Carrier Evaporator Coils  (5)

A cooling tower allows building owners and operators to take advantage of low cooling water temperatures and higher rates of heat rejection per square meter inherent in evaporative cooling systems. A well maintained cooling tower enables cooling systems to perform at optimum efficiency, reliably and cost-effectively, with contractors who maintain cooling systems able to service their customers with comprehensive and routine cooling tower maintenance programs that should maintain cooling performance for many years. Humble cooling tower Unfortunately, the humble cooling tower is often the forgotten component of the water cooling system when it comes to maintenance, but extremely high up the table when it comes to safety, so while certain tasks are regularly carried out others can be overlooked. A well maintained cooling tower should be able to reliably deliver its design fluid temperature A well maintained cooling tower should be able to reliably deliver its design fluid temperature and flow rate relative to the ambient condition indefinitely, but since its heat transfer operation creates a natural ‘air-scrubber’ environment, removing impurities from the cooling air as well as the circulating water, the cooling tower needs regular routine inspections and maintenance to continue performing at its best, and a small deterioration in performance should be expected, but easily managed. Cooling towers use large volumes of ambient air to take heat away from a process through sensible and non-sensible cooling. Critical maintenance activities Non-sensible cooling is a term that describes heat rejection through evaporation, where air will gain moisture until it reaches saturation, which is when the air is fully laden with water at 100% RH. This increase in water content requires energy to occur and this is obtained by taking heat out of the circulating water, reducing the temperature of the water in the process. Sensible cooling also occurs, which is where the colder inlet air reduces the temperature of the water due the difference in the air and water temperature, and in turn heats up as it travels through the heat exchange media. Because of this, one of the most critical maintenance activities of cooling systems is to ensure that the heat transfer has the best conditions to occur. Air moving equipment Maintenance on the air moving equipment will focus on the condition of the fans themselves The best conditions mean that the airflow is optimal, the heat exchange surfaces are clean and correctly installed, and the water distribution is balanced and operating correctly. Unless it is a natural draft cooling tower, the airflow will be created by fans which are driven by motors that are either directly attached to the fans or operate through gearboxes or fan belts. Maintenance on the air moving equipment will focus on the condition of the fans themselves, ensuring that the blade angles are set to achieve the necessary airflow if they can be adjusted and that the gearboxes or belts are operating properly with sufficient lubrication in bearings and gearboxes. Heat exchange media The heat exchange media in the cooling tower should be selected to offer the best trade-off between the tendency to foul and the amount of heat exchange surface. Maintenance on these components focuses first on the cleanliness of the heat exchange surfaces, as well as ensuring that the correct type of heat exchange media is being used and that it is properly fitted. The distribution systems in cooling towers are also essential to efficient operation Incorrect fill type or poor installation can lead to the packs becoming blocked quickly or could result in higher pressure drops reducing airflow. Poorly fitted fill packs can lead to air bypassing the water through gaps in the fill pack and results in loss of thermal performance and higher drift rates. The distribution systems in cooling towers are also essential to efficient operation. Heat exchange surfaces Heat exchange surfaces are only effective if there is a steady flow of water over them, blocked or broken nozzles can lead to an imbalance of water flow which results in variations of wetting rates or even dry spots throughout the fill where the airflow will be less effective. Water flow, airflow and heat exchange surface are the essential ingredients in cooling tower thermal performance, but these three critical subsystems don’t make up the entire system. The remaining systems are related to safety, access and containment, which carry a significant importance when concerned with the safe and effective operation of a cooling tower. Preventing direct sunlight Cooling towers are ultimately maintainable through a series of interconnected subsystems These systems include drift eliminators that prevent harmful water droplets from leaving the cooling tower, air inlet honeycombs that prevent direct sunlight from entering the cooling tower and reduce airside contamination, access systems that allow safe access for maintenance and the general fabric of tower to provide containment of fluids and protection to operators. All these things should be considered in a comprehensive maintenance plan which goes beyond cleanliness to ensure that you have not only a safe system but a high performing system. Cooling towers are ultimately maintainable through a series of interconnected subsystems that can all be relatively easily and cost effectively replaced. By allowing correctly maintained systems to operate at peak efficiency, they will work safely for many years.

