Digital Services: The Next Era of Air and Refrigeration Technology Begins

(Image: ebm-papst)

The epCloud is the central hub where plant data converges and can be monitored. Basic functions and digital services are also represented here. (Image: ebm-papst)

The ebm-papst Service App for customers and professional partners makes the installation and commissioning of ebm-papst fans easy. (Image: ebm-papst)

The ebm-papst Group, a global leader in the manufacture of fans and motors, now also offers digital air technology solutions. With Digital Services, companies can meet the challenges of their industry and elevate the performance of air and cooling systems to a new level.

Companies face a range of challenges, such as cost pressure, sustainability, or skilled labor shortages. Air and cooling systems play an indispensable role: they are a key factor for operational safety, a comfortable working environment, air quality, and energy efficiency. An important component for efficient and reliable systems is modern EC fans. However, to save significant energy and costs, as well as to meet continuously growing demands, optimal "hardware" alone is no longer sufficient. Digital solutions that combine operational and environmental data with software and artificial intelligence offer numerous added values. ebm-papst's product range now includes the ebm-papst Service App for customers and partners, the digital platform epCloud, as well as related basic functions and digital services.

Sensors and Gateways Enhance Added Value

To harness the benefits of digitalization, sensors and gateways are initially required, which can also retrofit existing systems. Rapid digital networking enables systematic recording of operating data, such as performance data of fans, temperature, or humidity of the air. Based on this data, as well as known system information and derived insights, systems can be optimized.

Basic Functions and Digital Services Make Systems Smarter

Users of an IntelliGate Gateway and epCloud benefit from two basic functions: Condition Monitoring and Cloud-to-Cloud Communication, which enable further energy savings and increased operational safety. ebm-papst also offers three digital services: Demand-Controlled Ventilation (DCV), Vibration Analysis, and Heat Exchanger or Filter Clogging Detection. Demand-Controlled Ventilation (DCV) implements intelligent, demand-driven operation of EC fans. For example, they can be regulated to maintain optimal indoor air quality or the actual required air volume. Vibration Analysis focuses on diagnosing unwanted vibrations in fans to enhance operational safety. Heat Exchanger or Filter Clogging Detection involves detecting contamination and proactively cleaning heat exchangers or filters to prevent unplanned downtime. This optimizes maintenance interventions on condensers, heat exchangers, or air systems and continuously ensures efficiency and operational safety.

Streamlining Commissioning Quickly and Efficiently

The commissioning of fans will become even easier in the future, making it more time- and cost-efficient. OEMs, installers, and technicians use the ebm-papst Service App for customers and partners on their smartphones. Even complex systems can be set up with just a few clicks, including cloud integration for real-time monitoring and diagnostics via Ethernet, Wi-Fi, GSM, and Bluetooth Low Energy. The app automatically performs a multi-stage fan check; the collected data is then summarized in a clear report.

ebm-papst has summarized more details about the described solutions, the functionality of the new digital services, and the technical fundamentals in a comprehensive white paper. It can be downloaded at ebmpapst.com/digital-services.