Flammability

The European Commission and Öko-Recherche recently presented the preliminary findings of the F-Gas review study. The study notably models the degree to which F-Gases could be substituted in RACHP equipment until 2050. Eurovent considers the substitution scenarios unrealistic and has expressed skepticism about the modeling assumptions used by the study consultant. Review of the study The study notably foresees that hydrocarbons could be used in up to 90% of small heat pumps as of 2025, and in all large split air conditioners and VRFs as of 2030. Eurovent data on the current market penetration of non-fluorinated refrigerants show that this modeling is completely unrealistic, raising questions on the assumptions that underpin it. Review study would form the basis for potential amendments to the F-Gas Regulation Moreover, the study consultant appears not to have considered the regulatory and standardization barriers which still significantly prevent flammable refrigerants from being used in heating and air conditioning equipment in many EU countries, unlike for the commercial refrigeration sector where these restrictions have already been eased. These preliminary results are worrisome because the review study would form the basis for potential amendments to the F-Gas Regulation, which could result in unfeasible requirements. Authority Comments Francesco Scuderi, Deputy Secretary-General of Eurovent: “Facilitating the transition to lower-GWP refrigerants is one of Eurovent’s core ambitions and, in this context, we have always been big advocates of the F-Gas Regulation. With the review ongoing, we have been working closely together with European Commission and the study consultants to see how to further improve the current framework. That said, we are puzzled by the preliminary findings of the review study." "Except for the commercial refrigeration sector, where non-fluorinated refrigerants already represent a preponderance of new products brought to the market, we see no realistic pathway from the current situation to the substitution milestones that were conjured up by the models. The study puts the global competitiveness of our industry on shaky grounds, which would be a big win for fossil fuels.” Concerns Eurovent has submitted its concerns to the European Commission and study consultants and is working with partner associations to mobilize a common industry response. The European Commission is expected to publish its proposed amended F-Gas Regulation still in 2021, which would be followed by an F-Gas Consultation Forum meeting 6 weeks after.

  The release of the new Optyma™ condensing units and MTZ/NTZ compressors—following the qualification of valves and line components in 2020—means Danfoss has the widest portfolio of A2L-ready refrigeration solutions compatible with R1234yf, R454C, and R455A refrigerants. With increasingly strict requirements to lower the Global Warming Potential (GWP) level of refrigeration systems, cooling professionals have an opportunity to start the green transition today by switching to A2L refrigerants with a GWP level below 150. And because change takes time, Danfoss will guide you through the refrigerant transition with frontline knowledge of growing requirements—and provide the products that are A2L-compliant and safe to install. The perks of being A2L-ready The transition to ultra-low GWP refrigerants is just on the horizon, with the next high-GWP HFC phase-down step coming at the end of 2021 with a 55% reduction versus the 2015 baseline. A2L refrigerants offer cooling professionals a cost-effective option that maintains a conventional system design while significantly minimizing the GWP level. In practice, a refrigerant like R1234yf offers a 99% reduction in GWP compared with A1 refrigerant R134a—achieving that result without any added complexity. The comprehensive range of A2L-ready condensing units, compressors, and components ensures that we are prepared for the green transition when you are. Danfoss Optyma™ condensing units The new Danfoss Optyma™ Slim Pack and Optyma™ Plus multi-refrigerant condensing units feature a future-proof design compatible with both A1 and A2L refrigerants—all in a single unit. You get the same highly serviceable units you know and love, designed to operate with A2L refrigerants safely and without complexity: “A2L refrigerants are environmentally-friendly solutions that meet increasingly tough restrictions—but do require specific safety testing and design due to their mild flammability. The new Optyma™ condensing units have been ignition-proof tested in independent laboratories and designed with risk-mitigation precautions, such as a sealed electrical box, holes, and louvers to ensure the refrigerant’s dilution—giving installers peace of mind,” says Rogerio Salhab Federici, Head of System Solutions at Danfoss Climate Solutions. This powerful combination translates into an economically viable solution that one can implement today Featuring a high energy-performance ratio, the updated Optyma™ condensing units enable one to gain higher energy efficiency while reducing energy consumption and indirect emissions. This powerful combination translates into an economically viable solution that one can implement today—backed by the complete portfolio of A2L-ready components. Multi-refrigerant, A2L-ready compressors Complementing the new condensing units, light commercial and commercial compressors are A2L-ready. The well-known MTZ and NTZ reciprocating compressors—for mid and low-temperature applications respectively—are now qualified for use with R454C and R455A refrigerants and come in a multi-refrigerant setup. Plus, the scroll version will be A2L-ready by Q3 2021—giving you a complete range of compressor solutions compatible with ultra-low GWP refrigerants.

Hi-line Industries, a UK manufacturer of high-quality compressed air purification equipment, has released the 2021 version of its energy-efficient Tundra refrigeration dryers. Most notable among the enhancements is a switch of refrigerant to R513a in models up to and including Tundra 115 (115 cfm, 195 m3/hr capacity). An HFC/HFO blend, R513a refrigerant has no ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) and a much reduced CO2 impact in comparison with the previous R134a refrigerant. As a result, customers can rest assured that Hi-line is continuing its commitment to sustainability in manufacturing by minimizing its carbon footprint. F-Gas regulation The F-Gas regulation means that refrigerants with a GWP (Global Warming Potential) of more than 2500 are now subject to a ban. However, while R134a is below this limit and remains legal, it is sufficiently high for the regulation to stipulate an incremental phasing-down of production quotas to help reduce environmental impact. R513A is widely viewed as the optimum replacement. Sustainable and non-toxic R513a is an A1 safety group refrigerant and is neither toxic nor combustible Importantly, R513a is an A1 safety group refrigerant and is neither toxic nor combustible. Unlike flammable refrigerants, R513a is subject to less stringent regulations in handling, maintenance intervals, and compulsory leak tests, thus saving time and money. Switching to R513a builds on the sustainable credentials of the Tundra range, which is already renowned for its optimized energy efficiency via capabilities such as minimal pressure drop and lower absorbed power. Energy savings Reduced energy consumption is vital in an ultra-competitive marketplace, which is why Hi-line has worked hard to offer customers a dryer solution that drives down energy costs. The company’s integrated Direct Expansion technology delivers a constant +3°C dewpoint, unlike a chilled mass dryer, which can be as high as +10°C during its thermal cycle. Furthermore, the single-cell, all-aluminum heat exchanger module provides highly efficient heat transfer at a low energy cost, while a further notable energy-saving attribute is the variable-speed fan, which only consumes the energy necessary to meet essential operational needs. Robust model A robust, high-quality build standard is another attribute of these class-leading dryers. For instance, by controlling the fan speed on the refrigerant circuit there is no need for fan-pressure switches, which can often become defective in dryers of this type. The fewer moving parts, the more reliable the product, making it ideal for applications that include workshop air and machine air in general manufacturing, as well as further uses in sectors that include packaging, textile, food, beverage, medical, dairy and automotive. Comes with a dryer selection Hi-line’s standard Tundra range is available ex-stock from the company’s Burton factory for next-day delivery. Six models in the series feature R513a refrigerant, with dryer selection based on factors such as maximum compressed air flow, lowest operating pressure, maximum ambient air temperature, and maximum air inlet temperature. Expert assistance from Hi-line’s applications team can help customers to select the optimum dryer. Noting the carbon footprint As a final note, since the UK’s departure from the EU, new legislation has entered force concerning the import of Freons. Any company importing pre-charged refrigeration equipment that carries a CO2 impact of more than 100 tonnes per annum is required to register on the Environment Agency website for an F-Gas account and record the CO2 amount in tonnes relating to those imports. As Hi-line imports the refrigeration units for its Tundra range, the company has successfully obtained a new license and fully discloses its imports and volumes in order to comply completely with the legislation.

