Axial fans in operation
Since 2017, Volkswagen has tested and evaluated high-efficiency axial fans through extensive measurements and on-site trials. In 2018, the results moved into full implementation. Two production sites had new AHUs with advanced axial fan technology installed - the Porsche site in Stuttgart/Zuffenhausen, Germany, and the Volkswagen Navarra site in Pamplona, Spain.
Volkswagen Navarra – pioneer in sustainable ventilation technology
Volkswagen Navarra takes daily responsibility for the environment, safety and society. Resource management and emission control are key priorities. Through innovation and careful planning, the site aims to reduce energy use and CO2 emissions.
For this strategy, Volkswagen selected the new AHU generation with NOVENCO® ZerAx® axial fans. The units were chosen for the ventilation renewal in the assembly hall.
The Volkswagen project
One of the factory’s largest production buildings required a complete ventilation upgrade. The project required higher air volumes, yet space for installation was limited. The solution was to relocate the AHUs to the roof. Six units – three rated at 80,000 m3/h and three rated at 60,000 m3/h – were placed on a steel platform between two buildings. Besides energy savings, compact size, reduced weight and lower noise were essential requirements.
Project overview
A new air conditioning generation
These demands were met by the new AHU generation using NOVENCO’s highly efficient axial fans. The final equipment, commissioned in mid-December, exceeded expectations.
The ZerAx axial fans deliver fan efficiencies up to 92%. NOVENCO further optimised the ZerAx design for AHU applications to increase performance even more.
Facts
- Two parallel supply and exhaust fans in each unit
- Newly developed 1.5 × D diffusers for free outlet optimisation
- New EC motors up to 31 kW and Danfoss EC+ concept
- New AHU technology offering 20% energy savings, 30% shorter length and 30% lower weight
Interaction of different components
The high performance results from intelligent interaction of all system components. At NOVENCO, this is embodied in the EC+ concept, developed with Danfoss in Denmark. Only by optimising the fan, motor, electronics and diffuser together can the full potential of the system be realised.
System efficiency increase
- Axial fans with up to 92% efficiency
- Newly developed EC motors up to 31 kW with efficiencies up to 96%
- Optimised frequency inverters for EC motors with up to 98% efficiency
- Newly developed diffusers, optimised for free outlet
