Commercial HVAC

Carrier has released a new Life Sciences version of the i-Vu® building automation system (BAS). i-Vu® for Life Sciences is an environmental control system that provides the tools, reports, and insights to manage the critical environments of pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device manufacturers in compliance with the United States Government Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation 21 CFR Part 11. i-Vu for Life Sciences is a solution in Carrier’s Healthy Buildings Program, a suite of offerings to help deliver healthier, safer, more efficient, and productive indoor environments. Carrier is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), the leading global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions. Maintaining quality and consistency FDA-regulated manufacturing facilities such as laboratories, pharmaceuticals, and biotech companies require that building environments be precisely controlled to maintain environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and airflow. Carrier’s i-Vu for Life Sciences closely monitors and controls these critical parameters, helping maintain the quality and consistency of the products created within these facilities. The 21 CFR Part 11 regulation requires that the performance of the i-Vu system be documented and validated using electronic records and signatures and that operator authentication, authorization, and activity within the BAS be managed and monitored securely. Automatic Alarm and Dedicated Server Ability to integrate third-party sub-systems and software using BACnet®, Modbus®, and LonWorks® protocols “Our new i-Vu for Life Sciences system helps provide customers with the confidence that their manufacturing environment is producing high-quality products while also helping to eliminate product waste,” said Mark Jones, Business Manager, Controls, Carrier. “An automatic alarm will alert if something goes wrong, so customers can respond before the manufacturing process is affected. And electronic records help ensure that they maintain compliance with 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.” i-Vu for Life Sciences also addresses the security requirements associated with FDA-regulated manufacturing. A dedicated server can be located securely within any facility, while multi-use facilities can use multiple or separate servers. Each server can reside on an organization’s existing Intranet and host a single, secure database. These servers utilize Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) 128-bit encryption, BACnet whitelist firewall, and advanced security password policies. Operator logins can also be managed securely using LDAP or Active Directory. Additional functions and features i-Vu for Life Sciences also requires operator signature and comment to acknowledge critical alarms, while tracking and documenting all procedural actions. Any attempted change to critical environmental controls prompts user verification, including the electronic recording of the rationale for the change in a secure audit log. To verify activity, system administrators can easily query the system’s database by operator, location, or date. A powerful reporting engine also generates digitally signed and approved compliance reports. i-Vu for Life Sciences also supports many standard features, including vector floor plan graphics, customizable dashboards/graphics/trends/reports, and the ability to integrate third-party sub-systems and software using BACnet®, Modbus®, and LonWorks® protocols. The new i-Vu for Life Sciences software is available through Carrier sales offices worldwide.

Samsung have extended the warranty on their residential and commercial single and multi-split ranges to seven years, to fall in line with the warranty already offered on their Heat Pumps and VRF ranges. To support this, installation engineers are able to attend training sessions online or at one of the Samsung Training Academies in Chertsey and Mansfield. Samsung training courses are open to FGas qualified air conditioning engineers and are free to attend. Split systems products By completing the training, installation engineers will gain Samsung certified partner installer status with the prospect of becoming a Samsung service partner in the future. Paul Price, Technical Manager at Samsung comments; “The extension of the warranty period is not a coincidence and reflects Samsung’s consistently excellent manufacturing quality over many years. We warmly and safely welcome engineers back to our training centers, who after receiving our expert tutelage, will leave as Samsung Certified Partners.” The new seven-year warranty for split systems products is effective for products purchased and commissioned from 1st April 2021.

Tewkesbury-based Cotteswold Dairy has taken delivery of four new insulated curtain side trailers, each mounted with a Carrier Transicold Vector® HE 19 unit. The units will help improve sustainability across Cotteswold Dairy’s 70-unit refrigerated transport fleet. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, the foremost provider of healthy, safe, and sustainable building, and cold chain solutions. A Carrier Transicold customer for more than 20 years, this is the first time Cotteswold Dairy has specified the latest flagship trailer system. Mounted to 13.6-metre Gray & Adams Insuliner refrigerated trailers, the new mono-temperature Vector HE 19 units replace older assets. “The decision to move to the Vector HE 19 unit was a simple one,” said Ruairi Spencer, Fleet Logistics Manager, Cotteswold Dairy. “We were impressed by the performance of the new unit. It’s more efficient, more economical and much quieter – a step forward that will help us achieve our environmental goals as a business.” About Vector HE 19 The Vector HE 19 unit combines Carrier Transicold’s E-Drive™ all-electric technology with an all-new multi-speed engine design, delivering up to 30% fuel savings when compared to the previous generation Vector 1950. The unit’s fully hermetic scroll compressor and economizer provides a 40% increase in refrigeration capacity during pull-down while reducing the chance of refrigerant escape by 50%. The system is also 19% more efficient when plugged into the electrical grid on standby. Combined, these factors deliver reduced diesel, maintenance and electricity costs, helping to shrink Cotteswold Dairy’s carbon footprint. With the units operating 3 dB(A) quieter than the legacy Vector 1950, sound pollution is also significantly reduced. Additional Delivery Vector HE 19, Xarios 600, and Supra 850 units are solutions offered through Carrier’s Cold Chain Program In addition to the new trailers, Cotteswold Dairy has also taken delivery of four new DAF LF rigid trucks, a 7.5-tonne, and a 12-tonne mounted with Carrier Transicold Xarios® 600 units, alongside two 18-tonne variants featuring Carrier Transicold Supra® 850 units. The bodies for all four were built by Gray & Adams and replace older vehicles. The Xarios 600 unit’s ultra-slim evaporators help to increase available load space, while its advanced electronic architecture reduces the chance of vehicle downtime, ensuring high reliability and long product life. Carrier Transicold’s powerful Supra 850 unit provides constant airflow, independent of the truck’s engine speed, supplying rapid pull-down and setpoint control, ideal for multi-drop delivery routes. Preserve and protect the supply of food A family business that began with a single milk round in 1938, Cotteswold Dairy now operates a refrigerated commercial vehicle fleet that is 75% Carrier-cooled – delivering fresh dairy products to much of Wales and the south of England from its four depots in Tewkesbury, Cheltenham, Shrewsbury, and Llandudno. Vector HE 19, Xarios 600, and Supra 850 units are solutions offered through Carrier’s Healthy, Safe, Sustainable Cold Chain Program to preserve and protect the supply of food, medicine, and vaccines.

