EC fans for air-water heat pumps
Heat pumps are a heating technology with a future. There are systems for new buildings and for renovated buildings. Here, an ever more important role is played by the air-water heat pump. Together with this solution, modern EC fans can offer many advantages, particularly for the modernisation of living accommodation.
In air-water heat pumps, axial and also centrifugal fans are usually arranged in the direction of suction. ebm-papst Mulfingen GmbH & Co. KG was able to develop low-noise, energy-efficient EC centrifugal and axial fans for this area of application. The product portfolio for heat pumps ranges up to a diameter of 630mm (centrifugal) or 910mm (axial), allowing air volumes of up to 30,000m³/hr.
The noise level can obviously be reduced by using an EC fan.The use of the right fan is essential to ensure low-noise operation of the heat pump. This is particularly important during the quiet hours of the night, when the approved limit values of DIN 18005 and TA noise must be complied with inside, and more importantly, outside the building. The control of the ebm-papst EC fans allows simple speed adjustment to these requirements, without any need to switch off the heat pump immediately, as shown in the graphic. A speed reduction of just 100rpm lowers the noise level by 4dB(A). With an AC fan, such an adjustment would be impossible without taking additional measures.
From the point of view of the operator, smooth running and economic EC operation are surely the clinching argument when making a purchase decision. Additional facts are also of importance for plumbers and heat pump manufacturers. EC fans are extremely compact, as the motor is located in the impeller. In addition, EC technology can be used, without modification, in any power supply, in single-phase operation between 200 and 277V, at 50/60Hz and also with a rotary current between 380 and 480V, 50/60Hz. From a logistical point of view, this is a major benefit as few fans of a single series are able to cover practically all the requirements, for new units, in servicing or for replacement - anywhere in the world. Also, EC motors cannot overload (for example on icing of the heat exchanger), as they control themselves.