fan system. Calculations should be based on actual load conditions. There seems to be a direct correlation between fans with high Specific Fan Power (SFP) and Fan Noise (DBA). The table presented above limits the fans to the above criteria. Motor Types Recommended: 1. 2. IE2 Motors (Minimum) IE3 / PMMI /IE4 (Preferred)

Single Inlet Centrifugal fans

Double Inlet Centrifugal Fans

Typical Fan Static Efficiency Curves While selecting centrifugal fans, it should be ensured that the fans are not selected in the stall range resulting in significant pressure pulsations which can damage the fan casing and duct system. The robust nature of the centrifugal fan impeller geometry makes them much more tolerant of inadvertent stall operation. A well designed fan static efficiencies is generally into the high eighties (%).Plug Fans are recommended where total pressures less than 1500 Pa are required as long as target efficiency levels are achieved. We would advocate thrust restraints on inlet/outlet flanges for high pressure fans. The fan arrangement in AHU casing shall ensure even inflow and outflow of air and comply with prEN 130536.3.1 as stated below:

Distance on negative pressure side: - Axial distance from components and walls with a min. 0.5 x impeller diameter - Radial inflow: minimum of 3 x impeller diameter or a diffuser shall be included for double or single inlet fans. For plug fans, minimum of 1 x impeller diameter. This arrangement shall be reviewed along with manufacturers recommendations as indicated.

Distance on positive pressure side: - From components: open impellers, min. 1 x impeller diameter - From components: other components, outflow angle min. a = 45 - From walls: Observe manufacturers instructions regarding positive pressure -side distance between open impeller fans and walls in order to minimise dynamic discharge pressure. Specific fan power (SFP)

Where: SFP is the specific fan power demand of the air distribution system (W/ (l/s)) Psf is the total fan power of all supply air fans at the design air flow rate, including power losses through switchgear and controls associated with powering and controlling the fans (W). Pef is the total fan power of all exhaust air fans at the design air flow rate, including power losses through switchgear and controls associated with powering and controlling the fans (W). q is the design air flow rate through the system, which should be the greater of either the supply or exhaust air flow (l/s). Note that for an air handling unit, q is the largest supply or extract air flow through the unit. Fan, motor and motor fastenings shall be mounted on horizontal base frame. Fan and motor fastenings for seismically active areas snubbers shall be provided along the base channel to provide three dimensional restraints in case of seismic activity. During normal operation, vibration isolation from building structure shall be provided through base foundation. For seismic active zones, seismic cables shall be used to restraint movement in case of seismic activity in accordance to SEI/ASCE7 standards. For interior height of 1.5 m, sight glass shall be provided with an inside diameter min. 150 mm and light. Motor protection shall be provided for motors upwards of 0.25 kW. Lockable maintenance switch shall be provided near fans. Fans shall be equipotentially bonded. Fan blade imbalance is an important maintenance aspect which is generally not adequately considered during the PPM process, it is recommended that Fan blade imbalance be reviewed on a 6 monthly basis to ensure that the vibration isolation efficiency is not compromised. It is highly recommended that vibration sensors / general purpose accelerometer for the purpose of condition monitoring and protecting fans. Periodic checks on Fan blade imbalance would help in improving AHU fan life by implementing timely remedial measures. Fan Types: Table 1.1 summaries the different types of fans along with their efficiency curves, performance characteristics, application and fan characteristic curves as shown in GPG383 published by The Carbon Trust

Specific fan power (SFP)

Where: SFP is the specific fan power demand of the air distribution system (W/ (l/s)) Psf is the total fan power of all supply air fans at the design air flow rate, including power losses through switchgear and controls associated with powering and controlling the fans (W). Pef is the total fan power of all exhaust air fans at the design air flow rate, including power losses through switchgear and controls associated with powering and controlling the fans (W). q is the design air flow rate through the system, which should be the greater of either the supply or exhaust air flow (l/s). Note that for an air handling unit, q is the largest supply or extract air flow through the unit. As a general rule the Specific fan power contribution for a supply fan is around 80% with an extract fan with around 20%. Selection of SFP class for each fan if unspecified: Maximum Specific Fan Powers in air distribution systems System Type Central Mechanical Ventilation System including heating and cooling ( includes both supply and extract) Central Mechanical Ventilation System including heating only ( includes both supply and extract) All other central mechanical ventilation systems (Supply and extract) Additional Components: Additional return filter for heat recovery HEPA filter Heat Recovery- Thermal Wheel system Heat Recovery- Other systems Humidifier / Dehumidifier (air conditioning systems) 0.1 1.0 0.3 0.3 0.1 SFP (W/(l/s)

