03.05.2019
Technology and Knowledge

ErP: Consequences for ventilation systems

The EU Directive 1253/2014 was adopted within the framework of the EcoDesign Directive

It will mean important requirements for ventilation systems from 1 January 2016 that will be further extended from 2018. These requirements are intended to improve the efficiency of ventilation systems and thus lower energy consumption. Gain an impression here of possible system configurations in line with the new EcoDesign Directive.

Summary of the main points from EU 1253/2014:

  • classification of ventilation units into residential ventilation units (RVU up to 250 m³ / h*) and non-residential ventilation units (NRVU above 250 m³/h*)
  • classification of ventilation systems into unidirectional ventilation units (UVU) and bidirectional ventilation units (BVU)
  • commitment to multi-stage (> 2 levels) or infinitely variable fan control
  • specification governing fan efficiency
  • obligation for heat recovery with centralised ventilation units
  • specification about the minimum heat recovery rate of centralised ventilation units
  • heat recovery needs to be adjustable and feature a thermal environment
  • max. power consumption/efficiency of the entire ventilation unit

*between 250 m³ / h and 1000 m³ / h the manufacture can opt for RVU or NRVU

ErP-compliant system configurations after 1 January 2016 at a glance

1. Unidirectional ventilation system (UVU) with free additional airflow

Air exchange by a fan. The room either has slight overpressure or negative pressure depending on whether option 1 or 2 is selected, with the air flowing back or down through openings in the outer skin.

Benefits

  • low investment cost
  • few and small ducts
  • long filter lifetimes
  • efficient temperature control by decentralised units

Disadvantages

  • no heat recovery

2. Bidirectional ventilation unit (BVU) as a centralised ventilation unit with heat recovery

Air exchange and temperature control from the centralised unit.

Benefits

  • freely selectable modular components, e.g. with the Airblock FG

Disadvantages

  • large space required for unit and ventilation ductwork
  • short filter lifetimes
  • high power consumption by fans

3. Hybrid ECO bidirectional ventilation unit (BVU) with heat recovery

Air exchange is provided by an AHU with efficient heat recovery, with temperature control provided by decentralised units.

Benefits

  • smaller air ducts (compared to AHU above)
  • less space required for the ventilation unit (compared to AHU above)
  • long filter lifetimes
  • efficient temperature control by decentralised units
  • significantly lower energy consumption for heating

Specification and practical implications of non-residential ventilation units in accordance with EU regulations

For a better understanding of EU Regulation 1253/2014, the requirements have been presented in graphic form to clarify when a device is affected by the requirements of the EU Regulation.

The first page of the file shows all technical requirements from 2016 onwards. The second page shows the requirements (see green) that will apply from 1 January 2018 as a result of the tightening of regulations. The presentation differentiates between ventilation systems based on the maximum air flow rate, as well as between residential ventilation systems and non-residential ventilation systems. Depending on the configuration of the ventilation unit, the corresponding effective consequences are shown.

Do you have any questions on the Hybrid ECO System or would you like a a selection/quote?

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