Refrigerants

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

Carrier is pleased to announce a series of informative webinars focused on its Healthy, Safe, Sustainable Cold Chain Program, designed to help customers meet rapidly evolving supply chain demands and make their cold chain activities more effective. Carrier Global Corporation is the foremost provider of innovative healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions. The need for safe and sustainable cold chain technologies to preserve and protect the supply of food, medicine, and vaccines around the world has never been greater. In support of this critical need, Carrier’s refrigeration segment will host a four-part informative webinar series throughout 2021 to highlight the products and services offered that preserve and protect the world’s supply of food and medicine and reduce spoilage. Each webinar will focus on a specific portion of the connected cold chain and feature insights from industry and Carrier experts. Authority comments Supporting customers through the global installed base, broad service capabilities, and experience across the cold chain “The times we live in have increased the importance of cold chain resiliency and accelerated the need for more connected solutions from origination to delivery,” said Carrier Refrigeration President David Appel. “Carrier is leading the way in research and technologies that will help our customers supply the food, medicine, and vaccines that can improve the health and well-being of the global population. We are uniquely positioned to support customers through our global installed base, broad service capabilities, and decades of experience across the cold chain.” Webinar Series The webinar series focuses on a health-first cold chain in four areas: Health Care Cold Chain Webinar: May 27, 2021 With the world’s biggest vaccination campaign in history underway, there is an immense challenge to deliver billions of COVID-19 doses around the planet under precise conditions. Carrier is uniquely positioned and playing a key role. They’re working with customers and members of the pharma cold chain to apply the expertise to move, store and monitor vaccines. Food Cold Chain Webinar: July 1, 2021 Dramatic changes around the world have underscored the importance and challenges of helping to ensure that foods and medicines reach the people who need them. Through industry-leading services, solutions, and expertise across all aspects of the cold chain, Carrier is moving the cold chain forward to help preserve, protect and extend the world’s supply of food and medicine. Sustainable Cold Chain: Q3 2021 Nearly one-third of all food produced goes to waste. If food waste were a country, it would be the third-largest emitter of ozone-depleting greenhouse gas emissions. Eliminating food waste and advancing a smarter, more sustainable cold chain matters to people around the world and the future of our planet. Carrier has been a consistent leader in moving it forward. Connected Cold Chain: Q4 2021 A stronger, more effective cold chain is one where various stages are linked, helping different elements work together better and providing greater visibility and control. Carrier has been making moves toward creating a more connected cold chain by developing innovative technology and collaborating with Amazon Web Services to co-develop the Lynx™ digital platform.

In a new video series from Motili, the company highlights PropTech, CRE, multi-family, and single-family industry news. Motili’s latest video outlines the importance of dehumidification in HVAC systems and a recent discovery that holds the promise of increasing HVAC system energy efficiency. In humid climates, dehumidifiers are typically incorporated into HVAC systems. Dehumidifiers are important for removing extra moisture in the air and helping prevent the growth of mold and other bacteria. About half of a building’s total energy expenses go toward heating and cooling. Efficiently trap moisture Dehumidifiers contribute to this energy cost for the consumer, and they have an impact on the environment, as well. Duhumidifiers contribute to a building’s carbon footprint as they utilize refrigerants that have been linked to climate change. Recently, environmentally friendly options have been discovered that show promise in HVAC use. Polyimide membranes have been shown to increase energy efficiency when placed in dehumidifiers Published in the Journal of Membrane Science, scientists from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University have reported their discovery of the use of an organic material called polyimides for dehumidification. Polyimide membranes have been shown to increase energy efficiency when placed in dehumidifiers. The molecular structure of polyimides enables them to provide the strength needed to efficiently trap moisture in dehumidifiers. Providing continuous dehumidification “Polyimides are an exciting discovery in the way they extract moisture from the air. In an HVAC system they can send moisture to a vacuum pump, providing continuous dehumidification without the need for regeneration - a benefit for the consumer and the environment,” said Matthew Sallee, VP of Sales and Business Development, Motili. “The promise of polyimides is that they help increase the energy efficiency of a typical HVAC system while driving down the expense to run it.” Motili brings contractors, operations teams, and the industry’s most advanced property management technology platform together to assess and complete HVAC work requests from start to finish. Motili automatically schedules, dispatches, manages, and invoices job requests and its predictive analytics improves budgeting accuracy by predicting product life cycle. Motili leverages its nationwide network of over 2,000 contractors and 1,000 distribution centers to provide HVAC and hot water services, across the US, to customers large and small.

