2LA flammable refrigerants

BioZone Scientific's residential, commercial, and healthcare products were independently tested for effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 by a third-party lab. In the test report titled, ‘SARS-CoV-2 Surrogate Inactivation by Ultraviolet Disinfection System from BioZone Scientific,’ the systems repeatedly delivered greater than 5-log inactivation (>99.999%) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in less than one second of exposure to BioZone Scientific ultraviolet disinfection systems. The testing was conducted by BCS Laboratories, an ISO/IEC 17025 certified Florida, USA-based lab which is also accredited by the US Centers for Disease Control, US Environmental Protection Agency, US Department of Agriculture, and Florida Department of Health. UV light solutions The test was designed to model exposure time comparative to inactivating the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the moving airstream within HVAC systems. A manufacturer in HVAC UV light solutions for the disinfection of air and surfaces, BioZone Scientific technology has been used by thousands of people around the world for safe disinfection of homes, restrooms, transport, and businesses. This study joins others, including those published in the Journal of Clinical Virology, that demonstrate that BioZone Scientific's advanced ultraviolet disinfection systems are effective at inactivating viruses and other infectious diseases. Biological defense systems These accredited test results are the latest in a long line of groundbreaking and independently verified test programs" Paul Morris, BioZone Scientific's Senior Vice President for Global Business Development, stated, "This is more welcome evidence that BioZone Scientific's long experience of delivering innovative and effective Biological Defense systems for our clients is based on several critical philosophies - innovation, responsiveness to our clients' needs, and sound, certified, scientific data.” “These accredited test results are the latest in a long line of groundbreaking and independently verified test programs that have been undertaken by BioZone Scientific, including research on the effectiveness of our technology against viruses by the French Centre for National Virology Research and papers published in the Journal of Clinical Virology. This long term and consistent approach gives BioZone Scientific's partners the confidence that they are working with technology that is always ahead of the field in terms of reliability, quality, and effectiveness. We believe this approach is at the center of our success, and the success of our clients." Ultraviolet disinfection systems Ari Ahola, CEO of BioZone Scientific, stated, "These third-party test results show that BioZone Scientific systems are essential in delivering virus-free environments and are critical components of return to work protocols. In less than a second, BioZone solutions are capable of disinfection rates almost below the levels of detection.” “We're immensely proud of these findings, which are well in line with other scientific tests of BioZone Scientific technologies. Our mission is to limit the spread of COVID-19 and help people to return to work safely." BioZone Scientific is a pioneer in ultraviolet disinfection systems and has been at the forefront of UV technology for decades. It has a proven track record of innovation in disinfection technologies, which are designed, manufactured, and installed in line with the highest safety standards.

Goettl Air Conditioning and Plumbing, a provider of HVAC and plumbing services in the Southwest part of the country, has promoted its Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Kim Miramontes to Chief Operations Officer (COO). Miramontes’ experience will be a beneficial asset to Goettl’s predominately female executive team, a unique differentiator in the HVAC and plumbing industry. “Kim’s skills far outweigh those of seasoned executives I’ve have worked with in the past,” said Ken Goodrich, CEO of Goettl Air Conditioning and Plumbing. Customer engagement systems “She understands operations, sales and customer service in a way that few executives hope to and has a proven track record of maximizing the growth potential of a range of business. She’s leading an already successful team at the perfect time to spearhead operational expansion.” Miramontes is charged with growing the efforts to care about the customer experience and fostering a team of salespeople who are motivated by what inspires them. In this role, she will continue to define the Goettl point of difference and improve upon existing customer engagement systems.  Several expansion opportunities Miramontes joined the Goettl executive leadership team at their Las Vegas headquarters in May of 2019 Miramontes joined the Goettl executive leadership team at their Las Vegas headquarters in May of 2019. Since then, Miramontes has successfully exceeded in her role as CFO and worked closely with other Goettl executives to grow and expand the company into other markets. Since she came on board, Miramontes financially supervised several expansion opportunities for Goettl including acquisitions in Simi Valley, California and San Antonio, Texas. Miramontes has vast experience in financial and operational leadership with some of the gaming and resort brands including Wyndham, MGM Grand and SHFL Entertainment, a $300-million multi-national gaming supplier. As an entrepreneur and business owner, Miramontes has driven growth in the positions she has attained throughout her career. Remarkable growth trajectory “Goettl has grown with remarkable trajectory under Kim’s financial guidance. She is a great fit for our team as she continues to evolve and elevate our methodologies and services,” said Goodrich. “I look forward to collaborating with Kim in her new role as she continues to push our team to do things the right way, not the easy.” Miramontes earned her MBA from the University of Nevada Las Vegas as well as Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Administration and Finance from UNLV. In addition, Miramontes is an Associate Certified Coach from the International Coach Federation and a Certified Professional Coach from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching. As an active member of the Las Vegas community, Miramontes continues to volunteer with the UNLV Alumni Association, Nevada Women’s Philanthropy group and the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) in Southern Nevada.

