tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43045632051513545202024-03-13T15:52:00.580-07:00JBarrowNewsRand Congerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331499244334895693noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304563205151354520.post-66992990809721922992011-06-29T08:09:00.000-07:002011-06-29T08:32:34.235-07:00Electric Motor PrimerAaon has published an electric motor primer that discussed the differences between AC, DC and ECM motors. It is a useful resource for engineers who want to optimize their choice of motors in the products they select and specify.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.aaon.com/Documents/Featured/ECM_110322.pdf"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 111px; height: 144px;" src="http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/8747/ecmtn.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />This document can be found <a href="http://www.aaon.com/Documents/Featured/ECM_110322.pdf">here</a>.Rand Congerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331499244334895693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304563205151354520.post-46701891406480529862010-08-25T06:04:00.000-07:002010-08-25T06:29:55.461-07:00Greening RTU's: Aaon High Efficiency UnitsToday's codes and customers are demanding higher and higher efficiencies from their units. And Aaon has been continually improving their product offering to stay one step ahead of the curve. Not only do they offer energy-saving features like <a href="http://jbarrownews.blogspot.com/2007/12/greening-small-rooftop-packaged-units.html">heat recovery</a>, <a href="http://rand.conger.googlepages.com/FoamPanelTechnicalPaperJuly142009.pdf">foam core panel construction</a>, <a href="http://jbarrownews.blogspot.com/2008/12/greening-small-rooftop-units-digital.html">digital scrolls</a> and the <a href="http://jbarrownews.blogspot.com/2007/10/greening-small-rooftop-packaged-units.html">best RTU economizers on the market</a>, but they also offer industry-leading cooling efficiencies.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://sites.google.com/site/randconger/home/QuickSelect_100802.pd"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 367px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuV9bJj2kF6cFOEojPbImNyZ2h7yd0SgxpdNiSjv58633V5upy1m5qIYTHsD7RnSLUp7iocO3h39fHh5ZBSNRPR3mY4_eps21LlnEXn74HCrlfSCzLCEvBOPnpT57EveJCXCgghfKMIyk/s400/Aaon+High+Efficiency.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509335055734701778" /></a><br /><br />To help customers select the unit that is right for their project, Aaon has created this <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/randconger/home/QuickSelect_100802.pdf">quick select guide</a> that shows the available efficiency levels of their RTU products (Energy Star, ASHRAE 90.1, ASHRAE 189, CEE Tier 1 or CEE Tier II) for all of their units from 2 tons to 70 tons.<br /><br />See what else Aaon is doing to revolutionize the efficiency of rooftop units at our <a href="http://jbarrownews.blogspot.com/search/label/Greening%20RTU%27s">Greening RTU's</a> section of this blog!Rand Congerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331499244334895693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304563205151354520.post-12413727827017617752010-06-10T08:01:00.000-07:002010-06-10T08:30:11.306-07:00Smardt Displaying at 28th West Coast EMC Show, June 15-16Smardt is bringing their high-efficiency chillers to Seattle to show in the upcoming <a href="http://www.energyevent.com/">28th West Coast Energy Management Congress Expo</a>. Come see the industry leading oil-free compressor chillers and chiller controls systems first hand!<br /><br /><a href="http://i45.tinypic.com/r73t54.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 84px;" src="http://i45.tinypic.com/r73t54.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Exposition Hours: <br /><br />Tuesday, June 15, 2010: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM<br />Wednesday, June 16, 2010: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM<br /><br />Free tickets to the expo are available <a href="http://www.aeecenter.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3498">here</a>.<br /><br />The show will highlight energy efficiency products and programs and is supported by local utilities, industry organizations and local industry. It should be a very informative and exciting show, and it is conveniently located at the <a href="http://www.wsctc.com/">Washington State Convention and Trade Center</a> in downtown Seattle.<br /><br /><a href="http://i49.tinypic.com/2zidd9s.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 297px;" src="http://i49.tinypic.com/2zidd9s.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />See you there!Rand Congerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331499244334895693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304563205151354520.post-40945573057219908202010-04-30T05:39:00.001-07:002010-05-07T05:31:43.280-07:00Aaon Completes Conversion to Foam Core Construction with Announcement of New RQA few years back, Aaon made a committment to convert all of their air handling products to high-performance foam core panels. With the introduction of the new RQ rooftop unit (1-6 tons) this conversion is complete!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-cNFFmnVP_69IDtq1cNCn2v7DY8gGmFfwJx8u0AF35jUkYaaYfp9U69QH8rYelZPyyvxN5zoFoabz89oEhyphenhyphenB0OyPXCpH-sewysrnueEAgSxXm2ARaxqTo9mMfx9ycwYFRm6HRdRgifU/s1600/RQ+drawing.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-cNFFmnVP_69IDtq1cNCn2v7DY8gGmFfwJx8u0AF35jUkYaaYfp9U69QH8rYelZPyyvxN5zoFoabz89oEhyphenhyphenB0OyPXCpH-sewysrnueEAgSxXm2ARaxqTo9mMfx9ycwYFRm6HRdRgifU/s400/RQ+drawing.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468500663458964098" /></a><br />We've mentioned the <a href="http://jbarrownews.blogspot.com/2009/07/greening-small-rooftop-package-units.html">many</a> <a href="http://jbarrownews.blogspot.com/2007/08/foam-core-air-handler-panels-coming.html">benefits</a> of the foam core technology before, but it is worthwhile to revisit the subject to understand how much better this R-13 double-wall cabinet is than the standard single wall R-1 to R-3 batt insulation cabinet design in the industry. <a href="http://rand.conger.googlepages.com/FoamPanelTechnicalPaperJuly142009.pdf">This detailed report</a> on the performance of the foam core panel shows that in Seattle's environment, as much as 20% energy savings can be realized just from the better thermal performance and low leakage of this design.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVdZRUlpEg-j0KofQNntKe4NUVS1Bq7Htkyq8_sd7O5zifFqo-ZO9aU1poY4nxO0Ecbmne4QmCK9A80nmCXxZ-ofQyfs_27l9A1uPZwQVhTQ7jfTvRDOcnki2TAtpoSzni04fpVzwdAw/s1600/foam+core+savings.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465913949856111890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 192px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVdZRUlpEg-j0KofQNntKe4NUVS1Bq7Htkyq8_sd7O5zifFqo-ZO9aU1poY4nxO0Ecbmne4QmCK9A80nmCXxZ-ofQyfs_27l9A1uPZwQVhTQ7jfTvRDOcnki2TAtpoSzni04fpVzwdAw/s400/foam+core+savings.bmp" border="0" /> </a><br />But the RQ is not just better because of its high-performance cabinet. This product also makes available all of the energy saving advantages of the larger AAON RN product, like:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://jbarrownews.blogspot.com/2008/12/greening-small-rooftop-units-digital.html">Digital scroll compressors</a></li><br /><li><a href="http://jbarrownews.blogspot.com/2007/11/greening-small-rooftop-packaged-units.html">True Variable-Air-Volume Performance</a></li><br /><li><a href="http://jbarrownews.blogspot.com/2007/10/greening-small-rooftop-packaged-units.html">Integrated, high-reliability economizers</a></li><br /><li><a href="http://jbarrownews.blogspot.com/2007/12/greening-small-rooftop-packaged-units.html">Heat Recovery</a></li><br /><li>Heat Pump Operation</li><br /><li>Ground Loop Operation</li><br /><li><a href="http://jbarrownews.blogspot.com/2008/12/aaon-fan-engineering-white-paper.html">Direct Drive Plenum Fans</a></li><br /></ul><br />And offers a new energy savings feature: <strong>ECM Fans!</strong><br /><br />And while SEER's are of relatively small importance to the overall efficiency of a rooftop system in a heating dominated climate like Seattle's, the RQ boasts SEER's that are in line with <a href="http://www.cee1.org/com/hecac/hecac-main.php3">CEE's Tier 1 and Tier 2 efficiency levels</a><br /><br />With the introduction of the RQ, Aaon has set a completely new standard in energy efficient rooftop air conditioning systems.Rand Congerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331499244334895693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304563205151354520.post-90247121728123809492010-02-17T16:57:00.000-08:002010-02-17T17:20:07.935-08:00Energy Labs Announces IBC 2006 Seismic CertificationEnergy Labs Air Handling units have received IBC 2000, 2003, 2006 and 2009 <a href="http://rand.conger.googlepages.com/VMA-45261-CCSRev1CofCEnergyLabsPhase.pdf">seismic certification</a>. