£2 million energy saving flows from HVAC upgrade 01 November 2009

Pfizer's R&D campus in Kent expects not only improved air quality but energy savings worth £2.1 million over five years, as well as significant emissions reductions, from upgraded HVAC plant.

David Mellon, who has been overseeing the project to re-equip nine large buildings for Pfizer, explains that it follows trials aimed at improving filter efficiency and reliability back in 2006 with Camfil Farr.

Camfil is currently replacing filter banks on existing AHUs (air handling units) – modifying the filter framework, adding new gauges, deep-cleaning and fitting its high-efficiency, low-energy F7 filters.

Says Mellon: "The fact that an air filter does not have a three-pin plug on it does not mean it does not affect energy consumption. The more effective surface area presented to air flow [by better filters] reduces resistance and hence energy consumption [by 17%]."

And he adds: "Other benefits we can now see include reduced change frequency of the filters and thus less waste disposal."

Mellon reckons the project demonstrates the importance of understanding the base criteria for running expensive HVAC plant. He also says that capital payback is estimated at less than 10 months.

Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Camfil Ltd

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