Filti, an air filtration startup that produces nanofiber materials for face masks and HVAC filters, officially announced the launch of its new NF95 Respirator. The pre-certified NF95 Respirators are constructed using the company's state-of-the-art nanofiber technology and is proven to filter 95% of aerosolized, airborne particles - like COVID-19 - moving through the material. Unlike a traditional N95 mask, the nanofiber material mechanically filters out pollutants as opposed to electrostatically filtering them. Solid and liquid aerosols Expected approvals and standards for this product include: Expected - NIOSH approved N95 respirator Expected - Meets NIOSH 42 CFR 84 N95 requirements for a minimum 95% filtration efficiency against solid and liquid aerosols that do not contain oil NIOSH Approval Number - TBA Expected BFE and PFE (third-party testing results) Expected level 3 blood splatter Harmful airborne particles "We designed these respirators to safeguard our customers and their families from harmful airborne particles including bacteria and viruses," said Dakota Hendrickson, co-founder of Filti. "With limited, high-quality and cost-effective respirator options on the market, we knew we could use our technology to provide an excellent, low-cost option for American households. All 100% Made in the USA." Engineered for extreme comfort, with enhanced sealing capabilities and exceptional breathability, the Filti NF95 respirator is constructed with a spunbond, nonwoven and nanofiber composite media. During the soft launch phase, the company sold nearly 40,000 respirators.

Roe Corporation, a privately held, real estate company, announces the launch of sales for what is believed to be the most sustainable condominium building ever built in New York City. Named, Charlotte of the Upper West Side, as a nod to the developer's daughter Charlotte and Generation Alpha, the nine-story ground-up was designed and engineered to exceed the energy and ventilation standards of the German-based Passive House Institute (www.phius.org). One of the first new residential buildings to be constructed in the Central Park Historic District in the past 30 years, the boutique condominium will bring seven striking and sustainably-designed full-floor residences to one of New York City's most coveted neighborhoods. Engineered residential building "Charlotte of the Upper West Side sets an extraordinary new benchmark for sustainable architecture with an emphasis on wellness and luxury in New York City. Our vision was to create an intelligently-engineered residential building, with integrated state-of-the-art systems designed to foster an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment," said John Roe, Principal of Roe Corporation. "Designed by an award-winning team of architects and engineers, each home is a sanctuary of wellness and sustainability offering the highest-quality materials and finely crafted finishes. Charlotte of the Upper West Side represents an extraordinary opportunity to call one of the Upper West Side's most landmarked blocks home." Exceptional air quality Charlotte of the Upper West Side's robust insulation and airtight seals minimize air leaks and drafts Designed and engineered to exceed the exacting certification standards of the Passive House Institute, Charlotte of the Upper West Side boosts residents' health, wellbeing, and comfort, balancing state-of-the-art building systems with timeless luxury and craftmanship. Originating in Germany several decades ago, the Passive House Standard focuses on dramatically reducing a home's energy consumption for heating and cooling, while providing exceptional air quality. Charlotte of the Upper West Side's robust insulation and airtight seals minimize air leaks and drafts, keeping rooms consistently comfortable and quiet, while reducing energy consumption to a small fraction of a traditional home's consumption. Each residence features its own state-of-the-art, Swiss-engineered energy recovery ventilation (ERV) system that delivers fresh filtered outside air to each room of the home, consistently exchanging stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. Environmentally conscious design In addition to its state-of-the-art air quality, Charlotte of the Upper West Side boasts remarkably quiet residences, thanks to triple-paned windows and robust insulation on exterior walls and between residences. Located at 470 Columbus and West 83rd Street on Manhattan's Upper West Side, the Charlotte of the Upper West Side has been thoughtfully designed by BKSK Architects, the award-winning firm best known for contextually appropriate and environmentally conscious design. A sanctuary of wellness and sustainability in the heart of a historic neighborhood, Charlotte of the Upper West Side's overall aesthetic draws inspiration from nearby historic and landmarked buildings reflecting traditional Upper West Side architecture. High quality craftmanship BKSK Architects designed the Italian-made terracotta louvers to keep the residences bright Charlotte of the Upper West Side's captivating façade features surfaces of red brick and louvers of Italian-made terracotta, a tribute to the architectural traditions of the Upper West Side. BKSK Architects designed the Italian-made terracotta louvers to keep the residences bright and comfortable year-round. Designed by BKSK Architects and finely crafted by the artisans of the Italian manufacturer Sannini, the custom baguette-shaped louvers help keep every home at the Charlotte of the Upper West Side bright and comfortable all year long. Designed by ELLE Decor A-List Designer Alyssa Kapito Interiors and BKSK Architects, Charlotte of the Upper West Side's interiors offer one-of-a-kind full-floor homes characterized by high quality craftmanship and next-generation engineering, with a balance between luxury, wellness, and sustainability. The arrival experience begins the moment one steps into the private elevator landing leading into the custom-crafted homes. Private outdoor space Offering full-floor residences, including a duplex penthouse residence with multiple terraces and a garden residence with gracious private outdoor space, each home features four bedrooms with ensuite baths, including a separate master bedroom wing. Henrybuilt, the luxury, custom cabinetry maker, has designed the bespoke kitchens, combining refined, timeless style with superior functionality. Handcrafted in Seattle from sustainable, FSC-rated white oak, Henrybuilt's impeccably crafted design for Charlotte of the Upper West Side features furniture-grade details like subtle fluting along the expansive kitchen island. Counters and backsplashes are crafted from full-slab Olympian White Danby marble, hand-selected from the historic Vermont Danby quarry, and the Miele, Wolf, and SubZero suite of appliances add both function and beauty to the kitchens. Expansive living spaces The secondary bathrooms feature light stoneware handcrafted from American Clay A unique feature of the residences at Charlotte of the Upper West Side is the generous 20 x 47-foot kitchen-living-dining-room with operable floor-to-ceiling windows that are the focus of the spacious and graceful floor plans. The triple-paned, quadruple-layered windows feature museum-quality glass that offer an incredible viewing experience and added protection from dust and street noise. Intentionally tucked away from the expansive living spaces, the master bedrooms are airy, light-filled retreats boasting 20-foot- terraces overlooking a private garden. The master bathrooms feature elegantly veined Imperial Danby marble floors and floor-to-ceiling wall slabs from the historic Vermont Danby quarry. The master bathroom also boasts a custom Henrybuilt vanity hand-crafted in Seattle from sustainable, FSC-rated white oak, with Kallista nickel silver hardware, and Modern Blu Bathworks freestanding tub to complete the master suite. The secondary bathrooms feature light stoneware handcrafted from American Clay and hand-glazed in San Francisco by Heath Ceramics. Independent ventilation systems Providing the ultimate lifestyle experience, Charlotte of the Upper West Side features a sophisticated suite of amenities and services designed to nurture the health and wellness of everyone who lives there. The building's collection of well-appointed amenities include: a fitness room with state-of-the-art Italian-engineered TechnoGym equipment; a professional grade Full Swing interactive gold and sports simulator; a pet spa; a supplemental laundry room; a private and secure storage unit for each residence; a full-time superintendent. The air is also treated with UV light to eliminate nearly all viruses, bacteria, and mold The lobby at Charlotte of the Upper West Side will be attended 24-hours a day with a doorman and concierge. Both the lobby and amenity spaces have separate, independent ventilation systems that introduces fresh air and exhausts stale air, eliminating irritants, allergens, and odors, at all times. The air is also treated with UV light to eliminate nearly all viruses, bacteria, and mold like the individual residential HVAC units throughout the entire building. Preserved architectural landmarks Charlotte of the Upper West Side is located in the heart of the bustling Upper West Side, surrounded by the Central Park West Historic District's picturesque streets with its pristinely preserved architectural landmarks. For those seeking either a quiet respite from the bustling city streets or an active day outdoors, residents will be moments away from New York City's iconic Central Park. Icons of Manhattan's cultural landscape such as Lincoln Center, The New York Historical Society Beacon Theatre, and Delacorte Theater, home to the Public Theater's summertime Shakespeare in the Park series, and the upcoming addition to the American Museum of Natural History by architect Studio Gang are also nearby. The Upper West Side is one of Manhattan's most convenient neighborhoods, with easy access to multiple subway lines, crosstown busses, and dedicated bike lanes, as well as the shops and restaurants of Columbus Avenue. With construction well underway and the first closings slated for early 2021, residences at Charlotte of the Upper West Side start at $11 million.

