History of the concert hall
The Aarhus Concert Hall opened in August 1982 and expanded in 2007 with an additional 17,000 m2. Today, the building covers more than 33,000 m2 and includes 500 rooms. Each year, it welcomes 700,000 visitors and hosts more than 1,000 events.
Reducing energy consumption
With the air handling unit type Climaster ZerAx®, the concert hall cuts energy expenses by more than 67,000 Euros and reduces CO2 emissions by 170 tons/year.
NOVENCO delivered more than 12 air handling units during the 2011 summer retrofit. The delivery formed part of a major energy upgrade where NOVENCO designed the Climaster ZerAx specifically for the project. The ZerAx fan plays a key role in reducing energy use significantly compared to similar products.
Minimum energy consumption and improved indoor climate
The major energy saving comes from replacing the original 12 ventilation systems. Since 1982, the old units have operated at full capacity during events with an air change of 150,000 m3/h. The Grand Hall alone received six full air changes per hour.
The previous systems had two settings — On or Off — meaning they used the same power whether the hall held 400 or 1,600 people. This resulted in decades of wasted energy.
The new systems eliminate this waste. Equipped with motor-speed regulators, air-quality sensors, and a rotor heat exchanger, they adjust airflow as needed.
Advantages of the new solution
The new ventilation systems circulate and renew the same air volume as the old ones, but with major improvements for both the audience and the energy performance of the building.
The system includes sensors and frequency control based on Climaster ZerAx, which features the NOVENCO ZerAx fan with fan efficiencies above 90%. Air quality is monitored continuously, allowing the system to supply fresh air only when needed — whether the hall is full or less populated. This reduces energy consumption.
Facts
- 50% lower energy consumption per fan
- 50% lower energy consumption for all units combined
- CO2 reductions of 170 tons/year
- Significantly lower sound levels
