Double benefit

A HVAC system is offering ABB a double advantage by controlling the air quality in its Vuosaari factory in Finland that produces Azipod, a podded, electrically driven marine propulsion unit, while simultaneously being used for the functional testing of its products.

BACnet-enabled ABB low voltage AC drives within the HVAC system are providing the functionality to achieve this dual application. Thirty standard drives for HVAC control the pumps and fans. As well as monitoring heating and air conditioning throughout the site, the building automation system monitors the flow and temperature of air used by air-cooled Azipod propulsion units undergoing testing.

The BACnet system is divided into three sub-networks: one for the office block with five air handling units; one for the factory unit with three air handling units; and one air handling unit dedicated to supplying cooling air for the product testing.