Honeywell announces a new airborne particle analyzer that uses artificial intelligence and cloud computing to enable HVAC service providers and environmental testing professionals to better inform home and building owners of the quantity and type of particles present in the air. Airborne particles, allergens and spores affect the quality of life for more than 400 million people worldwide – for example, poor indoor air quality has been found to cause allergic rhinitis, which Americans spend more than $3 billion each year. Honeywell Air Detective is a breakthrough technology that can capture images and details of those allergens and particles in the air. Indoor air quality The Honeywell Air Detective allows HVAC service providers and environmental testing professionals to evaluate indoor air quality in near real-time with an easy-to-use mobile app that can be accessed on a tablet or emailed directly to the homeowner. This detailed evaluation, including images of the particles, can help homeowners and building managers make informed decisions about how to improve the air inside their homes or buildings. "Understanding what is in the air inside your home or building is a top priority for owners. HVAC, environmental testing, and other service professionals are looking for innovative solutions that will help them test air quality on the spot and determine the specific equipment, service and system upgrades needed to improve the indoor air quality," said Sarah Martin, president of Honeywell's Sensing and Internet of Things (IoT) business. Industrial analytics software This portable analyzer has already been deployed by environmental testing companies and HVAC distributors "We have developed a cost-effective, portable analyzer that uses holographic microscopy and cloud technology to 'take pictures' and classify airborne particles. Honeywell continues to provide solutions to help improve air quality for people while at home, on the job or when traveling." The Honeywell Air Detective is a handheld and lightweight, lens-less microscope that can be easily carried by a field technician to classify types of particles present in the air, including spores and various pollen species. It leverages powerful industrial analytics software and deep learning algorithms that are trained on specific pollen and spore species. This portable analyzer has already been deployed by environmental testing companies and HVAC distributors, such as Yandle-Witherspoon Supply, Inc. HVAC air cleaning systems "HVAC providers are being asked more and more to explain the specific airborne particles, spores and allergens in the air and suggest filters or solutions to improve air quality and comfort," said Philip Guy Jr., Territory Sales Manager, Yandle-Witherspoon. "Honeywell's particle analyzer has proved to be useful in field trials by helping our technicians pinpoint the specific pollen and spores present in the air so that we can work together with homeowners to make informed decisions and take action to improve their HVAC air cleaning systems and provide additional services." The Honeywell Air Detective uses disposable air analysis cartridges to collect particles, photograph them, and automate the classification process onsite. In the past, professionals would have collected and shipped the air sample off to a lab where a technician would be spending tedious hours analyzing the sample under a microscope before providing a detailed report. The device and consumable cartridges are available for sale at select HVAC distributors.