Schneider Electric., the front-runner in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has announced that BPX, the distributor of industrial automation components has been appointed as a UK Alliance Master Industrial Automation Distributor (IAD).  The appointment is recognition of the level of expertise BPX holds in the industrial integration of Schneider Electric systems. BPX has the proven industrial automation solution knowledge, experience, and capabilities to help Schneider Electric customers thrive in the future. As an Alliance Master IAD, BPX are able to handle more advanced and complex industrial projects and deliver customized solutions to its customers. With five Master level professionals in the team, BPX are able to advise on product selection, applications, programming methods, and best practices. BPX can provide technical support, help with communications and connectivity, remote maintenance access to automation equipment, and simple and complex motion control. Tailored support for every customer BPX provides a tailored package of comprehensive support to its customers, based on a unique combination of qualities and skills. This includes: Local presence - Combining global and local expertise with Schneider Electric, BPX offer local technical support to help customers use the Schneider portfolio, backed up by comprehensive levels of stock Business know-how - BPX provide technologies customized to specific needs with comprehensive knowledge and skills in application and process control Competence with EcoStruxure™ - Highly skilled in EcoStruxure Plant & Machine architectures, BPX help drive digital advancements and ensure resilient and sustainable operations across multiple segments Authority Comments “We are delighted that BPX, who have been part of the Alliance Program since 2017, have been appointed as a UK Alliance Master Industrial Automation Distributor. They have an exemplary record of implementing Schneider Electric systems and have met our rigorous standards. With a strong commitment in supporting the digital journey of their customers through eCommerce, they have delivered extensive support and development opportunities to the industry. We are looking forward to developing the partnership further as a valued member of our exclusive partner network,” said Mark Yeeles, Vice President of Industrial Automation at Schneider Electric. “With our customers embracing a digital future, Industry 4.0, and the challenge of connecting assets, the industrial market is changing faster than ever. The Schneider Electric Alliance IAD status equips our business with the means to provide the best possible solutions and comprehensive support to our customers. We’re proud to have been appointed as the UK Alliance Master Industrial Automation Distributor and are excited for the new development opportunities it will harness in this competitive market,” said, Roger Collins, Director at BPX.

Johnson Controls, the globally renowned company for smart, healthy, and sustainable building solutions, has expanded its line of Premium commercial rooftop units, which are now available in 25-80 tons variants. Premier platform units The Johnson Controls Premier platform units provide building owners with state-of-the-art efficiency levels that significantly reduce operational costs over the life of the unit, while ensuring indoor air quality (IAQ) is maximized through optional features, such as ultraviolet (UV) lights, humidifiers, and final filters. “We have engineered the Premier platform to be as dynamic as the complex projects our customers manage,” said Philip Smyth, Executive Director for Commercial Product Management at Johnson Controls. Integrating future-ready technologies The systems offer the highest standard efficiencies in their class, which is the key to lowering life cycle costs" Philip Smyth adds, “Future-ready technologies are integrated at every turn, from optional bacteria and virus fighting ultraviolet lights to airflow measurement stations that reduce maintenance and improve serviceability. In addition, the systems offer the highest standard efficiencies in their class, which is the key to lowering life cycle costs.” The Premier platform meets aggressive Department of Energy 2023 energy efficiency standards. Offered in standard efficiency (up to 10.9 EER/15.8 IEER), high capacity or high efficiency (up to 11.4 EER/16.9 IEER), Premier units can provide up to 50 percent greater efficiency at part-load than is required, depending on the standard. Standard double-wall foam panels Standard double-wall foam panels offer improved thermal efficiency while modulating options, such as compressors, an energy recovery wheel, and gas or electric heat, further improve efficiency, providing quality comfort. To simplify system configuration and minimize start-up time, the units feature start-up wizards, a 5.5-inch OLED display, and an optimized numeric keypad, which are standard on all units. RTUToolkit app Customers can upgrade to the new optional high-end graphical user interface, which features a full-color touchscreen that provides quick access to system status, performance metrics, and schedule parameters. Start-up is further simplified with Johnson Controls’ new RTUToolkit app for Android and iOS devices. With the RTUToolkit app, contractors simply scan a unique QR code on each rooftop, which enables on-demand access to unit-specific details, technical literature, and direct connection to technical support. Integrated system selection tools Premier rooftop units streamline the design process with integrated system selection tools Premier rooftop units streamline the design process with integrated system selection tools, easily accessible building information modeling files, improved submittals, and simplified specification. The high-performance base models offer a complete range of factory options, including various airflow path configurations, indoor environmental quality options, and modulating options for improved comfort. Integration with building controls systems Maintenance is also simplified with service-friendly features, such as an optional Mobile Access Portal gateway that offers remote monitoring for ease of connection while at the jobsite, allowing technicians to interface with units, without getting out of the truck. In addition, the Smart Equipment-enabled units provide seamless integration with major building controls systems, including Verasys, and with OpenBlue, a dynamic connected platform for smart, healthy, and sustainable building solutions from Johnson Controls. Industry-renowned warranties Premier units are backed by industry-renowned warranties, offering greater peace of mind. A one-year parts warranty is standard on all Premier units, along with either six months or one-year promotional labor warranty (vs. the industry standard, 30-day labor warranty), when started by a certified contractor.

Trane Technologies plc, a global climate innovator, has announced that the company leadership will participate in a virtual fireside chat at the Wolfe Industrials Virtual Conference 2021. They will speak at 2:00 PM ET on Wednesday, May 26, 2021. The live webcast will be accessible on the Trane Technologies official website, under the investor relations section. An archive of the webcast will be available for 30 days, following the virtual event.