Danfoss has expanded its popular range of microchannel heat exchangers, with a new version optimized for use with low-density, low-GWP refrigerants like R1234ze and R515B. The new, world-first technology solves a key design challenge for OEMs transitioning to ultra-low GWP refrigerants such as R1234ze and R515B—especially in large air-cooled chillers using screw and centrifugal compression. Typically, the low density of these refrigerants makes system performance highly sensitive to pressure drops. But thanks to optimized micro-channel tube geometry, the new, optimized microchannel heat exchangers (MCHEs) provide the ideal balance between maximum heat rejection and internal refrigerant pressure drop. As a result, OEMs can realize a 20% reduction in refrigerant pressure drop at the component level and transition more easily to low-GWP, low-density refrigerants. CO2 reduction goals This change marks over a decade of innovation in MCHE as the key technology for high-efficiency systems that require a lower refrigerant charge. It enables OEMs to realize CO2 reduction goals while reaping all the benefits of customized MCHEs: High energy performance Lower refrigerant charge Sustainable build These new MCHEs also mark a step forward for Danfoss in its broader roadmap for tackling energy efficiency and refrigerant change. The ultra-low GWP refrigerant R1234ze is an increasingly popular choice for HVACR applications, as it’s widely available with a GWP below 5 and has the lowest flammability of all A2L-rated refrigerants. R515B is also growing in popularity, as it has an AR5 GWP of 299 and an ASHRAE A1 safety classification. low-density refrigerants Jeff Tucker, Head of Micro Channel at Danfoss, explains: "The climate crisis is the biggest challenge we face, and the innovations we’re seeing today will play a crucial role in our global future. So we’re really excited to be creating new opportunities for our customers to transition to low-GWP, low-density refrigerants—and see the impact that has on CO2 emissions and energy efficiency." "While the new MCHE technologies mark a big step towards this goal, it is not new to Danfoss", adds Luigi Zamana, Danfoss global senior director of Marketing A/C and Heat pumps. "We were pioneering with Danfoss Turbocor back in 2014, then we have developed and qualified a wide portfolio of expansion valves, sensors, and line components. With the potential of these medium-density refrigerants, we’re not stopping there. We will be introducing a range of large scroll compressors. So expect more exciting new developments soon."

When choosing a chiller, there’s more to reducing emissions than the choice of refrigerant. Following is what one needs to know about chillers and new, low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerant alternatives. 3 Things To Know About Safety Some refrigerant alternatives are mildly flammable: All high-pressure refrigerant alternatives have some degree of flammability. To use these alternatives safely, there are significant implications on product configuration, installation cost, and overall risk. The use of mildly flammable refrigerant is new in commercial chiller applications: All safety standards and building codes need to be finalized so customers know to how safety install and use the equipment. These standards will minimize risk. When possible, select non-flammable: The position of Johnson Controls is to utilize A1 (lower toxicity and non-flammable) refrigerants, especially in YORK® chillers where there are alternative, non-flammable solutions that achieve similar performance and capacity. 3 Things To Know About Cost  Next-generation refrigerants are more expensive: Today, chemically complex refrigerant alternatives like HFO blends are more expensive than HFCs, and it is expected that this alternative will remain more expensive than today’s HFC prices for years to come. These refrigerants can drastically impact equipment costs: Some refrigerant alternatives negatively impact capacity and efficiency when just dropped in. To overcome these impacts, costly changes would be made, like increased compressor size, increased condenser size, and/or increased refrigerant charge. Additional expenses are associated with the use of mildly flammable refrigerants: Even when applied safely, these fluids require special handling, training, and insurance, which adds cost. 3 Things To Know About Regulations Johnson Controls is heavily involved in refrigerant regulation discussions: Working closely with refrigerant producers, government regulators, and other equipment manufacturers provides an opportunity for practical transitions with appropriate investments. HCFC refrigerants have phase-out dates: The Montreal Protocol mandated HCFC phase-out is proceeding per plan to globally prohibit the use of R-22 and R-123 in new equipment, and will eventually prohibit its production. The Kigali Amendment has identified phase-down goals for HFC refrigerants: In some regions, refrigerants like R-134a and R-410A will start to be used less frequently in new equipment. But complete elimination or a phase-out of HFC refrigerants has not been finalized. 3 Things To Know About Environment Drop-in replacements can increase energy usage: Some refrigerant alternatives harm energy efficiency. Systems that are not optimized perform less efficiently, increasing overall operating costs and fossil fuel usage. The refrigerant properties address the smallest part of a chiller’s potential emissions: Total building efficiency – including chiller plant optimization – has the most significant impact on global warming potential. Total Equivalent Warming Impact (TEWI) is a more complete measure of environmental progress: The TEWI standard considers both the direct impact (refrigerant) and the indirect contribution (energy consumption) to greenhouse gases. More than 95% of total chiller greenhouse gas emissions are attributable to the burning of fossil fuels versus the impact of refrigerant leakage. For example, a modest 1.6% improvement in chiller efficiency is enough to completely offset direct R-134a refrigerant emissions. operational efficiency YORK® makes business decisions based on the business – the best refrigerant solution depends on the application. YORK® chillers have been, and continue to be, the best at operating efficiency in real-world conditions – reducing emissions, improving the environmental impact, and protecting the financial bottom line – now, and in the future.

