Air-curtain controller saves New Look 40%

Trials of a control system with an air curtain at New Look’s store in Watford have reduced their energy consumption by 40%. The SmartElec control panel was fitted to the air curtain in October 2005 for a 6-month trial to test the effect on energy costs (monitored by a data logger) and the potential benefit it could bring in meeting the new Part L of the Building Regulations. It controls an Airbloc AC electrically heated air curtain. The control panel maintains a constant air-outlet temperature with built-in speed-setting temperature compensation to prevent the effects of chill from the velocity of the air stream. The control monitors the air outlet set temperature and modulates to ensure comfort conditions are sustained, or quickly regained, when doors are opened. Programming is straightforward. Users select heat on/off, the required fan setting (from two or three speeds) and outlet air temperature settings. Such precise control enables the energy requirements of the air curtain to be managed. Once set, the unit is tamperproof. The immediate result of installing the SmartElec unit was a noticeable reduction in energy use, without compromising the efficiency or effectiveness of the air curtain.

Related links:

• www.airbloc.co.uk