Flammability

Staff of the Building Technologies Office (BTO), within the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, were pleased to attend the announcement of five new cooperative research and development agreements that Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has made with industry partners. The agreements will further advance DOE’s growing body of innovations that enhance the energy performance, sustainability, and safety of heating, air-conditioning, and ventilation systems (HVAC) and the refrigerants that drive them. America’s homes and commercial buildings use nearly 40% of the country’s energy and 75% of its electricity, and air conditioning is responsible for a significant share of those figures, constituting 15% of America’s home electricity use and 12% of its commercial electricity use. When refrigeration is included, those residential and commercial figures jump to 21% and 26%, respectively. Combined, air conditioning and refrigeration technologies account for almost a fifth of all building energy use in the United States. Improve energy efficiency in buildings Oak Ridge National Laboratory excels at translating scientific discoveries into new technology partnerships with industry" Air conditioning has always been and continues to be one of the most significant opportunities DOE has to improve energy efficiency in buildings, a particular point of emphasis in these five new cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) projects. “Oak Ridge National Laboratory excels at translating scientific discoveries into new technology partnerships with industry,” said Daniel R Simmons, Assistant Secretary of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the Department of Energy. “These collaborations drive new innovations that address challenges and speed deployment of technologies into the marketplace, where they will have the greatest impact in saving energy and boosting the American economy.” Energy-saving technologies Moe Khaleel, ORNL’s associate laboratory director for energy and environmental sciences, said even more agreements are on the way. “We are pleased to apply the expertise and capabilities of Oak Ridge National Laboratory to develop energy-saving technologies in collaboration with these industry leaders," said Khaleel. “The collaborations announced today are just the beginning of what we anticipate being a record number of industry partnerships over the next year to develop breakthroughs for energy-efficient buildings and a more secure, resilient power grid.” Testing state-of-the-art innovations Many of DOE’s CRADAs at ORNL have focused on reducing leaks in refrigeration systems Much of this research will occur in ORNL’s Building Technologies Research and Integration Center (BTRIC), where 40,000 square feet of laboratory space has been used since 1993 to develop and test state-of-the-art innovations that improve the performance, efficiency, and sustainability of buildings. Notably, three of the new CRADA projects are intended to build upon DOE’s longstanding efforts to develop, test, and optimize the safe and efficient use of alternative refrigerants in HVAC and other refrigeration systems. Historically, many of DOE’s CRADAs at ORNL have focused on reducing leaks in refrigeration systems and using alternative refrigerants in compressors, heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, air conditioners, and other systems. Several of ORNL’s new CRADAs will now investigate the suitability of alternative refrigerants in vending machines and other food processing systems. New agreements The details of these new agreements, which will run for two to three years, are described here: National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) - Evaluating environmentally friendly refrigerants for vending machines in North America, mitigating leak risks and assessing potential hazards including flammability. “NAMA and the NAMA Foundation are collaborating with researchers at ORNL because they have the recognized expertise needed to assist owners and operators of vending machine equipment manufacturers and distributors throughout North America with the use and production of equipment that safely and efficiently uses next-generation refrigerants." - Eric Dell, executive vice-president Taylor Commercial Foodservice - Developing alternative refrigerants for food processing and dispensing machines in quick-service restaurants and food retail. “More than three million refrigerated food/beverage processing, dispensing, and vending machines in the U.S. consume up to 70% of energy through the compressor. By working with ORNL, we will be able to develop environmentally friendly refrigerant solutions that meet domestic and international expectations.” - Stephen Wadle, senior project engineer Emerson Climate Technologies - Accelerating the development of next-generation architecture for advanced HVAC and dehumidification coupled with energy storage and integrated water heating through a vapor compression system that utilizes long-term, climate-friendly refrigerants. “By collaborating with ORNL on advanced technologies for HVAC systems, we’re developing a modular system with energy storage for grid-responsive capabilities. We’ll be able to accomplish our objectives on an accelerated timeframe by working with the only user facility in the nation that has the technology and resources capable of developing this type of equipment.” - Hung Pham, director of integrated services Enginuity Power Systems - Developing a prototype of a commercially ready micro combined heat and power (mCHP) device with an internal combustion engine fueled by natural gas. “ORNL’s BTRIC facility provides the knowledge needed in equipment modeling, design-for-manufacturing, equipment-grid interaction modeling, environmental chambers, and heat exchanger testing loops as well as a fully equipped research house that emulates real-life occupancy. With this support, we will be able to launch the next generation of our mCHP device for large-scale commercialization.” - Jacques Beaudry-Losique, president Baltimore Aircoil Company - Advancing next-generation heat exchanger technology that can be deployed in an evaporator cooling system, reducing the size of the system and decreasing energy and water usage by 30%. “This collaboration will help us expedite the production of a novel heat exchanger technology that can operate in wet and dry or hybrid conditions. ORNL scientists will accelerate our understanding of emerging new materials and their potential for heat transfer applications.” - Michael Tenbrock, global technology R&D director