Carrier Global Corporation, a global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions, is proud to announce that Sensata Technologies has joined the Carrier Alliance program and signed a strategic long-term agreement with Carrier. Sensata will supply a range of sensors and controls across Carrier's HVAC and Refrigeration portfolios. Sensata sensors and controls are IoT-enabled and offer enhanced digital insights and connectivity, helping to improve overall system performance. Providing critical controls "We are excited to expand our strategic relationship with Sensata and welcome them to the Carrier Alliance Program," said Ed Dunn, Vice President, Supply Chain, Carrier. "We have worked together for decades and Sensata has always shared our focus on innovation through its leading-edge sensing technologies that help improve the reliability, safety and efficiency of building and refrigeration systems." Sensata provides critical controls and sensors for rooftop units, chillers, and refrigeration products Sensata provides critical controls and sensors for rooftop units, chillers, and refrigeration products, including NaturaLINE® and PrimeLINE® container refrigeration technologies and Vector™ trailer refrigeration units. In addition, Sensata pressure switches are used in air conditioners and heat pumps; while their pressure sensors and pressure transducers are used in Carrier's Infinity® systems with Greenspeed® intelligence and limit switches are used in furnaces. Carrier Alliance program Designed to optimize and strengthen the supply chain and help drive cost savings, Carrier launched the Carrier Alliance program to help provide certainty, security and growth opportunities for Carrier and its key suppliers. Joining the Carrier Alliance program is a win-win for Carrier and Sensata as it solidifies Sensata's position as a key supplier and paves the way for future opportunities to supply innovative technologies across Carrier's different segments. "Sensata looks forward to working with Carrier as a supplier in the Carrier Alliance program as we deliver on innovative and next generation sensing technologies that are helping to evolve the smart building solutions of the future," said Naoto Mizuta, Vice President, Industrial Sensing Solutions, Sensata Technologies.

The past six months have been busy for those in HVAC as offices are updated and made safe for people to return. In addition to the various standard checks that need to be carried out, more care is being taken in relation to air movement and filtration to prevent the spread of disease. There is evidence that at least some of the COVID-19 virus can remain suspended in the air and infectious for up to 3 hours. While this is not the main form of transmission, it is vitally important, especially as we are seeing a second increase in infections, that all measures are taken to prevent the spread of the disease. Sick building syndrome In addition to the fundamental elements of HVAC in public buildings, the sector should be looking to the future of technological use; whether COVID-19 is completely wiped out or lingers in the population, we may be at risk of more new diseases in the future. Although maintenance is one of the least visible of building services, it has long played an important role in ensuring the health of buildings. Decades ago, the concept of sick building syndrome was first introduced, showing quite how important our environment is to health. Now, we are being reminded of this on a daily basis in ways that have never been under such scrutiny. We are suddenly hyperaware of what we have touched and who else is breathing our air. In many ways, this new awareness of the unseen is a boon for the sector that has so long been behind-the-scenes, but it also puts it to the test. Potentially stagnant pockets There are numerous recommendations from experts on how to increase safety Governmental guidelines have not specifically required that ventilation and air conditioning be increased in the workplace. Yet, there are numerous recommendations from experts on how to increase safety. At the low-tech end of the spectrum, the use of ceiling and table fans to increase movement in potentially stagnant pockets of air has been suggested. At the other end, technologies that have long been growing in popularity, such as remote monitoring, will really come into their own in the coming months. A particular challenge for the industry as workers return to the office under social distancing guidelines will be accessing certain areas for maintenance. For as long as the virus remains in the population, risk assessments for work will be more complex and non-essential jobs will likely be put on hold where possible. Optical remote sensors Intelligent technology and monitoring systems are already driving the market and will play a role in minimizing contact with others when visiting a site. There is already a great range of tools available: wired sensors, wireless sensors, and optical remote sensors. These allow organizations to monitor vibration, temperature, acoustics, and the power of numerous assets remotely and in real-time. Any issues can be addressed as soon as they arise, minimizing the cost and time that an engineer may need to be in the building. Installing these technologies while buildings are still unoccupied or only partially occupied will also reduce the risk of exposure of engineers to the virus and will improve the efficiency and prolong the life of important assets. Whether a second lockdown takes place or not, these tools will protect building services. Motion-Activated air conditioning Other sensor-based features such as motion-activated air conditioning also have great potential Other sensor-based features such as motion-activated air conditioning also have great potential. These can manage the new hygiene anxiety which pervades public places at the moment. In the longer term, they can be a means of building sustainability practices into the workplace, using power only when needed. Internet of Things (IoT) features such as occupancy sensors have long been growing in popularity to create buildings which are more energy-efficient and promote productivity. Many of these features are demonstrating added value during the pandemic. Occupancy sensors, for example, can be used to ensure that buildings do not exceed safe numbers for social distancing. HVAC systems will be integrated ever further into the IoT approach. Some features of virus reduction, however, have posed a challenge for systems. Air conditioning systems Air conditioning systems, for example, can best reduce the risk of viral transmission through increasing the amount of air which is brought in from the outside into the systems. This will reduce the amount of recycled air but will also increase the temperature fluctuations within the buildings. Other recommendations have included reviewing ventilation strategies, increasing ventilation operating times, deep cleaning filters, and replacing filters more often. Cutting corners on anything which reduces the risk of virus spread will only be a greater loss to the client All of these can potentially see an increase in time and cost required by the client at a time where many companies have been stretched financially. Cutting corners on anything which reduces the risk of virus spread will only be a greater loss to the client in the long run if their employees lose time to illness but it still may be a temptation. Strong working partnership FM providers must work closely with clients to understand their individual fears and needs in such turbulent times. For Anabas, we believe demonstrating expertise and experience is a means of reassuring organizations that they are in safe hands. The future of the pandemic is still unpredictable. While its elimination is hopeful, it is still well worth the investment for many organizations to install the tools which minimize the risk of infection of COVID-19 - or any future infections. Clients are looking for certainty in an uncertain world and data-driven insights and real-time monitoring are ideal ways to provide this. However, the reassurance that comes with a strong working partnership will also be more important than ever. Communicating developments and what they mean for the client, as well as assuring them their priorities are understood can set a provider apart.

