Packaged Units/RTU News & Trends

Hydronic cooling systems (also known as chilled water systems) are closed-loop, tempered water systems that convey heat away from a conditioned space or process, using water as the heat transfer medium. These systems use standard compressed refrigerant in tubes or coils, or evaporative cooling, to cool the water. The cooled water is pumped through the system piping to an end-point heat exchanger/cooling coil. The heat-exchanging coil surface is cooled by the chilled water. Air-to-air heat exch...

The 27th International Passive House Conference will be held in April 2024 in Innsbruck, Austria! The focal theme of the conference will be "Retrofit. Have an impact.”  In order to effectively bring the building sector on course towards climate protection, reliable energy retrofits are indispensable. The conference will take place at the University of Innsbruck. The Call for Papers is open until the beginning of September 2023.  Passive House projects The dates are set: The 27...

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA),  also known as the HVAC Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Association announces a scholarship program for its 2023 Fall Technical Conference that will take place September 7-9 at the Embassy Suites in Grapevine, Texas, just outside of Dallas.​ ​Scholarship availability Scholarships are available for first-time attendees only. NADCA membership is not required. Interested individuals are invited to submit an application for considerati...

Johnston County Public Schools, located in Smithfield, North Carolina, chose Carrier to improve energy efficiency and comfort at five schools. Carrier is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, a global pioneer in intelligent climate and energy solutions. AquaSnap® 30RB Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS), located in one of the nation’s fastest-growing counties, is the seventh-largest school district in the state. JCPS used money from the U.S. Department of Education’s Element...

With extremely hot temperatures reaching triple digits during the week, Ameren is advising customers to stay safe by keeping their homes cool with these tips that will help cut energy costs, while staying comfortable and safe.    Necessary precautions “We urge our customers to take whatever measures necessary to stay safe and cool during the heat wave," said Dan Isom, vice president, of corporate safety, security, and crisis management at Ameren.  “While usage of ai...

In a pioneering effort to combat the high costs of commercial refrigeration, Ameren Illinois has partnered with the Schnucks supermarket chain to install a cutting-edge radiative rooftop panel system at its Fairview Heights store. As it becomes operational in July 2023, the SkyCool System at the Fairview Heights Schnucks represents the first of its kind in Illinois and one of only 20 such systems installed around the world.    Improve performance “Refrigeration consumes more e...

Bosch Home Comfort (formerly Bosch Thermotechnology), a global source of high-quality heating, cooling, and hot water systems, recently launched Bosch Home Comfort PRO, HVAC contractors’ new one-stop shop for their every servicing need.  Benchmark User Interface This new portal improves upon the features offered by Bosch’s previous ABC program, brandishing a host of valuable new tools and rewards for loyal installers. Its industry benchmark user interface (UI) is designed for...

BITZER, the specialist for refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump technology, has formally completed the acquisition of Danish company OJ Electronics A/S within three weeks. center of excellence With the acquisition and the consolidation of OJ Electronics and BITZER Electronics, both based in Sønderborg, BITZER manages to establish a center of excellence for electronic components for the HVAC&R industry in Denmark. The acquisition of OJ Electronics by BITZER was formally co...

Cooling towers, also known as cooling towers, are frequently juxtaposed with the problem of legionella. In fact, precisely because of the special conditions that can be created inside these facilities, primarily the high water temperature and humidity, it is possible for bacteria that are harmful even to humans to thrive and spread, first and foremost legionella. That is why it is crucial to carry out proper maintenance of cooling towers and various cooling and air conditioning systems.&zw...

An evaporative condenser is a heat exchanger for condensing a natural refrigerant gas, such as ammonia, or refrigerants of the freon family using the natural principle of evaporative cooling. By taking advantage of the latent heat of evaporation of water, this principle allows heat to be subtracted from the refrigerant gas inside the heat exchanger and a small portion of the water sprayed onto the coil to evaporate. Heat exchanger Heat removal in the evaporative condenser is then accomplished...

