The release of the new EC (Electronically Commutated) series of Fantech JetVent fans has thrust forward energy efficiency in car park ventilation.

Fantech’s Market Development Engineer, Daniel Tan, said the brushless DC technology used in the EC motor was highly efficient, and when combined with integrated speed control could reduce noise and lead to significant power savings.

When performing within AS2107:2000 noise requirements, the fan has the greatest thrust of all similarly sized JetVent fan units. At high speed (25.8r/s), the installed EC fan has a throw distance of 55 metres.

Daniel said there was an increased trend towards demand based operations to maximise efficiency. “Demand Control Ventilation is a smart technology where the ventilation rate matches the demand requirements at any given time,” he said. “Sensors in the car park measure the level of carbon monoxide and provide feedback to the Digital Zone Controller which automatically adjusts the speed of the fan to ensure carbon monoxide levels remain at an acceptable level, minimising power consumption and noise.”

“Traditionally this has been achieved with an external fan controller and a variable speed drive. Where the JetVent EC differs, is that the speed control is incorporated into the product,” he said.

“The EC fan also has a unique feature called ComLink which allows digital communication between fan units and the matching Digital JetVent Zone Controller. As a result the wiring schemes used to control the fan are very simple and can therefore lead to huge installation savings. The digital communication also allows real time information to be transmitted back to the central monitoring system.”

In addition to the high efficiency motor and speed control of the new EC units, the entire JetVent range utilises small, high speed fans which are more efficient than those used to push air around traditional ducts. The impulse fans are strategically located and thrust a high speed jet of air which in turn causes movement of large volumes of air through a process known as entrainment. The JetVent range can also help reduce construction costs, provided the decision to use a ductless system is made early in the building design.

“The modern trend is to move away from mechanical ductwork and associated constraints,” Daniel said. “At only 365mm high, the JIU-CPCEC fits in most voids and provides the ultimate in car park ventilation efficiency.”