Energy Star

The Built In America television show is taking viewers deep inside one of the nation’s massive, new industrial facilities to witness how a $417 million investment in United States manufacturing is creating Goodman brand air conditioners and furnaces, along with up to 7,000 jobs. Within the doors of the world’s largest tilt wall building at the Texas Technology Park, the Built In America documentary, led by host John McCalmont, demonstrates the manufacturing magic of morphing hefty 15,000-pound coils of steel, aluminum and copper into Goodman brand heating and air conditioning units. Roving the sprawling 4 million-plus square-foot facility, McCalmont – in tow with Goodman Vice President of Manufacturing Joseph Campbell – follows the entire Goodman production process from stamping, brazing, assembly, painting, testing and more testing. McCalmont even chips in to help assemble several products. revolutionize heating and air conditioning industry The technological prowess showcased at the Texas Technology Park demonstrates how far Harold V. Goodman’s dream has come since he created his namesake company 43 years ago. Back then, Goodman said he wanted to “revolutionize the heating and air conditioning industry,” but even he might have found the scope of manufacturing capabilities at Texas Technology Park beyond his imagination. Built In America television celebrates cutting-edge companies that manufacture and assemble products in the United States. Goodman designs, engineers and assembles all of its indoor comfort products in the United States. According to Built In America, the series focuses on the history, job creation, education, business model, pride in workmanship and positive community impact of top companies and their hometowns. The show airs on The Fox Business Network (FBN) as sponsored segments to over 230 million viewers internationally.

Thanks to breakthroughs in Internet-of-Things technology, facilities managers can monitor boiler equipment operation from virtually anywhere. Picture a typical boiler installation at a large facility like a hospital or university. Manually monitoring a system like that could involve many operators spread over several buildings, each responsible for checking system consoles and monitors. Tracking down a failure might take hours—and that’s after they find out there IS a failure. Troubleshooting these systems can be difficult, time consuming, and labor-intensive. Preferred Cloud Platform To help solve that problem, Preferred Utilities Manufacturing offers a state-of-the-art, secure technology called the Preferred Cloud Platform for remote equipment monitoring. This platform utilizes customized, pre-built analytics to instantly give customers the most actionable data for operating efficiency. Boiler room operators and facility managers can receive equipment information anywhere they are Cloud-based monitoring allows the operators of these systems to observe consoles remotely and receive alerts and updates via their mobile devices or computers. These systems are simple to install, they operate over a secure private network, and they gather and present the data in an easy to understand user interface. The boiler room operators and facility managers can receive equipment information anywhere they are connected to the web, and automated alerts allow them to be the first to know, in real time, when a boiler or other equipment needs attention. Communications Are Secure And Encrypted Security is a concern for any system that is monitored via the cloud. The Preferred Cloud Platform ensures that all communications are secure and encrypted, with both sending and receiving parties validated before data is shared. The gateway is connected via an isolated, private network, and ongoing updates keep the platform secure and up to date. Remote monitoring is especially valuable for critical facilities like hospitals and data centers. They must operate around-the-clock, but paying for 24-hour maintenance staff is a major expense. With remote monitoring, an on-call maintenance staff is sufficient. It also frees up employees to handle different tasks while remaining available to respond to malfunctions if they happen. Remote Monitoring A problem can sometimes be solved before anyone is even aware the interruption has occurredThe kind of “head start” offered by remote monitoring is particularly valuable in extremely cold or hot weather, when temperatures in buildings can change quickly. Before remote monitoring, the first time a maintenance team would hear about a problem was often from an angry tenant who was already too cold or too hot. Finding out about a problem via the cloud allows for troubleshooting to begin immediately, which means a problem can sometimes be solved before anyone is even aware the interruption has occurred. Maintenance Staffers “Cloud-based monitors work around the clock, seven days a week, 365 days a year,” said David Bohn, President and CEO of Preferred Utilities. “Critical maintenance staffers are free to enjoy their weekends and holidays, but in the event of an emergency, they can get an alert and still have enough time to address the situation. “And our platform provides a high level of detail, so the person receiving the alert can make decisions about what action is necessary right on the spot.” The Preferred Cloud Platform is available for installation, and it can often be installed in a single day.

Brivo, the global provider of cloud-based physical security, has acquired Parakeet Technologies, a provider of smart building solutions which include sensors, thermostats, wireless locks, and lighting controls. The acquisition accelerates Brivo’s ongoing push to enhance its in-building capabilities beyond its current access control, video, and security. The companies had already been working together as partners, and now plan a deeper integration between their products, including a common user interface, unified billing, and bundled services. Highly reliable remote management “We saw Parakeet’s IoT platform as an ideal way to quickly bring Smart Office capabilities to our channel partners and end users,” said Steve Van Till, President & CEO of Brivo. “Parakeet has a great track record of providing highly reliable remote management to widely dispersed properties, and they share our core values around customer service, cybersecurity, and innovation.” The Parakeet product leverages cloud services, cellphone apps, and an on-premise IoT gateway. The gateway provides connectivity to Z-wave sensors, locks, thermostats, lighting and other devices. Internet connectivity to the gateway is supported via WiFi, Ethernet or an integrated cellular modem with a built-in service plan. Manage smart building infrastructure We uncovered a need for a remotely managed IoT service that would boost productivity and save money" Parakeet’s responsively designed web app enables property managers and security personnel to manage smart building infrastructure from one central dashboard, while collecting data to track, monitor and manage staff. Parakeet launched its product in 2015 in the Vacation Rental market. According to Brad Huber, Founder and CEO of Parakeet, “Among property managers who cover large geographic territories for dozens or hundreds of clients, we uncovered a need for a remotely managed IoT service that would boost productivity and save money.” Professional installation and ongoing service Commenting on the installation challenges across large regions, he added that “being able to provide our products through Brivo’s international base of security dealers will give our customers the convenience of professional installation and ongoing service.” The Parakeet platform will continue to be offered as a stand-alone solution for the Vacation Rental Market under the new name, Brivo Vacation Rental, and will be unified with Brivo’s billing system. All current Parakeet customers will continue to be supported on the existing product, with options to add Brivo offerings to their current service plans.