In what can only be described as a very turbulent year, many businesses have had to shut their doors and have all but forgotten about the general upkeep of their sites. With priorities shifted to keeping companies afloat and staff employed, maintenance and servicing has taken a backseat, and many systems will be deteriorating unnoticed. It goes without saying that one of the first tasks that employers will have to tackle when returning to work is a deep clean. As we are still in the throes of a pandemic, a clean and disinfected workplace is the number one priority that needs to be ensured, before any staff can be welcomed back to work. This should be closely followed by maintenance of the site’s equipment. Importance of regular HVAC maintenance Regular HVAC maintenance is extremely important as it keeps systems performing efficiently and effectively Regular HVAC maintenance is extremely important as it keeps systems performing efficiently and effectively. The nature of HVAC maintenance does change depending on the time of year, and with some sites being shut for months and through different seasons, managers will need to review their current equipment to ensure it is compliant and working correctly as soon as possible as signs of normality start returning and facilities begin to reopen. While warehouses and factories may have still been operating in some capacity over the last 12 months, many office buildings have seen little to no employees for more than a year in some cases, therefore, risking deterioration and even damage to their systems going unnoticed and untreated. But with so many pieces of equipment at each site, it is often hard to know where to start and what to prioritize. Following HVAC manufacturer’s recommendations In order for businesses to keep functioning as best as they can and to avoid any more disruption, those in charge of maintenance and servicing need to be educated on how the conditions of a system affects the type of work it needs. Manufacturer’s recommendations should also be taken into account. To help define what these are and how to approach them, mechanical and electrical engineers recommend: The coils and pipes in HVAC equipment that are responsible for heat transfer are checked regularly, because if the equipment gets dirty, it won’t transfer heat and energy as well. Checking controls annually to ensure that the HVAC system is running properly, as control calibration can alter. By scheduling regular check-ups, accurate operation is maintained. Maintaining equipment with fans quarterly to maximize longevity. Three key areas include monitoring the impellers, belts and bearings for any dirt, wear and tear, friction or erosion. Keeping an eye on filters, as when they are clogged, it increases the pressure drop in a system, which makes fans work harder to maintain the same airflow. A quarterly clean is usually sufficient for most filters. This is also true of strainers in systems. Optimizing HVAC and electrical equipment With spring now upon us, businesses need to optimize their HVAC and electrical equipment for maximum efficiency With spring now upon us, businesses need to optimize their HVAC and electrical equipment for maximum efficiency. This includes reviewing the sequence of operations for a morning warm up and cool down. However, it’s important to remember that because of prolonged closures over the last 12 months, autumn and winter checks, and in some cases, even summer checks were not able to be carried out in 2020, so before the spring work begins, backdating the maintenance is a good place to start. Ensuring buildings’ energy efficiency With the help of experts, HVAC maintenance doesn’t have to be time-consuming and overwhelming, but it’s a critical part of maintaining an energy-efficient building that is both comfortable and reliable. With regular servicing and some basic knowledge of what is required, sites can maintain optimum efficiency all year round. Noise complaints can also be an issue, if HVAC maintenance isn’t carried out regularly. Spring is a good time for businesses to perform services on their equipment, prior to the summer months starting and should be used to ensure that condenser coils and air handler filters are both clean. The dirtier the equipment, the noisier and less efficient it becomes, which is bad news for any business. Preparing buildings for staff returning to work When a building is returning to normal occupancy after a lengthy closure, additional checks must be considered before reopening is discussed. When a building is initially mothballed, it must be prepared for long term vacancy, but many businesses will not have had this opportunity before the national lockdown, which basically entails that these checks will not have been carried out. After a building becomes unoccupied, it is not the case that maintenance activity should also stop After a building becomes unoccupied, it is not the case that maintenance activity should also stop. At the very least, the frequency of existing planned maintenance will change, but in some cases, more maintenance tasks are required in order to keep the site ticking over. This includes flushing of water systems, Legionella testing and insurance inspections to keep the property functional and compliant. Countering health and safety issues  As the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions are lifted across the United Kingdom and many businesses are gradually reopening, it will present health and safety problems that have not been faced before and will very likely see a surge in services and maintenance being required. With this in mind, it is vital that maintenance becomes a priority as normal service is resumed to not only ensure efficiency, but also to make sure that no employee or visitor to a site is put in danger. Emerging from a surreal 12 months, there is no doubt that companies will still face challenges, so it is crucial that avoidable maintenance problems do not become one of them, so don’t delay in booking routine checks.  