The lifetime of any industrial equipment, be it an evaporative condenser or a cooling tower, also depends on the proper maintenance of its components. Maintenance activities This article shows the ordinary maintenance activities to carry out on a Decsa's CFR-C closed circuit evaporative condensers, made of Z-725 galvanized steel sheet, equipped with centrifugal fans, and ideal for industrial refrigeration applications. Decsa would like to remind the user that the indications given h...

Since the second half of 2020, Decsa has been involved in the supply of new evaporative condensers for Galbani, one of the largest dairy food factories in Europe, to replace existing ones in their cooling plants. The following units have been supplied: No. 3 evaporative condensers with a capacity of 1,700 kW for the Chiller Plant; No. 4 evaporative condensers with a capacity of 1,700 kW for the Clauger Plant; No. 6 heat exchanger sections for revamping other units not produced by Decs...

Decsa is pleased to present SQA, the new series of open-circuit industrial cooling towers designed to respond effectively and efficiently to the needs of the industrial market (process cooling). SQA SQA is the perfect cooling tower for the industrial market characterized by the use of water with quantities of suspended solids, such as requiring the use of extended fill packs (more space than the classic wave 12). Designed to guarantee reduced water consumption and ensure minimum environmental...

A key element in open circuit cooling towers is the thermal fill pack (also called the "fill pack"). The greater the surface area of the water that comes into contact with the airflow through the pack, the greater the efficiency in terms of heat transfer. Not only that, but the contact time also plays an important role in ensuring the high efficiency of the cooling tower. Type of fill packs in cooling towers There are two types of fill packs: film and splash.  Both have the sa...

In industrial cooling towers made of galvanized steel, passivation is an electrochemical process that slows or prevents possible corrosion of the metal from which the units are made.  Rust that occurs on the cooling towers during the first period of use, called "white rust", is preventable by pre-treading the metal surface of the cooling tower.  ‍ Galvanized steel in industrial cooling towers In the air conditioning(HVAC) market, galvanized steel is, to date, the main mater...

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioning Europe (MHIAE), a division of MHI Group, has been recognized for its innovative and energy-efficient commercial heat pumps, receiving Frost & Sullivan’s 2023 European Company of the Year Award. Following research into the commercial heat pump market, Frost & Sullivan has named MHIAE as this year’s industry leader, who has demonstrated excellence in growth strategy, visionary innovation, market-leading performance, and unmatched cu...

To help support the installation of its new Stratton mk3 wall-hung condensing boiler onto existing heating systems, Hamworthy Heating, a trusted British manufacturer and supplier of commercial heating and hot water products is pleased to announce its latest range of Plate Heat Exchangers, for increased boiler protection and performance. Energy-efficient boilers Energy-efficient boilers are the industry standard, but this can be an issue when integrating a new condensing boiler into an existing...

Heatcraft Refrigeration Products, a manufacturer of commercial refrigeration equipment and systems as part of Lennox Commercial, now offers expanded capacity, at up to 250 refrigerated tons, for the eCO2Boost™ Transcritical Booster System. The cost-effective system, which can be customized for an array of applications, is an integral component of Heatcraft’s suite of low global warming potential (GWP) solutions for cold storage. eCO2Boost™ Transcritical Booster System The eC...

Interplay Learning, the provider of immersive training for the skilled trades, announced the creation of Interplay’s Intelligence Lab, a team of experts shaping the future of training by delivering innovative and intelligent solutions for the skilled trades. SAM, the first AI-powered mentor As part of this initiative, the Intelligence Lab unveiled SAM, the industry’s first AI-powered mentor for learning and skill development. SAM provides technicians with immediate guidance during...

The Eurovent Product Group ‘Commercial Refrigeration Equipment’ (PG-RDC) has elected Victor Gomara (R&D Director, Koxka) as its new Vice-Chairperson. The elections took place during the group’s online meeting on 10 May 2023. Victor Gomara succeeds Jesus Beraza (Chief Commercial Officer Europe, Middle East, Africa & Oceania, Koxka) as the Vice-Chairperson and will be supporting Maurizio Orlandi, Chairperson of the group, in his new role. Extensive industry experience...