Samsung’s exclusive Wind-Free™ cooling technology provides end-users with a cool indoor climate and optimal energy efficiency without the discomfort of direct cold airflow. Samsung’s Wind-Free™ advanced cooling models offer residential, light commercial and commercial solutions. Wind-Free™ models can be configured for 2-step operation, cooling the space with the louver open until the room temperature nears set temperature. Wind-Free™ operation will start automatically closing the louver and using the face of the fascia panel to gently cool the space with still air without blowing air directly onto occupants. The Wind-Free™ feature is optional and can be enabled using central or local control options. Advanced Cooling Technology Wind-Free™ residential heat pumps provide end-users with the ideal condition by maintaining the desired room temperature using Wind-Free™ cooling to gently disperse cold air through 21,000 micro air holes. This approach can also reduce energy consumption by up to 72% compared to Fast Cooling Mode. Wind-Free™ 1-Way Cassette models boast a wider supply air outlet opening and angle to increase air-throw The advanced cooling technology is not limited to residential applications. Wind-Free™ models also present convenience and energy savings to light commercial and commercial applications. Wind-Free™ 1-Way Cassette models boast a wider supply air outlet opening and angle to increase air-throw across the space while in standard operating mode. Wind-Free™ 4-Way and Mini 4-Way Cassette models feature motion detection sensors to allow monitoring of occupancy to adjust unit operation according to its configuration. Bringing Innovative Technologies Select Wind-Free™ Cassette models have the ability to provide 100% heating performance at 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-15 degrees Celsius) with high heating output at -13 degrees Fahrenheit (-25 degrees Celsius). Wind-Free™ residential models are Wi-Fi enabled allowing control and monitoring from anywhere through Samsung’s SmartThings application. Users can remotely regulate temperature, adjust settings, receive real time updates about performance and daily energy usage, as well as troubleshoot solutions when a repair is needed. Samsung will continue to bring innovative technologies to the HVAC industry.

Reliable Controls is pleased to announce the official release of the SS3 Deep Backplate. The SS3 Deep Backplate is an accessory that facilitates surface mounting without the need to cut an opening in the wall. In support of this objective, the backplate has a knockout that is sized perfectly for Wiremold, or it can be ordered with an optional conduit coupler for use with wiring enclosed in ½” electrical metallic tubing. This accessory is ideal for gas-sensing or wireless models or mounting on an exterior wall where thermal bridging could influence sensor readings. It is designed to fit and cover single-device electrical boxes and is compatible with any device with the SS3 or SST3 form factor.

At the 2020 IIAR Natural Refrigeration Expo on March 15–18, 2020, Danfoss will introduce three new innovations: the complete integrated evaporator control panel, semi-welded plate heat exchanger, and digital gas detector. These products are the newest, most advanced components from Danfoss' industrial refrigeration solutions, which blend reliable hardware with intuitive software to create customizable intelligent, energy efficient, and cost-effective systems. These components, along with the rest of Danfoss' broad industrial refrigeration portfolio will be on display and available for live demonstration at Booth 827. Danfoss’ advancements in innovative, custom integrated control solutions enable stronger, more intelligent distributed and central systems controls for industrial refrigeration systems. intelligent control and automation These technologies increase energy efficiency, ensure food safety, and help refrigeration systems transition to alternative, climate-friendly refrigerants. Available for new or retrofit projects, Danfoss' complete integrated evaporator control panels are factory-programmed and configured to the user's specific application and support multiple defrost methods, all while controlling flooded and DX evaporators. Its ammonia gas detection automatically closes hot gas and liquid feed valves and turns off evaporator fans. Lastly, the panel includes an evaporator microprocessor controller with either a door- or remote-mounted display and is packaged in a custom enclosure specific to its appropriate environment. Danfoss General Manager Art Marshall will discuss further developments in distributed and central systems control technologies during the company's Technomercial on Tuesday, March 17 from 12:00 to 12:30 pm. semi-welded plate heat exchangers The risk of contamination is reduced due to the barrier that will drain potential leaks outside the plate pack Danfoss is excited to introduce the new SW19-59 range of semi-welded plate heat exchangers, which are specifically designed, crafted, and tested to fit ammonia-based industrial refrigeration applications. The SW19-59 range offers outstanding thermal performance due to its optimized plate geometry that supports high turbulent flow, enabling a compact design and lower charge. Operational safety is essential in ammonia applications, so the company engineered a new gasket system to ensure high gasket stability and optimal plate alignment, enabling fast and easy installation, service, and maintenance while preventing gasket-blow out. Furthermore, the risk of contamination is reduced due to the glue-free, double-gasket barrier that will drain potential leaks outside the plate pack. Next generation gas detection Danfoss' digital gas detectors and sensors are precalibrated to match specific refrigerants, applications, and safety requirements, ensuring a safe and regulation-compliant system. With a comprehensive set of safety features, basic to heavy duty Danfoss digital gas detector models offer improved accuracy, simplified operator handling, automatic self-diagnostics, password-protected alarms, and a smart calibration process that rejects sensors with low life-expectancy. Collectively, these features minimize risks based on system settings, calibration, and service errors for continuous safety. For the first time ever, the digital gas detectors will be on display in a harsh weather habitat to demonstrate their durability and environmentally-resistant performance.