Sila Services LLC recently acquired Fahrenheit HVAC, adding Fahrenheit's commitment to reliably professional same-day HVAC repairs and installations to Sila's already impressive portfolio of companies. Fahrenheit has provided outstanding and affordable care to its customers for over three decades. Sila is an HVAC industry veteran, with an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, and has been delivering exceptional home comfort in heating, AC, plumbing and electrical services, throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, since 1989. Home comfort expert "By extending our reach and adding the highly trained Fahrenheit technicians' services to our already premier packages, we're taking Sila to the next level," said Lou Pellegrini, CEO of Sila. "We're extremely pleased to be welcoming the Fahrenheit HVAC family into ours and there's a reason we are both household names in the Southeastern Pennsylvania area. Because we treat your home like we treat our own – ensuring you have efficiently running systems and invaluable peace of mind." Sila's factory-trained and certified technicians serve over 500 homes a day With over 7000 ‘A’ ratings on Angie's List, earning its prestigious super service award for multiple years running, Sila is the complete home comfort expert. A preferred partner of Carrier, Google Nest, Lennox, Mitsubishi, Unico, and other manufacturers, Sila's factory-trained and certified technicians serve over 500 homes a day, with 100% satisfaction guaranteed every single time. Saving customers money Repairs: Dependable and prompt repairs that ensure customers never have to wait too long to get back to living life in comfort. Tune-Ups and Maintenance: Prevention is key to keeping heating and AC systems in peak shape, ready for extreme weather. Annual Sila tune-ups include a 15-point safety inspection and filter change. Maintenance plans keep systems running reliably and efficiently – preventing breakdowns and saving customers money. Replacements and Installations: When replacements or new installations are necessary, Sila helps its customers select the perfect solutions for the home or office that fit nicely into any budget with attractive financing. Go Green: For those considering greener options for heating and AC, Sila offers geothermal systems that use natural, sustainable energy from the ground.

Cosco Shipping Lines recently enhanced its refrigerated cargo fleet with next-generation EverFRESH® active controlled-atmosphere (CA) systems from Carrier Transicold. The high-performing systems enable perishable shipments to travel farther while retaining commodity quality. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, the foremost global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable, and intelligent building and cold chain solutions.   Sustain product quality and extend shelf-life “The next-gen EverFRESH units will maintain the atmosphere at precise points to sustain product quality and extend shelf-life for a wide range of perishables,” said Suresh Duraisamy, Associate Director, Global Container Refrigeration, Carrier Transicold. “The systems provide the quality our customers have come to expect, with new technology that builds on the first-generation EverFRESH units’ robust design and proven performance, to propel their fleets into the future.” Features  Using active CA technology, the EverFRESH system: Optimizes the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide (CO2) within a refrigerated container, slowing respiration and the natural ripening of the commodity inside Generates high-purity nitrogen to more quickly and responsively displace oxygen, rather than relying on cargo respiration alone to gradually reduce oxygen levels Maintains a positive air pressure within the container, making it far less sensitive to box leakage than other types of systems Feedback EverFRESH system’s active injection technology allows the container to be pre-charged with CO2 at the start of a voyage “The EverFRESH controlled atmosphere system from Carrier Transicold has a proven track record based on past units’ performance, and it allows us to handle a broader range of perishable commodities across the globe, and confidently protect and ship them to newer and further markets for our customers,” said Chen Yang, Manager of Sales and Marketing, Reefer Trade, Cosco Shipping Lines. Operation and function The EverFRESH system’s active injection technology allows the container to be pre-charged with CO2 at the start of a voyage and automatically add more over the course of the trip. Carrier Transicold is the only container refrigeration system manufacturer in the market today offering a CA system with an integrated option to add CO2 on demand.   The EverFRESH system is part of Carrier’s Healthy, Safe, Sustainable Cold Chain Program to preserve and protect the supply of food, medicine, and vaccines.

Carrier Global Corporation announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Nlyte Software (“Nlyte”), a front-runner in Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) software. Nlyte’s proven data center expertise will expand Carrier’s HVAC business’s access to the growing DCIM segment, complement its differentiated Automated Logic Controls business to create integrated customer solutions, and help fulfill its strategic focus on sustainable and intelligent solutions through increased recurring revenues. Carrier is the foremost global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable, and intelligent building and cold chain solutions. Authority Comments “Nlyte’s software and services, along with the expertise of its team, will enable Carrier to further develop our data center capabilities and bring enhanced services and solutions to Carrier’s broad, global customer base,” said Chris Nelson, President, HVAC, Carrier. “This is an excellent strategic fit and enables us to provide customers a premier offering of data center controls and infrastructure power management.” Nlyte will become part of ALC, Carrier’s building automation and controls business, within Carrier’s HVAC segment “This transaction strengthens and expands our data center offerings,” said Doug Sabella, CEO, Nlyte. “As a leader in the DCIM market, we will be able to offer new solutions and value-added customer services for HVAC equipment, building automation, controls, security and fire systems. With Carrier’s global footprint, Nlyte will be able to reach new segments and geographies.” Centralized management Nlyte helps customers manage their IT infrastructure and drives digital transformation of data centers. Its DCIM software provides centralized management of all data center resources, which helps organizations plan, view, and optimize their data centers for maximum energy efficiency and transparency. These outcomes have helped Nlyte enjoy a 98% customer retention rate.   Nlyte will become part of Automated Logic Corporation (ALC), Carrier’s building automation and controls business, within Carrier’s HVAC segment. Combining ALC WebCtrl building automation and Nlyte DCIM systems will provide data center customers a complete intelligent solution to further improve operational efficiencies. Completing acquisition Carrier expects to close its acquisition of Nlyte in the fourth quarter of 2021 subject to customary closing conditions. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.