HVACR News: August 2018

FACEBOOK & NORTEK PARTNER FOR SUSTAINABLE DATA CENTER COOLING

Facebook is partnering with Nortek Air Solutions, a custom air handler systems provider, to implement a new innovation in data center cooling systems. Nortek’s patented StatePoint Technology is designed to improve energy and water efficiency as the data center market continues to grow.

The StatePoint system uses a liquid- to-air exchanger, where water evaporates through a membrane separation layer to cool the data center. The liquid-to- air membrane exchanger prevents cross contamination between the water and air streams. With the addition of a pre-cooling coil, the system can maintain required cooling water and temperatures in humid climates without supplemental condenser based cooling.

This process reduces water consumption by 20% in hot and humid climates and by 90% in cooler climates when compared to other indirect cooling systems. The technology provides Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) equal to or better than direct evaporative cooling. Nortek Air Solutions has been working on this project with the Facebook engineering team since 2015 to develop a cooling solution to resolve the sustainability issues that face large data centers. nortek.com

APRILAIRE PATENTS WHOLE-HOME VENTILATION LOGIC

Aprilaire recently patented a new ventilation logic that provides a way for homebuilders to satisfy ventilation code requirements while also providing the most energy-efficient operation by ventilating without introducing overly hot and humid or cold and dry air to the home.The Model 8120X Fresh Air Controller optimizes when and how long to ventilate the home based on weather conditions and the indoor relative humidity, featuring temperature and humidity lockouts for more efficient, code-compliant fresh air delivery.

The patent includes the system and method for adjusting fractional on-time and cycle time to compensate for weather extremes and meet ventilation requirements. Ventilation with this logic lessens the burden on HVAC systems and positively impacts energy efficiency, meaning home buyers also reap the rewards of this new product by occupying a healthier home with improved indoor air quality and lower utility bills. This logic is now used in all Aprilaire ventilation products and the 8120X control. aprilaire.com

BOSCH UNVEILS NEW AIR CONDITIONING LABORATORY

Bosch Thermotechnology’s newest headquarters in Massachusetts has its first air conditioning laboratory, which will be used to test and improve the performance, sound, and connectivity of AC units in-house as well as at the Bosch Experience Center for visitors to learn about the different products Bosch offers.

The lab focuses on three areas: a psychrometric lab measures the performance of air conditioning units in multiple configurations, a noise vibration harshness lab measures the sound of the units to determine what adjustments will achieve a quieter product, and an electronics lab measures, tests, and simulates the behavior and performance of the connected units’ electronic device software. Incorporating these labs in the same space as the new headquarters will accelerate the product development process by providing highly accurate field data in real time. bosch-climate.us

LAB USES 3D PRINTING FOR GREEN REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

CaloriSMART is a system that uses low quantities of magnetocaloric materials to achieve refrigeration level cooling. Developed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory, this project will replace the century-old practice of using gas-compression refrigerators and is also 30% more efficient. Initial tests placed gadolinium in magnetic fields and used timed pumps to circulate water, demonstrating a cooling capacity to just under 30 ̊F.

A scientist custom built the encasing for the system using 3D printing. The model is being developed to accelerate the design of caloric materials so they can be installed into commercial spaces faster. The team has future plans in the works with elastocaloric materials that change temperature in response to cyclic tension and compression, and electrocaloric materials, whose temperature fluctuates when the magnetic field changes. ameslab.gov

THIN FILM TECHNOLOGY TO CONVERT UNUSED HEAT INTO ENERGY

Pyroelectric energy conversion may be the most effective way to ensure no energy is wasted. Engineers at the University of California, Berkeley are developing a thin-film technology that can be placed on sources of heat waste to produce energy. Unlike other systems that turn heat into energy, pyroelectric energy conversion does not require any additional moving parts; it can happen entirely in a solid state.

