2LA flammable refrigerants

ABB is collaborating with its global strategic partner, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), on jointly developed technology to significantly reduce the energy consumption of high-performance supercomputers, while at the same time increasing their computing capacity and reliability. Answers to some of society’s most pressing challenges are buried in massive amounts of data. The world’s top research centers use supercomputers to find answers to some of the most complicated problems such as pandemic modeling, precision medicine, climate change and quantum mechanics. Reducing energy consumption HPE’s Cray supercomputers use a tailored ABB higher voltage direct current (DC) 1 power supply solution, which makes it possible to reduce the use of copper by a factor of 14. Another environmental and efficiency benefit of higher voltage DC is the vast reduction of power losses, which is estimated to be by as much as 95 percent. A connected solution furthermore enables power supply to ramp up power or scale down, depending on the computing load, creating peak efficiency during light computing loads as well as when the system is fully loaded. ABB - Hewlett Packard Enterprise partnership ABB and HPE are paving the way for sustainable high-performance data centers" “ABB and HPE are paving the way for sustainable high-performance data centers that can help humanity in its search for answers to existential problems such as predicting pandemics, fighting climate change and discovering new medicines,” said Peter Raadsen, Product Line Leader at ABB. “We need to be able to do more computing with fewer resources and energy inputs,” said HPE Chief Sustainability Officer, Christopher Wellise, adding “At HPE, we are committed to accelerating our path to a circular economy, and part of that is innovating technologies that overcome energy and resource constraints.” Real-time monitoring of supercomputers Real-time monitoring of thermal and power aspects of supercomputers adds another benefit. HPE servers offer embedded power and thermal monitors on critical components with output data aggregated and reported through HPE Integrated Lights Out (iLO), a proprietary and remote server management software that enables seamless and secure configuration, monitoring, and updating of HPE servers. iLO allows users to monitor equipment utilization, power consumption, and thermal output via tools, such as HPE OneView, HPE InfoSight, ABB Ability Data Center Automation, or 3rd party Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) and take action to optimize operations. Integration with ABB Ability Data Center Automation When combined with ABB Ability Data Center Automation, ABB’s industrial solution for on-premise and hybrid cloud environments, HPE and ABB are able to automate the correlation between workload and CPU dynamics with cooling of the data centers, resulting in a reduction of energy use of up to 30 percent. HPE and ABB have been global, strategic partners since November 2017. The relationship combines the best of ABB’s digital offerings with HPE’s renowned innovative connectivity, secure edge compute and hybrid information technology (IT) solutions, as well as new everything-as-a-service models.

Proximity Systems, Inc., a globally renowned provider of innovative health care furniture and technology solutions, has announced UV-Cube, a new product in their lineup of UV-C disinfection devices. Designed to disable pathogens by breaking the DNA sequence and rendering them unable to reproduce and spread, UV-Cube provides automated, chemical-free disinfection. UV-Cube offers quick and easy way to disinfect handheld equipment and devices, eliminates 99.9% of infection-causing pathogens after one minute UV-Cube In laboratory testing performed at ResInnova Labs in March 2020, UV-Cube eliminated 99.9% of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) after one minute and 99.999% of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) after two minutes or more, reinforcing the efficacy of the unit's ability to reduce harmful pathogens on high touch objects. "As more employers look to UV-C disinfection to keep employees, customers and patients healthy and safe, we felt it was time to launch a new product that supported these efforts across all industries," said Jeremy Goza, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Proximity Systems. Integrated with UV-CLEAN technology Leveraging Proximity's UV-CLEAN technology, UV-Cube consistently cleans high touch items" Jeremy adds, "UV-Cube is the ideal size for handheld equipment and devices, including phones, tablets, remote controls, keys, point of sale electronics and so on. Leveraging Proximity's UV-CLEAN technology, UV-Cube consistently cleans high touch items that otherwise act as reservoirs for harmful pathogens." UV-Cube has a sleek, stylish design at 11.9" x 10.6" x 6" and features an internal rack for a 360-degree active cleaning area. 40 UV-C LED bulbs are activated during any of the three cleaning cycle modes: UV-CLEAN, UV-CLEAN & Dry and UV-CLEAN & Store. The cycles provide users options depending on their specific needs and the type of items being disinfected. According to Proximity Systems Clinical Scientist, Steve Reinecke, the UV-Cube offers a convenient area to place items for quick, yet effective ultraviolet disinfection. Enhanced disinfection Steve said, "The reality is that germs do not discriminate based on industry. While disinfection is a primary focus in healthcare, our new heightened awareness around the need for disinfection of high touch public objects makes UV-Cube a necessary device to deal with the deadly pathogens found on these." He adds, "UV-Cube will not only help organizations keep employees safe and healthy, but it will provide peace of mind to employees and customers alike." Automatic self-disinfection solution Because UV-Cube does the disinfection work efficiently, its use can be applied to a variety of environments, from retail and hospitality to industrial and healthcare. Users need to simply place items on the internal rack, select a cleaning cycle and either retrieve the items once disinfected or leave them in the UV-Cube on the Store cycle. With UV-Cube by Proximity, users get a means of automatic self-disinfection that will set up a strong line of defense against the spread of infectious microorganisms on high-touch objects.