One of the consequences of the challenging last 18 months has been a noticeable increase in the attention given to indoor air quality (IAQ). This has been the case throughout the ventilation supply chain, from government and industry bodies, all the way through to facilities managers, contractors, and even consumers. But what do we mean by ‘good IAQ’, and how do we achieve it in our buildings? Alan Macklin, Technical Director at Elta Group, and Chairman of the Fan Manufacturer’s Association explains. Despite the difficulties of the past year and a half, the renewed focus on the quality of indoor air in the UK can be seen as something of a silver lining. It is an important step forwards, and one which we must as an industry maintain momentum if we are to deliver tangible improvements. In spite of this positive growth in awareness of IAQ, certain obstacles remain which could prevent progress. We need to establish a clear definition of what we mean by ‘fresh air’, moving away from the vagueness that is currently inherent within building regulations. Once this is achieved, there needs to be a greater understanding of the solutions that are available to deliver high-quality air into buildings. What is good IAQ? In layman’s terms, good IAQ is often linked with ‘fresh air’. However, this term is problematic, because all-too-often ‘fresh’ is simply understood as ‘outside’. This fails to take into account the issues of outdoor pollution, which can be of particular concern in urban locations. Consider, for example, a multiple-storey office that opens its windows to allow ‘fresh’ air to circulate into the building. The likelihood is that the air flowing through the window contains a higher volume of CO2, amongst other pollutants, than the air already inside the building. If we are approaching the subject of IAQ from the perspective of minimising particulates in the atmosphere, then this rudimentary definition of ‘fresh air’ does not go far enough to adequately protect building occupants. Building Regulations hint at a change in emphasis towards air quality, with some specific guidance on monitoring IAQ in offices. It is also true that most assessments of IAQ focus solely on CO2 levels, but this is just one of several pollutants that it is important to ventilate out of spaces. It serves as a useful proxy for how high the quality of air is, but sophisticated monitoring will enable a thorough and more nuanced approach. Finding a singular legal definition of ‘fresh air’ is challenging, such is the range of information and factors at play. Consultation documents for Parts L and F of the Building Regulations hint at a change in emphasis towards air quality, with some specific guidance on monitoring IAQ in offices. For example, there should be the means within ventilation systems to measure CO2 and other air quality indicators, which helps to ensure that the ‘fresh’ air being brought in from outside is suitably healthy.  Delivering high-quality air Although the definition of ‘fresh air’ is currently lacking clarity, contractors should still ensure compliance by working towards minimum ventilation rates. It is also critical to be aware that wider factors such as thermal comfort are considered. One of the issues with increasing flow rates, for example, is that it can result in a higher volume of cooler air being brought into the room. It highlights the delicate balancing act between providing sufficiently high IAQ while maintaining ambient temperature and keeping energy costs to a minimum.  This is where demand-controlled ventilation (DCV) has a significant role to play. It facilitates the adjustment (whether that’s automatic or manual) of ventilation rates according to what is required. This ensures that air circulation can be adapted to meet a change in occupancy levels or alterations to the internal layout of a room, thus keeping IAQ sufficiently high but in a precise, targeted way that won’t incur unnecessarily high energy bills. With demand control, a value is set at an initial required duty, but because it is speed controlled and monitored, the airflow can be adjusted automatically depending on condition, adjusting airflow and energy use. Specification typically allows for 20% more airflow and 10% more pressure than the selected ventilation rates, however, this is predominantly to cover miscalculations in system design, and often removed during the tender process to lower equipment cost. We have to move away from this approach, and including this increase above the minimum design requirement will provide assurance if the needs of the building change. Systems designed for future legislation DCV is a flexible approach that can help to increase the lifespan of a system. If regulations tighten and the requirement to deliver even ‘fresher’ air dictates a higher ventilation rate, this is achievable provided the system was originally installed with additional capacity. Although the definition of ‘fresh air’ is currently lacking clarity, contractors should still ensure compliance by working towards minimum ventilation rates. Take energy legislation for example, which controls most elements of the modern-day built environment. With legislative limitations placed on the amount of electricity a ventilation system can consume while operating, a common mistake made when selecting fans is to ignore the additional energy losses – surplus to specific fan power (SFP) – associated with speed controls. These can be significant and should be added to the power consumed by the fan to accurately calculate a ventilation system’s SFP. DCV enables systems to either increase or decrease their output depending on the situation, whether that’s working up to meet compliance, or down to minimise energy costs e.g., in the face of an empty room. This becomes even more crucial with the inclusion in the draft revision of the Building Regulations, which stipulates that systems should have the means to increase their performance by 50%. Lasting change The current climate serves as a watershed moment for indoor air quality and, as an industry, we have to seize the opportunity. As public spaces start to reopen, there is a genuine and urgent need to prioritise IAQ as a fundamental indicator of building health and safety. Establishing a clear definition of how we define good air quality, and then installing systems that are suitable both now and into the future, will go a long way to determining our success.