Carrier has announced the availability of evaporative pre-cooling technology on Carrier’s AquaForce® 30XV product line. This technology harnesses the power of evaporation to lower ambient air temperatures entering Carrier’s 30XV chiller – helping to reduce chiller power consumption, increase reliability and extend the life of the chiller. Carrier is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, the pioneering global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions. Evaporative pre-cooling technology works by spraying a fine mist of water within patented, pre-cooling frames, which are attached to Carrier’s 30XV chiller. As air is pulled across the pre-cooling frames and into the chiller, the outside air is cooled via evaporation. This technology operates using a sophisticated controller employing algorithms that spray the least amount of water needed to achieve optimal evaporation, thus delivering the highest energy savings with the lowest water usage. In addition, this technology can be added to virtually any existing air-cooled chiller to help enhance performance. evaporative pre-cooling system In addition, the system monitors and reports unit performance and energy savings in real time to its cloud-based network operation center. In short, evaporative technology can help make a 100-degree F day feel like an 80-degree F day, which can save building owners money on their utility bills and help improve the performance of the 30XV on hot summer days. Plus, the evaporative pre-cooling system helps protect coils from debris and damage, potentially extending the life of the equipment and reducing overall maintenance. “It is important for Carrier to continue to add improved technologies to increase the value of our chillers in order to meet our customers’ needs,” said Meredith Emmerich, Vice President, North America Commercial HVAC, Carrier. “We’re proud to offer evaporative pre-cooling to our customers, and we know that they will appreciate the enhanced performance this feature will provide. Not only does this technology increase efficiency, it can also help reduce maintenance and extend the life of the equipment.” AquaForce 30XV line The AquaForce 30XV line was developed to ensure optimum performance in an air-cooled solution that’s easy to install, easy to service, highly reliable and quiet. The 30XV delivers industry leading efficiency (IPLV Ratings greater than 22.0 available in certain models) and low sound. The smaller footprint 30XV can replace just about all older equipment going back two generations. The 30XV can be customized to fit most building needs, anywhere. With value-added features such as fully air-cooled variable frequency drives and next generation sub-systems including rotary screw compressors and quiet AeroAcoustic® fan system, integrated with microchannel condenser coils, the 30XV is made for versatility, robustness and efficiency. Its user-friendly control with color touchscreen display is self-optimizing, enabling the 30XV to run at optimum performance at any given set of conditions.

Eurovent Certita Certification (ECC) has developed a new certification programme for Indoor Air Quality and Energy Efficiency of Ventilation Systems (IAQVS) for residential applications. The programme covers mechanical ventilation systems for single dwellings (single family homes and apartments). Kick off online meetings are planned for 04, 12 and 20 May 2021. IAQVS The new ECC certification programme IAQVS was developed with the contribution of a dedicated Launching Committee. The technical certification rules have already been developed and are available on the ECC website. It covers the following systems: Central, unidirectional (supply or exhaust) Central, bidirectional (balance ventilation) Single-room, unidirectional (decentralised continuous ventilation for supply or exhaust) Single-room, bidirectional (balance ventilation) The ventilation system is evaluated through simulations which enable to assess the ventilation system performance from both Indoor Air Quality and Energy Efficiency perspectives. Kick off meetings Three online kick off meetings are planned to explain the content of the new certification programme (as prepared by the Launching Committee). These meetings will take place via MS Teams and are open to all manufacturers that produce equipment that is covered by the certification programme. Tuesday, 04 May 2021, 10:00-12:30h (Paris Time) Wednesday, 12 May 2021, 14:00-16:30h (Paris Time) Thursday, 20 May 2021, 10:00-12:30h (Paris Time) Interested manufacturers are invited to participate to one of the planned sessions. To indicate your attendance, answer the corresponding Outlook invitation (located in the 'Related documents' section in the right sidebar). Registered participants will receive the meeting presentation after the session.

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."