Air conditioning and commercial refrigeration major, Blue Star Limited, has announced several important Board level changes that were approved at the Meeting of the Board of Director. The Board has unanimously approved the appointment of Mr Shailesh Haribhakti as the Chairman of Blue Star with effect from April 1, 2019. He will succeed Mr Suneel M Advani, who will be retiring from the Board on March 31, 2019 in accordance with the retirement policy for Non-Executive Directors. Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements In its 75 years of existence, Blue Star maintained the tradition of being ahead of the curve in terms of corporate governance, much before the very terminology came into vogue. In 2019, the Company completes 50 years of being a listed entity in Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). The Company is pleased to appoint an Independent Director as the Chairman of the Board Much ahead of the April 1, 2020 deadline for complying with the SEBI’s revised Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements with regard to separation of roles of Chairman and Managing Director, and that the persons holding these responsibilities should not be related to each other, the Company is pleased to appoint an Independent Director as the Chairman of the Board. Mr Shailesh Haribhakti joined the Board of Blue Star in 2005 as an Independent Director and will be the first professional, Independent Chairman in the history of the Company. Prominent financial institutions He is a renowned Chartered Accountant, and among authorities on Audit and Tax related matters. He is actively involved with several prominent financial institutions and industry bodies, including the NSE, CII, IMC and ASSOCHAM. He is a certified public accountant, certified internal auditor, financial planner, cost accountant and fraud examiner. He is an independent Board member/chairman of a number of Indian companies including L&T Finance Holdings Limited, Mahindra Lifespaces, Future Lifestyle and ACC Limited. In recent times, some prominent Boards and Board Committees led by him have been recognized with coveted awards, which speak of his penchant for excellence in the areas of corporate governance and sustainability initiatives. Mr Haribhakti has been the Chairman of the Company’s Audit Committee and has been instrumental in strengthening the Company’s corporate governance practices, and plays a key role in overseeing the financial affairs of the Company. Culture of trust and empowerment Mr Advani has immensely contributed to the culture of trust and empowerment His detailed knowledge of the Company's business and strategy, and of the external market environment, coupled with his expertise, honed over four decades by heading his own business practice, have been invaluable for the Board and the Company. His elevation underlines the importance the Company and its Promoters have always given to professional management.   After spending 50 years in Blue Star, including 36 years on the Board of Directors, Mr Suneel M Advani will be retiring from the Board. He has served the Company for the longest period that any individual has. Mr Advani has immensely contributed to the culture of trust and empowerment that define the Company’s core values and has been associated with Blue Star in various capacities over a period spanning three generations, eventually leading it as Chairman in its Platinum Jubilee year. comprehensive Executive Management Program The Board has appointed him Chairman Emeritus with effect from April 1, 2019. He will be an invitee to Board meetings, and will be available for consultation in an advisory capacity. Vice Chairman & Managing Director Mr Vir S Advani has been elevated to Vice Chairman, and re-designated Vice Chairman & Managing Director with effect from April 1, 2019. Mr Vir S Advani holds Bachelor’s Degrees in Systems Engineering and in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania. He has also completed a comprehensive Executive Management Program at the Harvard Business School. After a 2-year working stint in private equity in New York, Vir joined Blue Star Infotech Ltd in 2000, and later founded Blue Star Design & Engineering Ltd in 2003, designated as its Chief Executive Officer. Information Technology and Corporate Planning Vir will be the primary interface between the Board and the Executive Management In 2007, he moved to Blue Star as Vice President - Corporate Affairs. He was promoted as Executive Vice President in 2008; President - Corporate Affairs & Special Projects in 2009; Executive Director in 2010. In 2016, Vir was appointed Managing Director of the Company. In his enhanced role, Vir will be the primary interface between the Board and the Executive Management, and will also directly oversee the Company’s subsidiary Blue Star Engineering & Electronics Limited, International Operations, Corporate Finance, Corporate Human Resources, Information Technology and Corporate Planning. Mr B Thiagarajan has been elevated to the position of Managing Director with effect from April 1, 2019. Mr Thiagarajan holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical and Electronics from Madurai University. Projects and Products businesses He has also completed the Senior Executive Program of the London Business School. He has four decades of work experience, having worked for Larsen and Toubro Ltd, BPL Systems Ltd and Voltas Ltd, prior to joining Blue Star in 1998. Over the last two decades in Blue Star, Mr Thiagarajan has handled a variety of assignments in the Service business, Corporate Communications & Marketing and Corporate Affairs & Planning, before being promoted to President - AC&R Products Group in 2009. He was elevated to the Board in 2013 and thereafter, was appointed Joint Managing Director in 2016. In his enhanced role, Mr Thiagarajan will now be responsible for the Projects and Products businesses, Manufacturing, R&D, Supply Chain, Customer Service, Corporate Communications and Corporate Marketing Services.