1.8 1.6 1.4

Specification: Fans shall be centrifugal double inlet, double width; single inlet single width; or plug direct drive units, manufactured in continuously welded mild steel with stiffeners where necessary with IE3+ permanent magnet motors. Where double inlet fans are used, bearings should be double row ball or roller bearings in cast iron Plummer-block bearing housings. Impellers shall be backward curved with continuously welded high quality steel aerofoil blades. Fans shall be statically and dynamically balanced to BS 5265. Supply air fans shall be arranged so as to minimise suction-side leakage air flows. If two-stage filtering is used, the supply air fan is to be arranged between the first and second filter stage. The fans shall be selected for operation at fan total system input efficiency (to include all motor, drive, and inverter or controller losses) of not less than the efficiencies stated in the table below and the fan discharge velocity shall not exceed 10 metres per second as long as this does not compromise efficiency. The fan arrangement in AHU casing shall ensure even inflow and outflow of air and comply with prEN 13053-6.3.1 as stated below:

Distance on negative pressure side: - Axial distance from components and walls with a min. 0.5 x impeller diameter - Radial inflow: minimum of 3 x impeller diameter, or a diffuser shall be included for double or single inlet fans. For plug fans, minimum of 1 x impeller diameter. This arrangement shall be reviewed along with manufacturers recommendations as indicated. Distance on positive pressure side: - From components: open impellers, min. 1 x impeller diameter - From components: other components, outflow angle min. a = 45 - From walls: Observe manufacturers instructions regarding positive pressure -side distance between open impeller fans and walls in order to minimise dynamic discharge pressure. Fan, motor and motor fastenings shall be mounted on horizontal base frame. Fan and motor fastenings for seismically active areas snubbers shall be provided along the base channel to provide three dimensional restraints in case of seismic activity. During normal operation, vibration isolation from building structure shall be provided through base foundation. For seismic active zones, seismic cables shall be used to restraint movement in case of seismic activity in accordance to SEI/ASCE7 standards. Vibration isolation shall provide a minimum damping of 95%. Spring and damper elements pressureloaded in order to avoid any shear loading (Please refer to Section 4.21 on Vibration Isolation and

Control). The fans shall incorporate vibration sensors / general purpose accelerometer for the purpose of condition monitoring and protecting fans. For interior height of 1.5 m, sight glass shall be provided with an inside diameter min. 150 mm and light. Motor protection shall be provided for motors upwards of 0.25 kW. Lockable maintenance switch shall be provided near fans. Fans shall be equipotentially bonded. Fan shall be fitted with an air flow meter and indicator in order to comply with DIN 1946/4-6.5.13. Precipitation must be prevented in the fan. Size 400 or larger fans with housings shall be fitted with a condensate drain and inspection opening. All fans shall have backward-curved blades with Class IE3 or higher permanent magnet motors. Thrust restraints shall be provided on inlet/outlet flanges for high pressure fans.

Plug Fans are recommended where total pressures less than 1500 Pa are required as long as target efficiency levels are achieved.

Selection of SFP class for each fan if unspecified: Maximum Specific Fan Powers in air distribution systems System Type Central Mechanical Ventilation System including heating and cooling ( includes both supply and extract) Central Mechanical Ventilation System including heating only ( includes both supply and extract) All other central mechanical ventilation systems (Supply and extract) Additional Components: Additional return filter for heat recovery HEPA filter Heat Recovery- Thermal Wheel system Heat Recovery- Other systems Humidifier / Dehumidifier (air conditioning systems) 0.1 1.0 0.3 0.3 0.1 SFP (W/(l/s)

1.8 1.6 1.4

Access doors to hazardous components must not be openable without a tool. Additionally fan section access door(s) shall be fitted with a warning sign. Surface quality for the fan shall include the following: - Impeller protected against corrosion in all cases - Fan housing hot-dip galvanized or painted/coated steel sheet

- Fan motor base frame hot-dip galvanized or painted/coated steel sheet - Mounting rails hot-dip galvanized or painted/coated steel sheet in order to comply with DIN 1946/46.5.10 Fan motor unit of fans with housing shall be removable on units with casing height up to 1.0 m. Sliding surfaces of unit travel rails shall be corrosion and abrasion-resistant, e.g. stainless steel (min 1.4301). Inspection window shall have an inside diameter min. 150 mm and light with smooth surface to comply with DIN 1946/4-6.5.13 Fan motor housings shall have easy access for service and maintenance in order to comply with DIN 1946/4-6.5.10 Sensitive components (e.g. fans on spring isolators) shall be secured to prevent damage in transit and unit labelled accordingly. Unit and components to be cleaned after manufacture, protected from the elements and kept clean in transit, and protected from construction work dust and moisture during any interruptions in assembly. High standard of packaging ex works.

All Fans shall include the following data: - Make and year of manufacture - Nominal air flow - Total pressure gain - Nominal and maximum speed - Nominal motor power - Arrow indicating rotation direction on housing The following data to be included in data sheet: - SFPV class - Motor input power PM - Sound pressure level radiated from casing - Duct sound pressure level for intake and outlet, LW (A-rated as total pressure level; unrated in octave band from 125 Hz to 8 kHz) - Maximum fan speed - V-class observed - H-class observed