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Engineering design - the Fat-pipe principle
First lets look at the facts, 3/5th of the global power supply is consumed by
electrical motors every year. The operating cost of a typical electric motor
consumes enough electricity within its first year of operation to cover its
entire capital cost.
Of course, HVAC plant requires electrical motors to drive pumps,
fans, compressors and the like, yes they should be energy efficient,
but let's consider a different strategy.
Ask a designer what was the pipe sizing criteria they used in the 80's, then ask
what they use today, you might be surprised to discover the majority will say
the criteria has not changed!, although energy costs have risen substantially,
it doesn't make any sense.
Imagine for a moment that the life-time load of the motor
could be reduced, that would reduce the total energy consumption lower the
lifetime cost, and save money. But how do can we lower the motor
load, and still satisfy the load requirements.
The solution is blindingly simple, it requires thinking, remember that
many designers are still using 1900's criteria in the 21st century.
Principle
In principal the designer must actually think about the lifetime cost of the installation, not the first cost.
Consider the following:
- every 90 degree elbow, once installed they create a lifetime pressure
drop, use 45 deg fittings lower pressure drop;
- piping, again once installed, creates that pressure drop for
its entire lifetime, lower pressure drop lowers pump power;
- even in a city with extreme land and development costs
the fat pipe principal really works.
The real goal is to provide a design that provides lower
capital (capex) and more importantly lower operating costs
(opex) than conventional designs.
With the help of Kelcroft's expertise, your energy consumption
will be reduced, adding capital value.
Further Information
For further information call our Hong Kong office telephone: +(852) 2335 9830, send a fax +(852) 2335 9862, or email us