There was plenty to see and appreciate at AHR Expo in Orlando. And there is good news to report: Innovation is alive and well in the HVAC market. Some new products on display demonstrated genuine ingenuity. Exhibitors had enthusiasm to spare as they shared what’s new in the market with this first-time visitor to the show. HVAC is not a new market, but it is changing and, in some regards, re-inventing itself. The vibrancy, variety and sheer size of AHR Expo showed off the newest and best the industry has to offer.  ‘Better Way to Heat and Cool’ Electronics highlighted the benefits of inverter systems -- "a better way to heat and cool" -- at their press event at AHR Expo. Despite the advantages, HVAC contractors are pushing back at the new, less familiar systems. The industry is at a "crossroads." Inverter systems have variable-frequency drives that control the speed of the compressor motor, enabling lower power consumption – operating at a partial load as Innovation is alive and well in the HVAC marketLG opposed to a full load. For example, an inverter system may use only 20 amps compared to 90 amps for traditional systems. The systems are quieter, too. There are also now inverter systems for ducted systems – "the space in between that nobody is talking about". New "hydro kits" can also extend the benefits of the systems, providing radiant floor heat or the ability to melt snow from a driveway. LG Electronics also introduced a new line of IP-based controls, aimed at the 97% of commercial buildings that are 100,000 square feet or less, many of which don't have building automation systems. The controller can be used in lieu of integrating with third party systems, which can add costs. They also are introducing predictive analytics that can consider multiple conditions over time and then predict things that may happen, such as maintenance requirements. The company also emphasized the benefit of LG as part of a range of products the company provides for the home, from OLED televisions to appliances to robotic vacuum cleaners. There is an opportunity for all the devices to be connected to an LG panel and "drive the experience." Monitoring Indoor Air Quality Airthings was a new exhibitor at AHR Expo, located off the beaten path among the high-numbered booths. Even so, the company had a great show with “enormous interest,” said Oyvind Birkenes, CEO. Airthings has an indoor air quality monitoring system, with a battery-operated, wireless sensor as the main component. There Some new products on display demonstrated genuine ingenuityare actually seven sensors inside the device, monitoring radon gas, CO2 level, temperature, humidity, VOC levels, pressure and ambient light. The device can be easily mounted on the wall and provides data every 5 minutes, which is sent to the cloud to be analyzed. The cloud system provides an overview of data, which is customizable. Users can set notification levels and/or download air quality reports. The system can also be integrated with building management systems (BMS) or other dashboard displays. A hub can manage up to 50 of the sensors for larger systems, in effect, a fully independent local network. Birkenes said the device provides a “disruptive” upsell opportunity for various platforms. Cooling Towers Making a Comeback A new era of cooling towers includes products that are modular and built on a smaller scale for tighter locations, says Neal Walsh, HVAC Business Manager, Baltimore Aircoil Company. “We’re turning the concept of cooling towers on its head,” said Walsh. The new concept leverages the energy efficiency advantages of cooling towers, while opening new applications to the technology. The modules of the product can be put in place by a forklift, and it is less than half the size of a traditional cooling tower. Up to six of the devices can be installed in A new era of cooling towers includes products that are modular and built on a smaller scale for tighter locationsa row with a control panel. Low water usage enables the system to be flushed and refilled once a day – no expensive water treatment needed. In all, it is less expensive to install and maintain, and could be installed inside a building, on a roof or anywhere there is space. The product is popular with school districts, which seek to avoid refrigerants. The new design is driving a “resurgence in popularity” in the market, said Walsh. Plastic Pipes with Easy Waterproof Sealing Uponor displayed pipe systems made of PEXA (cross-linked polyethylene) plastic, featuring “crosslinking thermal memory.” The pipe returns to its original shape when heated. It is available in ½-in. to 4-in diameters for residential or commercial installations. A special tool can be used to expand the pipe to accept a fitting, and then the pipe returns to its original shape when heated to create a water-tight seal without glue or solvents. The pipes can be used for radiant heating applications, and Uponor offers “roll-out” mats (pre-assembled configurations of pipes) for easy installation.  Through a partnership with a Serbian company, the company also now offers polypropylene pipe for larger applications. There was plenty to see and appreciate at AHR Expo in Orlando SPVU Systems with Greater Efficiency Bard offers “single-package vertical units” for commercial applications in space-confined systems, whether the application is equipment cooling or “creature Many products demonstrated at AHR are also big in the education marketcomfort,” said Paul Quigley, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing. The factory-sealed systems ensure greater durability for mission-critical applications, such as telecommunications, data centers, etc. Bard’s products are also big in the education market (especially portable classrooms). Their line has been completely redesigned and reconfigured by Bard’s engineers; they have replaced nine major product families (and 10 million product iterations) with just two categories. The new models meet the Department of Energy’s 11EER minimum energy conservation standards for Single Package Vertical Unit (SPVU) air conditioners and heat pumps – a 22 percent increase in efficiency. They can also remove 35% more humidity than other units. The new systems use recycled denim for insulation (instead of fiberglass).  Leveraging the Benefits of UV-C UV Resources highlighted the use of UV-C spectrum light for HVAC applications. They have a germicidal lamp system that uses UV-C to penetrate the HVAC coil to eliminate microbial buildup. It keeps coil surfaces, drain pans, air filters and ducts free of organic buildup and works better than pressure washing or chemical treatment. The company also displayed a germicidal UV fixture that can be wall-mounted at 7 feet or higher in a room. Special louvers direct “germicidal irradiation” at an upward and outward angle and create a zone of UV-C to kill germs and minimizes the dosage in the lower area of the room. It's useful in doctors’ offices, public buildings, etc. LG Components’ New Compressor LG Components launched a new product – a fusion compressor (hybrid) that merges the best of rotary systems and of scroll technology. Durability-improving innovations include a more sensitive vacuum prevention device and a stronger, stress-tested discharge reed valve that withstands the harsh operating conditions posed by refrigeration applications and limits excessive sound levels. It is compatible with multiple refrigerants, including R-404A, R-507, R-407A, R-407C, R-448A and R-449A; the compressor has a capacity range of 1-6 HP Catch up on our Day One Review here. or our Day Two Review here.