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/7834/picture2ub.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 375px;" src="http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/7834/picture2ub.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The certificate of compliance qualifies the company’s Air Handling Units for use in building structures wherever seismically rated equipment should be considered.<br /><br />Air Handling Units play a critical role in maintaining the building environment and making them functional. Seismically Certified Air Handling Unit equipment is required in the 50 states that have adopted the IBC code.<br /><br />Air handling Units must not only survive earthquakes, the intent of the IBC is to encourage manufacturers to create equipment that <span style="font-weight:bold;">remains online and functioning during and after a catastrophic event</span> in order to provide critical life–safety support.<br /><br />Applications where seismically certified equipment should be considered include <span style="font-weight:bold;">hospitals, healthcare facilities; fire, rescue and police stations; emergency shelters; telecommunications centers; power plants; air traffic control centers; military and government buildings; and water treatment facilities.<br /></span><br />To qualify for seismic certification, Energy Labs Air handling Units were tested by the VMC Group, an ICC–approved, independent approval agency. All tests were done in accordance with IBC 2000, 2003 and 2006 Section 1707.7.2 and Section 1708.5.<br />Energy labs certified equipment will have a certificate and label in a clear, viewable location to assure the customer that this equipment qualifies for seismic locations.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/5236/picture1as.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 326px; height: 193px;" src="http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/5236/picture1as.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />When should you specify this certification? Energy Labs has created a quick <a href="http://rand.conger.googlepages.com/IBCCodepowerpointV21.ppsx">slideshow</a> to help illustrate the requirements of the code.<br /><br />How should you specify this requirement? These <a href="http://rand.conger.googlepages.com/AHUSpec122109.docx">suggested specifications</a> from Energy Labs should help.Rand Congerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331499244334895693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304563205151354520.post-40728042095023277032009-07-20T05:17:00.000-07:002009-07-20T06:40:34.246-07:00Greening Small Rooftop Package Units: Foam Core Panels in DepthA while back, I summarized the <a href="http://jbarrownews.blogspot.com/2007/08/foam-core-air-handler-panels-coming.html">benefits of foam core panels</a> in comparison to the industry standard of fiberglass batt insulation.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/1350/foamcoreso0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/1350/foamcoreso0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Now Aaon has published an in-depth, seventeen page <a href="http://rand.conger.googlepages.com/FoamPanelTechnicalPaperJuly142009.pdf">study of the benefits of the foam core panel</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://rand.conger.googlepages.com/FoamPanelTechnicalPaperJuly142009.pdf"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/9610/aaonfoam.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Foam core panels have many advantages over standard insulation:<br /><ul><li>Superior R-value</li><li>No thermal breaks</li><li>Greater Rigidity</li><li>Lower leakage</li><li>Stronger damage resistance</li></ul><br />This new study calculates the effect of these advantages over the course of a year, in heating and cooling, for buildings in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, <span style="font-weight:bold;">Seattle</span> and Tulsa.<br /><br />This study quantifies the benefit of this advanced cabinet construction to assist engineers and owners asses the benefit of demanding higher performance out of their roof top systems.Rand Congerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331499244334895693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304563205151354520.post-90995280324539785692009-03-31T10:01:00.000-07:002009-04-24T15:13:54.577-07:00White Rust: What it is, and How to Protect Your Project<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.evapco.com/media/pdf/SS-Coil.pdf"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 395px; height: 213px;" src="http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/893/32461651.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />What is "white rust"? Well, while it is white, it really isn't 'rust' in the normal sense of iron-oxidization. White rust is instead a corrosion product of zinc oxidization that often strikes galvanized surfaces subjected to moisture. In our industry, the most common victims of this corrosion mechanism are cooling towers and fluid coolers. And in these products, white rust can cause thousands of dollars of damage in a relatively short period of time.<br /><br />White rust damages equipment by allowing a rapid and localized corrosion of the protective zinc coating on galvanized surfaces. Normally, in a galvanized surface, the zinc protects the underlying steel by providing a sacrificial cathodic protection to small areas of exposed steel, and provides bulk protection by providing a durable protective inert zinc oxide coating to prevent exposure of the underlying steel.<br /><br />In white rust, however, this normal oxidation of the zinc surface goes wrong, and instead of providing a durable dull-gray surface, a porous, powdery or waxy oxide is produced instead. This corrosion product allows a rapid removal of the protective zinc surface--made worse in that the corrosion is generally localized in 'cells' which cause a very quick penetration of the zinc surface, exposing the underlying steel in a pitting process.<br /><br />In recent years, the incidence of white rust has increased dramatically, leading the industry to study the process in greater depth. The <a href="http://www.awt.org/">Association of Water Technologies</a> has produced an <a href="http://www.awt.org/IndustryResources/white_rust_2002.pdf">informative paper</a> (pdf) that investigates the reasons for this increase (essentially changes in the methods used to produce galvanized sheet metal and water treatment methods) and how to prevent its occurrence.<br /><br />Generally, white rust is more prevalent in soft water areas, which makes it a big problem in the Pacific Northwest. Preventing it entails both design and operational considerations.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/7425/img1607rbz.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/7425/img1607rbz.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">White Rust Cells in Basin of Tower<br /></span></div><br />If galvanized surfaces are used in your tower, it is critical that the tower be subjected to a 'passivation' treatment. This is a temporary water treatment regimen in the first few weeks of tower operation that acts to ensure the development of a desirable zinc oxide surface. Evapco discusses this process in <a href="http://www.evapco.com/media/pdf/36-White-Rust.pdf">this engineering bulletin</a>. If Evapco's non-chemical Pulse~Pure product is provided, passivation is be included in the first year service that is provided with all installations. It is critical that this be performed immediately upon filling the tower with water--if water is left in the tower untreated for a period of time before the passivation treatment begins, white rust cells can develop in the interim. This is a very common cause of white rust corrosion in otherwise well-treated towers.