Pumps, chillers, and air handlers regulated

The challenge was to regulate Epsilon pumps, chillers, and air handlers so their customers can count on top performance for their systems.

The challenge was to regulate Epsilon pumps, chillers, and air handlers so their customers can count on top performance for their systems.

Making sure the right type of VFD is utilised, is a way to maintain uninterrupted service.

The MCH Series was chosen because it offers automatic transfer to bypass and disconnect options.

Outsourcing one or several functions such as RandD, engineering, machining, assembling, or testing to a specialised vendor is not a completely new idea.

Totally transferring to an outside source the design and the development, the manufacturing, and the set-up of refrigeration and heat transfer "boxes," however, is a new twist to a proven concept.

Ontario-based Epsilon Industries is a supplier of integrated air, and fluid side heat transfer systems.

Epsilon's line of products includes factory-built penthouses incorporating mechanical/electrical systems; complete heat transfer packages, and refrigeration systems.

"A number of reasons are contributing to the success of the concept of 'packaged' mechanical systems,"says Epsilon Sales and Marketing VP, Brad Hughes, and he continues, "Customers are realizing they can decrease the total cost and meet their deadlines by utilising our specialised, highly trained and reliable technical staff.

" According to Hughes, layoffs, budget cuts and understaffing are some of the trends that have affected the industry in general.

"That's where Epsilon can make a difference," says Hughes, adding, "As integrated suppliers, at the core of our work is uncompromising attention to every detail, and our approach allows our customers to count on dependable turnaround." To regulate their pumps, chillers, and air handlers, Epsilon has been buying MCH Series drives from Massachusetts-based manufacturer, AC Technology Corporation, a member of the Lenze group.

What led Hughes to choose the MCH Series? "Our choice of variable frequency drives is a good example of how closely we look at anything that can be done better." As he explains, "These AC Tech drives offer a couple of advantages that make a lot of sense to us, one is the automatic transfer to bypass; the others are the disconnect option, and the on-site warranty." The automatic-transfer-to-bypass option allows the motor to transfer from drive operation, and continue across the line in bypass mode.

Let's say there's an external condition that will create a problem with variable frequency drive (VFD) operation; the problem could be for example, transient voltage harmonics from the utility causing the drive to trip off on a fault.

The MCH drive can be configured to attempt several restarts, but if the condition will not clear, the automatic-transfer-to-bypass function will transfer from drive operation to line power, without any human intervention.

What would happen if the drive did not have this functionality? An experienced, trained operator would have to be on hand to ascertain there was a problem, and then, he or she would have to manually put the drive into bypass mode.

"utilising the right type of VFD is a way for us to make sure we maintain uninterrupted service, no ifs or buts," summarizes Hughes.

Once again, dependability under demanding circumstances is a key industry concern, and assuring their customers that the systems are going to offer top performance is a crucial aspect of Epsilon's market success.

Epsilon has found a niche and is taking full advantage of it.

"Demystifying' drives is the first step towards making them an integral part of your clients' design.

When you don't need an expert to understand them, you can really count on them, and move on.".

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