Technologies such as machine learning and the internet of things (IoT) are taking their place alongside more traditional products at AHR Expo in Orlando this week. Performance of the industry’s historic product mix continues to improve from the standpoint of efficiency and sustainability, and elements of the industry’s “digitization” are making it even better. The “smart building” has finally arrived in earnest. “Our world is changing,” said Jenny Stentz, Area Vice President, Building Solutions, North America, for Johnson Controls. “Our customers are talking about it everywhere we go. They are demanding more control over the environment they occupy, and that is driving change.” Collaborating With Customers For Efficient Solutions  In the case of Johnson Controls, the changes are being implemented in the context of a collaborative relationship with customers; in effect, they are working Changes are being implemented in the context of a collaborative relationship with customerstogether with customers in the co-development of solutions that deploy the latest technologies. The massive amount of data available from today’s systems, when analyzed using new artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools, yields opportunities for more efficient systems for customers. Johnson Controls offered a panel discussion on “Changing Customer Demands” to kick off the AHR Expo. The deployment of “digital assets” alongside JCI’s product mix can have a practical impact on energy usage, saving in the range of 20 to 40% of the costs of operating a system, says the company. “Together, they drive the outcomes our customers are looking for,” said George Oliver, Johnson Controls’ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Oliver added: “We try to put the customer at the center of all that we do. We try to understand the questions and be ahead of the curve.” Pushing The Digital Message JCI is continuing to invest to improve its product mix — in the range of $650 to $700 million in the last year. Investments include development of a state-of-the-art facility in Norman, Okla. There is also a training center, and the company continues to invest in the Navigator platform. “We have truly focused on being a products company, which really focuses our investment,” said Mike Ellis, Executive Vice President, Chief Customer and Digital Officer, Johnson Controls. “It all depends on our ability to leverage what is right in front of us.” JCI positions itself as a “pure-play” buildings company that is IoT-aware. There were other companies pushing a digital message on the first day of AHR Expo, too. For example, Delta showcased a comprehensive suite of building automation technologies built around the theme “Smarter Buildings, Smarter Cities.” Their booth showcased the ability to improve operating efficiency and reduce energy usage by combining various Delta products, including building automation solutions from Delta Controls Inc. and LOYTEC. Panasonic highlighted new technologies, including a system that suppresses pollutants and odors using nano-sized electrostatic atomized water particles. Delta’s O3 Sensor Hub combines multiple temperature and occupancy inputs with audio and detection accuracy enhanced by machine learning to provide more precise temperature reading and better control of other systems. Digital-era Machine Learning  Armstrong Fluid Technology highlighted Active Performance Management based on digital-era machine learning. The system optimizes the operation of equipment and makes recommendations about how operators can make the equipment work even better. The system operates on three levels. First, the Design Envelope intelligent devices (such as pumps and booster systems) send alerts and warnings about operation. Second, a systems optimization level considers data from a number of devices together; third, all the data is brought up into the cloud. The suite of solutions ensures that equipment runs at optimal condition. It prevents performance drift; furthermore, from population learning, the system improves the performance of a building over time. The system continues to learn by analyzing data from the population of assets connected to the cloud, including the large installed base of Design Envelope products. Exciting New Product Innovations Panasonic is highlighting the ClimaPure XE wall-mounted heat pump for cold climates. The ductless system features “nanoeX,” a built-in air and surface purification There were many companies pushing a digital message on the first day of AHR Expotechnology that reduces pollutants and odors. Nano-sized electrostatic atomized water particles are rich in hydroxyl (OH) radicals, which are effective at suppressing pollutants and odors. Friedrich highlighted the VRP Variable Refrigerant Packaged Heat Pumps, which provide VRF performance with single package simplicity. The “VRF in a box” solves more design problems than complex systems like VRF and 4-pipe systems. The product offers best-in-class cooling performance, super-efficient heating, true humidity control, and conditioned fresh air to help building owners achieve ASHRAE 62.1 compliance for commercial buildings and 62.2 compliance for residential buildings. Bradford White is showing the AeroTherm Series Heat Pump Water Heater that provides hot water more efficiently using technology to transfer heat from the air into the tank. The yearly energy savings is around $304 versus an electric tank. The pump can quickly pay for itself. Read our review of Day Two of the show here.