<br /><br />The other method to avoid problems with white rust in your tower installations is simply to chose your materials of construction wisely. In cooling towers, the most critical portion of the system is the basin--white rust can cause a rapid pinhole leak through the basin of a galvanized basin that would require immediate refurbishment. Providing a 304 ss basin is a very economical way to avoid costly system renovation at a future date. For areas with high chlorides, or when using water treatment methods that operate at high cycles of concentration (thus increasing the low chloride content of the utility water to dangerous levels) 316 ss is also available. Of course, the entire tower can also be constructed from these corrosion-resistant materials if desired.<br /><br />In fluid coolers, however, the coil is an additional problem area. White rust on this galvanized component can rapidly lead to perforation of the closed-loop side of the system causing loss of cooling water and/or glycol coolant into the open loop side of the system. This can be a triple-threat due to the economic loss of glycol and water, an increased threat of freeze up, and huge water-quality problems due to bacterial growth and plasticization due to glycol exposure in the open side of the cooler.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/9973/plasticizedglycolgoo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 420px; height: 240px;" src="http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/9973/plasticizedglycolgoo.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Plasticized Bacteria/Glycol Slime: </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Yuck</span><br /></div><br /><br />The coil in your fluid cooler is the single most expensive component in it, by a large margin. And replacing coils can be an extremely costly proposition, especially in coolers without easy access to the coil section.<br /><br />Until recently, there hasn't been a lot of choice for protection of this critical component of the system. Other than selecting a tower, like Evapco's highly efficient <a href="http://jbarrownews.blogspot.com/2007/08/evapco-eswa-most-efficient-fluid-cooler.html">ESWA fluid cooler,</a> that provides easy coil access for coil replacement, the usual option was to ensure a thorough passivation program. However, Evapco has now introduced <a href="http://www.evapco.com/media/pdf/SS-Coil.pdf">304 SS fluid cooler coils</a> to protect your project's investment in this costly and critical component.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/1294/steelcoils1.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 283px; height: 167px;" src="http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/1294/steelcoils1.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />White rust is a problem that can cause great economic losses for building owners and operators. Thus it is critical that designers and contractors are aware of the prudent requirements necessary to prevent this damage. But with simple precautions, namely requiring a passivation program or wisely selecting materials of construction, this problem can be avoided in your projects.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">::::::::::::::<br /></div><br />But what if it's too late, and you already have white rust on your tower? Well, there are an array of options, including attempting to re-passivate the galvanized surfaces or a <a href="http://www.fluid-tek.com/refurbishments.html">full refurbishment</a> of the basin using a polymer coating like Evapco's <a href="http://www.mrgoodtower.com/good_lining.php">Evapliner</a>. The helpful people at <a href="http://www.fluid-tek.com/index.html?PHPSESSID=1c54cf9872d4cdaf97f2cbf5cafc4b9c">Fluid-Tek</a> would be happy to help you determine the best course of action for your project.Rand Congerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331499244334895693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304563205151354520.post-88634551422598841912009-03-01T09:11:00.000-08:002009-03-01T09:21:46.920-08:00Fan Matrix White PaperIn a <a href="http://jbarrownews.blogspot.com/2008/05/direct-drive-evolved.html">previous post</a> I discussed the advantages of the Climate Craft Matrix fan array system. <br /><br />Climate Craft has now published a <a href="http://rand.conger.googlepages.com/FanMatrixWhitepaper.pdf">white paper</a> that explores these advantages in more depth.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://jbarrownews.blogspot.com/2008/05/direct-drive-evolved.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 253px; height: 320px;" src="http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/3079/matrixwhitepaper.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This paper discusses applications and advantages of this system, including:<br /><ul><li>VFD Considerations and Electrical Requirements</li><li>Sound and Efficiency Considerations</li><li>Vibration</li><li>Space Considerations</li><li>Reliability</li><li>Serviceability</li><li>Fan Isolation (Backdraft Dampers)</li><li>Cost</li><li>Common Options</li></ul>This white paper is well worth review and will help designers and owners evaluate the best applications and advantages of this fan innovation.Rand Congerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331499244334895693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304563205151354520.post-75215684540677756622009-03-01T08:30:00.000-08:002009-03-01T08:59:28.594-08:00LEED™ and Pulsed-Power Water Treatment<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/2741/pulsepure.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 272px; height: 320px;" src="http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/2741/pulsepure.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Pulsed-power water treatment offers many advantages to designers of sustainable systems.<br /><br />First, it eliminates the use of industrially produced chemicals and their subsequent release into the environment. Secondly, it provides superior control of scale and biological growth, both of which negatively affect the efficiency of systems utilizing treated condenser water. Pulsed-power water treatment also allows safe operation at high cycles of concentration in the condenser water which acts to reduce the use of our limited water resources. <br /><br />But there are other ways in which Pulsed-power water treatment can contribute to the sustainability of your project--and these can often lead to opportunities to gain LEED™ points.<br /><a href="http://www.evapco.com"><br />Evapco</a> has developed their <a href="http://www.evapco.com/pulse-video.asp">Pulse~Pure</a> pulsed-power water treatment system in an effort to minimize the impact of our engineered systems on the environment. They have also provided a <a href="http://rand.conger.googlepages.com/Aug2008GreenPiece3Revb2.pdf">handy guide</a> to attaining credit for this reduced impact through attaining points through the LEED™ program:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://rand.conger.googlepages.com/Aug2008GreenPiece3Revb2.pdf"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 254px; height: 320px;" src="http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/27/greenpiece.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />If you are considering a sustainable project where condenser water systems are to be used, it is well worth the effort to see if pulsed-power water treatment fits into your goals.Rand Congerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331499244334895693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304563205151354520.post-57663138897033657002009-02-23T13:56:00.000-08:002009-02-23T20:07:53.966-08:00Johnson-Barrow/Fluid-Tek support Leukemia Research<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.llswa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=BC_homepage"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 122px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSVZZts6zQ7y02iB_Ghp-IRUhOILBo9TSpgJZNhWB44nwMxU3QfuEWcDvL2mayRBrQPYkL9PJs9nL9f6zl1hKHBzh2KiJF70ySXMPZCDgGcUmAzVdBtdiLWTwyP5m0bD15TVTrsj7Atg/s320/Big+Climb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306115574622934786" border="0" /></a><br />Johnson-Barrow/Fluid-Tek are participating in this year's "<a href="http://www.llswa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=BC_homepage">Big Climb Seattle</a>" on March 22nd, 2009.<br /><br />This is a stair walk (or run) up 69 flights of stairs in the Columbia Center building. That's 1,311 steps total, with an elevation gain of 788 feet!<br /><br />Our <a href="http://www.llswa.org/site/TR/Events/BigClimb?pg=team&fr_id=1040&team_id=11800">"Go Green" team</a> is currently soliciting donations to meet our team goal. If you think this is a worthy cause, please click on the link above and click on the team member whose totals you wish to add to.