Optimizing a 50-Year-Old Ventilation System
In a world where sustainability and energy efficiency are becoming increasingly important, many building owners
face the dilemma of whether to upgrade old infrastructure or replace it entirely. At Sastech, we believe in the
potential of revitalizing and modernizing existing systems. Read more
about how we breathed new life into a
50-year-old ventilation system and demonstrated our philosophy in practice.
Challenges and Solutions
The customer's ventilation system had a control system from 1974, a frozen heating coil, and components that had not been in operation for over 10 years. The entire system was at risk of being completely replaced, but by seeing opportunities instead of limitations, we took on the challenge.
To revive the old ventilation system, we first installed a new heating coil that runs on water from an air-to-water heat pump. A new circulation pump also had to be installed, and an old valve actuator that still worked well was reused. The next challenge was connecting to a well-aged cabinet to get the correct input to the control system. This was upgraded with some equipment from us, including a digital I/O over Ethernet that is used to select when the system should start or stop. This allows us to turn off the system when ventilation is not needed based on measurements from the indoor air in the building.
‘’Ventilation systems in older buildings are often operated with imprecise control, leading to significant energy waste’’
The Philosophy Behind
At the heart of this project lies Sastech's philosophy; it is not always necessary to start from scratch to achieve efficiency. Through creative thinking and technical expertise, we demonstrated that it is possible to transform an outdated system to meet today's energy standards.
The benefits of this approach extend far beyond this single project. By upgrading and optimizing, we not only reduce energy consumption and operating costs but also contribute to reducing the overall environmental impact. Older buildings can, with the right interventions, become as energy-efficient as new buildings, which is a win for both owners and the environment.
Sustainable Installation and Operation
Here at Ernex AS, we have also updated the heat source from an electric boiler to a modern heat pump and accumulation solution. The operation of the technical installation is controlled by Sastech's own energy management strategy, which is based on the customer's needs.
Are you interested in exploring how Sastech can help you optimize your business's energy use? Contact us today for an inspection! Together, we can explore the possibilities and create a sustainable future.