In the U.S., 70% of energy is wasted as heat—this technology can tap into the massive supply of heat waste. The technology could also be implemented in places of heat fluctuations, converting the random heat generated into energy. Although pyroelectric energy has been considered as a possibility for energy production for some time, the creation of this thin film to properly harness the conversion technique required the information from a recent study explaining pyroelectric physics. This new understanding allowed the engineers to develop the thin film device that is less than 100 nanometers thick. berkeley.edu

CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT SUPPORTS EPA & DOE

Contrary to the Trump administration’s threats to remove funding for government environmental programs, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 will benefit many government environmental programs. The bill maintains the budget for the EPA so voluntary EPA programs like Energy Start and SmartWay may continue running. These programs give businesses information to make their operations more sustainable.

The new bill also increases funding to the Department of Energy. There is an 11% increase to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy and a 15% boost to the Advanced Research Projects Agency- Energy, which develops technologies for energy efficiency. There is also a 10% increase to the Weatherization Assistance Program, which provides resources for low-income families and senior citizens to make their homes energy efficient. energy.gov

LG PARTNERS WITH COLLEGE FOR NEW VRF LAB

LG Electronics recently announced the grand opening of the Variable Refrigerant Technology (VRF) lab on the Tarrant County College campus in Fort Worth, TX. The air conditioning technologies company is partnering with Tarrant County College’s growing HVAC program to educate students and current HVAC contractors on the benefits of VRF technology.

The space feature LG’s ultra-efficient single-phase 5-ton Multi VTM S heat recovery system, and other new technologies, giving students and contractors the opportunity interact with their equipment. lg-vrf.com

INDUSTRY SHAKEUPS & PROMOTIONS

Ontario-based Enercare, which provides home services and smart energy solutions, recently appointed John W. Chandler to its board of directors. Chandler is experienced in digital transformation and effective marketing strategies. “[Chandler’s] extensive leadership experience in navigating rapidly changing consumer and digital landscapes, marketing, and innovation will be a significant asset as we continue to build and maintain long-term shareholder value,” says Chair Jim Pantelidi.

Grundfos Group, the Denmark-based supplier for pumps and pump merchandise, has named Catherine Yang as its new regional head of its China sales region. Previously the managing director of Carrier Commercial Refrigeration Asia at United Technologies Corp, she has led many development business ventures. “I am very pleased that Catherine Yang will be leading our very important China sales region, where we have seen very good sales growth for the past many years, and our market position is solid,” says Poul Due Jensen, executive vice president of Grundfos.

Honeywell recently announced former company executive Roger Fradin as the chairman of the Board for the Homes and Global Distribution business. “Over many decades in the industry, Roger has forged an unparalleled track record of performance through his ability to connect with customers, anticipate their needs, and drive the rapid introduction of highly desirable products,” says Darius Adamczyk, president and CEO of Honeywell. “Roger’s experience, passion, technical knowledge, unwavering focus on serving customers, and ability to attract and motivate a highly talented workforce will ensure the Homes spinoff thrives as an independent company.”

GEOTHERMAL HEATING AND COOLING MADE AFFORDABLE

A new sustainable heating and cooling method made by Dandelion uses the earth’s natural heat to provide a temperature control system that not only cuts greenhouse emissions but also allows for saving on monthly energy bills. The system consists of a pipe loop installed underground. Water and antifreeze run through the pipe; in the winter, the liquids warm to the 50˚F geothermal temperature, providing sustainable hot water and warm air for inside the home, and during the summer, the process is reversed.

In the past, the high costs of geothermal heating systems meant they were unavailable to most, but Dandelion is looking to make them more affordable, with plans for community-wide geothermal heating systems. Additionally, state and federal legislation is lessening the costs of these systems—Congress approved legislation to give a 30% federal tax credit for geothermal system installations, and New York promises to return a portion of the cost in rebate. With lower costs, there is less barrier to those looking for eco-friendly and efficient renewable energy systems. dandelionenergy.com

NEW HVAC TRAINING CENTER

Source 1, exclusive supplier of service parts and residential accessories for Johnson Controls’ residential and light commercial HVAC products, recently opened the first in a series of training centers focused on residential service and installation as well as select commercial products.