Over the past few years, hydrogen has been dubbed the savior of residential heating and a major part of the plan to achieve carbon neutrality, yet new research suggests hydrogen should be reserved for the likes of aircraft and industry. As part of the 2016 Paris Climate Change Accord, the economies agreed to keep global warming under 2°C. A key part of achieving that has been an agreement to become net zero on greenhouses gases by the year 2050. Renewable heating method With heating currently accounting for one-third of UK carbon emissions, it is no surprise that it’s been a key focus as the government looks for new ways to reduce the country's overall carbon emissions.  A ban on natural gas boilers and all new build properties was announced back in 2019 by Chancellor Philip Hammond and since then proposed gas boiler replacements have been the subject of intense research and debate. Hydrogen boilers have been a major contender in the race for a renewable heating method Hydrogen boilers have been a major contender in the race for a renewable heating method, along with heat pumps and solar, yet hydrogen has remained the strongest due to its ability to be used in conjunction with the current gas network. However, new findings have delivered a big blow to the proposed plans for heating millions of UK homes with hydrogen boilers. Existing gas network Currently, there are various projects underway to test the feasibility of rolling out hydrogen via the existing gas network, funded by both energy companies and the government. This includes the so-called ‘hydrogen village’ in Fife, Scotland, set to become the first location in the UK where hydrogen appliances will be trialed in over 300 homes and fed with hydrogen gas directly from the grid. Yet the new research, conducted by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany had harsh words for such plans, noting that hydrogen fuel remains inefficient and expensive to produce. Hydrogen is one of the most common elements on Earth, yet the major issue is that it’s typically bound to another element and so needs to be separated. The production of hydrogen from water molecules, referred to as ‘green hydrogen’ is both expensive and demands a significant amount of electricity. Achieving carbon neutrality Major industries such as freight and metal production are more likely to rely on hydrogen power The research suggests that it may be more cost-effective and greener to rely on electricity directly to power both home heating and vehicles. The major reason for this is simply due to the fact that currently hydrogen production requires more electricity than is required to power either an electric car or an air source heat pump. Major industries such as freight and metal production are more likely to rely on hydrogen power to achieve carbon neutrality. Yet the stark reality is that a reliable supply of green hydrogen power is unlikely to be available for many years. Relying on it to power residential heating and vehicles is simply not attainable at the current speed of development. High carbon heating The major risk of this is that it simply results in countries being reliant on high carbon heating for even longer. For instance, if consumers are advised that having a gas boiler installed is fine because the fuel supply will eventually transition to hydrogen, yet it ends up being too expensive or difficult to supply these homes could eventually be emitting carbon for many more years ahead. Hydrogen is still seen as the ideal solution due to it being able to be used in conjunction with the current gas network. It’s also seen as the most affordable, for instance Energy Guide, has estimated that it would cost an average of £26,000 to switch each UK home to a low-carbon heating system such as heat pumps. Generating adequate hydrogen Many environmental campaigners are now calling for gas boilers to be removed But this new research is making it clear that ‘green hydrogen’ may not be here for some time and as a result, the plan for hydrogen boilers being the solution is untenable. As a result of these observations, many environmental campaigners are now calling for gas boilers to be removed and replaced with low carbon alternatives, including heat pumps. Generating adequate hydrogen to supply major industries such as freight and metal production will be a significant challenge on its own and expecting there to be enough to supply homes too is a huge feat that many are doubtful of. There are three major types of hydrogen production, including: Grey hydrogen - This is the dirtiest type of hydrogen production made through the natural gas being burned with steam, which also produces large amounts of carbon. Blue hydrogen - The hydrogen is still produced via the burning of natural gas but is greener as the carbon is captured and stored underground. Green hydrogen - This is the most environmentally friendly method of hydrogen production. It uses electricity to cause a reaction known as electrolysis, resulting in water molecules being split into their hydrogen and oxygen counterparts. Yet this process is much more expensive than the other methods and requires significant amounts of electricity to achieve. Decarbonize residential heating It’s clear that the government is taking whatever steps necessary to achieve carbon neutral status by 2050 and that home heating needs to be reformed but there are a number of barriers to get there and in the case of hydrogen the production process is the major area of contention. Many point to heat pumps as a suitable alternative, but is it really viable to expect most homes to pay for a brand new heating system with significant upfront costs? While strides have been made in the development of hydrogen-ready appliances and boilers, hydrogen production has not and it’s a considerable problem if it’s going to be relied upon to decarbonize residential heating.

As shared spaces reopen, organizations are making some important decisions about their corporate real estate. Unlike other premises, such as shops and schools, offices can manage their returns slowly and carefully. Staff that can work from home may not return to the office full-time for months, or at all. This places office managers in a unique position. While they are able to learn from the actions and advice of other organizations, they must also recognise that a poorly managed re-opening will likely lead to employees remaining at home or feeling isolated when at the office. As a result, employers will miss out on any benefit of having a central workplace. Creating safe and inspiring places A number of surveys carried out over the past 12 months have found that the majority of workers would prefer to continue working from home several days each week. Rather than taking for granted that a central office is an expensive necessity, employers have taken time to consider exactly what the workplace offers. The focus of the workplace after the pandemic will be to offer what remote working cannot: quiet, focus spaces with ergonomic setups, and spaces from collaborative teamwork. The latter, particularly, has been lost during the pandemic and is a major reason that employers want to encourage staff to return. However, poorly designed space will not make this work any more possible than video calls have. Using the right precautions The precautions against Covid that many of us have become used to when grocery shopping, are designed to keep individuals at a distance and minimize interaction. Social distancing, face masks, and plastic screens all serve a purpose, but they are not realistic long-term solutions in the workplace. Certainly, social distancing and mask-wearing will have a part to play in the return to the office but building managers should be finding ways to keep their sites safe indefinitely, particularly as this may not be the last pandemic to hit. Improving building systems Those in the workplace sector are looking for ways to heighten safety precautions while also promoting other important factors such as wellbeing and comfort, efficiency, and the environment. Disposable face masks promote safety but come at a cost of comfort, cost, and sustainability. However, we are increasingly seeing developments that do not come at such a compromize. Improving building systems are playing a central role in this process. Scientific advisors are recommending that schools improve ventilation in classrooms. Work in this area is highly relevant to those in the workplace. HVAC systems in schools Schools are busy places that rely upon collaborative work and interaction. Over the course of a day, students will come into contact with many others and may interact with shared touchpoints such as light switches, desks, and door handles. Office work holds a lot in common with schools but has more control over the way space is used and what capacity is safe to work at. Social distancing, face masks, and plastic screens all serve a purpose, but they are not realistic long-term solutions in the workplace.  An advantage that many workplaces have over public schools is the resources to invest in more sophisticated technology such as sensor-responsive HVAC systems. The Internet of Things (IoT) model for connected technological systems was increasing in popularity before the pandemic. Its growth will undoubtedly accelerate. Many organizations have already invested in occupancy sensors and digital thermometers to aid safety precautions. Connecting this tech to wider systems via the IoT can streamline workplace efficiency.  Ventilation systems that are responsive to site occupancy can be used to improve workplace comfort and safety as efficiently as possible. While such systems may come at an initial cost, they can provide significant savings in the long term. They also offer opportunities to create greener workplaces. New investment in carbon-capture technology can remove 10m/t of CO2 from the UK environment every year up to 2030. Based on data produced by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, every 1,000 sq ft of office space used is the equivalent to a carbon footprint of 91t C02 a year. Therefore, if workplace sensor technology was applied across all workplaces in the UK, more than 2.4m tonnes of C02 could be saved annually by making office use more efficient. While offices are still fully or partially closed, organizations should take the opportunity to review their systems and invest in options that can improve the workplace experience. The pandemic has been an opportunity for employers and staff alike to reprioritize. Workplaces are no longer taken for granted as a ‘necessary evil’. Rather, both their strengths and weaknesses have been clearly highlighted. The work that building owners and managers put into creating safe and inspiring workplaces will reflect their investment in their workforce.  