<br /><br />If you use this website and find it has useful information, I would consider a donation in the name of <a href="http://www.llswa.org/site/TR/Events/BigClimb?px=1118861&pg=personal&fr_id=1040">Rand Conger</a> to be a fitting thank-you. If you think the whole idea is a good one, I might suggest donating in <a href="http://www.llswa.org/site/TR/Events/BigClimb?px=1114345&pg=personal&fr_id=1040">Angela Lambert's</a> name, since she was the one who coerced all of us into this....<br /><br />Please consider donating to this cause. Help the "Go Green" team reach their 'lofty' goals!<br /><br />(Or, even better, <a href="https://secure3.convio.net/llswa/site/TRR/Events/BigClimb/1324763138?pg=ptype&fr_id=1040">JOIN</a> team "Go Green"!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.llswa.org/site/TR/Events/BigClimb?px=1118861&pg=personal&fr_id=1040"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 300px;" src="http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/3356/03columbiacenter.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><blockquote>That's a long way up (gulp!)</blockquote></div>Rand Congerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331499244334895693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304563205151354520.post-71788898068946358232009-01-15T05:15:00.000-08:002009-01-30T09:17:24.582-08:00Ultra-Low Sound Air-Cooled Chillers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/2285/soundearvf0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 251px;" src="http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/2285/soundearvf0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Air-cooled chillers provide significant advantages for many facility operators and owners. The elimination of a cooling tower greatly reduces the complexity of the system and significantly eases the maintenance of the system. For smaller facilities without the resources of large institutional owners, this reduced maintenance can be critical.<br /><br />Therefore it is very common to see air-cooled chillers on smaller facilities such as public schools and small office buildings. However, this suitability does carry with it some costs--Air-cooled chillers are usually significantly less efficient than water-cooled chillers and, now with the advent of <a href="http://jbarrownews.blogspot.com/2007/10/your-next-energy-conservation-measure.html">super-low sound cooling towers</a>, often much noisier. The noise problem can be very significant with this sort of equipment in that a large proportion of the facilities that utilize this technology are located near or in residential areas.<br /><br /><a href="http://jbarrownews.blogspot.com/2008/01/rethinking-air-cooled-chillers.html">In an earlier post</a> I discussed how the Smardt air-cooled Turbocor chillers significantly change the balance between water-cooled and air-cooled chillers with respect to efficiency and sound. However, it is worth investigating the sound issue in more depth.<br /><br />Recently, manufacturers have spent some effort in addressing the sound issue on their air-cooled chillers. This has generally been approached by providing low sound fans and addressing the compressor noise. Two products that are currently being marketed as low-sound chillers approach compressor sound in different ways. One product utilizes screw compressors with a VSD to reduce compressor sound at low loads. Another utilizes scroll compressors with elaborate compressor sound enclosures. This approach yields published sound data which is excellent at all chiller load conditions. Until recently, this chiller has been considered by many engineers to be the quietest air-cooled chiller n the market.<br /><br />The Smardt chiller, of course, uses the extremely <a href="http://www.turbocor.com/products_technology/quiet.html">low-sound Turbocor compressor</a>, and variable-speed ultra-low sound fans. It is reasonable to believe that this combination would make for a very favorable comparisons with these other low-sound chiller options.<br /><br />And this expectation is borne out by the data. Smardt air-cooled chillers compare extremely favorably against the variable speed screw chillers as this graph illustrates:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/3231/soundsmartscrewcz6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 417px; height: 290px;" src="http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/3231/soundsmartscrewcz6.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Two things should be noted: First, the comparison here is between a <span style="font-weight: bold;">177 ton</span> screw and a <span style="font-weight: bold;">200 ton</span> Smardt chiller, and second that even at 100% load, the Smardt chiller is far quieter than the screw at 25% load. The difference is even more significant in the lower octave bands that carry so well over distance.<br /><br />Comparing the Smardt Chiller to the acoustically treated scroll chiller also yields an extremely favorable comparison:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/9150/soundsmardtscrollmk2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 417px; height: 290px;" src="http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/9150/soundsmardtscrollmk2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This comparison of 120 ton chillers shows that while both approaches yield extremely low sound levels overall, the Smardt chiller beats the competitor in 5 of 8 octave bands. And the advantage for the competitor in two of the other bands is slight. It also shows the significant effect of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A-weighting">A-weighting</a> sound data. In this graph, the red line represents the published sound data from the manufacturer. Close reading of this data indicates that it is not bare sound power, but A-weighted sound power. This method of reporting sound data takes very significant credits into effect, especially in the lower octave bands:<br /><br /><table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 149pt; text-align: left; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="198"><col style="width: 91pt;" width="121"> <col style="width: 58pt;" width="77"> <tbody><tr style="height: 46.5pt;" height="62"> <td class="xl69" style="height: 46.5pt; width: 91pt; text-align: center; font-weight: bold;" width="121" height="62">Octave band center frequency (hz)</td> <td class="xl70" style="border-left: medium none; width: 58pt; text-align: center; font-weight: bold;" width="77">Weighting</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15.75pt;" height="21"> <td class="xl67" style="height: 15.75pt; text-align: center;" height="21">31.5</td> <td class="xl68" style="border-left: medium none; text-align: center;">-39</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl63" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt; text-align: center;" height="20">63</td> <td class="xl64" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none; text-align: center;">-26</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl63" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt; text-align: center;" height="20">125</td> <td class="xl64" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none; text-align: center;">-16</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl63" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt; text-align: center;" height="20">250</td> <td class="xl64" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none; text-align: center;">-9</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl63" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt; text-align: center;" height="20">500</td> <td class="xl64" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none; text-align: center;">-3</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl63" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt; text-align: center;" height="20">1k</td> <td class="xl64" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none; text-align: center;">0</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl63" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt; text-align: center;" height="20">2k</td> <td class="xl64" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none; text-align: center;">1</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15pt;" height="20"> <td class="xl63" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15pt; text-align: center;" height="20">4k</td> <td class="xl64" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none; text-align: center;">1</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 15.75pt;" height="21"> <td class="xl65" style="border-top: medium none; height: 15.75pt; text-align: center;" height="21">8k</td> <td class="xl66" style="border-top: medium none; border-left: medium none; text-align: center;">-1</td> </tr> </tbody></table><br /><br />The dark blue data show the raw, uncorrected sound data for this chiller.