The center is a 1,200-square-foot space within the Source 1 base in Missouri, and its opening was attended by customers and industry professionals alike as well as YORK dealers and customers.The center will host a variety of training classes, helping technicians become YORK-certified technicians and providing an opportunity for the YORK sales team to better understand their products. The new facility will also be a space where trade school students can get hands-on experience. johnsoncontrols.com

REAP REWARDS FOR UPGRADED HVAC EQUIPMENT

Con Edison is offering big rewards and incentives for customers who upgrade their HVAC equipment. They are doing this through two programs. The first is the Prescriptive Rebate Program, which offers cash rewards for installing energy-efficient HVAC products like chillers and furnaces. The second offers customers making custom upgrades the incentive of $0.16 per kilowatt hour and $600 for each kilowatt energy reduction. Customers in the second option can also take advantage of Early Life and Extended Life programs, which encourage them to replace HVAC equipment before it breaks by paying some of the price difference.

HVAC upgrades are expensive, so customers make these changes less frequently and have a harder time meeting the cost. But with these new incentives, Con Edison hopes to make the changes more accessible and affordable, encouraging customers to seek upgrades. coned.com

NEW DATABASE FOR CHOOSING BUILDING PRODUCTS

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is developing a new system to help professionals in building and construction determine the best materials for long-term building construction. Using ORNL’s Titan supercomputer, the system draws upon data from running 800,000 building envelope simulations as well as information from experts—accounting for materials, climate, orientation, air tightness, and indoor conditions. It also has data from real-world moisture durability testing in the laboratory.

The database is currently undergoing beta testing but will soon be available and accessible to customers with a user-friendly design. “It has become challenging to make informed decisions because of modern building code requirements and new products and materials hitting the market,” says ORNL’s Philip Boudreaux. ornl.gov

NEW CENTER FOR INNOVATIVE GREEN TECHNOLOGY

Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited recently opened the Research & Innovation Sustainability Centre (RISC) in its Bangkok headquarters, focused on cutting-edge methods for sustainability in workplace and residential spaces. RISC is developing new approaches to temperature control systems using IAQ sensors.

This technology measures air quality features like humidity, potentially harmful airborne particles, and volatile organic compounds as well as temperature. The sensors display light signals—red for danger, yellow for caution, and green when the air is clear.

The group is also working on light design that aids the sleep cycle and productivity of inhabitants through circadian lighting, glare, and color quality. RISC is working across residential and commercial examples to improve buildings. The research center offers its eco-materials library to all builders. mqdc.com

INDUSTRY SHAKEUPS & PROMOTIONS

Rob Howard, performance construction manager at Mitsubishi Electric, has been appointed to the Energy & Environmental Building Alliance (EEBA) board of directors. Howard is a certified HERS rater with years of experience in net-zero energy construction. “We are proud of Rob’s appointment to the EEBA board, as it will allow us to elevate the Performance Builder Program on a national level,” says Chad Gillespie, senior manager of performance construction at Mitsubishi Electric.

DiversiTech Corp. recently appointed Doug Johnson as regional sales manager, North Central Region, HVAC/R. Johnson will focus on driving all sales efforts in the region and executing the company’s mission of helping customers simplify their work. “Doug is a proven sales and management professional with an excellent understanding of the HVAC/R industry,” says Dave Oriatti, vice president of HVAC/R sales. “His expertise will contribute greatly to the region’s continued success, as well as the success of our wholesaler customers and their contractor customers.”

Charles Abiad, vice president and general manager of Descair, was appointed to the HRAI Wholesalers Board. Abiad previously served as vice president and general manager at Johnson Controls. “It is crucial to look after changes in order to better serve contractors—their interests, needs, and requests,” Abiad says.

CIBSE ESTABLISHES NEW HVAC GROUP

The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) recently started a special interest group for the HVAC sector. The group, which is open to all, will serve as a forum to share best practices, identify industry trends, and exchange the latest HVAC technologies and developments. Professor Tony Day, executive director of the International Energy Research Centre, Tyndall National Institute in Cork, will head the group. “I am delighted to see the launch of this long-awaited special interest group on HVAC systems,” he says. “We can often overlook the importance of these core services, and how better specification, design, and operation can deliver huge benefits for building performance.”