Solar Monkey is launching its award-winning software in the UK, with a mission to boost productivity for solar installers, while accelerating the energy transition. The fast-growing firm has appointed a UK Sales Manager, is recruiting more staff to underpin its international growth plan, and is stepping up UK marketing of its digital design and quotation tools aimed at increasing the efficiency of PV installers. Solar & Storage Live The market is ready for exponential growth, we’re...

Johnson Controls, the global pioneer for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings introduced its new FRICK® Freezer Penthouse Evaporator-Retrofit (FPHE-R) model that includes design updates on proven technology to improve ease of installation and service for contractors while maintaining production efficiency. reliability and serviceability “Our line of freezer evaporator units has been proven in the field for the past four decades, and we’ve heard our contractors’ input...

Webstone®, a brand of NIBCO, announces the new Pro-Pal® E-Tank Service Assembly. This patent-pending solution simplifies the installation and service of any hydronic expansion tank. Features Its forged brass design features isolation valves for the system, a dedicated drain valve, and a convenient union connection at the expansion tank to provide a greater degree of control during installation. An automatic air vent, pressure gauge, and steel mounting plate are also included.

Modine Coatings, a division of Modine Manufacturing Company and a pioneer in corrosion-resistant coatings technology for the HVAC industry is celebrating its one-year strategic partnership with corrosion specialist ADVANCOAT. ADVANCOAT provides Modine Insitu® coil and cabinet corrosion protection services to customers in the South Florida market. Access to corrosion protection “For the past year, our partnership with ADVANCOAT has been a tremendous asset to the South Florida market,...

For more than 60 years, Taconova has been synonymous with constant simplification and innovation in the field of building technology, offering user-friendly and highly efficient solutions that save customers time, effort, and money. UK a key strategic market In 2022, Taconova completed the acquisition of the business activities of Heatlink Technical Solutions Limited and Heatlink Client Services in the UK to form Taconova UK Limited. The acquisition signaled Taconova’s intention to mak...

The BITZER Group announces its intent to acquire OJ Electronics A/S, headquartered in Sønderborg, Denmark. With this, BITZER is broadening its portfolio of electronic components for the HVAC&R industry. BITZER and OJ Electronics have signed the acquisition contract. Expansion in electronics  The transaction is subject to the usual approval and is expected to close no later than in Q3 2023. With the acquisition, BITZER as a specialist in refrigeration, air conditioning, and...

Eurovent Middle East announces that Honeywell has become the latest addition to a growing group of industry players that are coming together to support the transition to more sustainable technologies in the Middle East.  This signifies the growing importance of collaboration among industry organizations to promote progress. Building management Mr. Tariq Al Ghussein, President of Eurovent Middle East, welcomes Honeywell, “With Honeywell, another big name in the industry is joining o...

A major oil tool manufacturer developed a tool to flow two phases’ media, liquid in one direction and gas in the opposite direction. A fixed diameter pipe required ten 0.5 in OD insert check valves in an annulus. The oil tool company initially selected a competitor company’s 0.500 insert check valve, which was later found to not meet aggressive pressure drop requirements. Greater flow efficiency AUSCO was able to respond with its ultra-high flow check valve technology and exceed c...

Business Development Resources (BDR), a trusted provider of business coaching and training services for the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical industries, is excited to announce the return of its Leadership Excellence Academy this fall. This innovative program helps owners, managers, and team leaders develop leadership skills and build high-performance teams that drive business growth and success. Leadership Excellence Academy The Leadership Excellence Academy is a one-year leadership development...

ETH Zurich, one of the world’s most renowned universities, has just opened a unique research facility: the Zero Carbon Building Systems (ZCBS) Lab. It allows research into the behavior of building components and systems in different climate zones. The new building, located on the university campus in Zurich, comprises two floors with different test cells, climate chambers, and experimentation rooms. As part of its existing industrial partnership with ETH Zurich, Siemens has equipped the n...