Air conditioning and commercial refrigeration major Blue Star Limited’s wholly owned subsidiary in Dubai, Blue Star International FZCO, in association with its authorized distributor in the Maldives, Springcool Pvt. Ltd., has opened an exclusive showroom for Blue Star’s products in the city of Male. A wide range of products are on display in the showroom and include highly energy-efficient 100% inverter VRF systems, inverter split air conditioners, bottled water dispensers, water coolers, chest freezers, and modular cold rooms, as well as a newly launched range of hi-wall inverter split air conditioners (MV series) and VRF systems (VRF V Plus). Inverter air conditioners The Maldives, which is a tropical paradise and a preferred holiday destination, is one of the most promising markets for Blue Star International. With the rise in tourism fueling the growth of the hospitality sector, the country is witnessing an upsurge in the development of resorts, hotels, cafés, and restaurants, as well as commercial and residential projects, due to which the demand for HVAC products in this country is expected to grow in the coming years. Blue Star, with its rich pedigree of 75 years of leadership in the HVAC industry Blue Star, with its rich pedigree of 75 years in the HVAC industry and diverse as well as technologically superior product offerings, continues to be a preferred brand in the Maldives. Blue Star’s range of highly energy-efficient inverter air conditioners, especially those with gold-fin anti-corrosive condenser and evaporator coils, is best suited for this region which has a highly saline and hence corrosive atmosphere very similar to the situation prevailing in the coastal parts of India, and is also plagued by high electricity costs. Residential and commercial properties Dawood Bin Ozair, CEO, Blue Star International FZCO, said on the occasion, “We take immense pride in associating with Springcool Pvt Ltd, a well-known company with a robust distribution network catering to varied industries across the Maldives.” “We are confident that, with the establishment of this showroom and a well-planned multilevel marketing campaign, we will be able to build on and consolidate our presence in this region.” Ali Riyaz, Director, Springcool Pvt Ltd, added, “With many upcoming projects and the development of more residential and commercial properties, we are ready and equipped to provide the best of Blue Star’s HVAC solutions most suited to each requirement.”

The employees of ECR International, Inc. would like to say ‘thank you’ by brightening the day of those who work at two local healthcare facilities during these difficult times. “It is important to recognize the heroes that are still showing up to work every day, potentially exposing themselves to harm, so they can tend to and care for our loved ones,” said Joe Langlois, Marketing Manager for ECR International. “They deserve recognition for their dedication and compassion.” Offering reduced pricing To show appreciation, the employees of ECR International, Inc. have purchased over 150 pizzas as a way to say ‘thank you’ to the workers at Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk, NY and Masonic Care Community in Utica, NY. The pizzas will be delivered to multiple locations on the properties throughout the day to accommodate workers on various shifts. Both facilities play a very important role in the communities we live and work in" Pizza Village in Dunkirk and Rosario’s Pizzeria in East Utica also deserve recognition for both generously contributing to the pizza project by offering reduced pricing on the donated delivery. “Both facilities play a very important role in the communities we live and work in, “ said Don Decarr, Sr. Quality Analyst for ECR International. “This is our way of recognizing those that do so much for others.” Vital and dynamic relationship The caregivers of Brooks-TLC Hospital System, Inc. (BTLC) have a vital and dynamic relationship with the communities they serve. As a community hospital, the 'communities' are not only those who live outside the walls but also those who work under the roof. The nearly 400 people who dedicate themselves to daily providing quality, compassionate healthcare do so with the passionate belief that they are connected to all the people they serve as family, friends, acquaintances, neighbors and welcome guests. This first class facility is open to everyone and more than 500 elders call MCC home. The mission of the Masonic Home is to support, nurture and educate those whose lives they touch by providing exceptional care and services with compassion and pride guided by the Masonic Principles of brotherly love, relief, truth and integrity.

The engineers at ECR International, Inc. typically utilize the department’s 3D printers to prototype parts for boilers and other various heating and cooling equipment needs. Since the Coronavirus pandemic, the employees have been looking for an innovative way to help people in the community while ultilizing this technology. Karl Mayer, Chief Furnace Engineer for ECR International, was contacted by his niece who works at Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo. She came across an article about a Canadian boy scout, Quinn Callander, who figured out a brilliant way to relieve some of the pain the medical workers have to deal with from wearing protective gear all day long every single day on the frontlines. Printed face mask clips The ECR team quickly assembled and began printing their first samples of the 3D face maskFace mask straps normally go behind the ears. After a long day ears are sore. This simple clip design keeps the straps of the face mask off the ears. The ECR team quickly assembled and began printing their first samples of the 3D printed face mask clips with the simple message engraved on them, ‘ECR Cares’. Several other employees starting contacting local health organizations to see if they would like to receive some of these special clips. To date several ‘ECR Cares’ clips have been delivered to Erie County Medical Center, Buffalo General Hospital, Mohawk Valley Health System and Brooks Memorial Hospital. “Right now we’re producing about 200 every day," said Ed Coluccio, Manager of Engineering Services for ECR International. “As long as people still need the clips, we'll keep making them.”

