Cimetrics' Fume Hood Optimization: Achieving Safety and Energy Efficiency
Exploring the Speed and Direction of Air Movement in Exhaust Hood Systems
Cimetrics, a leading optimisation specialist, targeted fume hoods for potential energy savings and safety improvements. The company's optimization efforts were centred around maintaining face velocities within acceptable safety and efficiency limits.
The primary goal of Cimetrics was to improve energy efficiency in fume hood operations, while ensuring compliance with safety requirements and minimizing economic impact. On December 14, 2018, they identified fume hoods with face velocities exceeding 100 fpm, leading to excess energy use. Conversely, they also found fume hoods with face velocities below 80 fpm, posing safety implications.
To address these issues, Cimetrics collaborated with facilities staff to optimize fume hood face velocity and airflow. They implemented strategies such as setting back airflow during unoccupied periods, regular testing, proper sash management, maintenance and cleaning, and the use of energy-efficient designs.
These strategies aim to ensure the face velocity is within the recommended range of 100 to 120 fpm, prioritize effective containment over high face velocity, conduct regular testing, implement Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems, ensure users lower the sash when not working in the hood, and maintain fume hoods regularly to prevent obstructions and ensure smooth airflow.
The optimization process resulted in energy savings for the fume hoods, amounting to $2,641. The case study of Cimetrics' work with fume hood optimization is available for reading, providing insights into how laboratories can optimize fume hood performance for safety while minimizing energy consumption.
For those seeking assistance in energy optimization for fume hoods, Analytika can provide valuable help. Their expertise can help laboratories achieve the balance between safety and energy efficiency, making their operations more sustainable and cost-effective.
[1] ASHRAE Standard 110-2016: Method of Testing for Laboratory Fume Hoods [2] ASHRAE Guideline 0-2007: The Application of Energy Recovery Ventilation in Buildings [3] Cimetrics' Fume Hood Optimization White Paper [4] US Environmental Protection Agency: Optimizing Laboratory Fume Hood Performance [5] International Laboratory Equipment Review: Energy Efficiency in Laboratory Fume Hoods
- In the realm of environmental science, Cimetrics' optimization of fume hoods demonstrated a significant improvement in energy efficiency, aligning with the need for sustainable technological solutions in the industry.
- The collaboration between Cimetrics and facilities staff involved the implementation of financial strategies such as setting back airflow during unoccupied periods, aiming to reduce energy consumption and lower operational costs.
- The optimization of fume hood performance, as demonstrated by Cimetrics, has far-reaching implications, not only for energy conservation in industrial settings but also for preserving a healthier environment, being a critical part of sustainable development in the domain of science and technology.