Smart homes are a key focus at CES 2020, the world’s largest technology event, January 7-10 in Las Vegas. The giant show features more than 170,000 attendees, 4,500 exhibitors and 1,100 industry thought-leaders featured on the CES stage. A range of technologies will be on display, from artificial intelligence (AI) to 5G, vehicle technology to AR/VR (augmented and virtual reality), robotics to home automation. smart home environment The role of intelligent HVAC systems in the smart home will be featured at the show, and the impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) on HVAC systems (among other technologies) will be prominent. HVAC is an element that provides measurable value in the smart home environment. The Nest intelligent thermostat is almost a decade old. In the years since its introduction, HVAC has become even more intrinsically integrated into the intelligent home. “Market players are looking to expand beyond established smart home devices like smart thermostats and networked cameras to products like smart water leak detectors, smart pet feeders, and smart air purifiers,” says Elizabeth Parks, President, Parks Associates. Electronic door lock approach The Resideo T-Series smart thermostats support wireless Smart Room Sensors “For the smart home market at CES this year, we expect to see numerous announcements regarding home awareness,” says Blake Kozak, Senior Principal Analyst at IHS Markit. “The impact of this [event] for the smart home could be about delivering home analytics and enhancing privacy through cloudless architectures and new electronic door lock approaches,” he adds. An example of home analytics is the Resideo Home app, introduced in December, which will make whole-home monitoring possible for four critical networks of the home – water, air, energy and security. Resideo promises a “simplified and integrated smart home experience.” The Resideo T-Series smart thermostats support wireless Smart Room Sensors to balance and prioritize temperatures in the home. air management controller Daikin North America will be showing the Daikin One+ smart thermostat, an intelligent home air management controller. Beyond a typical smart thermostat, it is a controller for a full professional HVAC system with a growing ecosystem of air quality modules to give consumers more control over the air they breathe and a premium HVAC experience. OxiCool is launching HomeCool, a clean and resilient AC technology. It is designed to provide clean and silent air-conditioning for the home. The product can be configured to operate off solar thermal, natural gas, propane or electricity. It uses no harmful refrigerant and only four natural elements—earth, water, fire and air. The clean technology uses molecular sieves in vacuum-sealed units made from stainless steel and uses zero GWP water as its refrigerant. unified solution to consumers “Consumers who already own smart home products are buying more devices,” says Parks. “A key issue to address though is the lack of purchases occurring with the non-owners of these devices. Despite purchase intentions being high, consumers are not making the purchase to move adoption of products. After 10 years of being in the market, smart thermostats still only have about 11-13% adoption rate in the U.S." "In 2020, we will see companies working to provide a unified solution to consumers through professional installation and also continue to see the single-point solution pushed to get consumers in the door with a single product and expand from there.”

When Pine Valley Ranch, a Spencerville, Ohio-based egg-breaking facility was looking for an energy efficient way to wash 600 cases of eggs an hour they turned to Consolidated Hunter, a local heating contractor, and Pickrel Brothers, a provider of industrial heating supplies to help present options. Their recommendation? Install six Weil-McLain SlimFit 750 commercial high-efficiency hot water boilers. “We’re an egg-breaking plant,” explains Evan Fleck, an owner of Pine Valley Ranch. “Our eggs come straight from the barn and are immediately washed. Then they are broken, separated and chilled. Once this is done, they are loaded into liquid tankers and shipped to be pasteurized. Every step of the process is important, especially the washing of the eggs. We need plenty of hot water for that, as well as for other daily operations.” Efficient production process The 4.5 million BTU/hour Pine Valley heating system supports seven individual heating zones The 4.5 million BTU/hour Pine Valley heating system supports seven individual heating zones. The first three zones are dedicated to the egg washing machines and supported with 750 BTU/hour boilers. The fourth and fifth zones support the clean-in-place equipment (990,000 BTU/hour heat exchangers) while the two remaining zones are for the indirect fired water heater and the on-site plant mixing station. “Every zone is critical to ensuring a high-quality, efficient production process,” says Fleck. “We have more than 900,000 chickens at this facility and they produce a lot of eggs. The Weil-McLain boiler systems provides a consistent source of hot water to accommodate this large number.” Wide range of commercial installations SlimFit boilers have been serving the heating industry since 2009 with rugged, cast horizontal heat exchanger sections that provide thermal efficiencies up to 95.8% (SlimFit 1000 & 1500 models). The boilers feature a low pressure drop design, with large water passageways to accommodate a wide range of commercial installations, including retrofit and replacement applications with older water systems. Other standard features include a composite condensate tray for heat exchanger longevity The larger SlimFit 1000-2000 models feature a narrow ‘door-fit’ profile and integrated roller casters for improved installation maneuverability in confined spaces and weight restricted areas, saving contractors time and money. Other standard features include a composite condensate tray for heat exchanger longevity, customizable control mounting location (front or side) and leveling legs, which mitigate the need for a concrete service pad. Typical heating operation conditions Control features include a setup wizard that guides the installer through the start-up process and 10 preset typical heating operation conditions. The SlimFit also features zone stacking up to 24 programmable zones without the need for additional external panels and 0-10 VDC analog output signal for easy integration with a lag boiler in a hybrid system. “We really appreciate how the Weil-McLain boiler-system enhances our operation,” says Fleck. “The equipment was installed when the facility was built so they’ve been part of our production process from the beginning. Running a plant of this size always presents challenges, but our hot water needs are not one of them.”

Fort Worth's historic downtown art-deco Sinclair building, now a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel, boasts its new variable refrigerant flow (VRF) HVAC system which raised the first-floor ceilings and cleared the roof for a new bar. Baird, Hampton & Brown (BHB) provided civil, electrical, and mechanical/plumbing engineering design services to make the building one of the most technologically advanced hotels in the world. Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system As part of the renovation, BHB's mechanical engineers were tasked with replacing the building's traditional hydronic heating and cooling system with the increasingly popular variable refrigerant flow (VRF). VRF is a type of air-conditioning system that adjusts refrigerant flow to different areas of a building as needed, instead of distributing large quantities of refrigerant at all times. This technique creates practical zoning, giving occupants the ability to adjust their space temperature to their preferred comfort level. An added advantage is that VRF is one of the most sustainable systems on the market. "The VRF system helps The Sinclair be a more efficient and smarter building. A hotel room's AC unit will respond to the person who walks in and automatically know what set-point temperature they are looking for," stated Gibran Michel, BHB Associate and Senior Mechanical Designer. VRF outdoor units BHB's design of the hotel's VRF system was the firm's largest to date. Since VRF does not require as much ductwork and space as a traditional HVAC system, the team was able to raise the ceiling heights and bring in ornate windows on the lobby level. In addition, the VRF outdoor units were placed in the alleyway instead of the roof, which made room for a rooftop bar. The Sinclair held its grand opening in January 2020 and now offers a unique and modern experience while maintaining its stylish look and feel, thanks in part to its advanced VRF HVAC system.

