ZAplus stands for an axial fan from the FE2owlet series from Ziehl-Abegg placed in a compact unit made of high-strength composite material in which the motor and controller are integrated. Along with the perfectly matched combination of efficient individual elements, the composite material also permits new shapes, which have a positive selective influence on the airflow.
ZAplus in continuous duty saves an average of 150 euros per year according to current measurements. Simultaneously, the new development is quieter or facilitates significant air reserves. The ZAplus System provides device manufacturers who are worried about the strict EU regulations on energy saving (ErP 2015) certainty as of now. That–s because the new development from Ziehl-Abegg exceeds the world–s strictest savings target twofold.
“We meet the ErP 2015 specifications both with the energy-saving ECblue motors as well as with the traditional AC motors” emphasises Fenkl and adds: “Ziehl-Abegg already meets lower energy consumption levels than those required by the EU for the future even with its traditional products.” And that allows the device manufacturers new flexibility. “We provide the user certainty regarding the ErP Directive and enormous opportunities in project business”, emphasises Product Manager Chris-Marco Besler.
The new development combines a whole series of benefits and opportunities. Besler points out the higher air volume along with the energy savings of up to 15 percent. “If you don–t need the air reserves you can alternatively achieve a significant reduction in operating noise whilst maintaining the required airflow” explains the product manager. Since Ziehl-Abegg relies on the novel, high-strength and light materials in the construction, the ZAplus system weighs at least eight kilograms less than today–s commercially available systems. On top of that, a perfectly matched combination of bionic fan, motor and control engineering from one source.
The savings of more than 150 euros per year with a 6-pole fan are calculated by the experts at Ziehl-Abegg for a daily average operating time of 16 hours (6000 h/year). An electricity price of 13 cents per kilowatt hour and an average 80 percent of nominal speed are taken as the basis. “Depending on the application, that could bring more than 200 euros of savings per fan per year” elucidates Besler. Moreover, when you consume less electricity you spare the environment through lower CO2 emissions.
Additional benefits with ZAplus: More security and simple installation
The innovative system provides the device manufacturers and customers additional advantages: The ingenious system minimises the risk of a thermal short-circuit; a closed cable duct protects the electric cables. For device manufacturers which install sound attenuation or flexible connectors, there are standardised connections on both sides of ZAplus (Eurovent flange).
During development Ziehl-Abegg also kept its sights on shipping and handling the wall plates (top plates) for the device manufacturers. The ZAplus system permits using flat plates as coverings. Pressed inlet cones, which precluded stacking the cover panels up to now, are a thing of the past. Now several panels can be put on top of each other during shipping. Moreover, the device manufacturers can use standard plate or even plastic or wood for these panels. “That is good for designing” underscores Besler, and is made possible because Ziehl-Abegg has standardised the connection points.
The energy savings averaging at least 150 euros per fan and per year will be an unbeatable sales argument adds Besler. Taking large refrigeration plants as an example, several hundred fans often work in parallel. Savings potentials quickly accumulate which are highly interesting especially considering the current and future energy price increases.