CIBSE acknowledges HVAC systems are important when it comes to indoor air quality and energy management—HVAC operations usually account for the most energy consumption in a building. The CIBSE group will offer a new setting for discussion, encourage research and publications related to HVAC systems, and provide speakers for seminars and training courses.

“Continued advances in information technology, sensor systems, and innovations in thermal engineering have the potential to transform [HVAC] systems,” Day says. “This group will help our industry develop better systems-thinking and cross-disciplinary working and ensure best practice and innovation are shared across the sector.” cibse.org

AHRI UPGRADES ONLINE PRODUCT DIRECTORY

The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) recently launched its new Directory of Certified Product Performance, which lists more than 7.2 million AHRI Certified products. “AHRI’s online directory was more than 10 years old, and in need of an upgrade to support expanding reporting requirements as regulators at the federal, state, and local levels increasingly relied upon AHRI for accurate and unbiased data on equipment performance,” says Stephen Yurek, AHRI president and CEO. The directory was built from the ground up, based on advice and input from participants and end users, he says.

“We conducted focus group meetings with directory users and engaged with our certification program participants throughout this process to ensure our upgraded directory offers our 3.7 million annual users a smooth and informative experience,” Yurek says. ahridirectory.org

DOW PARTNERS WITH USGBC FOR GREEN INITIATIVES

Dow Building Solutions and the USGBC recently began a partnership to encourage energy efficiency and solutions to build greener communities. The main goal of the organizations is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by creating more energy-efficient buildings. Together, Dow and USGBC will consult two communities to help them reach LEED certification. As the official carbon partner of the International Olympic Committee, Dow aims to raise audience engagement and jumpstart impactful low carbon projects and innovations. “This partnership will offer expertise from Dow and USGBC that will not only directly help selected communities reduce their carbon footprint, but will also pave the way for other communities to do the same,” says Greg Bergtold, director of advocacy for Dow.

Mahesh Ramanujam, CEO at USGBC, says the collaboration will help create lasting benefits to the environment and society as a whole. “As USGBC aims to accelerate sustainable, healthy, and resilient communities, cities, and cultures globally, we seek to create partnerships with those that can help address the unique needs of the local community,” he says. “By working with Dow, we can extend the reach of the green building marketplace.” usgbc.org

FUNDING FOR SENSOR R&D

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) recently announced $20 million in funding for 15 projects that will work to create new energy-saving HVAC sensor technology.

Building automation and control systems currently lack accurate occupancy data, which hinders their ability to reduce HVAC energy consumption. To overcome this challenge, the Center for Lighting Enabled Systems & Applications (LESA) at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the University of New Mexico, and LESA industry partner ABB Group are developing a privacy-preserving sensor system for counting, locating, and tracking occupants in commercial spaces. “The award from ARPA-E allows LESA to build on its fundamental research showing the power of digitized light, which, when reflected from any object in the space, generates privacy-preserving occupancy and activity data,” says Robert F. Karlicek Jr., director of LESA. “In this program, the LESA team will apply its lighting tool kit concepts to achieving better energy efficiency in buildings.”

Studies show that this sensing technology could reduce energy costs of heating and cooling by up to 30%—and the sensor would train the building management system to distribute the correct temperature air when and where it is needed. arpa-e.energy.gov

INDUSTRY SHAKEUPS & PROMOTIONS

Jan Allde was named CFO of the Alfa Laval Group. He will begin the position in February 2018. Allde previously served as senior vice president and CFO of the ABB Group. He has more than 20 years of experience of financial leadership within ABB, overseeing mergers and acquisitions. “Jan Allde's extensive expertise and experience will be a great asset,” says Tom Erixon, president and CEO of Alfa Laval.

Johnson Controls recently appointed John Donofrio as executive vice president, corporate officer, and general counsel. Donofrio was previously vice president, secretary, and general counsel at Mars, Inc. “John has significant transactional and commercial depth that will help drive the company’s growth platform,” says George Oliver, chairman and CEO of Johnson Controls. “His global experience across various industries and his many years in the general counsel role make John a very good fit.”

