Energy efficiency in heating ventilation air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC & R) operation through variable frequency drive (VFD) application

As the cost of energy is increasing, the understanding of energy efficiency and how it could be achieved is vital. Energy efficiency on Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC & R) system at the industries building is important in order to increase the understanding of particular topics involved in this research study. In order to reduce energy consumption for sustainable and energy efficient, an energy audit is needed to identify major energy problems in any condition areas at the building. It involves analyzing the actual consumption of electrical energy and measures energy conservation. Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) is a control device to regulate the speed and rotation force or output torque of mechanical equipment an alternating current (AC) by adjusting the frequency. The objective of this study is to verify the benefit of VFD in saving energy in the HVAC & R system effectiveness of VFD throughout its service life and also to verify energy performance annually at the building and determine the changes between pre-retrofit and post-retrofit measurement for the building power consumption which can be declared as the energy savings. The research survey was conducted at GCH Fresh Distribution Centre in Kajang, Selangor. The study will discuss equipment system used and building modification, electrical rate system and the energy usage. Based on the analysis results and observations, some steps for reducing power consumption without affecting the comfort and satisfaction were recommended along with their cost analysis. The main focus of this research is on the electrical properties of both VFD application and without VFD (constant speed) application at the building. The analysis from data collection consists of power consumption (kWh),system current (A),system power (kW) and system volt amp (kVa) is clear that show the trend pattern of the saving using VFD application. By analyzing the energy consumption before and after the implementation of the retrofit, the effectiveness of the VFD in reducing energy consumption will be verified. Monitoring and Verification (M& V) plan for this building is proven it reduces operational HVAC & R costs by 7%