MANN+HUMMEL air filters for room ventilation systems comply with the latest fire safety standard EN 13501 class E (normal flammability). An external fire safety assessment confirms that MANN+HUMMEL air filters, both individual components and the filter as a whole, do not increase the risk of fire spreading or the development of smoke gases in the case of a fire. “In order to guarantee the efficient and, above all, safe operation of an HVAC system, building operators should definitely consider an air filter’s fulfillment of fire safety standard EN 13501 alongside filter and energy efficiency,” explains Frank Spehl, Director of R&D Europe for the Life Science & Environment Air Filtration division at MANN+HUMMEL. Fire safety standards The fire safety of room ventilation systems in buildings is regulated by EN 15423. For air filters, it states that materials must be classified regarding reaction to fire under EN 13501-1. EN 13501 has replaced DIN 53438, which is still cited in many tenders. EN ISO 11925-2 continues to be used as the basis for testing, but smoke development and dripping are also evaluated. Both are important additions to preventative fire safety that were not taken into account in the old DIN 53438. Components that give off a large amount of smoke or drip when burning significantly increase fire risk to humans. Smoke Prevention  Smoke in particular is more dangerous to humans than the fire itself, as it can lead to smoke poisoning and suffocation. Preventative fire safety is given considerably more regard through EN 13501. 

The education field was faced with multiple challenges this past year. Not only did the COVID-19 pandemic bring the necessity of online learning, but it has also brought up necessary changes to physical schools and universities, when reopening time arrives. The health and safety of students, staff, and faculty has become a priority for directors of school operations, who have been working to properly adapt school facilities to this new reality we are facing. Ensuring health and safety of students Besides safety measures like the addition of hand sanitizers, reinforcing the use of masks and social distancing, these professionals were faced with an even bigger and more important issue: ventilation and airflow indoors. School facilities have many unique features that increase the concerns regarding indoor air quality. Occupants are usually very close together, considering that school buildings have four times as many occupants as office buildings for the same amount of floor space (EPA). Variety of pollutant sources According to the WHO, the virus can also spread in poorly ventilated and/or crowded indoor settings Other issues include tight budgets, the presence of a variety of pollutant sources (including specialty classrooms, like art, gyms, and labs), concentrated diesel exhaust exposure due to school buses in the property, and a large amount of heating and ventilation systems that may cause an added strain on maintenance staff. On top of that, schools usually have to worry about child safety issues, concerned parents, and wellbeing of faculty and staff. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus can also spread in poorly ventilated and/or crowded indoor settings, where people tend to spend longer periods of time and aerosols particles tend to be suspended in the air, which leads to the importance of indoor air quality in classrooms. Importance of natural ventilation and HVAC systems Natural ventilation and HVAC systems are the basic methods to bring clean air indoors, however, schools that rely only on these methods of ventilation need to be aware of their potential limitations. HVAC systems, for example, should have regular maintenance checks and filter changes, in cases where the system is less sophisticated, schools need to add new forms of air purification to effectively mitigate airborne pathogens. Studies showing quality of air in US schools Studies have shown that low-standards HVAC ventilation systems may contribute to airborne diseases transmission due to low air exchanges rates, poor maintenance and lack of high-efficiency filters. For this reason, portable air cleaners are becoming more and more popular to create a healthy learning environment. EnviroKlenz, an indoor air quality company, conducted real-life setting studies to show the quality of the air in schools in different areas of the United States. The study measured the amount of particulate matter in classrooms, with and without the use of additional portable filtration systems, which allowed for comparison and analysis of the benefits a portable air cleaner can provide. National EPA standards for indoor particulate matter The study also compared the current data to the national EPA standards for indoor particulate matter (PM), in order to evaluate the performance of the EnviroKlenz Air System Plus. The IAQ meters focused on PM1, which is about 1 micrometer in size (70 times smaller than the diameter of human hair!). The systems ran in operational educational environments, with daily schedules being carried out as usual and results can be seen below. School directors of operations also must pay attention to the different technologies available in portable air cleaners. With the growth of the industry, new emerging technologies have come up, and there’s still lack of third-party testing to prove their efficacy. Other technologies, like carbon filters, do not work against airborne pathogens and may release harmful byproducts back into the environment. EnviroKlenz Air System Plus EnviroKlenz Air System Plus, which utilizes a patented earth mineral technology to capture pathogens, is at 99.9% efficiency The EnviroKlenz Air System Plus, which utilizes a patented earth mineral technology to capture virus, bacteria and other harmful pathogens, is at 99.9% efficiency and is complemented by a medical-grade HEPA filter and UV-C lights, was also tested against a carbon-based air cleaner in a classroom. As shown below, the carbon system struggled to keep consistency, with peaks and valleys throughout the day. Meanwhile, when the EnviroKlenz Air System Plus was turned on, the PM1 levels were steadily low for over 4 consecutive days. Deploying portable air cleaners in classrooms Adding a portable air cleaner to classrooms and common areas will increase air exchange rate and mitigation efforts, but the long-term benefits go beyond the pandemic. Studies have shown that good indoor air and ventilation rates are directly linked with students’ academic achievements and can increase performance. High CO2 levels in a school environment are also associated with lower average annual attendance and worse individual test performance. Other long-term benefits include reducing symptoms of those who suffer from respiratory diseases and creating a favorable environment not only for students, but also for teachers and staff; while bringing a sense of comfort and well-being to parents and the community. Combined benefits of air filtration, ventilation, and purification “When we’re operating more normally, maybe we’ll be able to cut down on some of the traditional flu-peaks that schools have, or cold peaks, that kids just bring into school, by managing the airborne virus and bacteria quality,” said Peter Twadell, Head of School at Birches School in the US, and an EnviroKlenz Customer. School officials need to consider the combined benefits offered by filtration, ventilation, and purification methods to create the healthiest environment possible. Thinking in a pandemic-conscious mindset, air quality has gained the recognition it deserves in creating a proper and healthy learning environment.