A construction project in Calgary, Canada, called Cube, features several firsts. It’s the city’s first office-to-residential space conversion and real estate developer Strategic Group’s first re-purposing project. It’s also the first building in Canada to feature the latest advancement in condensing boiler heating technology from Weil-McLain. The Cube – a 52,000 square-foot, seven-story building in Calgary’s Beltline neighborhood –features 65 one and two bedroom residential rental units and is just a short walk from the city’s downtown area. Once the aging Stephenson office building, the 38-year-old building was converted to new residential and rental units in 2019. Latest Boiler Technology Cities like Calgary have seen office building vacancy rates as high as 27% in the past few years" The building’s developer, Ash Mahmoud, Managing Director of Calgary-based Strategic Builders Inc (SBI), the construction arm of Strategic Group, which owns, manages and develops office, retail and apartment properties across Canada, oversaw the conversion project. “Cities like Calgary have seen office building vacancy rates as high as 27% in the past few years,” said Mahmoud. “Rather than let downtown buildings go unused, it has been one of our core missions to convert them into residential.” In addition to incorporating contemporary designs and styling finishes, Mahmoud also sought the latest in boiler technology to heat the new development. High Efficiency Boiler System To conduct the HVAC overhaul, Mahmoud turned to Nu-Mun Contracting, a Calgary-based HVAC company offering commercial and residential plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning services. Working with SBI and the project engineer, David Muncaster, owner of Nu-Mun Contracting, devised a strategy to convert the building to a high efficiency boiler system and recommended specification of the latest advancement in condensing boiler technology: the Stainless Vertical Firetube (SVF) from Weil-McLain. Eric Cameron, project manager with Nu-Mun Contracting, oversaw the boiler installation at the building. “We have a long standing relationship with Weil-McLain, and we trust the quality of their boilers,” said Cameron. “The SVF boilers were the perfect match for the space.” Simplify Installation And Operation The SVF also meets all market-driven bid specifications, and is designed for most heating needsTo meet the building’s heating style and load, the team installed two SVF 1100 MBH high-efficiency condensing gas boilers in the building. The SVF boilers features thermal efficiencies up to 97.1%, a clover-shaped stainless steel fire tube heat exchanger for corrosion resistance, and the intuitive and user-friendly Unity™ control system to simplify installation and operation. “With superior thermal efficiencies, the SVF line offers cost savings and energy efficiencies that could allow owners to qualify for local utility rebates, if available,” said Craig Demaray, National Sales Manager with Weil-McLain Canada. “The SVF also meets all market-driven bid specifications, and is designed for most heating needs including applications in schools and other educational facilities, public institutions, healthcare buildings, offices, hotels, multi-family, churches and more.” Multiple Boiler System The high-water content design of SVF heat exchanger means a low loss header is not required providing cost savings so the boilers can simply be piped in a primary-secondary design. The on-board Unity™ control system allowed the boilers to communicate with each other in a Multiple Boiler System (MBS). A master boiler controls the modulation and sequencing of the boilers on the network In this configuration, a master boiler controls the modulation and sequencing of the boilers on the network to achieve the desired system supply temperature. “With the automatic sequencing feature, the boilers communicate directly with one another so they sequence themselves and rotate as needed,” said Cameron. “They operate to optimize energy use and efficiencies. When heat is required, the boilers will stage on as needed.” Time-Saving Installation The Cube conversion project was completed in 12 months and more than two-thirds of the building is already leased to residents. Mahmoud praised the experience with Nu-Mun Contracting. “Working together with Nu-Mun was a seamless operation,” said Mahmoud. “It was a really great relationship and, as a result, the job was a complete success.” The start-up and installation progressed smoothly in part due to the way these boilers are designed" “The start-up and installation progressed smoothly in part due to the way these boilers are designed,” said Cameron. “The SVF boilers offers time-saving installation features that include heavy-duty roller casters for improved maneuverability in confined spaces, industrial-grade leveling legs, and an end-shot burner design requiring only 18 inches overhead space.” Low Operating Costs Mahmoud appreciates the ease of maintenance that the boilers offer for the building staff “The boilers are really user friendly,” said Mahmoud. “We can even conduct the annual maintenance on the units ourselves to keep them in tip-top shape.” In addition to offering class leading serviceability, the new boilers also offer low operating costs and are expected to bring energy savings and a reduction in gas usage to the facility. But most important, Mahmoud reported that tenants are extremely pleased with the climate and comfort of the building.