Siemens has equipped the modular Siplus HCS heating control systems for switching and controlling heater fields and elements with a new power output module (POM) and a central interface module (CIM). With more power per output and a space-saving solution for mounting in flat control cabinets, the flexible heating control system is now even more versatile, and can be used for example in applications with heat registers. Siplus HCS4300 and HCS4200 With the new POM4320 Highend power output module for 230/277 and 400/480 V power supply networks, the Siplus HCS4300 heating control system can now control electrical heating elements up to 60 A. Three outputs per module can be used at 60 A, six outputs at 30 A. Integrated current measurement for each output enables heating elements connected in parallel to be monitored so faults can be diagnosed. Three-phase heating elements in a closed triangle, as are typically used in applications with higher power ratings can now also be controlled.  Siplus HCS4300 heating control system can control electrical heating elements up to 60 A For small heating applications with up to 32 heating elements, the HCS4200 heating control system offers a particularly space-saving solution with the compact CIM4210C central interface module, which is just 104 mm wide. As a result, this HCS solution is also particularly well-suited for use in flat control cabinets. All POMs of the HCS4200 can be used in the two slots of the compact CIM. Siplus HCS heating control systems The Siplus heating control system can be integrated particularly easily into the automation environment via the engineering framework Totally Integrated Automation Portal (TIA) – with minimal cabling effort and fast commissioning. An HCS program library and user examples simplify engineering even further. Smart control routines ensure that the load is distributed evenly across the network, while integrated diagnostic functions enable faults to be detected and localised rapidly. Heating control systems from Siemens can be found in a range of sectors and applications all over the world: for example, in the drying of paint and coatings, in the molding of plastics and lightweight construction materials, in plastic welding, and in infrared oven baking.

Danfoss, globally renowned manufacturer of oil-free compressor technology and solutions, offers a new range of compressors that can operate in demanding high lift applications. The new Danfoss Turbocor TTH/TGH compressors offer an expanded operating map to support air-cooled chiller operation at high ambient temperatures, heat pumps, low temperature process, and thermal storage applications. Turbocor TTH/TGH compressors Two versions are available: the nominal 107-ton model TTH375 and the nominal 82-ton model TGH285. Consistent with Danfoss’ view on sustainability, environmentally friendly refrigerant options are available for TTH models using either R134a or low-GWP, non-flammable R513A and for TGH models using ultra low-GWP HFO1234ze. With these new models, end users can take full advantage of the benefits of oil-free, magnetic bearing, centrifugal compressor technology in higher lift applications previously limited to positive displacement compressors. Screw compressor chillers Danfoss Turbocor compressors feature the oil-free technology that helps maintain high-efficiency and performance The TTH and TGH models cannot only operate in demanding higher lift applications, but also offer significant benefits versus typical screw compressor chillers. These benefits include higher efficiency, lower sound levels, greater compactness, and lighter weight versus comparable fixed-speed compressors, allowing for easier service and installation. The Danfoss Turbocor compressors feature the oil-free technology that helps maintain high-efficiency and consistent performance over the life of the compressors. "The new Danfoss Turbocor TTH and TGH compressors give chiller manufacturers a new high-efficiency, oil-free compressor option for use in air-cooled chiller, heat recovery, and heat pump applications,” said Ricardo Schneider, president and CEO, Danfoss Turbocor Compressors. Future-proof, environmentally friendly solution Ricardo further adds, “Up until now, positive displacement compressors have been the commonly-used compressors in these applications. But now, for the first time, chiller manufacturers have an oil-free option that can significantly boost part-load efficiency by as much as 40 percent and reduce noise by as much as 8 dBA in an oil-free platform with no performance degradation over the life of the product. Plus, the available low-GWP R-513A and ultra-low GWP HFO-1234ze refrigerant options on the Turbocor TTH and TGH models provide a future-proof, environmentally friendly solution today that complies with evolving refrigerant regulations and standards around the world.” The Danfoss Turbocor oil-free compressor range includes a wide portfolio of components approved for oil-free systems and the widest application expertise for higher system reliability.

Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) International Inc. announces the addition of Aaron Gunzner in the new role of advocacy manager. Gunzner will assume responsibility for many activities related to advocacy in North America, including participation in code hearings, conferences, and meetings; service on advocacy-related committees; contributing to advocacy-related content and member advisories; improving infrastructure for advocacy; and contributing to positive industry relations. HVAC Equipment And Design Previously, Gunzner was a design engineer and production manager for a manufacturer of X-ray collimators in Golden, Colo. Gunzner holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from the Colorado School of Mines. His coursework included classes on HVAC equipment and design and performance analysis. “Aaron brings a lot of engineering and communications talent to the role of advocacy manager,” AMCA Senior Director, Global Affairs, Michael Ivanovich said. “As he integrates into internal and external committees, colleagues will learn quickly that Aaron also has integrity, team spirit, and an inherent desire to drive the association’s mission forward.”

Guangdong Vanward New Electric Co., Ltd., a gas appliances manufacturer, and Resideo Technologies, Inc., a global provider of home technologies, announced a global strategic partnership to develop and promote Resideo’s iXQ gas adaptive technology for residential applications. The partnership, announced at ISH China & CIHE 2019 (China International Trade Fair for Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, Sanitation & Home Comfort Systems), will include collaboration on dedicated technical trainings, installation prototypes, testing and verification, and product launches. In addition, the partners will work together on two atmospheric gas valve projects – Atmix and the CVI Moduplus – and the pX42 basic full premixed wall-hung boiler project. residential and commercial products “We are always on the lookout for strategic partners who share our vision and can cooperate with us over the long term,” said Vinnie Schultz, Product and Solutions Vice President and General Manager of Residential Thermal Solutions at Resideo. “Vanward is known for excellence in R&D and innovation. Over the years, Resideo has supported Vanward in the development of residential and commercial products, including gas adaptive technologies." "We believe the shared vision and goals of our companies will continue to spark new ideas and provide Chinese consumers with more choices for comfortable, energy-saving and environmentally friendly home heating systems. Vanward greatly values Resideo's robust technology and long-established expertise in the fields of combustion control and gas valves,” said Lu Yucong, president of Vanward. “The strategic cooperation with Resideo will enhance Vanward’s leading position in the heating industry. Currently, Vanward’s gas adaptive technology has made significant progress in the Chinese market.” combustion control and gas valves The technology can identify if there is a flame and automatically adjust parameters for optimal combustion control “Our plans call for further collaboration in the future. We will work with Resideo to evaluate and upgrade our basic laboratory, to apply the technology to improve our product portfolio for our target market, to share global market resources, to promote collaboration between university and industry researchers, and to extend the application of the technology. In addition, the cooperation will be expanded to include technology development, training, talent development, testing and many other aspects." "The two companies will work closely on R&D, the intelligent Internet of Things, and large-scale commercial products, so as to truly achieve a powerful combination of resources and capabilities, and forge strong competitive advantages for both parties." Resideo’s iXQ technology builds on the company’s extensive experience in smart and safe combustion control and gas valves. condensing gas boilers The technology can identify if there is a flame, and the type of flame, and automatically adjust parameters for optimal combustion control. A specialized pX52 gas valve enables the high-precision control. The iXQ system requires no human intervention and can make intelligent adjustments that automatically adapt the boiler to the different types of gas qualities available in the Chinese market, maximizing combustion efficiency and system reliability. In addition, the modular design of the gas adaptive iXQ system lets manufacturers introduce customized solutions that make development and manufacturing processes more flexible. The highly adaptable iXQ software algorithm ensures compatibility with all types of condensing gas boilers.

Addressing growing concerns over homeowners who might consider attempting to repair air conditioners and heat pumps themselves, Goodman Manufacturing Company, L.P. has partnered with the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) for a public service campaign called ‘When DIY is Not Cool’. Residential central cooling systems The campaign urges homeowners to rely on the expertise of qualified HVAC technicians, because ‘When it comes to your home’s central cooling system, DIY is not cool’. More than 850,000 newspaper subscribers were targeted with the campaign, each tailored to eight different locations throughout the Houston region. Local, neighborhood HVAC professionals in each location were featured with their contact information. Facing hot Texas temperatures, homeowners looking for a quick fix or to save money may be tempted to try do-it-yourself HVAC repairs, explains Nathan Walker, Senior Vice President, Corporate Marketing, Goodman Manufacturing Company. ‘DIY is Not Cool’ campaign But, the ‘DIY is Not Cool’ campaign explain the pitfalls DIY repairs can cause on complex HVAC systems, which rely on high levels of pressurized refrigerant and potentially dangerous electricity. For example, the ads point out that changing a failed capacitor – a seemingly straightforward job on the surface – could lead to more expensive repairs. The ads ran both in print and digital editions. “Encouraging homeowners to use qualified HVAC technicians for air conditioner and heat pump repairs makes for a more effective way to keep their systems running and their houses cool when temperatures rise,” Walker concluded. A member of the DAIKIN group, Houston-based Goodman Manufacturing Company is a renowned manufacturer of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) products and solutions for residential and light commercial use.