The need to achieve energy efficiency and improve performance propels a lot of business in the HVAC industry. When installing systems, building owners often strive to comply with the latest voluntary standards. However, some cities are taking the lead to make building performance standards mandatory, thus providing additional incentive for customers to invest in new, more efficient and climate-friendly HVAC technologies. Building Energy Performance Standard NYC has deployed its Carbon Mobilization Act, which will cut six million tons of CO2 annually by 2020 Washington D.C. adopted the first Building Energy Performance Standard, which will reduce energy use in buildings by more than 20%, thereby lowering carbon dioxide emissions by a million tons annually. The first compliance cycle in 2021 will cover buildings of 50,000 square feet, and the threshold will drop over the next few years to include smaller buildings. New York has deployed its Carbon Mobilization Act, which will cut six million tons of carbon dioxide annually by 2020, thus preventing 43 premature deaths and 107 emergency room visits every year, and creating at least 26,700 green jobs, according to New York City officials. Clean Buildings Act Washington State projects that its 2019 legislative package, the Clean Buildings Act, will reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by 14 million tons by 2035. “Jurisdictions are looking to Building Performance Standards because they are the most powerful and direct tool for driving improved performance in existing buildings,” said Cliff Majersik, Executive Director of the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT), a non-profit organization that promotes energy efficiency, green building and environmental protection. Fighting climate change IMT is promoting the use of Building Performance Standards (BPS) and working with cities to explore, develop and execute the policies. Fighting climate change at the local level means taking serious steps to reduce carbon emissions generated by buildings, which include shifting to mandatory policies. A powerful new tool in the fight against climate change is the mandatory Building Energy Performance Standard A powerful new tool in the fight against climate change is the mandatory Building Energy Performance Standard, which requires building owners to meet performance targets by actively improving the energy performance of their buildings over time. By setting long-term targets, a BPS provides the commercial real estate market with the certainty it needs to make confident investments in properties over time. Energy-efficient HVAC systems in buildings A BPS also provides flexibility for building owners to use whatever technologies, including HVAC products and systems, along with whatever operational strategies they decide are most effective and economical to meet the target. Leveraging technology advancements in the HVAC industry can contribute positively to a building owner’s ability to meet the target. According to IMT, benefits of Building Performance Standards include: Carbon reductions, especially in existing buildings. Job creation, including large opportunities for the expansion of private firms offering architectural, engineering, construction, equipment sales, and installation services (including HVAC). Economic and social benefits, including healthier air quality for occupants, lower carbon emissions, and lower utility bills that benefit the bottom line of local companies. American Cities Climate Challenge IMT is driving the BPS initiative in partnership with the American Cities Climate Challenge, sponsored by Bloomberg Philanthropies, which is an opportunity for 25 ambitious cities to significantly deepen and accelerate their efforts to tackle climate change and promote a sustainable future for their residents. Originally open to 20 American cities, the program was expanded to 25 cities due to the strength of the applications received. The goal of the American Cities Climate Challenge is to enable mayors and their partners to scale and implement proven climate solutions and innovations that will help grow the economy, protect public health and improve the quality of life for citizens.

COVID-19 is a human tragedy for thousands and is having a profound impact on the world economy, including the HVAC market. Many businesses are scrambling to survive even as they address the intense human element of the crisis. A survey by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) gathered insights on the effect the coronavirus pandemic is having on the HVAC industry. More than 70% of survey respondents expect the medical implications of the pandemic to last up to three months. (The survey closed out on March 18; 47 ACCA members participated.) Another 65% of respondents expect COVID-19 to translate into long-term business viability concerns; 9% are concerned their businesses may not survive. Implementing New Measures More than 70% of survey respondents expect the medical implications of the pandemic to last up to three monthsMeasures implemented among ACCA members to address the crisis include the addition of hand sanitizer, cancellation of large events, extra office cleanings and work-from-home programs. Among smaller companies, only about 10% of employees are working from home. Strategies include providing video consultations for homeowners. Technicians are urged to wash their hands both before entering a customer’s house and when they leave. Some 32% of respondents to the ACCA survey reported supply chain delays. Interestingly, nearly half of the ACCA members who participated in the survey say they don’t have a formal disaster plan in place. One concern among industry associations is that local governments will limit or stop HVAC inspections as a measure to help stem the spread of COVID-19. Specifically, lack of inspections could open the way for unqualified and unlicensed installers to take advantage of consumers during the crisis, when customers are rightly concerned about pollutants, bacteria and other harmful elements in the home. Protecting Consumers Several HVAC associations have written an open letter to organizations representing local governments to express concern about the situation. The letter states: Another 65% of respondents expect COVID-19 to translate into long-term business viability concerns; 9% are concerned their businesses may not survive“Local governments should be doing everything they can to protect consumers from health and safety consequences of nonexistent or improper installations. We are hopeful that all code officials and building inspectors continue to be leaders in their community and enforce local code and permitting regulations.” The letter is signed by presidents, CEOs and directors of ACCA, Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), Air Movement and Control International (AMCA), and Heating, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI). Also signing the letter is Thomas W. Jackson, CEO, Jackson Systems. Addressing Representatives  The letter is addressed to representatives of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, National League of Cities, National Association of Counties, American Association of Code Enforcement, National Association of Towns and Townships, and International Code Council.   The letter also states: “As an industry, we understand the unique circumstances that code officials and inspectors currently face, particularly with home and building owners who are concerned about coming into close contact with others. However, HVACR contractors continue to work in peoples’ homes and buildings every day, and in so doing, are implementing the appropriate protocols to ensure they can serve customers and simultaneously provide peace of mind.” China alerted the World Health Organization in December to several cases of an unusual pneumonia in Wuhan, a port city of 11 million people in the central Hubei province. In January, officials identified a new virus as belonging to the coronavirus family, which includes SARS and the common cold. It was named COVID-19 and has since spread to all of mainland China and throughout the world.