The impact of HVAC systems on the spread of the novel coronavirus has been a hot topic since the beginning of the pandemic. However, it is striking that, even given all the discussions and guidance, there is still a lot that we do not know. Vaguely speaking, we know that crowded spaces with poor ventilation and/or low humidity levels tend to promote virus spread that filtration can help to remove the virus, and that measures such as UV-C radiation can help to disinfect indoor air. But even those suggestions are far from definitive and may be undermined by future study. In general, we ‘think’ that HVAC systems are a factor in spreading the virus, but we are not sure. Air flow Obviously, because the coronavirus is new, much information about the relationship between HVAC and virus spread is based on studies that were carried out in previous years related to other germs, such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, which are similar to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. But can this previous testing and studies really be extrapolated to apply to the new disease? The answer is that no one really knows; therefore, such information basically amounts to educated guesses. There have been some studies since the pandemic began about how HVAC and air flow impact disease spread, some of them in China. However, these studies involve smaller sample sizes and come with caveats, disclaimers, and fine print contained in footnotes about the limitations of the conclusions. Hypotheses are often formulated, but typically the authors have not conducted aerodynamic testing or used other techniques to confirm them. HVAC and the transmission of pathogens A rush to provide useful (if flawed) information is understandable in the midst of an emergency More study is needed, and more time is needed to complete those studies and expand our base of knowledge on this important subject. A rush to provide useful (if flawed) information is understandable in the midst of an emergency. Acting on imperfect information has likely saved thousands of lives. But that success does not diminish the need to pursue more detailed and accurate information. Those pursuits will likely extend years into the future and well past the aftermath of the pandemic. Studies are needed in specific areas to round out the knowledge base and prepare us to better understand the impact of HVAC on disease spread in the next pandemic. There are no clear answers, and the role of a building’s HVAC systems in transmission of pathogens requires more attention. Further areas of study Among other areas, we need studies to cover: Epidemiologic factors to measure the role of ventilation, recirculated air, and to adequately quantify ventilation rates Use of computer simulations to more accurately track the spread of fine-exhaled droplets. More robust examination of the direct role of HVAC in transmitting and removing viable viruses within respiratory droplets or short-range aerosols. More research by multi-disciplinary teams that include HVAC engineers, epidemiologists, virologists, infectious disease experts, and other experts working together. Broader studies should cover the fields of epidemiology, engineering and aerodynamics/aerobiology. More partnerships between building facilities management departments and those tasked with preventing infection.   Will the pandemic change HVAC? The pandemic has impacted the HVAC market in many ways. As more of us spend time at home, we become more concerned about issues of air quality and indoor comfort. Some of the changes in our work-life patterns will likely be permanent, which will have a lasting impact on how office buildings are used – and how they are heated and cooled. It may be that the global pandemic changes the HVAC market for good, both challenging us to expand our technologies and providing opportunities to enhance our businesses. In the future, 2020 may become a pivotal date in the history of the HVAC market – a date after which nothing is ever quite the same. Establishing a sound scientific basis to direct the changing role of HVAC ‘after Covid’ will enable the industry to invest in safer technologies and innovative approaches to drive the future of the industry – and of the world.

The Wyss Institute at Harvard University has developed an evaporative cooling system that uses a specially coated ceramic to cool air without adding humidity. Researchers say the approach can yield more affordable and environmentally friendly air conditioning systems for the future. ‘cold-SNAP’ system The ‘cold-SNAP’ system uses a water-repellent nano-scale surface coating that is applied selectively to surfaces of a 3D-printed ceramic heat exchange. The result is much cooler buildings with less humidity. ‘cold-SNAP’ is short for cold superhydrophobic nano-architecture process. The invention uses evaporative cooling, which happens when hot air is put in contact with water. As the water evaporates, it cools the air but adds moisture. Use of the water-repellent coating separates the moisture from the cool air to provide an inexpensive source of cooler, dryer air that can cool a building in lieu of traditional air conditioners. Evaporative Cooling technology The hydrophobic coating is selectively applied to components that will manage the flow of dry air The approach is a union of old and new – combining ceramic, one of the oldest, cheapest and most widely available building materials, with the novel hydrophobic surface coating developed by Wyss Institute. Because ceramic is malleable, the heating exchange unit can be produced via extrusion or 3D printing of a single piece, with its shape adjusted to maximize surface area available for heat transfer and evaporation. The hydrophobic coating is selectively applied to components that will manage the flow of dry air. Variation on indirect evaporative cooling (IEC) systems The specialized coating separates incoming hot air from outgoing wet air, allowing the hot air to be cooled by circulating water without adding humidity to the inside of a building. ‘cold-SNAP’ is a variation on indirect evaporative cooling (IEC) systems, which use complex heat exchange units that make them difficult and expensive to manufacture.  Researchers say the approach can create low-cost, efficient air-cooling units to meet the world’s increasing demand while using 75% less energy. The system can be up to four times more efficient than conventional air conditioners as measured by the coefficient of performance (COP), the ratio of cooling to required energy. ‘cold-SNAP’ was designed by a multi-disciplinary team of scientists and designers from the Wyss Institute’s Adaptive Material Technologies Platform, Harvard’s Graduate School of Design (GSD), and the Harvard Center for Green Buildings and Cities (HCGBC). Integration into evaporative cooling systems The new technology could be integrated into existing evaporative cooling systems and sold as environmentally friendly air conditioners in a variety of climate zones. It could even be manufactured into the facades of buildings, thus cooling the space within, using only the energy needed to pump water to the system. With global warming causing a rise in the Earth’s average temperature, worldwide demand for air conditioning systems that do not contribute to that climate change increasingly will be in demand. A growing middle class throughout the world is also contributing to demand. No humidity added to the air ‘cold-SNAP’ does not add humidity to the air and works well in humid, tropical climates, as well as dry, hot climates Because ‘cold-SNAP’ does not add humidity to the air, it works well in humid, tropical climates (where it is sorely needed) as well as in dry, hot climates like the Middle East.  Traditional electric air conditioners use mechanical vapor compression to convert a chemical refrigerant back and forth between its liquid and vapor forms, absorbing heat during vaporization and then removing moisture during condensation. Traditional systems use a large amount of energy to cycle the refrigerant, which increases costs, not to mention the refrigerants contribute to global warming. Historically, the environmental impact of such systems was a hidden cost that was not considered. Wyss Institute Validation Project In 2019, ‘cold-SNAP’ was named a Wyss Institute Validation Project, which puts it on track to become commercialized. The validation program seeks to ‘de-risk' technologies and demonstrate that they can be scaled up for commercialization. The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University emulates Nature’s design principles to engineer new, ‘bio-inspired’ materials and devices with high-impact applications in healthcare, manufacturing, robotics, energy, and sustainable architecture. The cross-disciplinary faculty, technical staff, students, and fellows undertake high-risk research and technology development. 