<br /><br />If acoustics are a design consideration for your air-cooled chiller product, Smardt offers a solution that is unmatched in the industry.<br /><br />Extra: Audio Comparison of compressor noise<br /><br /><a href="http://www.turbocor.com/products_technology/sounds/typical_85dba.wav">85 dBA screw compressor</a><br /><a href="http://www.turbocor.com/products_technology/sounds/turbo_73dba.wav">73 dBA Turbocor compressor</a><br /><br />Both measured at 1.0 m away from compressor. Your speaker volume will affect the output, but the comparison should be clear if the volume is not adjusted between clips.<br /><br />Extra extra:<br /><br />This <a href="http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/jw/dB.html#soundfiles">link</a> has sound files that illustrate the amplitude of a decibel, to give perspective to the graphs above.Rand Congerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331499244334895693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304563205151354520.post-84334981958397893182009-01-13T16:05:00.000-08:002009-01-13T16:42:03.201-08:00EPA proposes tighter R-22 Refrigerant Regulations<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/8499/refrigerantr22andr134afz5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 448px;" src="http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/8499/refrigerantr22andr134afz5.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />In a move that could significantly affect the application of R-22 in the HVAC marketplace, the Environmental Protection Agency has proposed new rules on the Phase-out of R-22. These rules affect both the allocation of R-22 production and the installation of these products. According to an article in <a href="http://www.achrnews.com/Articles/Breaking_News/BNP_GUID_9-5-2006_A_10000000000000494871">ACHR News</a>:<br /><br /><blockquote>The proposed “Adjustments to the Allowance System for Controlling HCFC Production, Import, and Export” appears to allow to EPA to go beyond the 75 percent target effective Jan. 1, 2010. The ruling also provides production allocations for various refrigerant manufacturers, ending some uncertainty in that matter. <br /><br />The proposed “Ban on Sale or Distribution of Pre-Charged Appliances” says that as of Jan. 1, 2010 it will be illegal to import, produce, or sell R-22 for use in new equipment or pre-charged into such equipment. In effect, the ruling appears to say that if a contractor buys a product as of Jan. 1, 2010 that needs R-22, the charging would have to be done with existing recovered, recycled, and/or reclaimed R-22 — or R-22 alternatives — rather than virgin R-22. </blockquote><br /><br />These changes are significant and are detailed in depth in the <a href="http://rand.conger.googlepages.com/AHRISummaryComments-EPAProposedRule_.pdf">AHRI summary comments</a> of these changes.<br /><br />There as a public comment period for each of these rules. EPA will accept comments until February 6, 2009 for the pre-charged rule and March 9, 2009 for the allocation rule.<br /><br />Cautious owners and engineers would be wise to strongly consider making a complete switch to the HFC alternates readily available today, R-410a being the most likely option.Rand Congerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331499244334895693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304563205151354520.post-72628470631187292472009-01-12T16:36:00.000-08:002009-01-12T17:26:07.033-08:00Tax Breaks for Ground Loop SystemsWith the signing of <a href="http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h110-1424">The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, H.R. 1424</a>, the Federal Government has put their money where their mouth is and have acted to make geothermal heat pump systems a more attractive HVAC alternative.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/4873/getitbackrl9.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 312px; height: 400px;" src="http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/4873/getitbackrl9.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Commercial geothermal heat pump installations <a href="http://rand.conger.googlepages.com/CommercialTaxCreditInfo.pdf">now qualify for a 10% tax credit</a>, with no cap on the credited expenditures!<br /><br /><blockquote>For commercial installations, an ITC is provided for geothermal heat pumps equal to 10 percent of the expenditures, including allocable labor costs for facilities placed in service after October 3, 2008. There is no cap on the amount of expenditures which can be used for the credit (and no cap on the credit itself). In addition, geothermal heat pumps are eligible for Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery which provides for depreciation over 5 years. The credit is determined by the cost of the system. However, if the equipment is financed by any subsidy program (federal, state or local) or with tax-exempt bond, the basis of the equipment must be reduced by the amount of the subsidy. Contrary to the residential credit, on commercial applications the units do not need to be Energy Star rated to apply. To collect this credit, the taxpayer would need to complete IRS Form 3468. The form will need revision by the IRS to reflect the addition of geothermal heat pumps.</blockquote><br /><br />Every little bit helps to get these highly-efficient systems to pencil out. Uncle Sam has lent a hand to owners and designers who wish to utilize this exciting technology!Rand Congerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331499244334895693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304563205151354520.post-20086154709039539252008-12-26T12:07:00.000-08:002008-12-26T12:24:29.333-08:00Aaon Fan Engineering White Paper<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.aaonnet.com/Documents/Featured/ValueInAir_081211.pdf"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 254px; height: 320px;" src="http://img387.imageshack.us/img387/5962/valueinairtx7.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Aaon has pushed the envelope of packaged rooftop unit design by providing a wide selection of fan types in their systems, including forward curved housed centrifugals, backward inclined un-housed centrifugals (plenum fans) and axial fans. And, for their larger units, they have generally moved towards direct-driven plenum fans for supply air in arrays as best fits the application. This move has not been random, but is based upon solid engineering reasoning based on the inherent stability and efficiency of these types of fans. The newly published Aaon white paper, <i><a href="http://www.aaonnet.com/Documents/Featured/ValueInAir_081211.pdf">Value in the Air</i></a> provides a thorough justification for this emphasis on direct-drive plenum fans. But in doing so, it also provides an excellent primer on general fan engineering topics including overloading vs. non-overloading fan curves, fan stability in single and dual fan applications, fan control for VAV systems, and the overall energy impact of fans on our HVAC systems. It is an excellent resource and one that engineers should review to enhance their understanding of fan systems.Rand Congerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331499244334895693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304563205151354520.post-9205293113252286512008-12-24T07:53:00.000-08:002008-12-26T11:21:54.562-08:00Greening Small Rooftop Units: Digital ScrollsDigital scroll compressors offer many benefits to compressorized HVAC equipment, as <a href="http://jbarrownews.blogspot.com/2007/09/digital-scroll-compressors-just-plain.html">I have discussed in previous articles</a>. Some of these advantages are obvious, and need little computational support--like the modulating capacity control.<br /><br />Others, however, could use some numerical support to quantify the advantages they confer. The efficiency advantage these compressors confer is one of these sorts of advantages. While it is easy to conceptually understand how this technology can improve efficiency of compressorized units, how much of an advantage this is depends on a myriad of factors, including the capacity of the unit, the operating schedule of the system, the climactic conditions the system experiences and the application of the system.<br /><br />The energy advantage will change depending on whether the system operates seven days a week or five, whether the system has multiple or single compressors, whether the system is in Atlanta or Seattle, whether the system is VAV or constant volume and whether the system has hot-gas bypass or not.