Refrigerants used in cooling systems for homes and businesses are being replaced with alternatives that have less potential for global warming. But the transition comes at a risk: Some of the new refrigerants are flammable.  Although less flammable than gases such as propane, for example, new refrigerants can still ignite and burn with a high intensity under ideal circumstances. The new materials have low-flame velocity and are less easily ignited; however, one byproduct of combustion is toxic hydrogen fluoride. Flammability risks of non-toxic refrigerants  Non-toxic refrigerants are categorized by flammability risks. A1 designates no flame propagation; A2 indicates lower flammability; and A3 indicates higher flammability. Hydrocarbons such as propane have higher flammability (A3) and are restricted to a lower charge limit that does not address refrigeration needs of large systems. Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) are mildly flammable, have a low flammability limit (LFL) and have been categorized as an A2L refrigerant. They tend to burn slowly and give off little heat. Hydrocarbons such as propane have higher flammability NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) offers online and instructor-led training to educate firefighters about flammability and toxicity risks associated with new refrigerants. The training also covers asphyxiation challenges, jet stream fires, transportation issues and other life-safety considerations associated with flammable refrigerants. The training covers how to adapt response tactics to mitigate consequences from refrigerants in various types of emergencies. Strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) protocols and decontamination practices are also covered. Categorising refrigerant flammability The Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) provides funding to NFPA to develop training on the emerging technology. According to an ASHRAE report, refrigerant flammability can be characterized by three factors: Likelihood that a refrigerant leak would result in a concentration range that reaches the lower flammability limit; Presence of a sufficient energy ignition source; and Likely severity of a combustion event, and probability of a secondary fire. ASHRAE is the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. The Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology Institute (AHRTI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) are researching the flammability of refrigerants, including factors such as refrigerant charge size, release height, leak rate, humidity, and room size and temperature. When choosing the best refrigerants, it is likely a tradeoff will be required among global warming potential, flammability and efficiency. Codes and standards Codes and standards are being modified to address the use of new materials Currently, codes and standards are being modified to address the use of new materials, although risk mitigation concerns of the fire service have historically not been considered. One issue is the risk of using large amounts of flammable gas in a refrigeration system to cool a larger room. Additional safety measures are needed to make the risk acceptable. Detection of leaks is another issue, especially the need for repeated calibration of leak detectors to ensure accuracy. More than 200 countries will be ushering in the new class of refrigerants.

Blackheath High School, an independent day school for girls and part of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) network, recently invested £18 million to provide new state of the art facilities including a new library and resource centre, and AET Flexible Space supplied an underfloor air conditioning system to provide comfort cooling for students in the new learning zone. The project involved the design and construction of a three storey new build, aesthetically designed to blend with the existing Victorian structure. The library and resource center are located in the lower ground floor, sunk beneath the existing site and the new courtyard area. Air conditioned zone Underfloor air conditioning makes use of the plenum beneath a raised access floor Due to the underground location of the resource centre, air conditioning was required for this area, and an underfloor air conditioning system was specified by consultant Hilson Moran so that the ceiling space, featuring the unique pyramidal skylights, could be left exposed. Underfloor air conditioning makes use of the plenum beneath a raised access floor to distribute conditioned air. At Blackheath High School, a single CAM-V33 Direct Expansion downflow unit serves the air conditioned zone, and the conditioned air is supplied into the space by 14 TU4 Fantiles. The CAM-V receives spent air back for re-conditioning via high level transfer grilles. A major challenge with this project was the 900mm high underfloor void within the main resource area, requiring special modification to the CAM baseframe and raised floor substructure. The new state of the art facility reached practical completion over the summer of 2018 and was ready for students to use in September at the start of the new school year.