Incorporating cool and dry outdoor air into commercial HVAC systems can save money and energy, while causing less wear-and-tear on cooling systems. An economizer is a device that works alongside rooftop HVAC systems to augment the system with outdoor air, in order to provide what has become known as ‘free cooling’. Economizers Economizers introduce low-temperature or low-enthalpy outdoor air into a building to reduce or eliminate mechanical cooling, depending on outdoor air conditions. [Enthalpy is a thermodynamic quantity equivalent to the total heat content of a system.] An economizer evaluates the temperature (and sometimes humidity) levels of outdoor air. A combination of logic controllers and sensors both assess the right level of outside air to bring in and operate internal dampers to control how much air is pulled in, re-circulated, and exhausted from a building. Rather than relying solely on a building’s cooling system, the system leverages cool outside air to accomplish the same task. Free Cooling When outside air is cooler than re-circulated air, using more outside air is more energy efficient When outside air is cooler than re-circulated air, using more outside air is more energy efficient. When outside air is sufficiently cool and dry, no additional air conditioning is needed, hence the term ‘free cooling’. By minimizing the operation of an A/C unit, economizers can prolong the life of a system, reduce costs, and minimize maintenance with fewer breakdowns. Enhanced ventilation Extra ventilation is another benefit of economizers, which is important in the era of COVID-19. An economizer can improve overall air quality by bringing in the fresh air and exhausting the building’s stale air. Even in older buildings that were not designed with ventilation in mind, economizers can improve air quality. Fresh air can keep employees healthier and minimize an employer’s cost of sick days because of air pollutants. There are three types of economizers: Dry bulb, which evaluates the difference between the temperatures of indoor and outdoor air, but does not consider humidity. Web bulb or Single Enthalpy, which evaluate both air temperature and humidity. They are the most popular option. Differential Enthalpy, which uses multiple sensors to measure temperature and humidity of return air, as well as the outside air, a popular option for more complex scenarios. Minimizing total building energy consumption Energy costs are a big advantage of economizers, helping to minimize total building energy consumption, 45% of which is accounted for by the HVAC system. The use of an economizer provides up to 45% greater efficiency in cooling loads than existing HVAC operations, according to researchers. Climate conditions are a significant factor affecting the energy-saving impact of air economizers. Researchers evaluated the energy-saving potential of economizer systems in six climate zones, concluding that energy savings in hot-humid summer climate zones were 10% higher compared to cool-dry summer zones. Good controls, valves, and dampers are needed to ensure optimal operation of economizers, and maintenance is also critical.

This year’s Texas deep freeze struck the region hard, causing an estimated $10 billion in damage. It was one of the costliest winter weather events in the state’s history. The extreme weather conditions severely impacted HVAC systems, too, overtaxing equipment and challenging contractors to keep up with the pace of repairs. What did not happen, despite some homeowner insurance claims filed in the aftermath of the extreme cold snap, was ‘frozen refrigerant.’ Although the extremes of cold weather in Texas were unusual, the low temperatures still did not come close to the freezing point of refrigerants. The temperatures in Dallas, Texas, from February 14-17 ranged from 14 to 29 degrees Fahrenheit – never above freezing. Extreme cold temperatures However, it would take much more extreme cold temperatures to freeze common refrigerants. In fact, R-22 has a freezing temperature of minus 256 degrees Fahrenheit, and R-410A freezes at minus 247 degrees F. That’s much colder than the lowest temperature ever recorded on earth, which was minus 136 degrees Fahrenheit measured on the East Antarctic Plateau in 2010. Even there, refrigerant would not freeze. It would take much more extreme cold temperatures to freeze common refrigerants Jay Dykstra, Technical Education Manager for HVAC Investigators (HVACi) and StrikeCheck, debunked the ‘frozen refrigerant’ claim in an article for PropertyCasualty360.com. He noted that comprehensive testing based on engineering best practices helped to determine the specific causes of HVAC failure in the wake of the Texas freeze, and those causes were often different than what homeowners and their contractors expected them to be. Achieving comfortable temperatures An actual cause of HVAC equipment failure stemmed from operating in the extreme conditions. Specifically, heat pumps are designed to provide a Delta T (which is the difference between the return air temperature and supply air temperature) of between 25 to 30 degrees. In other words, if it’s 40 degrees outside, a heat pump can adequately maintain a 70-degree indoor temperature. However, in the Texas freeze, systems were being tasked with providing Delta T values that are larger than the expected 25 to 30 degrees. In extreme cold, achieving comfortable temperatures required heat pumps to work harder than ever, which could cause overheating, overuse, and intensified wear-and-tear on pumps and heat strips that could hasten system failure, especially if cold temperatures continue over several days. Residential water heaters High voltage surges cause about 11% of HVAC system failures in a given year Given the power outages during the Texas freeze, high voltage power surges are another possible cause of HVAC failure. Generally speaking, high voltage surges cause about 11% of HVAC system failures in a given year. A heat pump’s electrical components, refrigerants, and motors are not directly affected by colder temperatures. However, in Texas, failure of commercial boilers, chiller water coils, and residential water heaters was common. Failure of individual components is more likely if freezing or a high voltage surge are indirect causes of damage. When these conditions are direct causes, the damage is more widespread and could require major repairs or replacement, notes Dykstra. Damage assessment companies HVAC and refrigeration damage assessment companies have evaluated the equipment of thousands of HVAC systems in Texas that began to fail during the freeze. Insurance professionals are seeking to better understand why systems fail in such extreme conditions in order to manage claims in connection with the cold weather. For HVAC professionals, understanding the forensics of system failure also provides a useful tool as we seek to manufacture and install more resilient systems in the future.