How grooved solutions have been making contractors and engineers reimagine the way they construct risers in vertical buildings? Enter into the right pub, or head to a city’s museum or town hall, and you can often find a picture of how the surrounding area used to look. An image from twenty years ago and the difference isn’t too vast. Fifty years back and there’s a definite change. A picture from over a hundred years ago and it’s practically unrecognizable. And what’s the common theme running through these images? Cities are getting taller. As more people migrated to urban areas, developers saw the need to go higher. But with this comes its own unique set of challenges. How can the safety of ground floor be transferred to, in the most extreme case, level 163? Grooved mechanical pipe joining solutions When it comes to high-rise buildings, there are a number of potential challenges for a piping engineer To find out how grooved mechanical pipe joining solutions are helping developers & engineers go higher, we spoke to Matthew Strohm, Director of Product Development (Piping System Design) at Victaulic. When it comes to high-rise buildings, there are a number of potential challenges that a piping engineer will need to take into consideration, most of which relate to thermal movement and the resulting forces on the building. Other issues such as seismic activity and building creep (the natural movement of a building due to settlement) also need to be taken into account. Compensating for thermal expansion and contraction Specifically related to piping systems and subsequently, pipe joining solutions, is the unique problem of having to compensate for thermal expansion and contraction, while at the same time, accommodating for higher pressure. Change in pipe diameter is not an uncommon concern for engineers, however, providing a solution which could operate at a pressure gauge of 25 bars, or the fluctuating temperature of water, presents its own challenges. It’s with these issues in mind that engineers choose their joining solutions, which is why these are the very criteria we set our Victaulic pipe joining solutions against. Grooved vs. Traditional Pipe Joining For decades, the traditional solutions for joining pipes have been welding, threading or flanging. These are good solutions to choose from, but there is a distinct lack of flexibility in a solution that fuses or flanges system components together. This is where flexible grooved couplings come in. They are solutions that allow controlled linear and angular movement at each joint to accommodate not only for thermal expansion and contraction, but also building sway and creep. So how do flexible grooved couplings manage this? It’s essentially down to the design of their components. The dimensions of the pipe coupling housing key is narrower than the pipe groove, allowing room for movement. Furthermore, the width of the pipe coupling housing allows for pipe end separation, which in turn allows the grooved pipe joint to accommodate movement. Benefits of Grooved couplings There are many benefits of grooved couplings, with space-saving being a key advantage on projects, both large and small There are many benefits of grooved couplings, with space-saving being a key advantage on projects, both large and small. As many project managers and engineers know, saving on space can be the key to unlocking extra value above initial planning. Additionally, grooved couplings are perfectly placed to accommodate for piping movement, whereas welded joints that in their very nature are designed to be fixed in place, need to have an area of space to allow for a welded expansion loop or alternatively, enough space to allow the star-pattern tightening of a flanged flex connector. Saving time, money and labor Besides the savings on space, grooved connections offer contractors savings in three key areas: time, money and labor. The installation-ready design of Victaulic’s grooved couplings allow for an easier installation, meaning a process which might take 30 minutes through a welded solution for instance, can now take just five minutes. As any contractor will testify to, this is valuable time that can be used for other parts of the project. With a reduction in time comes savings in cost and labor. Naturally, less labor is used for the same job and in the case of grooved couplings, less skilled labor is required (in comparison to the high skill level needed for welded joints). It’s these aspects that will ultimately deliver contractors with valuable project savings. Grooved connections offer savings in three key areas: time, money and labor Mechanical riser solutions There are 3 ways to accommodate for thermal movement within risers using a grooved mechanical system: The first method is called top of riser free-floating method and involves installing rigid couplings on the riser and two flexible couplings on the horizontal adjacent piping at the top of the riser, which can reduce the need for riser clamps or other structural during installation and allows the system to move freely within the design tolerances. The second method involves working with grooved expansion loops that help to save up as much as 2/3rd of the size of welded U-shaped expansion loops and avoids forced welded pipe deflection. While welded expansion loops require eight welded joints to assemble, the forces exerted on the joint are far greater than those applied on a grooved expansion loop, and generate greater stress, which ultimately requires larger anchors and guides in order to direct the movement. The third method is working with grooved expansion joints instead of traditional in-line expansion joints, which typically have wear parts and manufacturer-recommended maintenance cycles of five years, which also poses problems due to riser accessibility once the construction is complete. Grooved expansion joints like the Victaulic Style 155 are maintenance-free for the life of the system. Importance of anchors In a system using only flexible joints, risers are installed with anchors at the top and bottom and the piping guided every other length to prevent angular deflection at the joints within the piping run. Anchors distribute the movement forces across the structure and also provide the important task of directing pipe movement. At the pipe anchor location, there will be no differential movement between the piping and the building structure, which forces the pipe to thermally expand or contract from that location. This allows the design engineer to control how and where the movement in a system occurs and to provide the best solution to accommodate that movement. A10 Grooved Riser Anchors upgraded A good manufacturer will always listen to customer demand, especially in an evolving market A good manufacturer will always listen to customer demand, especially in an evolving market. Off the back of strong feedback from contractors, Victaulic recently upgraded its A10 Grooved Riser Anchors to a standard product. With the primary functions of carrying the weights and forces that act downward to the base of the riser and connecting the riser to the rest of the structure, the anchor has been providing sturdy support for some of the tallest buildings around the world. Future trends for high-rise buildings One trend already taking place, and I expect to continue, is contractors bringing riser experts into the project at an earlier stage. It just seems to make logistical sense to operate in this fashion. it’s a more efficient use of time to collaborate early in the process. I believe contractors and engineers will seek assistance from companies such as us to help design blueprints together, working in tandem to produce the right solution. Vertical buildings are on the rise. For generations, people have been moving to urban areas, putting greater demand on housing residents and employees. Through the use of grooved coupling solutions as an alternative to traditional methods, contractors can benefit from greater flexibility, reliability, ease of installation and ultimately and most importantly, speed of the installation process.

