Ziehl-Abegg SE

Cpro

Cpro – The impeller of extremes
Ziehl-Abeggs presented “Impeller of extremes – Cpro” is made using the specially developed high-performance composite material ZAmid and combines unique material properties with bionic insights.

Only the development of the high-performance ZAmid composite material made it possible to create the innovative shape of the new Cpro centrifugal fan. The exceptional quality achieved is the result of a one-shot injection moulding process, so it does not have any welded seams or critical connections. The new shape alone produces higher efficiency, enabling performance which saves up to 15 % energy during operation.

With its specifically profiled, three-dimensional blade geometry, the Cpro impeller produces up to 5 dB less tonal noise in use (3 dB = physical halving). This enormous reduction in noise makes living and working in the surroundings more pleasant. Furthermore, less acoustic insulating material is needed – this protects the environment and saves money at the same time.

ZAmid combines the positive properties of both steel and composite material. This in turn is what enabled the realisation of the unique advantages of Cpro.

• Weight reduction of more than 50% as compared with a steel impeller – this reduces motor bearing loads, guaranteeing longer system lifetimes. Shipping costs are reduced and handling is eased in addition.
• ZAmid in combination with the Cpro impeller geometry allows tip speeds of up to 70 m/s (60 m/s are customary in the market) - which is only otherwise possible with a steel impeller
• Cpro can be used, just as with a comparable steel impeller, for operational temperatures from -20°C to + 80°C without any restrictions
• The impeller is non-corroding and colour-stable

The very good environmental compatibility is another plus point. Cpro ZAmid technology stands for energy savings and CO² reduction right from the start. The reduced energy usage during manufacture is followed by up to 15 % energy which is saved during use. Moreover, the material can be crushed after the end of the life of the impeller and is 100% recyclable, so there is actually no waste whatsoever.

MAXvent owlet

Quiet and efficient increased power in the medium pressure range

• Ziehl-Abegg is presenting the "MAXvent owlet"
• Medium-pressure axial fans for conventional AC motors and for highly efficient EC drives
• New composite material for fan production receives several awards

The Künzelsau fan manufacturer Ziehl-Abegg has fundamentally improved a fan which is being used, for example, in wind turbine generator systems and in drying plants for foodstuffs. The main benefits of the new product: More air, lower energy consumption and reduced noise emissions. If you rely on the new "MAXvent owlet" you will meet the strict EU energy savings specifications in all cases. "We already by far exceed these regulations for the year 2015" says Chairman of the Board Peter Fenkl. That applies to the energy-saving ECblue motors as well as with traditional AC motors. "In operation, we consume 15 percent less energy than the current products on the market" explains Mr Fenkl.

On account of the convincing efficiency of the "MAXvent owlet", the specifications of the ecodesign directive of the EU (ErP 2015) are not only achieved, they are even significantly exceeded. One reason for being able to achieve this is that the axial fans are made from the newly developed ZAmid composite material. The ZAmid material from Ziehl-Abegg has won multiple Awards during the past months because the composite material has material properties which are similar to steel, but is significantly lighter. Moreover, ZAmid fans can be produced in a one-shot process, without welds or connectors and in bionically optimised three-dimensional moulds. "The 'MAXvent owlet’ together with the ZAmid blades withstands considerably higher speeds" Product Manager Mathieu Forget adds.

The development of this new fan is an international joint project: Working together, engineers from Ziehl-Abegg in France and Germany have established a benchmark in terms of efficiency and performance for medium-pressure fans. "The great benefit is that at Ziehl-Abegg the blade, motor and controller come from one single company and were developed there as a series of matched components" underscores Forget. "No other manufacturer can offer that." This ideal combination of three premium components has resulted in an extremely energy efficient product; this means that means electricity is saved during operation and the payback period is shortened. "The reduced CO2 emission spares the environment" says Forget.

The new generation of the "MAXvent" series is also ideal for emergency diesel power generators in hospitals and airports. The predecessor was the successful MAXvent2, which was also used in water purification units or transformer heat exchangers; the "MAXvent owlet" will once more make a leap forward in the area of energy efficiency.

Ziehl-Abegg is now presenting the new "MAXvent owlet" for the first time. "The product unifies the latest insights from material development and bionics" adds company boss Fenkl. The suffix "owlet" emphasises the bionic approach of the blades. "The serrated blades are modelled on the owl, which plunges down onto its prey extremely quietly during its dive" adds Product Manager Forget. The upshot is, the "MAXvent owlet" can work with increased efficiency and more quietly than its predecessor model and all other comparable fans that are on the market. "We more than halved the noise emissions" clarifies Forget.

Ziehl-Abegg is supplying the "MAXvent owlet" through more than 30 subsidiaries around the world. That means OEM manufacturers are always close to the fan experts from Ziehl-Abegg for modification requirements. The competence centre for the new medium-pressure fans is located in France, which is also where the series production will start. Ziehl-Abegg is launching the "MAXvent owlet" in 13 product sizes, diameters ranging from 310 to 1400 millimetres. The "MAXvent owlet" is ideal for pressures up to 1800 Pascal (static pressure measurement method type A).

Modular System solution for AHU systems

ZAplus

Innovative fan system saves 20 percent energy

• Ziehl-Abegg sets a new global standard in energy efficiency matters
• Solution with the highest efficiency, extreme flexibility and simplest handling
• The extra costs are already amortised in the first year

The Künzelsau fan constructor Ziehl-Abegg is presenting a new generation of fan systems which saves great amounts of energy. "With ZAplus we are setting a new standard in the area of efficiency which goes considerably further than the EU Directive (ErP) for energy saving" says Chairman of the Board Peter Fenkl. This means that the higher purchase price is amortised within one year. After that, a supermarket operator or hotel owner, for instance, saves real money every day through the significantly lower electrical power consumption.

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.