Membranes made of an organic material called polyimides, which are then treated to become hydrophilic, provide a promising approach to developing dehumidifiers that could eventually bring down the price of HVAC systems and make them more environmentally friendly. Research at Texas A&M University’s College of Engineering describes how the polyimide material could be used to dry environmental air using less energy. Triggering Hydrolysis Polyimides are made of chains of repeating, ring-shaped molecules that connect to provide high rigidity and tolerance to heat and chemicals. Texas A&M researchers found that treating a polyimide film with a highly concentrated sodium hydroxide solution triggers hydrolysis, thus breaking down the molecular groups to form water-attractive percolation channels. In effect, researchers enhanced the dehumidification efficiency of the polymer. The resulting hydrophilic film can extract excess moisture from the air by trapping it and later releasing it into a vacuum pump. Researchers report their findings in the Journal of Membrane Science. Intermolecular Forces Refrigerants cool the air and reduce its ability to carry water, Zeolites are another alternative for dehumidification “The strength of polyimides comes from their intermolecular forces between the chains,” said Hae-Kwon Jeong, Professor of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M. “If too many imides are hydrolyzed, then we are left with a weak material. On the other hand, if the hydrolysis is too low, the material won’t be effective at dehumidification,” he told Texas A&M Today. In other words, it’s a balancing act between two extremes to optimize a material that is both strong and adequately hydrophilic. Experiments focused on partial hydrolysis wherein a controlled number of imide groups became hydrophilic. Refrigerants And Zeolites Currently, the most common materials used in dehumidifiers are refrigerants, which cool the air and reduce its ability to carry water. The downside is that refrigerants are a source of greenhouse gases, an element in global warming. Zeolites are another alternative for dehumidification. These naturally occurring desiccants absorb moisture within their water-attractive pores. However, zeolites are expensive to synthesize and have weak structural properties. Even after hydrolyzation, polyimide membranes still trail zeolites in their dehumidification potential. In contrast, polyimides are stronger and tolerant to heat and chemicals. However, hydrolysis treatment is needed to increase their moisture-absorbing properties. In testing the material, scientists found that the membranes could be operated continuously without the need for regeneration. Affordable Technology “This is a new approach to improve the property of a polymer for dehumidification, and a lot more optimizations need to be done in order to further enhance the performance of this membrane,” said Jeong. “But another key factor for engineering applications is that it has to be cheap, especially if you want the technology to be reasonably affordable. We are not there yet but are certainly taking strides in that direction.”

Global technology company ABB has been contracted by manufacturer of forest products, Arauco, to modernize its Licancel Cellulose Plant in Chile to deliver faster response times, greater cyber security, upgraded operator interfaces, enhanced process reliability and flexibility for remote working. Arauco will continue to utilize ABB Ability™ System 800xA distributed control system (DCS) and extend its use as the foundation for all operations at the plant. This will be done in two key stages: updating the existing System 800xA to version 6.1 and migrating from older DCS Infi 90 systems to new process communication and termination units to modernize the communications, network and controllers. Moving to an ABB Ethernet network will allow more flexibility with the control system, enabling remote working and reliability improvements. distributed control system This will support Arauco’s process improvement plans for Licancel, its 154,000 ton capacity plant for unbleached kraft pulp (UKP) cellulose located in the Licantén district of Maule region. Arauco is driving sustainable forest management and use of renewable sources across the country through local research and development into technologies to meet these aims. Following detailed engineering studies, teams from ABB will collaborate with Arauco staff on site to complete the upgrade and system commissioning, resulting in a fully-migrated system and a platform fit for future adaptations and trends. “This modernization marks a departure from technologies that have been in place since the 1990s,” said Jorge Mesa, Licancel Plant Manager, Arauco. “Having the new, improved distributed control system and applications in place will better equip us to facilitate tackling our additional technological development projects, and achieving our best ever process performance at Licancel.” ABB Ability™ System 800xA Compared to the previous infrastructure, there will be fewer control system uncertainties to overcome" “The latest version 6.1 of the ABB Ability™ System 800xA offers the advantage of improved security, performance and interaction,” said Julio Arellano, Service Group Leader of ABB’s Minerals and Pulp & Paper Plant in Chile. “Operators will be able to quickly identify and respond to faults using new tools and protocols on the modern graphical interface units. Compared to the previous infrastructure, there will be fewer control system uncertainties to overcome, allowing Arauco’s people to focus on what they do best.” “This project builds on our existing and longstanding relationship with Arauco across its wood pulp and processing portfolio. The renewed activity with Licancel is testament to the quality and service of the original system, which served the plant for more than two decades. Arauco not only entrusted to us the technology involved, but also the integration process.” ABB is working in more than 50 countries to provide its comprehensive portfolio of integrated digital solutions, automation and electrification systems, industry-focused products and services to help customers optimize all phases of the papermaking process. The company works across packaging, paper, tissue and pulp disciplines to help drive availability, performance, cost and quality improvements.

