The Hochsteiermark Regional Hospital in Bruck an der Mur, Austria, has retrofitted 45 ventilation systems with modern RadiPac EC fans from ebm‑papst. The retrofit requirements ranged from maximum operational reliability to reduced maintenance and increased energy efficiency.

The retrofit took place at Bruck Regional Hospital, one of three locations belonging to the Hochsteiermark Regional Hospital, part of the Styrian Hospital Association (KAGes). The company Fischer Luft- und Klimatechnik took on the project planning and turned to ebm‑papst Austria for the technical design of the fans. For this challenge, retrofit manager Jürgen Pichler at ebm‑papst Austria and his team calculated optimal models for the individual systems. They employed ebm‑papst’s own FanScout software during the planning phase to determine the most economical solution for each system—based on operating points, operating times and efficiency values for maximum operational reliability.

Ventilation could not be completely shut down at any time, so the conversion was carried out in stages: Four ventilation systems per control cabinet were replaced with RadiPac units one after the other, which took around 10 days per group. The operating theater areas were particularly critical due to strict hygiene rules. Here, interventions were coordinated in terms of timing, hygiene checks were carried out, and instruments were relocated as necessary. In addition to the fan equipment, heat pumps and control cabinets were replaced and a web-based building management system was implemented to enable central control and monitoring. In each system, a RadiPac EC fan in various sizes now ensures quiet, efficient operation. Thanks to the elimination of V-belt or frequency converter losses, reliability is noticeably increased.

The compact RadiPac fans feature continuously variable EC motors and ensure quiet, low-vibration operation with high efficiency. The integrated flow control and the use of NanoWave filters from MANN+HUMMEL distribute the filter load more evenly, increase service life and reduce energy consumption. The new technology supports KAGes’ 2030 climate strategy: greater energy efficiency, higher operational reliability and sustainable use of resources in healthcare. Six locations have already been modernized, with more to follow.