As a Managing Director of a company that provides temperature and humidity solutions to predominantly the warehousing and industrial sectors, I thought I would share my dilemma that I’m sure other business owners and managers also face. I don’t pretend to know the answers, but thought it might be worth sharing some of the considerations that I’m facing in whether to reshape, recruit and build or hunker down until the World, Europe and the UK offers some sort or predictability. I promise to not refer to ‘new normal’, masks or social distancing as this is extensively covered elsewhere. Context Our business has seen steady growth in the past 5 years, as a result of our efforts to create and retain relationships with customers who value our offer. Our focus has always been to offer solutions to large scale complex HVAC projects. We invest heavily in intellectual talent sponsoring PhD and MSc students, to keep us on our toes and develop leading edge solutions. We also feed off each other and our network of equally talented suppliers. My dilemma as Managing Director is do I continue our ambitious Research & Development (R&D), IP and Business Development or throttle back and take a cautionary approach until the economy offers a more certain platform? ‘Fortune favors the brave’ they say, but when you have a good business and employees look to business managers to ensure their livelihoods, how brave is brave? The Dilemma Immediate transactional or contractor resources are easy to obtain with the right screening and due diligence Immediate transactional or contractor resources are relatively easy to obtain with the right screening and due diligence, but for more developmental strategic roles, do you recruit in an emerging post pandemic, catastrophic employment forecast, that to in a mid/post Brexit world? From my personal perspective, it boils down to attitude, communication, enthusiasm and buy-in from everyone in the company. Nothing new there, but it feels that the stakes are higher so confidence is key. Do we or don’t we? Inaction is the riskiest response to the uncertainties of an economic crisis. Rash or scattershot action can be nearly as damaging. Rising anxiety (How much worse are things likely to get? and for how long is this going to last?) and the growing pressure to do something often produces a variety of moves that target the wrong problem or overshoot the right one. Within the world of HVAC, changes to legislation, environmental considerations, technological changes and research and development might be slowed or influenced, but won’t stop as a consequence of the immediate economy, which is a good thing. Recruiting on a need basis Many companies recruit when needed, to fill a vacant position or when a large project demands more manpower than the current headcount supports. This approach is obvious and addresses immediate transactional and resource needs. Using headcount as a KPI for growth, at a glimpse may illustrate positivity, but may be signaling a stop gap and may not be a true indicator of strategic growth. Of all the things I have observed over the last 5 months, reading the news, talking to colleagues and peers, a few things have stuck out for me, such as how companies have treated their employees, customers and suppliers, how creative and flexible some big organizations have been in responding to market changes and demands and how, despite uncertainty, their core business skills, intelligence and ability enabled them to prosper in a new and unforeseen environment. Finally, how companies will be remembered post crisis. Robust business planning The ability to respond quickly to market changes relies on creativity and attitude My belief is that those companies that have and continue to float to the top had the key ingredients of a successful business, enabled by capable enthusiastic talent that were given the opportunity to shine. These people weren’t hired to fill a stop gap, but rather these people were hired as part of a robust business plan. So, ‘do we or don’t we?’ Our philosophy at Jet Environmental Systems is to have a solid platform, identify future markets, trends and technologies and hire the absolute best people that we can to get us there. Recruitment in our business is a process that supports our strategic development and so for us our answer is yes, have confidence and continue to invest in the best talent. The ability to respond quickly to market changes relies on creativity and attitude with support from equally enthusiastic management who create the opportunity for individuals who present this talent to grow. Conclusion I hope the thought process I’ve shared has been useful, for me it has been a checkpoint in whether our choice of investment in people is right, not just now but in all situations. For me, it’s a resounding yes! I think we will create opportunities by having vision and giving people opportunity.

Millennials have been shaped by their experiences growing up with technology and by their heightened awareness of the environment. These facets of a consumer market dominated by millennials will guide the future of the HVAC market over the next several years. Each generation reshapes markets in their own image. In the case of millennials, trends and behaviors are influencing how companies design new solutions, including those in the world of HVAC. Sustainable solutions and personalized experiences Millennials place a premium on sustainable solutions that reduce their environmental impact Millennials place a premium on sustainable solutions that reduce their environmental impact. Millennials also want more personalized and convenient experiences, and they value enhanced customer service support. New systems designed with a personalized and ecological mindset are amplifying efficiency and convenience and giving unprecedented control to create a truly connected home for technophilic millennials. Future HVAC products to cater to millennials The challenges of catering to millennials is one of the trends LG Electronics has listed among those likely to impact the HVAC industry in the months and years ahead. The trends are directly guiding LG’s product mix, including WiFi-enabled indoor units and LG’s Smart ThinQ application, which put the ability to control a home’s comfort system at the consumer’s fingertips. Here are some other trends to watch, listed by LG Electronics, when looking ahead to 2021 and beyond: Greener solutions on the horizon: Beyond appealing to millennial sensitivities, green solutions have a long list of their own advantages. Industry providers are responding by creating more sustainable and efficient products to enable customers to reduce their carbon footprints. LG Inverter air conditioning systems are designed to minimize efficiency losses, provide sustainable energy savings and contribute to lower lifecycle costs. More efficiency and reduced costs: Geothermal heat pumps have quickly proven themselves to be an alternative energy source, offering both warming and cooling capabilities. They are a highly effective and renewable energy source that can transfer heat from the ground to cool and heat buildings. Minimizing greenhouse gas emissions: Connecting HVAC to the electrical grid highlights the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Air-to-water heat pumps and other solutions can generate cooling and heating from one unit, thus furthering the transition from natural gas, fuel oil or coal. Fulfilling the need for new employees: The next generation of HVAC engineers and technicians requires training programs. LG Air Conditioning Academies provide training and skills programs around the world to empower the new generation of HVAC professionals. The impact of COVID-19: The pandemic has created a need for greater safety precautions within the HVAC industry. Remote working trends and additional precautions will likely continue to impact the industry even post-pandemic. LG HVAC systems are evolving to better aid the road to recovery and to prepare for the new normal with optimal solutions for the ever-changing challenges.

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

HVAC systems are the most common home repair, representing 19 percent of service incidents facing homeowners. More than half of homeowners (53%) have faced a home repair emergency of some kind in the past 12 months. Furthermore, about a third of homeowners have US$ 500 or less set aside to pay for emergency home repairs, with some 17 percent having no money at all set aside for emergency home repair work. 10th Edition of the Biannual State of the Home Survey These are among the results of the 10th Edition of the Biannual State of the Home Survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of HomeServe USA Corp., a provider of home repair solutions in the U.S. and Canada. The survey carried out covered 2,026 U.S. adults (of which 1,454 are US homeowners) was conducted during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. HomeServe’s real-time repair data shows that customers are continuing to require urgent repair help during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Greater strain on home infrastructure and HVAC systems More Americans are putting extra strain on their homes’ infrastructure and major systems More Americans are putting extra strain on their homes’ infrastructure and major systems. As parents are spending more time working from home, and the children are in home schools, the shortcomings of existing systems are becoming more obvious, especially as the summer temperatures rise. In the current uncertain times, comfort is more of a need than a luxury. Concerns about air quality in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is occurring at the height of the allergy season, are also driving new business for HVAC technicians.    Technicians using personal protective gear at homes Service technicians are using proper social distancing protocols and personal protective gear (PPE) while performing maintenance and service tasks at consumers’ homes. Consumers want to know what companies are doing differently to protect their customers during the pandemic. At the very least, installers should keep contact to a minimum and meet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local requirements to contain the spread of the coronavirus.  Following social distancing protocols in repair works “We’re wearing gloves, washing our hands between calls, wearing masks, and we have sanitizers and soaps in our cars, making sure we are maintaining safety,” said Michael Concannon, Repair Technician for Bell Brothers, located in Sacramento, California, USA. There is also an opportunity for HVAC companies to provide expert advice on subjects that customers are asking about now, such as indoor air quality. In the midst of economic uncertainty, routine maintenance can provide greater peace of mind, as well as extend the life of equipment. Consumers to foot bill for home repair work According to the HomeServe survey, many homeowners do not know it is their responsibility to pay for home repairs According to the HomeServe survey, many homeowners, especially younger ones, do not understand that it is their responsibility to pay for home repairs. Many mistakenly believe repairs will be covered by a city/municipality, a water utility, or a homeowner’s insurance. “The findings of the latest survey clearly show that homeowners, especially younger ones, are unaware of their responsibility when it comes to common home repairs,” said John Kitzie, HomeServe USA Chief Executive Officer (CEO).  Smart financial planning tools John adds, “HomeServe seeks to educate homeowners and to provide them with smart financial planning tools so they are prepared when an inevitable home emergency strikes.” HomeServe USA serves more than 4.4 million customers across the U.S. and Canada under the HomeServe, Home Emergency Insurance Solutions, Service Line Warranties of America (SLWA) and Service Line Warranties of Canada (SLWC).

