Who knows the Chinese market for heating equipment best? The Chinese themselves, of course. Given that, it was logical for the ebm-papst site in Shanghai to get its own gas lab, in which the interaction of the fan, gas valve and venturi, the crucial components for combustion in condensing boilers, can be precisely tested.
Aiming at combusting most efficiently
In the past, such tests took a detour via Germany. Ji Wang, the responsible application engineer, says: “Now we can systematically develop products that are an even better fit to local requirements.” Customers can deliver existing or newly developed equipment to the gas lab for testing to assist in the design of gas-air units. The aim is to get the best and most efficient combustion while also complying with the requirements of legally stipulated standards.
“Many manufacturers don’t even have the equipment needed for performing such tests.”
Ji Wang, application engineer at ebm-papst
On the three test benches at the lab, the engineers measure emissions, such as CO2 or oxygen concentration, pressures and electric parameters such as motor current. Depending on the test stand, condensing boilers with output of up to a megawatt can be tested. The measurements help to precisely configure the fan, gas valve and venturi to precisely match the customer’s equipment. Test durations vary depending on the task at hand. For adjustment of a gas valve, half a day may be enough. Comprehensive tests can take up to three days.
Landshut served as role model
The Chinese gas lab is based on the one in Landshut, which has been in operation since 2006. “We use the same test methods. The combustion technicians from Germany helped us with the setup,” says Wang. There is already a tangible example for China’s new independence; thanks to the lab, the engineers there were able to develop a venturi specially for the Chinese market. “Now we’re closer to our customers and can react to their needs more quickly,” says Wang.
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