More than 60 percent of the energy consumed by a conventional lab or cleanroom is used to circulate air and to supply heating, cooling, humidity, and clean air, so energy-efficient designs can result in substantial savings.

Supply fan energy for air handlers can account for one-third or more of a lab’s operating energy. Boilers, chillers, pumps and cooling towers can account for up to one-half of the cost, and exhaust fans and accessories can account for the remainder.

Two key approaches which can help to reduce energy consumption associated with HVAC systems in laboratories are:

Rightsizing - air change rates, life cycle costing, load management

Control Systems - managing HVAC with Direct Digital Control

For more information on the individual components of the HVAC system follow the links below:

Supply Systems - chillers, boilers, AHUs and heat recovery

Exhaust Systems - fume cupboards, air face velocity

Distribution Systems - ducts, pumps and noise attenuation

Air Filtration - filter pressure drops, HEPA filters