The mining industry uses a variety of corrosive chemicals in the extraction process of minerals such as gold, silver, platinum and other valuable raw materials. In the extraction of gold, for example, chemicals that are used in the process (ie., sodium hydroxide and sodium cyanide),  require to be constantly heated at certain temperatures in large containers (up to 50,000 gallons). Replaceable heating elements These temperatures also require precise controls in order to maintain their consistency and effectiveness. The mining industry has used Wattco immersion heaters to help them solve this problem. With the help of highly resistant alloys used with our tubular elements, seamless tubing as well as a well calculated watt density, Wattco was able to provide replaceable heating elements that would heat up the chemical solutions to efficient levels using digital SCR controllers to help maintain the required temperatures. Skid mounted systems were also used in sister facilities that assisted in transport A redundancy system was also engineered to allow for emergency situations and help protect the valuable product and avoid any downtime in the process. Skid mounted systems were also used in sister facilities that assisted in transport and modularized the heating system in anticipation of additional heating and power requirements. Benefits of Wattco immersion heaters are as follows: Even dangerous and corrosive liquids can use electric heating to assist in the extraction of valuable commodities without the use of flammable heating source such as gas. Safety and virtually maintenance free electric heating can be used in large tanks without the need of access holes from the side of the tank. Precise controls can be used to maintain sensitive temperatures in dangerous areas.

A large manufacturer of steel cables from Detroit, Michigan contacted Wattco with a problem that the cables they manufactured were corroding in their warehouse and needed a solution to prevent this from happening. Steel products that often sat in inventory for long periods of time were more prone to corrosion. Traditionally, light lubricating oil was used to coat the cables, preventing rust from settling in. The cables were exposed to a steam heating tank, containing light oil at ninety-five degrees Fahrenheit. The problem was that the oil had a lower than average viscosity and tended to disappear after a period of time. Oil immersion heaters Oil that has a higher viscosity can solve this problem. It would coat the cables and offer a longer storage life than before Oil that has a higher viscosity can solve this problem. It would coat the cables and offer a longer storage life than before. The trick was to heat it up to 220F, and make the oil more viscous without sacrificing the quality of the cables. Wattco provided 12 immersion heaters, each with 9KW 480V 3PH that had control panels and a redundancy system that prevented downtime. Thermocouples for heater safety Two thermocouples were used – one for temperature control and the other for high limit shutoff to safeguard the heaters. The heaters were also overrated to provide the customer additional power available.  120,000 LBS of cable was able to be treated with oil reaching 210 degrees temperature. Wattco suggested a high limit setting of 275 degrees to avoid overheating. This was easily programmed in the digital temperature controllers. Once we installed the new system, the process was monitored for 6 months and found no additional signs of corrosion. Benefits include: No maintenance costs on process heaters Safety temperature controller that prevents overheating Cables are fully protected from corrosion Electric industrial heaters are fairly inexpensive and last for years

Underfloor air conditioning systems and HVAC systems pioneer, AET Flexible Space, has announced that the company won the title of ‘Retrofit Project of the Year’, at the H&V News Awards 2020, for its work supplying its HVAC system for the refurbishment of the 24 St James Square building, in London, United Kingdom. Underfloor AC system installation The judges commented that the project was ‘an innovative use of building services, which addressed the challenge of a historic site with low ceiling height and extensive period features’. They also particularly highlighted the benefits of the flexibility of AET’s underfloor air conditioning technology. They highlighted the benefits of the flexibility of AET’s underfloor air conditioning technology One of the key challenges presented by the refurbishment of the Grade 2 listed 24 St James Square property was the need to simultaneously preserve key architectural features of the building, while at the same time, also providing flexible, modern, and premium office space that would suit the requirements of incoming tenants. Flexible air conditioning at each floor plate The re-modeling of the office interiors at all levels of 24 St James Square building was driven by seeking to maximise floor space and take full advantage of views from the double aspect interior, as well as providing flexible air conditioning at each floor plate. This would simply not have been possible with a conventional ceiling-based air conditioning system. M&E Consultant for the 24 St James’s Square project, Vic Holloway, from Edward Pearce LLP commented, “At the outset of the design process, it was clear that the refurbishment delivered significant challenges in delivering fully serviced accommodation, while maintaining respectable floor to ceiling heights.” AET downflow units installed Vic Holloway adds, “The AET downflow units promptly stood out as the obvious candidate for several reasons, including having the absolute minimum requirement for floor void height, and offering excellent distribution of cooling, heating and ventilation evenly across the whole floor, whilst reducing energy consumption.” Underfloor air conditioning CAM-V system AET Flexible Space’s underfloor air conditioning CAM-V system was perfectly suited to this complex project AET Flexible Space’s underfloor air conditioning CAM-V system was perfectly suited to this complex project, because it makes use of the space beneath a raised access floor, in order to create the air ventilation path, eliminating the need for ceiling-based services and associated duct and pipework, and thereby maximizing floor to ceiling heights. The high floor-to-ceiling heights and preservation of the windows and original ceilings also created a brighter and more airy office environment. Converting residential buildings into Class A office space Refurbishment of existing buildings has been identified as a key way to increase the sustainability of the construction industry, especially in densely built-up cities like London. However, converting residential buildings into Class A office environments is often a major challenge. AET’s underfloor systems are perfectly adapted to this challenge, as they require minimal adjustments for installation, and provide all the necessary heating and cooling for a commercial building. The 24 St James project has already won the ‘Best Office Architecture London’ award at the 2019 International Property Awards, and space is currently being let as Grade A listed office space, by BNP Paribas Real Estate.