In what can only be described as a very turbulent year, many businesses have had to shut their doors and have all but forgotten about the general upkeep of their sites. With priorities shifted to keeping companies afloat and staff employed, maintenance and servicing has taken a backseat, and many systems will be deteriorating unnoticed. It goes without saying that one of the first tasks that employers will have to tackle when returning to work is a deep clean. As we are still in the throes of a pandemic, a clean and disinfected workplace is the number one priority that needs to be ensured, before any staff can be welcomed back to work. This should be closely followed by maintenance of the site’s equipment. Importance of regular HVAC maintenance Regular HVAC maintenance is extremely important as it keeps systems performing efficiently and effectively Regular HVAC maintenance is extremely important as it keeps systems performing efficiently and effectively. The nature of HVAC maintenance does change depending on the time of year, and with some sites being shut for months and through different seasons, managers will need to review their current equipment to ensure it is compliant and working correctly as soon as possible as signs of normality start returning and facilities begin to reopen. While warehouses and factories may have still been operating in some capacity over the last 12 months, many office buildings have seen little to no employees for more than a year in some cases, therefore, risking deterioration and even damage to their systems going unnoticed and untreated. But with so many pieces of equipment at each site, it is often hard to know where to start and what to prioritize. Following HVAC manufacturer’s recommendations In order for businesses to keep functioning as best as they can and to avoid any more disruption, those in charge of maintenance and servicing need to be educated on how the conditions of a system affects the type of work it needs. Manufacturer’s recommendations should also be taken into account. To help define what these are and how to approach them, mechanical and electrical engineers recommend: The coils and pipes in HVAC equipment that are responsible for heat transfer are checked regularly, because if the equipment gets dirty, it won’t transfer heat and energy as well. Checking controls annually to ensure that the HVAC system is running properly, as control calibration can alter. By scheduling regular check-ups, accurate operation is maintained. Maintaining equipment with fans quarterly to maximize longevity. Three key areas include monitoring the impellers, belts and bearings for any dirt, wear and tear, friction or erosion. Keeping an eye on filters, as when they are clogged, it increases the pressure drop in a system, which makes fans work harder to maintain the same airflow. A quarterly clean is usually sufficient for most filters. This is also true of strainers in systems. Optimizing HVAC and electrical equipment With spring now upon us, businesses need to optimize their HVAC and electrical equipment for maximum efficiency With spring now upon us, businesses need to optimize their HVAC and electrical equipment for maximum efficiency. This includes reviewing the sequence of operations for a morning warm up and cool down. However, it’s important to remember that because of prolonged closures over the last 12 months, autumn and winter checks, and in some cases, even summer checks were not able to be carried out in 2020, so before the spring work begins, backdating the maintenance is a good place to start. Ensuring buildings’ energy efficiency With the help of experts, HVAC maintenance doesn’t have to be time-consuming and overwhelming, but it’s a critical part of maintaining an energy-efficient building that is both comfortable and reliable. With regular servicing and some basic knowledge of what is required, sites can maintain optimum efficiency all year round. Noise complaints can also be an issue, if HVAC maintenance isn’t carried out regularly. Spring is a good time for businesses to perform services on their equipment, prior to the summer months starting and should be used to ensure that condenser coils and air handler filters are both clean. The dirtier the equipment, the noisier and less efficient it becomes, which is bad news for any business. Preparing buildings for staff returning to work When a building is returning to normal occupancy after a lengthy closure, additional checks must be considered before reopening is discussed. When a building is initially mothballed, it must be prepared for long term vacancy, but many businesses will not have had this opportunity before the national lockdown, which basically entails that these checks will not have been carried out. After a building becomes unoccupied, it is not the case that maintenance activity should also stop After a building becomes unoccupied, it is not the case that maintenance activity should also stop. At the very least, the frequency of existing planned maintenance will change, but in some cases, more maintenance tasks are required in order to keep the site ticking over. This includes flushing of water systems, Legionella testing and insurance inspections to keep the property functional and compliant. Countering health and safety issues  As the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions are lifted across the United Kingdom and many businesses are gradually reopening, it will present health and safety problems that have not been faced before and will very likely see a surge in services and maintenance being required. With this in mind, it is vital that maintenance becomes a priority as normal service is resumed to not only ensure efficiency, but also to make sure that no employee or visitor to a site is put in danger. Emerging from a surreal 12 months, there is no doubt that companies will still face challenges, so it is crucial that avoidable maintenance problems do not become one of them, so don’t delay in booking routine checks.  

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.