The new Adidas LDN flagship outlet in London, which opened late October 2019, has been specifically designed to enhance the retail experience. As the brand’s most technologically-advanced store worldwide, it required a ventilation system that would effectively deliver a fresh air supply across the four-storey, 27,000 sq. ft, site, in the most energy efficient way possible. Adidas is one of the most well-known sports brands in the world, and so it’s to be expected that when it launched its new store on Oxford Street, London, it would be no ordinary shopping experience. Digitally-Savvy innovations The store features over 100 digital touch points that are all powered by green energy The store features some of the most digitally-savvy innovations in retail, such as interactive mirrors in changing rooms that allow shoppers to order different sizes direct from the stockroom, a ‘Bring It To Me’ feature using in-store geolocation tracking to allow customers to shop without queueing, and a MakerLab where clothes can be customized with personalized designs. However, with additional energy usage comes additional heat sources, and therefore the size and volume of air required to keep the building and shoppers cool needed to be carefully calculated. The store features over 100 digital touch points that are all powered by green energy. While incorporating these interactive elements into the design of the store would, undoubtably, help to revolutionize the high street, subcontractor, PCB Technical Services, also recognized that they would increase energy usage and would therefore result in additional heat loads. Enhanced technical support With this in mind, a ventilation system that would be able to meet a consistently high demand at all times was required. What’s more, a quick turnaround was essential to ensure the unit would be installed and delivered within time and budget. After an initial supplier interview and factory review, Ricardo Hudson, Senior Technical Project Manager at PCB Technical Services, was given the confidence to opt for a bespoke Air Design unit from Elta Fans. This was thanks to the company’s enhanced technical support and understanding of the project, as well as its ability to meet the tight delivery date. Elta Fans uses in-house Air Design technical engineers who utilize specialist software to tailor the unit especially for the customer’s exact needs; considering performance, efficiency, noise, and, most importantly, the latest regulations and any site restrictions. Air Design ventilation unit The Air Design ventilation unit supplied by Elta Fans was custom-made, ensuring it was able to effectively ventilate Providing fresh air to a store as big as this one is essential if customers are to feel comfortable while browsing, but it is also crucial that adidas adheres to the most up-to-date energy standards and legislation. The Air Design ventilation unit supplied by Elta Fans was custom-made, ensuring it was able to effectively ventilate according to the unique size and layout (across four floors) of the store. The specialized solution chosen, the fully-configured PURA+ Air Handling Unit (AHU), would be mounted on the roof to maximize space on site. The challenge of transporting the AHU into position was exacerbated by the high-profile nature of the location. PCB Technical Services was reluctant to disturb the busy street, particularly given the strict local regulations that had to be upheld. Improved ease of installation A great deal of planning was required to fit the unit as PCB had to work within a limited timeframe, gain the relevant planning permission, and eliminate as many risks as possible to nearby occupants and shoppers. As a result, the team was required to arrange a specific timeslot for delivery to site. As the Air Design unit was manufactured offsite, it was able to be lifted into place by crane, minimizing road closure time, and ultimately disruption. This also improved ease of installation as it was delivered in two parts and could be easily bolted together once in place. Now installed and operational, the AHU delivers a consistent fresh air supply into the building by removing polluted air and replacing it with clean air, at the most efficient temperature.  Balancing indoor air quality This allows the store manager to balance indoor air quality (IAQ) and energy efficiency Building Management System (BMS) controls enable the store manager to ensure the ventilation system is working as it should in tandem with other products. This is essential as it is not just the store itself that needs to be kept cool, but also the data center, which generates a significant amount of heat from the servers. Controls will essentially determine how a ventilation unit runs, whether that’s scheduling airflow, linking to a BMS, permitting fault signals and alarms, or communicating that filters need changing. Ultimately, this allows the store manager to balance indoor air quality (IAQ) and energy efficiency, and also effectively manage operating costs. Evolving ventilation demand Ricardo said: “The unique challenges of the project were amplified with the introduction of a series of in-store digital screens. This meant that more heat was being generated within the structure, thus increasing the levels of ventilation required.” “It also necessitated wholesale changes to the ductwork system, in order to increase the velocity and retain ambient temperatures. Owing to its reputation in the industry and having already completed several successful projects together, Elta Fans was the standout choice to provide us with an AHU capable of meeting this evolving ventilation demand.” The bespoke PURA+ that we ultimately installed was ideal for meeting the velocity" “The bespoke PURA+ that we ultimately installed was ideal for meeting the velocity and air volume required for the store’s footprint. Plus, it was able to integrate with the BMS, enabling us to manage the significant amount of power throughout the building.” Quickly identify ventilation requirements Melissa Goodman, Technical Sales Manager at Elta Fans, said: “The challenge of providing consistent air flow across the site’s four floors was underpinned by the tight time constraints. It presented the Air Design engineers with an exciting opportunity to produce a bespoke PURA+ that was both straightforward to install, but also robust and powerful enough to perform as required.” Ricardo concluded: “Finding a bespoke solution in a short amount of time is difficult, and this project highlights the importance of choosing a brand that offers consistency, even in its customized products. The adidas project was a perfect example of Elta Fans’ ability to quickly identify ventilation requirements, and the PURA+ unit provided by Air Design highlights its precise approach to tackling air movement problems.”