In today’s industries, digital control panels find a broad range of applications. As system controllers in industrial settings, they are responsible for controlling and regulating the operation of various equipment and devices. Apart from enhancing efficiency, flexibility, and reliability of running devices, panels like temperature control panels allow engineers and technicians to easily monitor heat and other various parameters such as pressure, voltage, and so on. Safe installation and equipment standards In potentially hazardous settings, specially designed control panels are used to reduce the risk of explosion. There are various standards and guidelines that are used in the design and fabrication of explosion-proof control panels. To start with, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) provides a set of guidelines that must be complied with when designing enclosures for industrial applications. NEMA provides a set of guidelines that must be complied with when designing enclosures for industrial applications In North America, the National Electric Code (NEC) defines standards that ensure the safe installation of equipment and electrical wiring. The Atmosphères Explosives (ATEX) provides standards that describe the use of equipment in explosive atmospheres. In addition, there are various agencies that test equipment to ensure that they comply with the applicable standards. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and Factory Mutual (FM) test equipment and issue compliance certifications. Although the list of bodies and agencies that define standards is virtually endless, the rules and guidelines that they provide are similar in many ways. Protection mechanisms In explosion-prone industrial settings such as oil and gas hazardous environments, ignition sources can easily trigger the combustion of flammable substances such as vapors, gases, dust, and so on. Such ignition sources include electric arcs, hot surfaces, thermite sparks, flames, electromagnetic radiation, smoldering deposits, and electrostatic sparks. Several different protection mechanisms serve to prevent an explosion from these ignition sources. Protection concepts Various protection concepts are used when designing control panels for hazardous industrial environments. The explosion-proof protection layer is a popular mechanism. This mechanism employs specially designed enclosures to encase digital control panels. For large panels, the purge and pressurization method isolate them from the hazardous environment. The third protection layer, intrinsic safety, works by limiting energy to ensure that ignition does not occur. This protection mechanism ensures that the components of any panel are incapable of producing enough energy to trigger the combustion of flammable gases. Design and fabrication of control panels An explosion-proof enclosure should be capable of containing the initial overpressure resulting from internal ignition. Secondly, the enclosure should have carefully designed flame paths to allow expanded gas to escape.   Apart from meeting these conditions, an explosion-proof design produces a temperature that is below what is capable of igniting gas and dust in the surrounding environment. This means that the operating temperature of explosion-proof control panels should be lower than the minimum temperature necessary for the ignition of combustible gases in the surrounding environment to occur. Cooling Process How does an explosion-proof design prevent explosions from occurring? The presence of a carefully calculated series of gaps in an enclosure provides expanding gas with an escape route. As the expanded gas escapes from the enclosure to the external environment, it cools and loses most of its energy. The cooling process makes it incapable of causing an explosion thereby ensuring that a facility is safe. Control Panel Materials Most explosion-proof enclosure designs use cast metal, fabricated steel, stainless steel, cast aluminum, or fiberglass Most explosion-proof enclosure designs use cast metal, fabricated steel, stainless steel, cast aluminum, or fiberglass. Each enclosure is expected to withstand a hydrostatic pressure that is at least two times the maximum explosion pressure. This parameter, together with flame path requirements, varies from one division/zone of protection to another. Enclosure designs comply with NEMA 7, 8, 9, or 10 specifications depending on their environment of the application. Explosion-proof control panels find applications in industries that have demanding safety requirements. They are widely used in the oil and gas industries, wastewater industries, manufacturing industries, and other processing industries. In all these cases, the enclosures may differ in design depending on the NEMA specifications that they are designed to comply with.

Boiler manufacturers Baxi Heating and Worcester Bosch have installed hydrogen burning boilers at ‘HyStreet’, in specially built demonstration houses at DNV GL’s specialist test site at Spadeadam in Northumberland, United Kingdom. The site has been used to complete over 200 tests, researching and proving the safety of converting homes and gas networks to hydrogen. The project is part of H21, a Network Innovation Competition project sponsored by Ofgem. Northern Gas Networks is leading the project with partners Cadent, Scottish Gas Networks, Wales & West Utilities, National Grid, DNV GL and the Health and Safety Executive’s science division. Combi boilers installed H21 is demonstrating how existing natural gas networks can be re-purposed to safely carry 100% hydrogen H21 is demonstrating how existing natural gas networks can be re-purposed to safely carry 100% hydrogen. For the first demonstration, both Worcester Bosch and Baxi Heating have installed combi boilers into the houses on HyStreet. The boilers have been developed as part of the UK Government-funded Hy4Heat program, which is also supporting the development of hydrogen-ready gas cookers, fires and gas meters. As around 85% of UK homes currently rely on natural gas for heating and hot water supply, re-purposing the natural gas grid for use with hydrogen would mean a low disruption option for householders to decarbonize their heating, without the need for extensive changes to their existing system. Tackling carbon emissions due to home heating Tackling carbon emissions resulting from home heating is utterly essential and one of the most difficult challenges in achieving net-zero emissions, given the need to make adaptations in almost every home. A growing library of studies and reports conclude that all viable scenarios for the UK to hit net-zero include hydrogen as a vital component. That is why Government and industry are working on various projects across the United Kingdom. Wide deployment of hydrogen boilers Tim Harwood, Northern Gas Networks’ Project Director for H21, said “Seeing the boilers in situ at Spadeadam is an exciting step in the journey to realizing our goal of a gas network transporting 100% hydrogen to customers. The hydrogen boiler looks and feels just like the natural gas version we all have today and is just as user-friendly, showing that a transition could cause minimal disruption to customers.” Dan Allason, Head of Research and Innovation, at DNV GL’s Spadeadam Research and Testing, said “Eight out of ten homes in the UK use a gas boiler to heat their homes and provide hot water and replacing all gas boilers with electric alternatives could be extremely costly. Both of the boiler manufacturers have developed options with their hydrogen ready prototypes to assist the switch to a lower carbon alternative.” Proof of concept and public acceptability We are delighted to be able to demonstrate this innovative new technology in a real-life setting in the UK" Dan adds, “Having these fitted to the HyStreet demonstration project at Spadeadam gives gravitas to the proof of concept and public acceptability of appliances such as these. The boilers are one of the first important steps.” Karen Boswell, Managing Director of Baxi Heating, said “This is an important step forward on our hydrogen journey and we are delighted to be able to demonstrate this innovative new technology in a real-life setting in the UK.” Zero-carbon alternative to natural gas Carl Arntzen, the Chief Executive Officer of Worcester Bosch commented “It is fantastic to see our prototype hydrogen boiler running successfully at this demonstration site. The boiler has operated seamlessly in its first month of operation and continues to provide both heating and hot water.” Carl adds, “It proves that hydrogen gas has great potential as a zero-carbon alternative to natural gas for heating and hot water in the UK and beyond. These initial tests are incredibly encouraging and will hopefully give key decision makers confidence to deploy hydrogen gas as a fuel for the future.”