The modern technological world is filled with ‘extrusions’. They are all around us, in the form of small and not-so-small cross sections. The function of an extrusion is to form seals between components of complex machinery and keep them functional. And, depending on the ‘type’ used, they can make a big difference to how a machine operates. Some of the most desirable types of extrusion — and especially for use in HVAC systems — are those made from silicone. Silicone, which is a type of rubber, has a robust set of properties. For one, silicone can withstand extreme temperatures, both high and low. Semi-Exterior environments Ranging from -60°C to temperatures exceeding 200°C. (And there are even higher grades that can be manufactured to withstand temperatures well above 200°C.) Ideal for HVAC units that work round the clock to keep large numbers of people in large buildings comfortable in summer and winter conditions. In addition to this, silicone is also one of the more resistant properties to the constant vibrations of working machinery. It can be difficult to locate the source of the problem if a tiny extrusion has dislodged. Vibration-resistant properties make silicone extrusions less likely to disengage or fall out of place, therefore minimizing the need for costly repairs. Finally, silicone is also more durable than most other materials when it comes to exterior or semi-exterior environments, such as that of rain or ultraviolet light. Protecting electrical components Silicone is useful in HVAC systems because it offers enhanced sealing and compression protections As a result of this favorability, there is already a considerable number of different types of silicone extrusions that can be found in a lot of HVAC systems. These include HVAC sealing gaskets, hatch seals and vibration isolation pads. But also silicone sponges, which act as a protective layer of thermal insulation. As well as providing thermal insulation, silicone sponges can double-up as a form of acoustic insulation, with considerable noise reduction and anti-squeal properties. Silicone enclosure gaskets protect electrical components, and environmental seals — as the name suggests — help to keep everything protected from the sometimes harsh elements of the environment outside. Silicone is useful in HVAC systems because it offers enhanced sealing and compression protections over most other materials. Closed cell structure On a material level, silicone has a ‘closed cell structure’, which helps to keep out moisture ingress, along with water and dust. The combination of a closed cell structure, along with sealing and compression benefits, makes silicone ideal for exterior seals and gaskets in and around HVAC systems. The softer grades of Silicone have an excellent memory and low stress relaxation, which in turn helps to prevent common faults with HVAC systems — usually caused by gasket failures made from other materials that soften and compress inaccurately. The low stress relaxation properties require minimal force on behalf of the engineers sealing the enclosures, while the memory-properties of the silicone allow it to conform to awkward shapes and gaps of various widths. Manufacturing HVAC systems proactively with silicone in mind can allow more design flexibility on behalf of the engineers. Inevitable rapid movements General purpose solid silicone or silicone sponge is suitable for many HVAC applications And, as mentioned above, vibration isolation pads work as dampers to protect against the inevitable rapid movements of the systems as they power along. But also to help withstand the vibrations of HVAC units on transport systems, such as buses and trains, which naturally vibrate as they run over imperfections on rail and road tracks. As it happens, general purpose solid silicone or silicone sponge is suitable for many HVAC applications, not just those discussed above. The designs of the extrusions would be different, reflective of their function, but the material would be the same. In some instances, customers may also require a flame retardant silicone — certified to UL94 specifications — in order to meet safety standards in certain situations or environments. Great temperature ranges For all its material advantages, silicone is generally more expensive than the other types of material rubber that are used to manufacture extrusions, such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). And while other materials do of course have stand-out benefits of their own — EPDM for example is more hard-wearing than silicone — silicone is still often the extrusion ‘type’ of choice because of its ability to withstand great temperature ranges. This is very important for heating and air conditioning systems. Because some of the most common factors that cause HVAC systems to break down are as a result of seal and gasket failure, which can come about as a result of an overheating unit. Very cold environment Chances of a unit overheating can be just as likely — in fact perhaps more so — where the system has to operate in a very cold environment. With the threat of climate change etched more than ever into the public discussion, we can predict that there will be a steady increase in the amount that this material is used to make up the HVAC seals. And not just because, as temperatures continue to increase and summers get hotter and more prolonged, there will be an increased demand for them. Effective public relations It is no secret that HVAC systems can be relatively expensive to run It will become a matter of effective public relations for managers, building regulators and transport officers to make sure that the equipment they are using — and making — is ‘green’. By using the right materials that help conserve energy and increase efficiency, this will not only sit right with the general public, it should also be more economical, too. It is no secret that HVAC systems can be relatively expensive to run. Minimizing wastage, and the time spent on call outs and repairs will make a notable difference. Of course there are many other ways to also set about making air conditioning and heating units more efficient. Using seals or gaskets made from silicone is just one small piece of the puzzle. But utilizing them will almost certainly be more beneficial than you might imagine. And anything that is a step in the right direction is a welcome change.