Two new Burnham model MPC™ high efficiency commercial boilers were recently installed by The Witmer Company of New Holland, PA in the historic ‘High Point’ Mansion located in Hershey, PA. The Model MPC boilers will provide space heating for the 22-room Mansion which was built in 1908 as the home of Milton and Catherine Hershey. Mr. Hershey was the founder of the Hershey Chocolate Company, now known as The Hershey Company. Today, ‘High Point’ Mansion serves as the headquarters location for the Hershey Trust Company which, among other things, oversees the continued philanthropic efforts that were founded by Milton Hershey. Exceptional heat transfer Two, five-section model MPC boilers were selected to provide heat for the building through a combination of 5 air handlers, 52 fan coils and commercial finned tube radiation. The MPC’s are well suited for the job with their unique 3-pass flue design and Return Water Mixing Tube, which translates into exceptional heat transfer as well as the ability to accept return water temperatures as low as 80°F. The MPC’s 4-inch insulation blanket insulates the boilers so well that the jackets stay cool to the touch The MPC’s are manufactured in nearby Lancaster, PA using BC25-HSi cast iron sections, which contain high levels of silicon for exceptional flexibility and heat transfer capabilities. Even at start-up a big difference could be noticed – the boiler room temperature had dropped 30-degrees from the previous boilers. The MPC’s 4-inch insulation blanket insulates the boilers so well that the jackets stay cool to the touch, and the boiler room at the Hershey Mansion is now a much more comfortable place to work. Heat distribution systems Heat transfer and high efficiency is only part of the equation in this new installation, with a variety of heat distribution systems and controls the MPC’s needed to integrate with an advanced control system. The power burners were ordered with the powerful new Burnham SBC™ – or Sage Boiler Control, which made the control portion of this job simple for the Witmer crew. The SBC’s control many of the boiler room functions such as outdoor reset, multiple boiler modulation, lead-lag boiler rotation, combustion air louvers, and pump controls, all without the need for additional control systems. And the SBC’s tie right into the existing building management system so the whole system works together to deliver comfortable, efficient heat throughout the beautiful historic Hershey Mansion.

To improve access into the Four Queens Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Four Queens recently added a 48 foot air curtain. Built using Ruskin’s IAQ50 air flow measuring and control dampers, the new air curtain efficiently and economically maintains the pressure in the building. Designed to satisfy the needs of a variety of applications, the IAQ50 air flow measuring and control damper provides the perfect solution to difficult challenges. Downtown Las Vegas hasn’t been the same since the completion of the Fremont Street Experience revived this popular gambling and tourist destination. This four-block project has successfully turned a city street into a large canopy-covered walkway that has substantially increased the tourist and gambling business in the downtown area. Mist evaporation system The Fremont Street Experience which includes a mist evaporation system to protect the tourists from the sun and heat, and a laser light show presented several times nightly, created problems for the Four Queens Hotel and Casino. Business at the Four Queens Hotel and Casino, located on Fremont Street, was suffering because the two existing air curtains on each end of the casino were limiting access into the hotel and casino from the sidewalk where the crowds stroll and gather to watch the light shows. In order to share in the success of The Fremont Street Experience, the Four Queens Hotel and Casino contracted with Harris Consulting Engineers in Las Vegas to design an additional access opening. This new, 48 foot opening would be located between the existing entrances. The hotel wanted the new entrance to open without doors. This required the design and building of an air curtain to separate the casino from the outside elements. Precise control of the airflow Because of the hotel’s design, the air curtain would be obstructed by existing structural supports Here’s where the hotel encountered a problem. Because of the hotel’s design, the air curtain would be obstructed by existing structural supports. And, in order to maintain proper building pressure, the air curtain had to provide precise control of the airflow around the obstructions and down to the return air grate which is also the walkway into the casino. In addition to maintaining the pressure in the building to prevent the loss of conditioned air from the casino, energy consumption and comfort were significant design criteria. With the assistance of Long & Associates, Inc., Ruskin’s Las Vegas representative, the Harris team responded to the challenge by designing a custom air curtain that provides precision air flow around the existing structural supports. IAQ50 air flow measuring and control dampers Built using Ruskin’s IAQ50 air flow measuring and control dampers, the new air curtain successfully provides consistent airflow. The system includes two 65,000 cfm centrifugal fans installed in the space below the return air walkway grate. The air returns through the grate into the basement plenum and passes through two 144 square foot filter and coil banks. It is then ducted up from the fans into the plenum space above the air curtain supply opening. The air then passes through the IAQ50 air flow measuring/control dampers and is directed through an adjustable deflection type grille. The individual IAQ50 dampers measure and control the airflow between the existing structural supports The individual IAQ50 dampers measure and control the airflow between the existing structural supports. This helps guarantee the air curtain maintains the required velocity and prevents conditioned air from escaping through the opening. “Opening up the Four Queens to the Fremont Street Experience has been a tremendous success,” says Max Proctor, Four Queens Building Manager, adding “We are exceeding our revenue projections with this improved access to our casino.” Custom air curtain design “Ruskin’s IAQ50 air flow measuring and control dampers are the key to the design of this custom air curtain,” says Floyd Harris, Principal of Harris Consulting Engineers, adding “Without the precision control of the air velocity around the structural obstructions, it would result in uneven flow through the supply grille and loss of the air barrier." "That means conditioned air would have escaped into Fremont Street. The support given by Ruskin and Long & Associates throughout the design, installation and commissioning of this system was outstanding.” The IAQ50 air flow measuring control damper is designed to fit the needs of a variety of applications. It is this type of versatility that helped the project succeed. Harris Consulting Engineers demonstrated their commitment to providing engineered solutions for their customers by incorporating this unique product into their custom air curtain design. The Ruskin IAQ50 air flow measuring and control damper is one of many products available through Ruskin’s network of representatives.