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is moving forward with rulemaking that sets limits and deadlines to decrease the use of refrigerants with global warming potential (GWP) in the commercial refrigeration market and in the residential and commercial stationary air conditioning equipment markets. California regulations are widely expected to influence the direction of other states seeking to regulate GWP of refrigerants. Declining to delay planned deadlines because of the novel coronavirus pandemic, CARB is proposing a GWP limit of 150 for new stationary refrigeration systems that contain more than 50 pounds of refrigerant, irrespective of end use, beginning on January 1, 2022. GWP Of Air Conditioning Systems California State Fire Marshal currently does not allow use of mildly flammable refrigerants in the state’s building codes For residential and commercial stationary air conditioning systems, the proposed new rule will take effect on January 1, 2023, and will include a GWP limit of 750. CARB held a public workshop in July to discuss the proposals. There is another challenge of implementing the limits. The alternative materials that enable compliance include lower-GWP A2L refrigerants that are mildly flammable; however, the California State Fire Marshal currently does not allow use of mildly flammable refrigerants in the state’s building codes. Presumably, the building codes will be updated in time to allow use of A2L refrigerants as an alternative to meet the limits, but the uncertainty makes it harder to plan ahead. Washington state has already revised its state building codes to allow the use of A2L, and other states are in the process of doing the same. VRF Manufacturers Concerns The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) industry group has been in discussions with CARB about anticipated industry and supply chain compliance challenges caused by COVID-19 disruptions, and because California building codes do not yet reference required safety standards. At the public workshop, AHRI proposed January 1, 2025, transition date for 750 GWP for newly manufactured air conditioning equipment, but CARB did not comment on the proposal. Manufacturers of variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems have also expressed concerns with meeting the compliance deadlines. However, the current 2023 deadline coincides with the implementation of new U.S. Department of Energy efficiency requirements for residential central air conditioner and air-source heat pump systems. This timing allows manufacturers to design systems to meet both the CARB and DOE requirements at the same time, rather than having to redesign systems twice. Destructive Measure of climate pollutants Global warming potential (GWP) is a measure of how destructive a climate pollutant is, compared with carbon dioxide Global warming potential (GWP) is a measure of how destructive a climate pollutant is, compared with carbon dioxide (CO2), which is assigned a value of 1. GWPs are also used to define the impact greenhouse gases will have on global warming over various time periods; a time horizon of 100 years is used by CARB, which maintains a list of GWPs for common refrigerants. Driving the new rulemaking in California are regulations passed in 2016 that commit California to reduce HFC emissions in the state by 40% below 2013 levels by 2030. Release for public comment By enacting the 750 GWP limit for new stationary air conditioners in 2023, CARB projects a reduction of 2.3 million metric tons in CO2 equivalents of annual emissions in 2030. That is almost a fourth of the progress needed to achieve the target and equates to removing about half a million passenger cars from California roadways each year from 2023 to 2040. A finalized “notice package,” which includes details of the new limits and deadlines, will be released for a 45-day public comment period on October 23, 2020, with the comment period ending right before the CARB’s board hearing in mid-December, when the board could approve the package.