Indoor comfort technologies from LG Electronics spotlighted at the 2020 AHR Expo, helped transform a 1920s art-deco office building into a brand-new luxury boutique hotel. The Sinclair, a Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel, is featured in a new case study debuting at the 2020 AHR Expo show (booth No. 6343). Future-Ready Technologies The Sinclair Hotel aims to create an unforgettable and luxurious experience for its guests in a classic 1929 building in downtown Fort Worth, Texas. The hotel’s owner and management team sought state-of-the-art technology to power, sustain and manage the entire property while maintaining the historic building’s unique design and architectural details. The Sinclair Hotel required individual control of its HVAC system throughout 164 guestrooms The hotel required individual control of its HVAC system throughout 164 guestrooms (featuring 50 different room types) and sufficient heating and cooling for the lobby bar, reception area and large basement restaurant. With this in mind, the hotel management team identified LG as a company that was not only able to fulfill a myriad HVAC needs, but also create a full building ecosystem with its range of cutting-edge technologies across an expansive portfolio. Powerful Air Conditioning Technologies In the hotel’s quest to be low-voltage, the management team has employed what is believed to be one of the world’s first applications of Power-Over-Ethernet (PoE) to a large array of end points, to help achieve many of energy-efficiency and forward-thinking goals for the Sinclair’s desired level of technological ability. With PoE installed throughout the property, a variety of LG’s award-winning products will provide a low-voltage and energy-efficient solution for this forward-thinking partner. LG’s award-winning Multi V IV Heat Recovery Units were selected for their ability to provide individual room comfort for each space within the larger property. The Multi V IV also contributes to the building’s energy efficiency, high performance and flexibility in design and installation options. Installation versatility was considered to a key factor as the historic building was restricted in regard to lower ceilings as well as limited space for out-door equipment. AC Smart controller Local HVAC and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) experts, Texas Air Systems, recommend the installation of a variety of indoor solutions that ensure a quiet conditioned space, including LG’s Art Cool Mirror and Ceiling Cassettes, to accommodate the tight ceiling area within guest rooms. The unit’s quiet operation supports a tranquil guest room environment and contributed to the decision behind their selection for this property. The technology works unnoticed, contributing to the comfort and experience of a guest’s stay. LG’s AC Smart controller allowed for seamless handling of the HVAC system for the management team. This innovative control solution for a variety of applications offers a single LG platform that drives both variable-refrigerant-flow technology and energy efficiency. Property managers can now easily manage set and monitor the building’s heating and cooling performance with ease. Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) technology The LG connected outdoor units with slim, space-saving features were installed on the exterior of the building Prior to installing LG’s Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) technology, the building relied on an old chiller system to condition the entire building. The old chiller required a great deal of space in the building’s lower level. After switching to VRF, the hotel was able to gain a great deal of usable floor space for the large lower level restaurant. In turn, the LG connected outdoor units with slim, space-saving features were installed on the exterior of the building. LG has created industry-leading VRF technology to minimizes efficiency losses, provide sustainable energy savings and offer some of the lowest life cycle costs of any system on the market today. For similar costs as a traditional system, The Sinclair now has a highly reliable, energy-efficient HVAC solution that delivers comfort and convenience for its occupants. Stunning OLED TVs and Displays “Creating an unforgettable experience for my guests is of the utmost importance as a developer, and I work with some of the most innovative and forward-thinking partners around the globe when developing my properties,” said Farukh Aslam, Chief Executive Officer, Sinclair Holdings. He adds, “I am very sold on LG’s technologies and the results are quite impressive, thanks to its amazing energy-efficiency and quietness, contributing to the tranquil atmosphere throughout the property.” With an eye toward implementing cutting-edge technology, the developer also incorporated a stunning array of LG OLED hospitality TVs into every guest room – the first hotel to have OLED TVs in every guest room. LG OLED technology is a high-end category of displays that deliver a picture with incredible color LG OLED technology LG OLED technology is a high-end category of displays that deliver a picture with incredible color, even from wide viewing angles. It uses self-lighting pixels that can be individually turned on and off for exact control of image brightness and quality, delivering infinite contrast ratios optimized for high-dynamic range content. In addition to the guest room displays, a number of other LG commercial displays are also featured throughout the property’s public spaces – including the lobby, restaurants and bars. “Thanks to our strong relationship with Sinclair’s owner and building managers, there are multiple products across an array of LG business units installed throughout the property,” said Donald Decker, Director of Owner Sales, LG Air Conditioning Technologies. High efficiency AC technologies Donald adds, “Aligning with a partner like The Sinclair on our shared goals to power the building of the future, allowed an ecosystem that connects our industry-leading air conditioning technologies and other LG products to create a comfortable, elevated experience for guests across the entire property.”