As Albert Einstein once said, “We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” That wisdom has been put into practice in the form of a smarter approach in the way modular schools can be built and used. Pre-fabricated, modular classroom In 2006, the Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland, in partnership with the Council for Educational Facility Planners (CEFPI), held a national design competition, The Portable Classroom Design Challenge, to create a pre-fabricated, modular classroom unit that was environmentally sustainable, or green. This competition led to eventual development and installation of one of the most uniquely created modular spaces ever conceived, indeed the award winner of the design competition. Triumph Modular of Littleton, Massachusetts, in partnership with ARC/Architectural Resources Cambridge and builder NRB Inc., won the design challenge because of their revolutionary, new modular classroom. Relocatable Green Modular Classroom Relocatable Green Modular Classroom comes designed with many LEED-focused design elements Aptly named the Relocatable Green Modular Classroom, it's also the first modular classroom to be designed with many LEED-focused design elements. “Our goal was to create a high-quality, portable classroom that was green, one with environmentally conscious materials used in its design and operation. The design was smart in the way that it used resources and provided heat, light, unsurpassed acoustics and air quality within the space,” said Cliff Cort, Founder of Triumph Modular. In fact, it’s estimated that the Relocatable Green Modular Classroom performs 56% better, in terms of overall energy costs, than similar, older style modular units that often use almost three times as much of energy as a permanent school building. Wall-mounted heating and cooling equipment Thirty years ago, Bard Manufacturing Co. Ltd began solving the comfort needs of schools across the country by providing wall-mounted heating and cooling equipment. Bard’s products offer a combination of quiet operation, patented ventilation packages, unsurpassed quality and dependability that make them the #1 choice of many school officials. With three, state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and a global distribution network, Bard’s commitment to quality and product innovation begins with its commitment to research and development. Self-programming energy monitors and green refrigerants With features like self-programming energy monitors, unsurpassed energy efficiency, green refrigerants and the lowest acoustic profile on the market, Bard delivers products that provide tangible solutions for modern school facilities. Already impressed from their previous working experience with Bard, Triumph Modular wanted to incorporate the Quiet Climate 2 into their green modular design. “Building green is good for the environment, good for the wallet and good for the occupants of the building,” said Cliff Cort, adding, “And Bard’s HVAC unit is a big factor in why the Relocatable Green Modular Classroom performs as well as it does.” Green modular design Bard’s HVAC System in the Relocatable Green Modular Classroom Unit contributes to its high energy efficiency According to an independent third party analysis, the green modular design provides a 68% reduction in heating energy and a 49% reduction in cooling energy, most of which can be attributed to Bard Quiet Climate 2. An efficiently designed HVAC system is perhaps the single largest building component that can influence a building’s sustainability. Bard’s HVAC System in the Relocatable Green Modular Classroom Unit contributes significantly to its high energy efficiency and quiet, almost undetectable acoustic profile (37 bBHL) within the classroom. Quiet-Climate 2 heat pump Bard’s Quiet-Climate 2 heat pump is the most innovative wall-mount HVAC equipment ever made. Designed specifically to provide superior energy efficiency and quiet operation in classrooms, the Quiet Climate 2 uses green refrigerants and provides operating sound levels that are 20 to 35 times quieter than a standard wall-mounted heat pump. Bard’s Quiet Climate 2 can provide the following features: Higher energy efficiency and greater comfort through step-capacity technology Unmatched acoustical performance Sound levels vary with applications and construction techniques, but integrated operating sound levels as low as 35 dbA have been achieved when combined with Bard Quiet-Climate acoustical accessories Improved ventilation and Enhanced IAQ Continuous blower operation – without noise – keeping fresh air constantly in the classroom Optional UV lighting which keeps the coils free of bacteria and mold Enhanced filtration capabilities A one-piece factory unit designed for fast installation and easy servicing Additional sound curbing accessories including, an isolation curb and return air and supply air plenums The Carroll School  Serving over 75 communities around Lincoln, Massachusetts, The Carroll School was founded in part by Dr. Edwin Cole who wanted to provide a special school for children with language-based learning challenges. The Carroll School supports nearly 300 students, in grades 1 – 8, with a 3.4 student to teacher ratio using multisensory and individualized teaching methods for specific learning needs. Progressive by nature, The Carroll School’s thriving community brings children together in an environment that values their differences and remediates their learning difficulties. “Cliff Cort, a Lincoln resident and friend of the school, approached us with the idea to replace one of our existing modular building with the green modular design,” said Margaret Gebhard, Director of Finance and Operations at The Carroll School, adding “Our existing modular space was not a popular one with either faculty or students due to its poor lighting, sound characteristics and overall appearance.” Occupancy sensors and vestibule The classroom incorporates many unique green components, such as formaldehyde-free, low VOC paints Things changed when teachers, students and administrative personnel moved into the Relocatable Green Modular Classroom for the first time. The classroom incorporates many unique green components, including formaldehyde-free, low VOC paints and coatings that reduce off-gassing, occupancy sensors that conserve energy by turning the lights off, when people come and go, a vestibule that safeguards the inside from inclement weather while buffering outside noise and helps retain heating and controlling levels for its green and virtually silent HVAC system – the Quiet Climate 2. Enhancing schools’ energy efficiency Margaret adds, “The Relocatable Green Modular Classroom is truly amazing and smart to incorporate into any schools modular planning, we’re quickly approaching our original 3 year leasing agreement with Triumph and I see us keeping the Relocatable Green Modular Classroom around for many more years to come.” She further stated, “It has the best lighting, best HVAC system, and is the most energy-efficient building on our campus, which is why it’s also the most coveted space on our campus. Now we can not only say our kids here are special but now they have a truly special and smart environment in which to learn.”