Modelling Adjustable Speed Drive Fans to Predict Energy Savings in VAV Systems.

The momentum balance on a centrifugal fan, supplemented by a complete energy balance for rigorous interpretation of power-pressure interactions, relates these variables to flow rate and fan speed. Non ideal behaviour is modeled by direct mechanical interpretation and by engineering correlation, leading to more general expressions than provided by the fan laws. First attempts to fit these expressions to measured data show promise but reveal limitations of current practice in the data collection and reporting process.