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

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

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

Gaining new operational advantages and efficiencies for its refrigerated shipping operations, Atlantic Container Line (ACL) is acquiring 150 new containers equipped with Carrier Transicold PrimeLINE® refrigeration units featuring the Lynx™ Fleet digital solution. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, the pioneering global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions. ACL, which is part of the Grimaldi Group, headquartered in Naples, Italy, is adding the new 40-foot, high-cube refrigerated containers for fleet expansion. The units will be placed into service on trade routes between western Europe and the United States. monitor cargo temperatures “With its energy-efficient performance, the PrimeLINE refrigeration unit is a perfect complement for our fleet, which includes some of the world’s largest, most fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible roll-on/roll-off containerships,” said Maurizio Di Paolo, Corporate Liner Equipment Department Manager, Grimaldi Group. “The Lynx Fleet solution will bring numerous benefits to our fleet, and the ability to monitor cargo temperatures is only the beginning,” Di Paolo added. “We are especially looking forward to the advantages that come with refrigeration unit health analytics and the subsequent efficiencies for our maintenance and repair operations.” Lynx Fleet platform Key differentiators of the new Lynx Fleet platform include: Integrated telematics and a cloud-based architecture to ensure information is always up to date. Data management platform that provides enhanced visibility on the health and status of a fleet’s refrigerated containers, reducing operational costs and maintenance & repair expenses related to conducting new off-line pre-trip inspections (PTIs). Platform accessibility from anywhere; via smartphone, tablet or computer, through an interactive user-friendly, digital dashboard. The PrimeLINE unit, which has been the industry sales leader for over 13 consecutive years, features a digital scroll compressor that delivers low energy consumption and a value proposition that includes rapid temperature pull-down, tight temperature control, high air-flow performance and excellent cost of ownership. refrigeration unit controller These ACL units will also utilize Carrier Transicold’s Micro-Link® 5 controller, which is the first and only container refrigeration unit controller with wireless communication capability, providing greater memory, processing power and connectivity compared to Carrier Transicold’s standard offering. “We are pleased to support ACL’s modern fleet with our latest container refrigeration technology, which is designed to improve fleet efficiencies and help control operating costs,” said Kay Henze, Account Manager, Carrier Transicold. PrimeLINE units and the Lynx Fleet platform are among the many solutions offered through Carrier’s Healthy, Safe, Sustainable Cold Chain Program to preserve and protect the supply of food, medicine and vaccines. 

SeaCube Containers LLC and Carrier Transicold announced a strategic refrigerated asset management systems platform engagement. As a result, SeaCube will be the first intermodal equipment leasing company to incorporate Carrier’s Lynx™ Fleet solution into its fleet with an initial deployment of 2,000 PrimeLINE™ refrigerated container units. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, the pioneering global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions. The Lynx Fleet solution includes proprietary technology that monitors reefer unit performance and provides early warning actionable diagnostics and predictive analytics down to the level of the machine’s components. The Carrier Lynx Fleet system will provide much more detailed machine performance analysis capabilities compared to other telematics platforms on the market by using integrated sensor machine data feeds. refrigerated equipment leasing This digital engagement between SeaCube, a global pioneer in refrigerated equipment leasing and Carrier Transicold, will drive greater flexibility and data-rich intelligence reporting across the cold chain. SeaCube describes itself as a technology thought pioneer in the industry and has a longer-term goal of offering telematics as a standard for leased refrigerated container units. The addition of Lynx Fleet allows for a data-driven leasing model, which leverages data and analytics on equipment health to extend asset life and optimize asset performance, which is another pioneering approach in this space.     “This is an exciting step forward for SeaCube as we move toward realizing our vision of telematics as a standard within our reefer fleet," said Bob Sappio, CEO of SeaCube. "We are confident that the Lynx Fleet offerings will help drive improvements in our own operating metrics and resonate with our customers to help them achieve optimal reefer performance and act on data-driven insights.” Lynx Fleet Lynx Fleet will offer prognostics and data analytics with features that provide differentiation such as: Improved fleet uptime through unit health analytics and prognostics using Carrier-unique features with proprietary technology including machine sensor protocols. Reduced operational costs and maintenance & repair expenses as result of optimizing performance with preventative maintenance platform features. Incremental value through lower cargo spoilage and possible reduced insurance costs. “We are confident that Lynx Fleet will enhance connectivity across the cold chain, increasing visibility, providing predictive analytics and driving faster data-driven decisions,” said Kartik Kumar, Vice President and General Manager, Global Container Refrigeration, Carrier. The Lynx digital platform applies advanced internet of things (IoT) analytics, machine learning and various big data technologies to connect the cold chain in the cloud, automate key processes, and deliver real-time visibility and insights throughout the cargo’s journey. Lynx Fleet is among the many solutions offered through Carrier’s Healthy, Safe, Sustainable Cold Chain Program to preserve and protect the supply of food, medicine and vaccines.                 

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

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

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

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

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

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