LG Air Conditioning Technologies USA is debuting two new case studies in the LG Project Profile Series - The Ebell of Los Angeles, a historic Los Angeles performance art facility, and The Lido House, an Autograph Collection by Marriott hotel, a high-end property in Newport Beach, California. The projects showcase how LG's unique heating, ventilation and air conditioning technologies can be applied in commercial environments where historic and design implications are of paramount importance. LG's Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) technology and ducted and duct-free solutions are making major inroads in the United States where the demand for high-performance, flexible HVAC technology continues to grow. LG's air conditioning systems are designed to minimize efficiency losses found in conventional HVAC systems, provide sustainable energy savings, and offer one of the lowest lifecycle costs of any system on the market today. LG's growing set of controls are helping building managers to seamlessly manage and regulate their systems with the simple touch of a button. The Ebell of Los Angeles LG's Air Handling Unit (AHU) Conversion Kits paired with Multi V 5 VRF condensing units were installed Opened more than a century ago, The Ebell of Los Angeles and the accompanying Wilshire Ebell Theater encourage the educational, cultural and social growth of the Los Angeles community. Working with a wide range of artists and promoters from around the world, the Theater brings performing arts to the diverse population of the city. Since 1927, the complex has been owned and operated by the Ebell of Los Angeles women's club, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994, solidifying its status as an iconic structure. With the need to replace old, inefficient cooling towers and a chiller system that only cooled the theater space, The Ebell of Los Angeles' management team sought a new, innovative HVAC solution to address the needs of the larger complex beyond the theater and the occupants. Ultimately, LG's Air Handling Unit (AHU) Conversion Kits paired with Multi V 5 VRF condensing units were installed. They could be easily mounted within the confines of the space and met the careful consideration of many preservation and aesthetic requirements. LG's industry-leading VRF technology was selected as it excels at sensible cooling and the modularity of the design enables the overall system to properly condition the varied spaces throughout the theater and event spaces despite the heating and cooling load changes caused by shifting occupancy. The Lido House, Autograph Collection by Marriott LG was identified as the ideal solution due to its expansive offering, design flexibility and energy-efficient units Designed with an effortless sense of style and definitive beach-house vibe, Lido House by Marriott has quickly become one of Newport Beach's favorite upscale destinations. The Lido House features 130 stylish guest rooms, along with five unique cottages – each curated by a local designer, paying homage to the unique ambiance and coastal lifestyle of the affluent community. The resort also includes a full-service restaurant, rooftop deck and full day spa for guests. With a location just minutes to the beach, the property often faces fluctuations in weather and temperature, necessitating an HVAC solution that provides year-round heating and cooling with superior energy efficiency. Once plans for the design were complete, LG was identified as the ideal solution due to its expansive offering, design flexibility and energy-efficient units. The Lido House management team specified LG's Multi V 5 and Multi V S VRF systems, both known for incredible energy efficiency, flexibility in design and installation options. The team also installed two LG AC Smart central controllers to help building managers effectively control the HVAC system throughout the main building space. "LG is continually focused on bringing the most innovative, energy-efficient and forward-thinking HVAC solutions and controls to customers across a range of projects, from iconic institutions to luxury hotel properties and everything in between," said Kevin McNamara, senior vice president and general manager, LG Air Conditioning Technologies USA. "We're challenging the industry standard with our suite of award-winning solutions and helping building owners, managers, architects and contractors better plan for and manage a variety of installations."

Johnson Controls will enhance classroom environments throughout three Tennessee school districts – a combined 22 schools – with projects estimated to be completed this fall. Updates throughout the districts will include infrastructure, energy management and water conservation strategies to address deferred maintenance and improve efficiencies. Energy Savings Performance  The school districts partnering with Johnson Controls include Lake County School District in Tiptonville, Overton County School District in Livingston and Smith County School District in Carthage. The combined $7.7 million in improvements are enabled through Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPC) and Tennessee’s Energy Efficient Schools Initiative (EESI). These engagements will help fund project implementations using guaranteed savings to offset the cost of the upgrades. The HVAC unit provides air conditioning in a gym that previously had no temperature regulating systems Lake County School District’s $1.6 million in improvements include LED lighting, Wi-Fi thermostats, window and cooling tower replacements, and an HVAC rooftop unit above the district’s high school gymnasium, completed in May. The HVAC unit provides air conditioning in a gym that previously had no temperature regulating systems. Upon completion, Lake County will have realized more than $1.9 million dollars in energy, operations and maintenance savings, guaranteed over the 16-year agreement. The district also utilized a Tennessee Valley Authority incentive to fund electrical needs. Energy savings “Through our partnerships, we can help Lake County, Overton County and Smith County School Districts capture energy savings that can be reinvested to address deferred maintenance and improve district learning environments.” said, Ryan Ball, Performance Infrastructure Account Executive, Johnson Controls “For years, our gymnasium has been uncomfortable for classes and graduations. The installation of air conditioning is a monumental step towards improving the comfort and productivity of our learning environment for students and faculty,” said Sherry Darnell, Superintendent, Lake County Schools. Partnering with Johnson Controls “Partnering with Johnson Controls not only allowed us to make necessary infrastructure upgrades that will help enhance energy and operational efficiencies, but also to truly understand what implementations were vital for our unique needs and goals.” Overton County School District is implementing $2.9 million to improve its infrastructure, including the installation of HVAC rooftop units, LED lighting, energy management systems and water conservation methods, as well as boiler, pump and WSHP unit replacements. These upgrades will result in $3.5 million in energy, operations and maintenance savings, guaranteed over the 12-year agreement. The district can then reinvest these savings into additional curriculum upgrades for students, including Advanced’s STEM Program, to foster a more creative and productive learning environment. Energy management systems Smith County School District’s energy efficiency upgrades include LED lighting and energy management systems Smith County School District’s energy efficiency upgrades include LED lighting, water conservation methods and energy management systems. The $3.1 million in improvements will also be used to install access controls, in addition to the replacement of its cooling tower, boiler and pumps, WSHP unit and PTAC unit. These updates will help the district provide a more comfortable, efficient and safer learning environment for students and faculty. Upon completion, Smith County School District will have realized over $5.6 million dollars in energy, operations and maintenance savings over the 12-year agreement, allowing for these savings to be reinvested into additional student resources, including Advanced’s STEM Program. STEM Program “Through our partnerships, we can help Lake County, Overton County and Smith County School Districts capture energy savings that can be reinvested to address deferred maintenance and improve district learning environments,” said Ryan Ball, Performance Infrastructure account executive, Johnson Controls. “These improvements will help further the mission of each school and enhance student and faculty comfort and productivity.” Johnson Controls has a long history of working with K-12 schools and educators throughout North America to create environments that inspire and engage both students and faculty. Through Performance Infrastructure projects, we have helped 1,018 schools modernize equipment and building systems, improve infrastructure and energy spend, and address on-going maintenance needs.