Local Exhaust Ventilation & Energy Efficiency
Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) is a system used to capture and remove hazardous or contaminated air from a specific area or process. We can use these systems in a variety of settings, including industrial plants, laboratories, and kitchens, to protect workers and the environment from harmful substances such as chemicals, fumes, and particulates.
One of the primary benefits of LEV is that it can improve the air quality and safety of a workspace, reducing the risk of health problems for workers. However, the energy efficiency of LEV systems can vary depending on the design and operation of the system.
Design & Maintenance
The energy efficiency of LEV systems can be improved through proper design and maintenance.
Proper design involves selecting the size and type of LEV system for the specific application and ensuring that the system is properly placed and oriented to capture the hazardous or contaminated air.
Proper maintenance involves regularly cleaning and inspecting the system to ensure that it is functioning properly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
There are several ways in which LEV systems can affect energy efficiency.
First, the operation of LEV systems requires energy, typically as electricity, to power the fans and motors that circulate and filter the air. The energy consumption of LEV systems can be reduced by using energy-efficient components, such as variable frequency drives (VFDs) and high-efficiency motors, and by properly sizing the system to match the needs of the application.
Second, the use of LEV systems can affect the energy efficiency of the overall building or process in which they are installed. For example, if an LEV system is used to capture and remove hot exhaust air from a process, it can help to reduce the heat load on the building’s air conditioning system. This can cause energy savings by reducing the amount of energy required to cool the building.
Similarly, if an LEV system is used to capture and remove polluted air from a workspace, it can help to improve indoor air quality, which can have a positive impact on the health and productivity of workers.
Energy Inefficiency
However, LEV systems can also have negative effects on energy efficiency if they are not properly designed and maintained.
For example, if an LEV system is undersized or improperly placed, it may not effectively capture and remove hazardous or contaminated air, leading to decreased efficiency and potentially even an increase in energy consumption.
Additionally, if an LEV system is not regularly maintained, it may become clogged or malfunction, leading to decreased efficiency and an increase in energy consumption.
In summary, the effects of local exhaust ventilation on energy efficiency can be complex and depend on a variety of factors, including the design and operation of the system, the specific application, and the overall energy efficiency of the building or process in which it is installed.
Proper design and maintenance of LEV systems can help to improve energy efficiency, while poor design and maintenance can lead to decreased efficiency and increased energy consumption.
Kewaunee International Group
Kewaunee, the global leader in total laboratory solutions, empowers organisations to achieve competitive advantage through safe, efficient, and contemporary laboratories. In existence since 1906, Kewaunee powers the laboratories for over 5,000 customers in more than 100 countries.
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