<br /><br />Aaon realized that the complexity of this calculation made it difficult to quantify the advantage of this advanced feature. To make it easier to see the energy advantage, Aaon added a simple energy calculation tool to the Engineering Toolkit that they provide with their <a href="http://www.aaon.com/Software/SoftwareEcat.aspx">ECAT32 selection software</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/1139/rm07performancecv1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/1139/rm07performancecv1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />After using the simple drop-down windows to select geographic location (by city), Aaon model number, 5 or 7 day schedule, 12 or 24 hour operation, Constant or VAV fan control you then can select the variable and constant capacity units to compare against each other. Options available include assigning hot gas bypass or not to the lead and/or lag compressors and variable speed or cycling fan control to the condenser fans. Once these options have been selected for both units, you simply hit the "calculate" button and the energy performance summary is generated.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/959/rm07taleofthetapeyu5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 121px;" src="http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/959/rm07taleofthetapeyu5.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />This gives you the energy improvement conferred by the digital scroll as a percentage, and also in a comparative EER the constant capacity compressor system would have to be rated at in order for the energy performance of the two systems to be equal.<br /><br />Further graphs allow you to examine the bin hours at a given OADB for the geographic location and operating schedule you specified,<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/2748/rm07binhoursyq1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 263px;" src="http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/2748/rm07binhoursyq1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />and the relative energy performances of both systems at a given OADB.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/3712/rm07kwhatbinhoursvq9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 295px; height: 320px;" src="http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/3712/rm07kwhatbinhoursvq9.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />A little playing around with the system allows a user to quickly find where the energy benefits are greatest. In general, the digital scroll confers the most benefit to single-compressor systems, and systems that require HGBP for constant-capacity compressors, such as VAV systems. The system also highlights the point that HGBP is a very expensive way to to capacity control, since the compressor draws full amps whenever it is running. It is the unique modulating capacity of digital scrolls that really makes a difference in these sorts of applications.Rand Congerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331499244334895693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304563205151354520.post-43021096567952698492008-12-19T06:40:00.000-08:002008-12-19T16:45:30.457-08:00Heat your showers for FREEEarlier in this series of articles, I discussed <a href="http://jbarrownews.blogspot.com/2007/09/heating-your-showers-with-your-cooling.html">using the waste heat in available on-site water-based sources to heat water</a>. Essentially, you just add a water-to-water heat pump system that allows you to move a lot of heat to a useful function with the expenditure of just a little energy.<br /><br />Wouldn't it be nice if you could do this sort of transfer of heat from a waste source to a useful function without requiring the addition of a compressorized system?<br /><br />Well, in existing refrigeration systems, there already exists a source of heat that is usually of a temperature that can provide useful heating for a domestic hot water application without need for additional compressors: The compressor superheat.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/3826/desuperheatingprocessgh2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 387px; height: 301px;" src="http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/3826/desuperheatingprocessgh2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />In a refrigeration process, where <span style="font-weight: bold;">cooling</span> is the desired function of the compressorized system, this compressor superheat is essentially waste heat, and serves no useful purpose. It is simply thrown away to the environment through whatever heat rejection process the system employs. But this compressor superheat was put into the system by the energy used to run the compressor, and therefore was paid for once by the operator of the equipment. Instead of paying for it again in the operation of the heat rejection fan or cooling tower, why not instead use it for something, saving the heat rejection costs and reaping a real benefit?<br /><br />It was this sort of thinking that prompted Florida Heat Pump to develop their <a href="http://www.fhp-mfg.com/newpdfs/HRP.pdf">HRP Heat Recovery Package</a> (pdf). This is an add-on heat exchanger that transfers the compressor superheat directly into a domestic hot-water source--using double-walled heat exchangers to protect the potable system. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/9320/fhpdesuperheateruc7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 223px;" src="http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/9320/fhpdesuperheateruc7.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The heat from the desuperheater system provides supplemental heat to the domestic hot water system any time the compressor operates--in heating or in cooling. This can greatly reduce the amount of electric or gas heat required for water heating--even completely displacing this direct heating during many times of the year, depending on the building loads and use of the space.<br /><br />(Note, however, that the compressor superheat is lost to the heat pump space heating process and therefore the space heating capacity of the heat pump will be reduced by the capacity of the desuperheater. As long as this is taken into account in the sizing of the heat pump, this presents no problem to operation.)<br /><br />But water-source heat pumps represent only a small part of the compressorized systems that are exisiting or installed every year. It seems there is an opportunity for taking advantage of this same heat source on many other systems and on existing equipment, too.<br /><br />That is where the <a href="http://www.heatharvester.com/Heat_Rcovery_System-2.htm">Heat Harvester Heat Recovery System</a> can be used to great effect. This heat recovery system is a stand-alone desuperheating device that is pre-designed for various compressor system capacities and is available for retrofit on existing or new systems.<br /><br />How much heating potential is there? Well, Heat Harvester has provided an <a href="http://www.heatharvester.com/Heat_Rcovery_System.htm">interesting analysis</a> of the desuperheat capacities of compressorized systems:<br /><br /><br /> <table align="center" bgcolor="#cc6666" border="3" width="90%"> <tbody><tr> <td width="33%"> <div class="maintext" align="center"><b>Size of Air Conditioning<br /> System tons</b></div> </td> <td width="31%"> <div class="maintext" align="center"><b>Gallons of Hot<br /> Water per Hour</b></div> </td> <td width="36%"> <div class="maintext" align="center"><b>Gallons of Hot<br /> Water per Day </b></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="33%"> <div class="maintext" align="center"><b>3</b></div> </td> <td width="31%"> <div class="maintext" align="center"><b>15-to-25 </b></div> </td> <td width="36%"> <div class="maintext" align="center"><b>180-to-300 </b></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="33%"> <div class="maintext" align="center"><b>5</b></div> </td> <td width="31%"> <div class="maintext" align="center"><b>25-to-40 </b></div> </td> <td width="36%"> <div class="maintext" align="center"><b>300-to-480 </b></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="33%"> <div class="maintext" align="center"><b>10</b></div> </td> <td width="31%"> <div class="maintext" align="center"><b>50-to-80 </b></div> </td> <td width="36%"> <div class="maintext" align="center"><b>600-to-960 </b></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="33%"> <div class="maintext" align="center"><b>20</b></div> </td> <td width="31%"> <div class="maintext" align="center"><b>100-to-160 </b></div> </td> <td width="36%"> <div class="maintext" align="center"><b>1200-to-1800 </b></div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="33%"> <div class="maintext" align="center"><b>30</b></div> </td> <td width="31%"> <div class="maintext" align="center"><b>150-to-240</b></div> </td> <td width="36%"> <div class="maintext" align="center"><b>1800-to-2880</b></div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <br />These systems can be economically installed into just about any compressorized systems using positive displacement compressors: Scroll and Screw air-cooled chillers, Rooftop packaged units, Condensing units, CRAC units, you name it. Since the Heat Harvester heat recovery system consists of a package with a heat exchanger and a pump, the installation basically involves a little refrigerant and water piping. And in a cooling-only application, all of the heat recovered would have otherwise been lost to the environment.Rand Congerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331499244334895693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304563205151354520.post-2584936566642349252008-12-03T06:54:00.000-08:002008-12-19T06:36:43.959-08:00Ultimate Florida Heat Pump Cheat Sheet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/5462/commlogoga6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 123px;" src="http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/5462/commlogoga6.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />One of the difficulties our customers have with Florida Heat Pump is that their product offering is so wide, that it can sometimes get confusing: Which models have ECM motors? Which have scroll compressors and which have recip? What sound packages are available for a given model, etc...<br /><br />So, in the interest of clarity and ease of use, we've pulled together all of this information into one convenient place: <a href="http://rand.conger.googlepages.com/UltimateCheatSheetDec2008.pdf">The Ultimate Florida Heat Pump Cheat Sheet</a>Rand Congerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331499244334895693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304563205151354520.post-59283249300116504612008-11-04T10:28:00.000-08:002009-01-16T05:48:49.006-08:00Presentations from JB 2008 Open HouseDue to a slew of interest, we have made the following presentation slides available for review.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3003/3003471411_2accc89beb.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 333px; height: 233px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3003/3003471411_2accc89beb.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />All of the links below go to pdf files of the presentation, except for the Aggressive Building Energy Performance presentation which goes to the NBI website where similar presentations can be found.<br /><a href="http://rand.conger.googlepages.com/Pulse%7EPureJAP-40.pdf"><br /></a><ul><li><a href="http://www.newbuildings.org/presentations.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Aggressive Building Energy Performance: Getting to 50 and Beyond.</span></a> <a href="http://www.newbuildings.org/about.htm">Mark Frankel, New Buildings Institute</a></li><li><a href="http://rand.conger.googlepages.com/PSEincentives.pdf">PSE</a>/<a href="http://rand.conger.googlepages.com/SCLincentives.pdf">SCL</a> Energy incentive updates</li><li><a href="http://rand.conger.googlepages.com/KimECOiOverview.pdf"><span style="font-style: italic;">Introduction to Variable-Refrigerant Flow Systems.</span></a> Kim Olson, Sanyo</li><li><a href="http://rand.conger.googlepages.com/IntrotoActiveChilledBeams.pdf"><span style="font-style: italic;">Introduction to Active Chilled Beams</span>.</a> Rand Conger, Johnson-Barrow</li></ul>Click on the underlined words to link to the documents.<br /><br />Thanks again for your interest and your participation!<br /><br />More photos from the event can be found <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/32094189@N04/">here.</a>Rand Congerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331499244334895693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304563205151354520.post-37090952649022402762008-11-03T06:14:00.000-08:002008-11-03T08:30:39.249-08:00Energy Code and Relief air in Rooftop UnitsIn a warm building served by rooftop units in a cold ambient condition, air wants to do an unfortunate thing. Warm, less dense air tends to rise through the colder, denser air. If unchecked, this causes an air migration up through the ductwork, to the RTU and out into the environment, while cold air is infiltrated into the building to make up the vacated volume. This causes a loss of heating energy detrimental to the energy performance of the building.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/4899/180pxchimneyeffectsvgoq6.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 360px;" src="http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/4899/180pxchimneyeffectsvgoq6.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />If the rooftop unit is operating, this <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stack_effect">stack effect</a> is usually more than overcome by the pressures developed by the fans. But when the unit is off, often the only thing preventing warm air from working its way up through the ductwork is the action of the unit dampers. Most units installed under the Seattle Energy code have an automatic OA damper associated with the economizer that can be driven closed. But the relief air path is a different story. Often, this air path is controlled with a simple gravity damper configured to relieve air when the building is under positive pressure, but to prevent air from entering while under negative pressure.<br /><br />The problem with this arrangement is that it does nothing to prevent a stack effect from occurring when the unit is not operating. The damper will act to let warm air out, which is exactly what is what we would hope to avoid. To address thisl, the <a href="http://www.seattle.gov/DPD/Codes/Energy_Code/Nonresidential/Chapter_14/default.asp">2006 Seattle Energy code</a> has a section that requires a positive-closing damper on all air openings on building air systems:<br /><br /><blockquote><p><a id="Section1412_4_1" name="Section1412_4_1"><span class="Subhead2_black">1412.4.1 Dampers:</span></a> Outside air intakes, exhaust outlets and relief outlets serving <a href="http://www.seattle.gov/DPD/Codes/Energy_Code/Residential/Chapter_2/default.asp#Conditioned%20space">conditioned spaces</a> shall be equipped with motorized dampers which close <a href="http://www.seattle.gov/DPD/Codes/Energy_Code/Residential/Chapter_2/default.asp#Automatic">automatically</a> when the system is off or upon power failure. Stair shaft and elevator shaft smoke relief openings shall be equipped with normally open (fails open upon loss of power) dampers. These dampers shall remain closed until activated by the fire alarm system or other approved smoke detection system.</p><p><span class="Subhead2_red">EXCEPTIONS:</span></p><ol><li>Systems serving areas which require continuous operation.</li><li>Combustion air intakes.</li><li>Gravity (non-motorized) dampers are acceptable in <u>systems with a design outdoor air intake or exhaust capacity of 300 cfm or less</u> <strike>buildings less than 3 stories in height</strike>.</li><li><strike>Gravity (non-motorized dampers are acceptable in exhaust and relief outlets in the first story and levels below the first story of buildings three or more stories in height.</strike> <u>Reserved</u></li><li>Type 1 grease hoods exhaust.</li></ol><p>Dampers installed to comply with this section, including dampers integral to HVAC equipment, shall have a maximum leakage rate when tested in accordance with AMCA Standard 500 of:</p><ol type="a"><li>Motorized dampers: 10 cfm/ft<sup>2</sup> of damper area at 1.0 in. w.g.</li><li>Non-motorized dampers: 20 cfm/ft<sup>2</sup> of damper area at 1.0 in. w.g., except that for non-motorized dampers smaller than 24 inches in either dimension: 40 cfm/ft<sup>2</sup> of damper area at 1.0 in. w.g.</li></ol><p><u>Dampers used as a component of packaged</u> <a href="http://www.seattle.gov/DPD/Codes/Energy_Code/Residential/Chapter_2/default.asp#HVAC%20equipment"><u>HVAC equipment</u></a> <u>shall comply with the damper leakage requirements, unless it is the lowest leakage available as a factory option.</u> Drawings shall indicate compliance with this section.</p></blockquote><br /><br />This has caused some disruption in the rootop packaged unit market, because the option of providing <span style="font-style: italic;">automatically closing</span> motorized dampers on all air openings on these sorts of units is not one that is easily available from most manufacturers.