Thermo King® customer Bottomley Enterprises greens up the holidays for millions of people across the United States each year. For many people, the holidays are simply not complete without a traditional tree, wreath, garland, swag, or some type of tabletop greenery – the fresh evergreen smells are often that final touch that make gatherings with family and friends memorable. And while millions flock to their local box stores for these holiday treasures, the odds are good that the products originated from the Blue Ridge Mountains and were delivered with love by Thermo King Customer Bottomley Enterprises. Producing exceptional quality “Our farm ships to large box retailers, the who’s who of retailers,” said Ken Kaelin, president of Bottomley Enterprises, the transportation arm for Bottomley Evergreens and Farms, which has been producing exceptional quality and service for nearly 30 years. What started out as a small family farming business in the hills of North Carolina has grown to produce a large variety of vegetables – think cabbage, corn, cilantro, collards, sweetcorn, pumpkins, green beans, and more, that feed consumers throughout the U.S. It also became one of the largest suppliers of holiday greenery in the eastern United States. The farming business led to the creation of Bottomley Enterprises in 2004 as founder Mitchell Bottomley fulfilled his dream of owning his own trucking company. While the businesses operate separately, Bottomley Enterprises still hauls the farm’s products. Home-Grown products Bottomley has depended on Thermo King refrigeration units to preserve the quality of the home-grown products From its beginning, Bottomley Enterprises has depended on Thermo King refrigeration units to preserve the quality of the home-grown products it transports. “The company started with just a couple tractors and trailers. Today, we are running a fleet of 70 tractors and 120 refrigerated trailers – all with Thermo King Precedent® S-600 units and a few legacy units that are used at the farm,” said Ken. “That number represents 40 percent growth within the past 15 months alone. Our trucking arm has enjoyed fast growth through our great culture, solid customer base and dedicated employees who understand that service is everything. All of this has really allowed for an exciting evolution for our companies.” Remote setting control Indeed, service is king for the Bottomley businesses, “And that’s a big reason why we have always chosen Thermo King to protect our products,” said Mitchell, who owns the company with his mother, Martha. “We are proud Thermo King users – it’s the only unit we have because we can depend on them. We love our Thermo King units.” The company not only depends on the refrigeration capacity of the units but also the telematics technology built into each unit. “We count on the TracKing® telematics,” said Ken. “The scrutiny of food safety and the ability to have visibility throughout the supply chain is like quenching a thirst for shippers. It helps us keep insurance and liability costs down. It offers remote setting control. It helps us track each load. It’s essential these days.” Keeping products safe Thermo King Central Carolinas also takes care of our reefer service work" Beyond the product is the service Bottomley receives from its home dealer Thermo King Central Carolinas and the entire Thermo King dealer network. “The partnership we get from Ben Cox, our service representative, is outstanding – he really is an extension of our employee team. He helps us manage our equipment and maintenance needs, and he provides our drivers with the product and operational information they need to run the unit efficiently – and keep our products safe.” “Thermo King Central Carolinas also takes care of our reefer service work, ensuring the equipment is tuned up and ready to go – this is wildly helpful to us. And if service is needed when our 120 team drivers are out on the road, we have an entire network to call on – that is added peace of mind,” said Ken. Refrigerated transport business Peace of mind is particularly important this time of year, when so many are depending on a fresh selection of trees and greenery at their local stores so they can decorate their homes with traditional holiday décor. The Bottomley family is poised to continue delivering for the long haul having recently opened a 33,000 square foot new trucking terminal in Mount Airy, North Carolina, that will accommodate many years of growth and create new jobs. “They have built a legacy – in both their farming business and the long-haul refrigerated transport business, and it truly is a pleasure to partner with them and see their continued successful growth,” said Ben.

Welsh plumbing, heating and green energy company, Heatforce, has entered into a two-year sponsorship of Glamorgan Cricket Club in association with Viessmann. The spectator terrace at Glamorgan Cricket’s Sophia Gardens Stadium, Cardiff, will be renamed ‘The Heatforce/Viessmann Terrace.’ Heatforce’s close relationship with Viessmann has led to the decision to explore a new audience, and to provide support for the Club. Local installation partner Sophia Gardens will host the World Cup champions when England take on Pakistan “As a Glamorgan Cricket supporter myself, I’m delighted that we are joining forces with Viessmann, to support the Club and to raise our brand awareness in the local area. We have big ambitions – just like the cricketing side – and we are very pleased to be able to back a Welsh sporting side, especially in these challenging times,” said Paul Maddocks, CEO of Heatforce, which has been serving homeowners in Wales for 35 years. Graham Russell, Viessmann’s Managing Director, said: “Viessmann is very happy to sponsor Glamorgan Cricket, together with our longstanding local installation partner, Heatforce. Having supported Welsh rugby in recent years, we’re looking forward to having a presence at Sophia Gardens and introducing our heating products to a new sporting family.” “Like many others, we can’t wait to get back to spectator sports and some decent cricket weather, and we don’t have to wait too long to be able to support Glamorgan from the new ‘Heatforce/Viessmann Terrace’.” Sophia Gardens will host the World Cup champions when England take on Pakistan, on Thursday 8th July 2021.

Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US (METUS), the exclusive provider of Zoned Comfort Solutions® and a supplier of Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) heating and cooling systems, is pleased to support METUS distributor, S. G. Torrice Company, in its donation of Mitsubishi Electric equipment to Homes For Our Troops, a nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. S. G. Torrice Company supplied equipment to outfit Homes For Our Troops’ control/equipment room in their Taunton, Massachusetts office. Specially adapted homes The new equipment replaces a malfunctioning 8-year-old system. The donated Mitsubishi Electric equipment included: (1) A/C Outdoor unit (PUYA12NKA7) (1) Wall-mounted Indoor Unit (PKAA12HA7) (1) Low Ambient Wind Baffle (WB-PA4) (1) Wall-mounted Remote Controller (PAR-40MAAU) “Homes For Our Troops does incredible work for injured veterans by building specially adapted homes so they can rebuild their lives,” says Stephen Torrice, president, S. G. Torrice Company. “We’re honored to support an organization whose focus is to support those who have sacrificed their previous way of life for our country.” Financial planning services Since 2004, Homes For Our Troops has been building and donating custom homes nationwide for injured post-9/11 veterans so they can rebuild their lives. These specially adapted custom homes enable veterans to focus on their recovery in a safe environment, and regain their freedom and independence. Veterans also receive financial planning services for long-term success after the home is built. S. G. Torrice Company is a full-service, family-owned HVAC distributor founded in 1958 by veteran Samuel G. Torrice. The company is headquartered in Wilmington, Massachusetts and has 12 locations serving residential and commercial HVAC dealers in Eastern Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Global thermal and energy management supplier Hanon Systems announces the company is supplying their innovative R744 heat pump components to the Volkswagen Group for its global MEB platform. Designed specifically for battery-powered and electric vehicles, the first to market R744 heat pump components enable a single solution that delivers cabin comfort in cold or warm conditions with low power consumption. Heat pump systems "Based on our own market insight and engagement with global vehicle manufacturers, electric vehicle driving range is a known important consideration," said Nurdal Kücükkaya, president of Hanon Systems. "Our solutions for R744 heat pump systems demonstrate Hanon Systems is actively developing and bringing to market solutions to address these challenges in automotive electrification." The solution designed with Volkswagen uses R744 refrigerant (also known as carbon dioxide or CO2), which is widely known for its heat transfer properties and operates at higher pressure levels compared to other refrigerants. Improving energy consumption The solutions supplied by Hanon Systems, in combination with the refrigerant characteristics of R744, improves energy consumption compared to conventional refrigerants while meeting the desired cabin temperature, even in challenging sub-zero temperatures. Hanon Systems supplies the electric compressor, refrigerant valves, internal heat exchanger and accumulator as part of the R744 heat pump system equipped on various models based on the Volkswagen MEB platform.