The owners of St. John Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma find comfort in knowing their emergency generator system is protected by Ruskin. A newly built penthouse using Ruskin’s Wind Driven Rain Resistant EME6625 Louver keeps the top-floor generator room dry and secure. Ruskin EME6625 Louver Designed to handle the severe weather conditions often found in the Midwest, the EME6625 Louver creates very low pressure drop while providing the best combination of rain protection and high airflow capacity. Closely spaced vertical blades prevent penetration of wind driven rain Certified performance per AMCA Publication 511 42% free area Low pressure drop Low maintenance aluminum construction All welded construction To meet an increase in demand for medical services, the owners of St. John Medical Center recently expanded their complex, including the 500 bed hospital. Located in the heart of Tulsa, Oklahoma, the medical center is subjected to the threat of rain throughout the year with occasional large hail and violent windstorms. Emergency generator system The new medical center expansion included a state-of-the-art emergency generator system located on the top floor. This meant that large intake openings had to be placed on the rooftop to feed the generators the proper amount of air. It also created a problem. The combination of wind and rain native to the area meant special accommodations had to be made to prevent water from seeping into the generator’s air intake openings. To protect the openings, a 54' x 15' x 5' tall vertical blade Wind Driven Rain Resistant Penthouse was mounted above the generator room. The penthouse solution was designed by Keith Browne of Lee and Browne Consulting Engineers using Ruskin’s Wind Driven Resistant EME6625 Louver. The engineers chose this Ruskin louver because they were able to design a structure that creates very low pressure drop and provides an excellent combination of rain protection with high airflow capacity. AMCA Wind Driven Rain Test approved The vertical blade design offers enhanced performance versus traditional horizontal blade" “The emergency generator installation which the penthouse serves has an intake air flow requirement of 375,000 CFM,” says Keith, adding “The vertical blade design offers enhanced performance versus traditional horizontal blade louvered penthouses.” The hospital’s new penthouse is the largest ever built by Ruskin using a Wind Driven Rain Resistant Louver. These louvers have been specifically designed and tested in the AMCA Wind Driven Rain Test for use in the most severe weather conditions. With the performance of the hospital’s generator equipment at stake, the decision to create a penthouse using the EME6625 Louver provides the owners a high level of comfort. Dampers and louvers “Water penetration though the penthouse would be unacceptable,” said Keith, adding “This design provides an excellent water barrier. In addition to the Wind Driven Resistant EME6625 Louver used in this project, Ruskin’s network of representatives provides a complete line of dampers and louvers.

Flynt and Kallenberger Engineer, Justin Roush P.E., knew from previous experience that the non-ducted VRV systems would have trouble meeting ASHRAE Standard 62 (Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality) while maintaining a comfortable environment inside the building because of the high humidity in Tahlequah. “Eastern Oklahoma is a very humid place. Humidity is the bane of our existence out here,” Roush said. He knew that the outdoor conditions in this area, 101° dry bulb, 80° wet bulb and 40% relative humidity, meant the project would need to use energy recovery ventilators in order to meet all code requirements while maintaining a comfortable building. More specifically, Roush wanted to use energy recovery units that utilized desiccant wheel technology because of the superior humidity control that desiccant wheel units provide. Energy Recovery Ventilators system In addition to considering the hot humid summer months, Roush knew the ERV system would provide energy savings in the winter months as well because Oklahoma can experience really cold weather. Without using an ERV in this system, supplemental heaters would need to be installed to raise the leaving air temperature to the desired set point during low ambient conditions. Choosing to include ERVs resulted in cost savings in two ways. First by avoiding the initial cost of purchasing and installing the supplemental heaters, and then the ongoing cost savings associated with not having to use the heaters. VRV system and outdoor air delivery system integration Owners of the Tahlequah City Hospital decided to build a new Medical Office Building in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. They wanted to use a variable refrigerant system for the four-story building (43,000 sq.ft.) but they knew the VRV system would need to be complemented with an outdoor air delivery system. Flynt & Kallenberger Consulting Engineers of Oklahoma designed the HVAC system and included Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERV) that work well for both summer and winter operation. While reviewing ERV product lines used in previous projects, the engineer realized the building’s design and construction might not have the physical space available to include the necessary ERV’s into the building. Ruskin’s MV Series was the solution to overcome the issues of limited space while providing superior humidity control MiniVentilator However, during the design phase of this project, Chad Smith of Airetech Corporation contacted the engineer about a new Ruskin product, the MiniVentilator. Ruskin’s new low profile ERV would bring in the necessary outside air needed to meet ASHRAE Standard 62 without using too much precious space. Ruskin’s MV Series was the solution to overcome the issues of limited space while providing superior humidity control. Using the flexibility of Ruskin’s new product, the four-story project was designed with two MiniVentilators per floor. The tempered air from the ERV’s was tied to the various incoming air ducts with balancing dampers. The design allows for a significant amount of humidity control and lowers the temperature of the incoming air stream, which will help reduce the stress on the cooling system. Efficient HVAC system Using Energy Recovery Ventilators in the new Tahlequah Medical Office Building will provide consistent, comfortable air as well as dramatic energy savings for the owners over a building that did not utilize ERV’s in its HVAC system. Engineers now have a product available to use when space is a limited commodity in a building’s design. The flexibility of Ruskin’s MiniVentilator can be utilized in future designs when energy recovery is beneficial.