Energy Efficient Smart Dust Extraction System in Joinery and Carpentry

BCIT has installed a new more efficient dust extraction system for the wood Trades buildings. The old system consisted of six constant-volume units that could be only on or off and would work at full capacity no matter how much dust was generated. The new system has two-fans that can use variable speeds. Sensors and controls attached to each work station determine how fast the fans run. This means that air is ventilated out of the building only when and where dust is created, and is proportional to the amount of dust that is being generated. The new system has been proven to use 80% less electricity than an equivalent constant volume system available in the marketplace. It also saves natural gas, because more heated air stays inside the buildings. This project was a partnership between BCIT’s Facilities and Campus Development and the SoCE Factor 4 team. BCIT received a $45,000 grant from BC Hydro Power Smart program to support this energy efficient project.