Carrier Air-conditioning Sales & Service (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (Carrier China) was selected by Guangzhou Respiratory Center to provide advanced heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions to help protect the health and safety of patients and medical staff. Carrier China will provide solutions available through Carrier’s Healthy Buildings Program to help improve indoor air quality in the center. Carrier China will also install high-efficiency chillers and heat pumps to complement the Healthy Buildings solutions. Carrier China is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, a global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions. Improving indoor air quality Guangzhou Respiratory Center is a multi-functional medical center planned to open in summer 2021. It will be equipped with 1,200 beds and will be the site of clinical trials, scientific research and education. The project covers nearly 85,000 square meters, with a total construction area of more than 193,000 square meters and a total investment of nearly RMB 2 billion. It is jointly funded and constructed by Guangdong Province and Guangzhou City. Carrier China will provide thousands of advanced airside products with UV light Carrier China will provide thousands of advanced airside products with UV light, which can greatly improve indoor air quality. Also, In order to meet the customer’s needs for high efficiency and energy savings, Carrier will provide comprehensive solutions for the project, including water-cooled and air-cooled chillers to significantly increase the system’s overall efficiency, and cooling-only and heat pump technology that can achieve both cooling and heating. Protecting staff wellness “Medical institutions are being increasingly designed as a space that can provide care for patients and protect staff wellness,” said Cissy Wang, General Manager, Commercial HVAC Equipment Distribution, Carrier China. “We’re glad that Carrier was selected to provide our Healthy Building Solutions to the Guangzhou Respiratory Center and we’re contributing to such a meaningful project." "2020 is a challenging year. The outbreak of COVID-19 puts forward stricter requirements for hospital design," said Titus Yu, Managing Director, Carrier HVAC North Asia, Carrier. "We’re committed to helping to improve occupant health and safety with our Healthy Buildings solutions and services for the medical industry."

Accommodating significant fleet growth and modernization, one of North America’s renowned refrigerated trucking companies, KLLM Transport Services, is adding 1,400 new Utility trailers refrigerated by Carrier Transicold units, equipped with the eSolutions telematics platform and TRU-Mount solar charging systems. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, a globally renowned provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions.  “Thanks to continued investments to replace and upgrade our equipment and technology, we are, today, a 57-year-old company with one of the youngest, most advanced fleets on the highway,” said Jim Richards, President of KLLM, a Top-3 refrigerated carrier, headquartered in Richland, Mississippi. Carrier Transicold refrigeration units “As a premier service provider, with more than 6,000 refrigerated trailers and domestic intermodal containers serving 48 states and Mexico, it is vital that we continuously renew our fleet,” said Richards, adding “This latest investment helps us keep our fleet new and modern for improved service, less downtime and to provide our customers with the advantage of the most current technology.” The new Carrier Transicold systems include 1,325 X4 7500 single-temperature trailer refrigeration units to be deployed by KLLM, and 75 Vector 8600MT multi-temperature units to be used by KLLM’s Dallas-based Frozen Foods Express (FFE) business. All refrigeration systems will be installed on 53-foot Utility 3000R insulated trailers by Carrier Transicold and Utility Trailer dealer, Southern States Utility Trailer Sales Inc., also located in Richland. eSolutions telematics platform Carrier Transicold’s eSolutions platform helps refrigerated transporters operate more efficiently by improving visibility of their cold chain assets and intelligently providing a centralized data stream about their transport refrigeration units (TRUs) and cargo. In addition to supplying critical data, such as temperatures, location and movement, the eSolutions platform will provide two-way control as well as analytic and diagnostic information about its refrigeration units. TRU-Mount solar charging system Carrier’s TRU-Mount solar charging system helps maintain the charge of the refrigeration unit battery Carrier’s high-performance TRU-Mount solar charging system helps maintain the charge of the refrigeration unit battery, which supports the eSolutions telematics system, even when the refrigeration unit is off. “The fact that the eSolutions system is integrated with the Carrier Transicold units is very important to us,” stated Jim Richards, adding “It will give us new abilities to download data and upgrade over the air, including our IntelliSet profiles, something we are certainly excited about.” IntelliSet feature software application The IntelliSet feature is a software application included with Carrier Transicold’s APX refrigeration unit controllers that allows custom configuration of multiple refrigeration parameters to create profiles based on specific commodities or customer preferences. With the eSolutions system, IntelliSet configurations can be selected remotely, and parameter updates can be done over the air rather than manually, saving time and resources. For additional details about Carrier Transicold’s transport refrigeration units, eSolutions platform and solar charging options, turn to the experts in Carrier Transicold’s North America dealer network.