Boosting Energy Efficiency in Air Handling Units

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

Today, we delve into an inspiring success story that perfectly encapsulates the notion that innovative technology can lead to significant environmental and economic benefits. Chauvin Arnoux UK has recently partnered with Superior Filter Products (SFP Ltd) to showcase the impressive cost-effectiveness of a new air filter solution within a working environment—specifically, a bustling convention centre. This collaboration not only highlights the financial advantages of adopting new technology but also underscores the vital role such advancements play in our collective journey towards a net-zero future.

The challenge presented by SFP Ltd was clear: they needed to demonstrate how their new, energy-efficient air filters could deliver equivalent airflow and performance compared to the existing filters, but with a substantially reduced energy consumption. To achieve this, SFP Ltd enlisted the expertise of Chauvin Arnoux, who brought an array of measurement tools to the table, essential for collecting the data necessary to validate their claims.

Elliot Ajose, the Regional Sales and Technical Manager for Chauvin Arnoux UK, played an integral role in this project. “We were tasked with providing accurate measurement data to showcase the energy savings offered by the new filters,” he explained. This undertaking involved a comprehensive study to assess and compare the energy usage of the HVAC systems operating with both the current standard filters and the newly introduced SFP filters.

To facilitate this study, a dual-phase approach was adopted. The first phase involved a two-hour data logging session to gather baseline energy usage statistics while the existing filters were still in place. Following this, the second phase comprised another two-hour evaluation, this time with the newly installed SFP filters. The objective was clear: to provide measurable data that would not only demonstrate the feasibility of switching filter suppliers but also highlight the potential for substantial ongoing savings.

Throughout these tests, the Chauvin Arnoux PEL104 Power and Energy Logger—an advanced piece of equipment—was employed to monitor the energy consumption of the air extraction system. This sophisticated device logs both voltage and current, allowing for precise calculations of total energy usage during the evaluation period. In conjunction with the PEL104, a CA1227 Thermo-Anemometer was utilised to ensure that the air flow remained constant at three metres per second, further guaranteeing the reliability of the results.

During the initial two-hour assessment with the standard filters, the PEL104 recorded an energy consumption totalling 26.29 kWh. Given the UK’s average electricity price of £0.24 per kWh, this translated into a cost of £6.31 for the two-hour period. Extending this to an eight-hour daily operation, the cost escalated to £25.24, leading to an annual energy expenditure of approximately £9,212.

In stark contrast, the energy consumption recorded after the standard filters were replaced with SFP filters was remarkably lower. During the subsequent two-hour logging session, the PEL104 indicated that only 7.853 kWh was used—less than a third of the original filters’ energy consumption. Based on the same electricity tariff, this resulted in a cost of just £1.88 for the two-hour period, equating to £7.52 for an eight-hour workday and an impressive annual energy cost of only £2,737.

The findings from this study were nothing short of remarkable. The transition from conventional filters to SFP filters demonstrated an extraordinary near 70% reduction in energy usage over the two-hour test, along with significant cost savings. Specifically, this shift indicated a potential annual reduction in energy costs of £6,475 per air handling unit (AHU), all while maintaining the same airflow performance. This outcome offered reassurance to the convention centre that their HVAC system’s functionality would remain intact, while simultaneously achieving substantial cost savings.

But the benefits of this transition extend beyond mere financial gains. The study also highlighted the environmental implications of utilising the Chauvin Arnoux PEL104 for monitoring power and energy consumption. Identifying inefficiencies is crucial for any maintenance team striving to reduce energy consumption, and by adopting the SFP filters, the convention centre is set to make significant strides in lowering its carbon footprint.

To put this into perspective, with the UK grid electricity generation emissions factor standing at 0.20707 kg of CO2e per kWh, the installation of SFP filters could lead to an estimated reduction of approximately 5.57 metric tons of CO2e annually for just one AHU. This aligns perfectly with the UK’s commitment to optimising energy use and reducing emissions across various industries—an essential step as we collectively work towards a sustainable future.

In summary, the collaboration between Chauvin Arnoux UK and SFP Ltd has yielded impressive results. By utilising the PEL104 Power and Energy Logger and the CA1227 Thermo-Anemometer, SFP Ltd was able to present conclusive data illustrating a marked reduction in energy consumption without compromising performance for AHUs fitted with their innovative filters.

For the convention centre, this means not only a potential reduction in energy costs but also a significant positive impact on the environment, with a projected annual decrease in carbon emissions of 5.57 metric tons of CO2e and savings of £6,475 per AHU. For electricians and facilities management teams, employing tools like the Chauvin Arnoux PEL104 offers a straightforward yet effective means of identifying opportunities for enhancing energy efficiency, cutting costs, and achieving sustainability goals.

This case study serves as a compelling reminder that monitoring energy consumption is not merely a theoretical exercise; it is a practical and cost-effective strategy for uncovering opportunities for improvement. It underscores the long-term commercial benefits of energy savings while contributing to a more sustainable future for everyone. Indeed, it is an encouraging testament to how seemingly small changes can lead to significant impacts.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and insights as we continue our journey towards a net-zero world.

This article appeared in the Jan/Feb 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.

This rewritten article maintains the essence of the original while ensuring that the content is engaging and suitable for the Net Zero News Network audience.

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