Lauren Roberts was appointed president and CEO of cfm Distributors, Inc., a 100% employee-owned heating, ventilation, and air conditioning company. As the previous vice president and a third-generation leader at cfm Distributors, she has held leadership positions for more than 13 years. She began serving as president and CEO on January 1, 2018. Roberts is also president-elect for HARDI’s philanthropic organization HALO and a board member for Women in HVACR.

MESTEK INTRODUCES NEW GAS HEAT-PUMP

Mestek, a division of the group of HVAC manufacturers called Mestek, Inc., recently disclosed a plan to market its new gas heat-pump—the Sierra GHP. The new air conditioning system can be used for indoor agriculture or commercial, industrial, and even residential buildings. In partnership with the maker of the Sierra units, Aisin World Corporation of America and Blue Mountain Energy of Nevada (who will develop the nationwide network of sales representatives), Mestek will be the sole nationwide distributor of Sierra natural gas, variable refrigerant flow (VRF) air conditioners that provide energy-efficient heating and cooling.

Though GHP units are common in Japan, the units have not seen widespread adoption in the U.S. The new Sierra GHP uses an internal combustion engine to drive the unit’s mechanical parts, and the technology is now on the rise in the States, as it offers reliable mission-critical heating and cooling around the clock.

The Sierra GHP is also equipped with outdoor heat exchangers and indoor air handlers, so no special ducting is needed—meaning retrofits are a breeze. The Sierra may reduce a building’s electrical cooling costs by as much as 80%, compared to AC units fueled by electricity alone. mestek.com

NEW PROGRAMMING AT PHIUS

The Passive House Institute of the U.S. recently started its pilot phase of its new Ventilator Product Program certification. The PHIUS certification program aims to provide performance data for passive building energy models.

The PHIUS Certified Ventilator program considers a variety of measurements—including reporting both thermal and electrical performance numbers. For ERVs, latent performance for both heating and cooling season conditions are recorded. The program also features measurement and random verification testing and challenge provisions, among other features.

With this certification, PHIUS certified ventilators join the list of accepted third-party ratings (HVI, PHI, AHRI). For more information about the program, contact Graham Wright, senior scientist and product program manager, at graham@passivehouse.us. phius.org

RHEEM OPENS NEW TRAINING CENTER

Rheem recently celebrated the opening of its newest Innovation Learning Center, just outside of Dallas. The center is part of a renovation and expansion of Rheem’s divisional offices, warehouse, and distribution facilities in Lewisville.
The Innovation Learning Center is the fourth of five training facilities to open across the U.S. and Canada. The digitally forward training facility will be used to educate HVAC contractors and plumbers from around the Southwest and Midwest.

The high-tech, hands-on center has interactive classrooms, a live lab where equipment can be broken down and reassembled, virtual reality labs for diagnostic training, and a product showroom to showcase Rheem’s latest energy efficient HVAC equipment—from water heaters to pool heaters to boilers across residential and commercial projects. rheem.com

ASHRAE’S NEW BUILDING ENERGY QUOTIENT PORTAL

The recent launch of the Building Energy Quotient (or Building EQ) Portal promises you’ll get your Building EQ Performance Score quickly and easily. Building EQ uses ASHRAE methodologies and standards and the experience of credentialed practitioners to ensure owners are getting reliable, consistent recommendations. “The primary goal of the Building EQ program is to promote more energy-efficient buildings and give owners actionable recommendations to improve a building’s energy use,” says Hugh Crowther, Building EQ committee chair. “We’re excited to launch this integrated resource that will help users identify opportunities to lower building operating cost and make informed decisions to increase value.”

Two evaluations—In Operation and As Designed—can be used independently to compare a candidate building to similar buildings in the same climate zone or together for an assessment of a building’s design potential compared to actual operation. In Operation compares actual building energy use based on metered energy information. As Designed compares potential energy use based on the building’s physical characteristics and systems with standardized energy use simulation. The In Operation rating is available now and the As Designed rating will be available in early 2018. ashrae.org/buildingeq

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