ABB makes a splash

ABB makes a splash

The Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre, owned and operated by the Hobart City Council, was recently upgraded as part of a major project to create a more sustainable city. One area that required work was the motors and drives used to manage the pool filtration and water circulation system, HVAC central plant, and grey water systems.

“We were looking to future-proof our equipment in this design,” says program leader facility operations Jason Clark. “We knew a full replacement was imminent given how much we were spending on motor repairs.” 

ABB variable speed drives, synchronous reluctance motors and Ability Smart sensors were subsequently installed. 

Tom Green from Enginuity Power Solutions provided design support and supplied the units. He says the ABB drives reduce harmonic distortion levels on the system, and coupled with the motors will reduce the current electrical draw demand by approximately 18 per cent. The package will also reduce energy losses by up to 40 per cent. 

The ABB Ability Smart sensors that will be installed on the motors, pumps, and mounted bearings of the centre’s new system will convert the equipment into wirelessly connected devices to measure key parameters and gain information on its condition and performance. 

According to ABB, by installing the new system, Hobart City Council will save $36,000 per annum and reduce carbon emissions by 77 tonnes, based on saving 259 megawatt hours of electricity usage annually. 

Go to global.abb/group

Mair takes top Testo job

Mair takes top Testo job

Testo has appointed Jason Mair as its new managing director, and says the team is looking forward to continued success and partnerships utilising his leadership and extensive experience.Mair was formerly head of sales for SICK Pty Ltd, responsible for sales across...

ASHRAE issues global agenda

ASHRAE issues global agenda

The final report from the ASHRAE Global HVAC&R Summit held in Istanbul, Turkey last October has been released by the US‑based engineering association.“The Summit was designed to create an environment of collaboration and strategic dialogue to address the critical...

WRAP artist – meet Robert Holovka, M.AIRAH

WRAP artist – meet Robert Holovka, M.AIRAH

Ecolibrium shoots the breeze with the Melbourne-based director and founder of WRAP Engineering, Robert Holovka, M.AIRAH.Specialty Multi-discipline engineer, specialising in mechanical engineering. Passions The initial concept phase of any building design – when...

Wood that it could

Wood that it could

By embracing the Passivhaus standard, a new apartment building in Palma, Spain, classifies as an nZEB (nearly zero energy building).   Paseo Mallorca 15 is a 10-apartment block in the main thoroughfare of Palma, capital of the Spanish island of Mallorca (Majorca), not...

The comfort of family

The comfort of family

The development of a sophisticated control system for an iconic home in Melbourne’s leafy suburbs has not only provided greater comfort to its occupants but broken new ground in predictive climate control systems. Sean McGowan reports on a house that has been home to...

Trish Hyde named as new AIRAH CEO

Trish Hyde named as new AIRAH CEO

A seamless transition to the Institute’s new Chief Executive is in place. Following a detailed recruitment process, the AIRAH Board has appointed Trish Hyde to the role of AIRAH Chief Executive. Hyde replaces Tony Gleeson, M.AIRAH, who announced his impending...

Reliable Controls advertisement

Advertisement