Fish and chip shop supplier Henry Colbeck has taken delivery of three new 26-tonne MAN rigid trucks, each mounted with a Carrier Transicold Supra® 750 unit. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier, a pioneering global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions. The new MAN TGS trucks, which join Henry Colbeck’s Coatbridge operation, replace older vehicles and feature bespoke bodies from Gray & Adams with separate access points to individual storage sections. The consistent performance and reliability of Carrier Transicold’s Supra 750 unit, in conjunction with excellent aftersales support, was key to securing the order and moving Henry Colbeck closer to being an all-Carrier fleet. Supra 750 “When I joined the company, my main focus was to review and improve efficiencies across the business,” said Hugh O’Brien, Operations Director, Henry Colbeck. “We were running fridges from a range of manufacturers, which made keeping them all operational complicated and expensive. We took our first Carrier unit in 2013 and haven’t looked back – their impressive reliability has allowed us to consolidate our fleet in Scotland; 12 of the 13 rigids operating out of Coatbridge are now Carrier-cooled, and we’ll be making it 13 as soon as we can.” The powerful Supra 750 units provide constant airflow to the compartments in the body, independent of engine speed, offering both rapid pull-down and accurate set point control. This allows Henry Colbeck to transport a wide range of chilled or frozen products to fish and chip shops, as well as restaurants, across Scotland. The new vehicles also feature Carrier Transicold’s DataCOLD™ 600 temperature recorder, which provides easy access to a wealth of information on the performance of the units. refrigerated commercial vehicle The new vehicles join Henry Colbeck’s total refrigerated commercial vehicle fleet of 33 similar MAN rigids “What makes the Supra stand out from the crowd is the level of control it gives us, particularly when it comes to maintaining the integrity of the cold chain. This is something our customers have to prove when they face any health and safety inspections, so having the ability to print the relevant data directly from the unit thanks to the DataCOLD system is superb,” added O’Brien. The new vehicles join Henry Colbeck’s total refrigerated commercial vehicle fleet of 33 similar 26-tonne MAN rigids, split between the company’s Coatbridge site and its main base in Gateshead. comprehensive everCOLD™ The new rigids will be in operation for five years, working five days per week and are expected to clock up around 70,000 miles per year. The Supra units are each backed by Carrier Transicold’s comprehensive everCOLD™ fixed cost full-service maintenance package, which includes annual temperature control testing and certification, full regulatory checks, and access to the company’s oneCALL™ 24/7 incident management service. Now a fourth-generation family business, Henry Colbeck was founded in 1893 and is the oldest fish and chip shop supplier in the UK. The company’s Coatbridge site opened in 1998, allowing Henry Colbeck to supply more than 2,000 customers across the north of England and Scotland.  

Carrier Commercial Refrigeration won orders in different countries in Europe to supply warehouse refrigeration systems for critical COVID-19 vaccine cold storage. While details of the projects are not being disclosed, Carrier Commercial Refrigeration is providing the critical temperature control components for a safe, effective cold chain thanks to its turnkey capability. Carrier Commercial Refrigeration is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), the leading global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions. Sensitivity of pharmaceuticals and vaccines requires an accurate control of the temperature throughout the cold chain to maintain efficacy. Carrier Commercial Refrigeration has a long track record of warehouse installations and a comprehensive line of refrigeration systems for the safe storage of pharmaceuticals, including vaccines. warehouse applications Key differentiators of Carrier’s warehouse applications: Precise temperature control up to +/-2 Kelvin 24/7 Remote monitoring experts on stand-by to react to potential alarms 760+ technicians throughout Europe to ensure installation and maintenance “Maintaining the temperature integrity of pharmaceuticals and vaccines is critical. Our turnkey approach ensures customers have full control over their storage cold chain,” said David Moon, President, Carrier Commercial Refrigeration. “From project design to rapid installation and operations follow-up, Carrier experts are on standby to support these special installations.” Ensuring strong control of the pharmaceuticals cold chain starts from the design phase. Carrier’s refrigeration experts have a deep understanding of the installation needs of customers. Carrier has a robust and reliable range of refrigeration units for warehousing applications that allow for the right product selection according the specificities of each site: the right refrigeration output for the designated surface, positive or negative temperatures to reach until -45°C, precise temperature control and redundancy when needed, all managed by user-friendly and flexible controllers. centralized remote monitoring service Carrier Commercial Refrigeration will continue to work with customers for other potential solutions Once the design phase is finalized, Carrier expert field teams bring the installation to life. The teams also provide support and maintenance in a timely manner thanks to the large geographical coverage, providing refrigeration technicians in many European countries. Carrier also offers a centralized remote monitoring service with refrigeration experts on standby 24/7 to react to potential alarms. This capability is especially important for critical installations such as those storing pharmaceuticals or vaccines, which can benefit from real-time monitoring. Carrier Commercial Refrigeration will continue to work with customers for other potential solutions that could further contribute to a healthier, safer and more effective cold chain. 

Manteca Unified School District plans to use OptiClean air scrubbers in every classroom to provide improved indoor air quality across its facilities To prepare for its facilities fully reopening to students and staff, northern California’s Manteca Unified School District has installed 1,500 Carrier OptiClean™ Dual-Mode Air Scrubber & Negative Air Machines to purify the air in classrooms across its 30 schools. OptiClean The OptiClean units will help to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) for the district, as its more than 27,000 students, teachers and staff return to campuses. Carrier is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, the pioneering global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions. “We’ve spent the last several months analyzing every facet of our organization in order to develop a comprehensive strategy designed to create a healthier environment for our students and staff,” said Dr. Clark Burke, Superintendent, Manteca Unified School District. “The air quality in our area is often affected by the extensive local agricultural industry and lately, regional wildfires have also contributed to poor air quality. After reviewing a number of indoor air quality solutions available, we are confident that the OptiClean product is the right fit for our needs. By placing an OptiClean unit in each classroom, we feel that we’ll not only help improve our IAQ, but also provide peace of mind to our students, their parents and staff.” indoor air quality Manteca Unified School District is one of several to choose OptiClean equipment as part of its IAQ solution “Schools and school districts continue to evaluate the IAQ of their facilities and what can be done to help improve those environments for their students and staff,” said Justin Keppy, President, NA Residential & Light Commercial, Carrier. “We’re pleased to be working with Manteca Unified School District by providing one part of the solution for healthier and safer indoor environments. Our OptiClean units can help reduce contaminants in classroom air and inspire confidence for parents, students, teachers and staff as school districts safely return to in-person learning.” Manteca Unified School District is one of several in California to choose OptiClean equipment as part of its IAQ solution. Among others are southern California’s San Bernardino City Unified School District and Alvord Unified School District. The two recently purchased 3,700 and 1,500 units respectively, in anticipation of the return of their collective 80,000 students, teachers and staff. OptiClean Air Scrubber The OptiClean Dual-Mode Air Scrubber & Negative Air Machine has been named one of TIME’s 100 Best Inventions of 2020. It was developed through rapid innovation in early 2020 to help support infectious isolation rooms in hospitals as a negative air machine. TIME featured the OptiClean Air Scrubber & Negative Air Machine in the Medical Care category of its prestigious annual list that recognizes 100 ground-breaking inventions that are making the world better and smarter. OptiClean is one of a number of solutions offered through Carrier's Healthy Buildings Program, which was recently expanded to help K-12 students, teachers and staff safety return to in-school instruction. The new BluEdge K-12 program provides an outcome-based approach to help schools easily select the best IAQ kits for their needs, with attractive pricing and easier implementation.

