MAXIMIZING ENERGY EFFICIENCY WITH RUNAROUND COILS
When it comes to optimising HVAC systems, especially in commercial or industrial settings, heat recovery is a game-changer. One of the most effective technologies in this space is the runaround coil system. But what makes runaround coils so unique, and why should your business consider them for efficient energy management?
What Are Runaround Coils?
Runaround coils are air-to-air heat recovery systems designed to transfer heat between supply and extract air streams that are not adjacent. In other words, they can recover heat from exhaust air even when the supply air system is located (far) away, making them ideal for large facilities with separated air handling units.
The system operates by circulating a heat transfer fluid (typically a mixture of water, chemical dosing and glycol in subzero climates) between two heat exchangers: one located in the exhaust airstream and the other in the supply airstream. As air passes through the coils, the fluid transfers heat between the two airflows, recovering up to 80% of the energy that would otherwise be wasted. Typically heat recovery efficiency ranges between 40% to 70%. Fine tuning of the design temperature, coil and circulant pump selections of are crucial importance.
Why Choose Runaround Coils?
One of the standout features of runaround coils is their versatility. Unlike other heat recovery systems, which often require adjacent airflows, runaround coils excel when the supply and exhaust units are spatially separated. This makes them indispensable in settings like indoor natatoriums, hospitals, pharmaceutical plants, and large industrial facilities where strict hygiene requirements or unique building layouts prevent the use of traditional heat recovery methods.
Moreover, the separation of airflows ensures that there’s no cross-contamination, which is essential for environments where air purity is critical. This makes runaround coil systems ideal for medical applications, food processing plants, and other spaces with stringent air quality standards.
The Efficiency Advantage
One of the most compelling reasons to invest in a runaround coil system is the potential for significant energy savings. True Partners Consulting Engineers have designed and implemented recovery systems with up to 75% efficiency of heat recovery from the exhaust air, depending on the design and configuration this can be easily achieved. With energy prices on the rise, installing a runaround coil system can lead to a short payback period and long-term savings on utility costs. Our recent design project for a large indoor pool space achieved an impressive return on investment (ROI) within just three years, a result that is sure to attract and satisfy any discerning client looking for both energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Our recent study demonstrated that by retrofitting an efficient runaround coil system with a variable-capacity low temperature heat pump, the annual heat recovery rate increases to 65% compared to a conventional gas boiler system. This level of efficiency can drastically reduce a building's overall heating demand, leading to lower operational costs and a reduced carbon footprint.
Key Applications
Runaround coils are particularly effective in buildings with high ventilation needs, such as hospitals, pools, laboratories, and manufacturing facilities. These buildings often require high air change rates to maintain air quality, which leads to substantial energy loss through exhaust air. By installing a runaround coil system, facility managers can capture and reuse this energy, reducing the need for supplemental heating or cooling.
Another key application is in retrofit projects. If you’re looking to improve the energy efficiency of an existing building, a runaround coil system can be installed without significant structural changes, as it doesn’t require the airflows to be in close proximity. This makes it a cost-effective solution for older buildings that weren’t designed with energy efficiency in mind.
Could a Runaround Coil System Be Right for Your Application?
As energy efficiency becomes an increasing priority for businesses and governments alike, technologies like runaround coils are gaining traction. But is this the right solution for your facility?
Consider these questions:
Is your facility large or spread out, with air handling units located far apart?
Do you operate in an environment with strict hygiene requirements or air quality concerns?
Are you looking for a system that offers a high rate of heat recovery and minimal air contamination risk?
Does your facility require large volume of fresh air due to nature of the space, high number of people or industrial processes?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, a runaround coil system could be the ideal solution for your building. Not only does it provide a highly efficient way to recover energy, but it also ensures that airflows remain completely separate, maintaining high standards of air quality and hygiene.
Conclusion:
In a world where energy costs continue to rise and sustainability is more important than ever, implementing a runaround coil system in your facility can be a smart investment. With the ability to recover up to 80% of heat, reduce operational costs, and meet stringent hygiene standards, this technology represents significant potentials.
So, what do you think? Could a runaround coil system help your business meet its energy efficiency goals? Share your thoughts and questions below, and let’s start a conversation about this heat recovery solution!
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TPCE excels in offering cohesive energy solutions for both new constructions and upgrades of existing facilities. Our proficiency spans MEP Design, Energy Efficiency, and Data Analysis, enabling us to craft and refine energy saving measure solutions. We transform initial ideas, concepts, or spreadsheet data into comprehensive, budget-friendly packages that are ready for implementation and adhere to all compliance Australian standards.
