Schneider Electric’s Altivar 212 Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) have been used to control the condenser fans, which provide chilled water for the flight training simulators and the building’s air conditioning system. Within the application, there are nine flatbed condensing units, each of which has ten fans. The VSDs have been installed to regulate each condensing unit.

Prior to the installation of the Altivar 212 VSDs direct-on-line starters were used, but these caused mechanical shocks throughout the system and led to early failures on the fans and motors. With the use of individual Altivar 212 VSDs to control multiple motors, British Airways has been provided with a compact solution that delivers significant energy savings.

The potential energy savings from using one drive to control multiple motors were significant. An energy audit showed that in a 12 hour period with the conventional set up, each conditioning unit used approximately 127kW of power, but with the Altivar VSD in place, this was reduced to 35kW, presenting a saving of over 60%.

By utilising PLCs, each condensing unit operates independently as sensors gauge the temperature of the unit and feedback to the controller to vary the VSD speed and adjust the speed accordingly, further aiding energy savings.

The PLCs provide greater accuracy on the condensing units so they chill the water more effectively. With substantial savings already made from the installation of this technology coupled with the VSDs, there are more projects in the pipeline to reduce energy usage elsewhere in the building’s infrastructure.”

See the full BA story here

More information of the ATV 212  and Schneider Electric’s other inverter drives here