Carrier Commercial Service secured a three-year service agreement with Jefferson Regional Medical Center (JRMC) in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Under the BluEdge™ Elite service agreement, Carrier will maintain more than 100 heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) assets totaling 2,500 tons of cooling, as well as the hospital’s Carrier i-Vu® Building Automation System. Carrier is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, the pioneering global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions.   The service agreement is for a three-year period and is the most comprehensive package Carrier Commercial Service offers to help ensure building comfort, efficiency and support, which will help meet the medical center’s operational goals. BluEdge The BluEdge service platform is Carrier’s new service and aftermarket offering that provides customers superior service throughout the lifecycle of their HVAC equipment. Through a deep understanding of customer needs and ongoing investments in cutting edge digital tools, BluEdge can help customers achieve enhanced equipment efficiency and performance – key components of Carrier’s Healthy Buildings Program. They understand how imperative it is for our equipment to remain online and effective" “Working with Carrier Commercial Service has been a true collaboration with the team taking into account what is best for our facility,” said Danny Holcomb, Facilities Manager, JRMC. “They understand how imperative it is for our equipment to remain online and effective. Choosing the Elite level of service was the ultimate peace of mind for the critical work we do.” Jefferson Regional Medical Center serves as the major referral center for an 11-county area of South Arkansas, with a patient base of approximately 220,000. remote monitoring “We’re proud to offer our highest level of service to JRMC,” said Gary H. Bobb, Vice President, Global Aftermarket, Commercial HVAC, Carrier. “Predictive analytics, continuous emergency support, remote monitoring and Carrier® SMART Service are the pillars of our successful service solution. Our team of highly-trained technicians are integrated into the facility and committed to keeping the building healthy and efficient.”    Carrier’s Commercial Service organization offers building solution assessments, modernization projects and factory-certified service for all brands of equipment.

Robotic kiosks that provide automated and contactless dispensing of groceries for consumers are being sustainably refrigerated by Carrier Transicold NaturaLINE® units, the container refrigeration systems to use the natural refrigerant carbon dioxide (R-744). Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, the pioneering global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions. Typically used on marine shipping containers to protect perishables and frozen food shipped between continents, NaturaLINE units are also proven performers on land. The units store perishables and now transfer groceries directly from retailer to consumer through an advanced kiosk made by Estonian robotics innovator Cleveron. Cleveron 501 kiosk For more than a decade, Cleveron has developed “click and collect” automated solutions for a variety of applications, and the grocery kiosk is among its newest. At a time when consumers’ health and safety is the highest priority, the Cleveron 501 kiosk offers a convenient and touchless 24/7 alternative to in-store shopping or pickup, as well as home delivery. Carrier was selected as our preferred partner because of its long history in the field of refrigeration" The 20-foot and 40-foot long refrigerated shipping containers equipped with NaturaLINE units were a natural choice for the Cleveron 501 application, according to Mihkel Ilp, Chief Operating Officer, Cleveron. “We realized that combining refrigerated shipping containers and our robotics would enable us to create a product that is easy to transport and quick to install, and that also delivers solid cooling and withstands the forces of nature,” Ilp said. “Carrier was selected as our preferred partner because of its long history in the field of refrigeration and shipping containers, and because Carrier offers the NaturaLINE system with R-744 refrigerant.” ultra-low Global Warming Potential NaturaLINE unit’s natural refrigerant has an ultra-low Global Warming Potential (GWP) value of 1, the lowest among all other container system refrigerants currently in use, which have GWPs ranging from hundreds to thousands of times greater. Ilp added NaturaLINE’s sustainability appeals to its customers, many of which are large multi-national grocery retailers with significant green initiatives, working toward carbon neutrality. When the customer arrives, a code is scanned from their phone, and the kiosk quickly dispenses their order NaturaLINE units are recognized for tight temperature control, a factor that is important given the variety of locations where Cleveron 501 kiosks are located. They can be installed in parking lots near grocery/retail operations, near office buildings, in busy city centers and other locations where retail space is scarce or expensive. temperature-controlled compartment The system is easy to use. Customers place orders online and are given a time for pickup. The retailer then picks, bags and places frozen and perishable items in totes that the Cleveron 501 kiosk automatically stores in the appropriate temperature-controlled compartment. When the customer arrives, a code is scanned from their phone, and the kiosk quickly dispenses their order. To date, Cleveron 501 kiosks using Carrier Transicold’s NaturaLINE units have been deployed throughout Europe in grocery/retail environments, sharing a footprint with sustainable in-store R-744-based systems by Carrier Commercial Refrigeration Europe. Cleveron 501 systems have also been deployed in the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and the United States. Supporting Cleveron’s touchless grocery kiosk application, the NaturaLINE unit is part of Carrier’s Healthy, Safe, Sustainable Cold Chain Program to preserve and protect the supply of food, medicine and vaccines. 

The practice of working from home soared during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and many observers see a likely continuation of the trend, as infection risks gradually subside. Both environments – home and office – depend on HVAC systems to keep occupants comfortable (and safe!). Therefore, the industry stands to be impacted whichever way the trend plays out. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How will remote working affect residential and commercial HVAC?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of physical objects embedded with sensors, software and other technologies to facilitate connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet. Use of the IoT is expanding among both business and residential applications. However, there are hurdles to overcome, including security, privacy and networking challenges. As more HVAC devices embrace the IoT, we asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) on the HVAC market?

The pandemic of 2020 presented unique challenges to the HVAC market, and in many instances, responding to those challenges relied on technical innovation. It’s safe to say that the pandemic accelerated several technology trends, redirected others, and overall raised the stakes in the industry’s ongoing challenge to meet customer needs across a wide spectrum. But what comes now? We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable to weigh in on this question: What technologies and trends will define the HVAC industry in 2021?