Dr Alex Mardapittas, managing director of EMSc (UK), explains how key sustainability is in all new build developments, and how making the right choices at the planning stage can lead to substantial savings over a building’s lifetime
A key benefit of new buildings is that every necessary measure can be taken at the outset to ensure they are as energy efficient as possible. Everything from insulation, double glazing, solar energy and efficient lighting can be utilised. However, one area that is often overlooked is the amount of energy consumed by the electronic equipment used in new buildings.
Voltage optimisation is a technique that has been widely used across the globe as a means to provide an optimum supply voltage for a site’s equipment, and a way to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.
The technology is inexpensive and simple to integrate at the planning stage, which should make it an attractive proposition for new builds. However, with so many sustainability measures already in place when planning new build projects, voltage optimisation systems appears to offer fewer savings benefits.
New developments
As a result, voltage optimisation manufacturer, EMSc, which already offers its Powerstar and Powerstar MAX voltage optimisation systems, has developed its Powerstar HV MAX, a super low loss HV transformer with an amorphous metal core which has been designed to meet the specific needs of new build developments.
Dr Alex Mardapittas explained the new technology of the Powerstar HV MAX. “Older transformers have high levels of standing losses and the majority of modern transformers used on commercial sites use Cold Rolled Grain Oriented steel (CRGO) within their core, which still provide significant losses for buildings in comparison to amorphous steel transformers.
“Utilising the Powerstar MAX electronic dynamic intelligent technology, Powerstar HV MAX is designed to ensure that voltage is supplied to a site at a constant, stable level regardless of the input voltage instability – a vital feature for sites with critical loads, secure data and important operations that require high levels of reliability and security such as supermarkets, data centres, hospitals, hotels, education facilities and retail outlets.”
While Powerstar HV MAX can be used to replace older transformers on existing sites, or on sites where physical space restrictions previously made voltage optimisation installations difficult to implement, it is also well suited to new build developments.
Mardapittas also emphasised that when it comes to energy management systems, and voltage optimisation solutions in particular, there is no ‘one size fits all solution’. “While there are a number of options out there, installing a tailored, engineered system is essential to ensure that electrical equipment is running efficiently, and that real energy savings are achieved,” Mardapittas said.
MAX benefits
New build projects can utilise the Powerstar HV MAX to help achieve sustainability marks and high energy efficiency ratings through accreditations such as LEED. It also offers additional benefits, including reduced carbon emissions, guaranteed savings, simple installation, and a payback period of less than five years. In addition, the system is fully designed and manufactured in the UK to be 98% recyclable – another LEED measurement.
A new build project presents an opportunity to design-in energy savings, and by opting for a voltage optimisation system your energy consumption and carbon footprint will be reduced, your equipment will operate as efficiently as possible at all times, the lifetime of your equipment will be maximised, and your maintenance costs will be significantly reduced.
EMSc
T: 01709 836 200
