Volkswagen ‘High Volume Low Speed’ fans mark next step in Eco-friendly car manufacturing

Since 2012, Volkswagen Pune Plant has been consistently undertaking actions and initiatives to reduce the impact on environment due to manufacturing processes by 25% per car by 2018. With the successful installation of the HVLS fans, the production facility in Chakan has taken yet another concrete step towards achieving its set target.

The 11 new HVLS fans installed at the Assembly Line of Volkswagen Pune Plant would replace air handling units and ambiators which are used for proper ventilation and for creating comfortable conditions for humans to work. With remarkable saving of 436 MWh per annum and 1536 cubic meters of water consumption, there are positive results from the HVLS fans towards environment friendly manufacturing at the Volkswagen Pune Plant. The reduction in energy consumption is equivalent to the annual energy consumption of around 120 Indian households.  

The air flow from the HVLS fans caters to up to 20 square meter area on each sub-line of the Assembly Line. The blades of the fans are aerodynamically efficient and move more air with less energy consumption. The fans provide uniform air circulation and ensure even temperature from floor to ceiling and wall to wall. The fans are equipped with built-in variable frequency drive to suit all seasons and thus help in lowering down the energy consumption as per requirement. As an additional benefit, the highly aerodynamic blades of the fans contribute up to 80% towards noise reduction as compared to conventional fans.

“The new HVLS fans installed at our Pune Plant have resulted in further successful reduction of energy and water consumption. In addition to the environmental benefits, we have also ensured improved working conditions with cooler floors, especially in summers with the constant flow of air”, said Mr. Andreas Lauenroth, Executive Director – Technical & Plant Head, Volkswagen India Private Limited.

He further added, “A sizeable amount of ideas contributing to the Think Blue. Factory. initiative come from our employees. In case of the HVLS fans too, our Think Blue. Factory. Ambassadors, who are our think tanks and bridging links between our shop floor employees and management, were responsible for implementing this innovative and effective measure.”