<br /><br />Johnson-Barrow has worked with Aaon to provide an engineered option on most configurations of the Aaon RM and RN rooftop packaged line to meet this requirement.<br /><br />So if you have a project where a packaged RTU is the right solution, there is a code-compliant option likely available from Aaon.Rand Congerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331499244334895693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304563205151354520.post-29353726757640783652008-10-07T05:21:00.001-07:002008-10-09T08:09:48.462-07:00Open House: Where, When and How<div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16th!</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.jbarrow.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/2417/openhouseix4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >Details:</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Where: 2001 22nd Ave S, Seattle WA</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">10:00 AM to 6:00 PM</span><br /><br />The open house will be located just down the street from the JB offices, about 5 blocks south of I-90, just off of Rainier Avenue in Seattle.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=103422801976581858344.000458a8de235d0b35a5c&ll=47.587743,-122.31077&spn=0.010985,0.027895&z=16"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/9384/openhousemapvd9.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(click for active map, or click <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=103422801976581858344.000458a8de235d0b35a5c&ll=47.587743,-122.31077&spn=0.010985,0.027895&z=16">HERE</a>)</span><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions:</span> Directions from your location can be found by clicking on on the active map above, then right-clicking on the open house location, selecting "Directions to" and typing in your starting address in the box provided! Parking is available.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Transit:</span> Plan your trip <a href="http://tripplanner.metrokc.gov/cgi-bin/itin_page.pl?resptype=U">Here</a> (Use "2001 22nd Ave S" as the destination)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What:</span><br /><br /><br />Schedule of Presentations:<br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">10:30 AM:</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">Non-Chemical Water Treatment Case Studies.</span> John Junk, Fluid-Tek<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">12:30 PM: </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Aggressive Building Energy Performance: Getting to 50 and Beyond.</span> <a href="http://www.newbuildings.org/about.htm">Mark Frankel, New Buildings Institute</a></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">1:45 PM:</span> PSE/SCL Energy incentive updates</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">2:30 PM:</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Introduction to Variable-Refrigerant Flow Systems.</span> Kim Olson, Sanyo</li><li>3:30 PM: <span style="font-style: italic;">Introduction to Active Chilled Beams</span>. Rand Conger, Johnson-Barrow</li></ul>Lunch provided at 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM<br /><br />Refreshments provided 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Featured Products on site for your inpsection:</span><br /><br />Climate Craft<a href="http://jbarrownews.blogspot.com/2008/05/direct-drive-evolved.html"> Matrix</a> Air Handler<br /><br />Evapco AT cooling tower with <a href="http://jbarrownews.blogspot.com/2007/10/your-next-energy-conservation-measure.html">Super Low Sound Fan</a><br /><br />Evapco <a href="http://www.evapco.com/pulse-video.asp">Pulse~Pure</a> non-chemical water treatment<br /><br /><a href="http://jbarrownews.blogspot.com/2008/10/introduction-to-vrf-systems.html">Sanyo</a> Mini-Splits<br /><br />Dadanco <a href="http://www.activechilledbeam.com/cheap_low_energy_cooling.asp">Active Chilled Beams</a><br /><br />Cerus <a href="http://jbarrownews.blogspot.com/2008/07/smarter-starters.html">Starters</a><br /><br />And even MORE!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">How:</span><br /><br />Come throughout the day. Visit for as long or as short as you like<br /><br />If you do plan to come, we would appreciate some feedback on when you think you will be here.<br /><br />Please visit <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=AGcY1YiQ1ZBxCV1A0kzoxg_3d_3d">HERE</a> to give us a quick RSVP. Thanks! (We'll still let you in if you don't)Rand Congerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331499244334895693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304563205151354520.post-87240894623059675912008-10-02T04:44:00.000-07:002008-11-04T16:39:46.182-08:00Save the Date: October 16 JB Open House<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.jbarrow.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/2417/openhouseix4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Johnson Barrow is pleased to announce an Open House, Thursday, October 16. Come 'kick the tires' of our products and attend talks on high-efficiency technology and design. We'll also provide lunch at noon and adult refreshments in the evening!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.climatecraft.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/6092/ccahuvc2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">ClimateCraft Air Handler</span><br /></div><br />Highlights:<br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Featured Presentation:</span></span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.newbuildings.org/about.htm">Mark Frankel from the New Buildings Institute</a>; "Aggressive Building Energy Performance:<a href="http://www.gettingtofifty.org/"> Getting to 50 and Beyond</a>"</span> 12:30 pm</li><li>Updates on local Utility rebate programs.</li><li>A full scale Demo unit of the <a href="http://jbarrownews.blogspot.com/2008/05/direct-drive-evolved.html">Climate Craft MATRIX </a>air handler</li><li><a href="http://www.evapco.com/pulse-video.asp">Evapco Pulse~Pure</a> non-chemical water treatment device.</li><li>New product introduction: <a href="http://www.sanyohvac.com/ecoivrf.php">Sanyo ECO-i VRF systems</a></li><li>New product introduction: <a href="http://www.activechilledbeam.com/">Dadanco active chilled beams</a></li></ul><br />More details to follow. Watch your inbox!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.activechilledbeam.com/"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 120px;" src="http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/9972/dadancologojd6.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.evapco.com/media/pdf/water-treatment.pdf"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 120px;" src="http://img370.imageshack.us/img370/7357/pulsepurelogohu5.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sanyohvac.com/ecoivrf.php"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 120px;" src="http://img374.imageshack.us/img374/5396/sanyologosb4.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.climatecraft.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 120px;" src="http://img361.imageshack.us/img361/2766/cclogoal0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Rand Congerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331499244334895693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304563205151354520.post-18787814895816386582008-10-02T03:41:00.000-07:002008-10-02T11:56:48.239-07:00Introduction to VRF systemsRecently, there has been an Asian invasion of America.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/1444/sanyovrfca5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px;" src="http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/1444/sanyovrfca5.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/8779/sanyologoqc8.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/8779/sanyologoqc8.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Asian variable-speed heat split heat pump systems, that is. <br /><br />While most engineers and contractors are familiar with the now-common ductless mini-split systems, these systems have a bigger cousin which can match multiple outdoor condensers with multiple indoor fan coils using variable speed compressor technology to greatly improve efficiency and add significant zoning flexibility to building designs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/47/vrfsystemyp8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/47/vrfsystemyp8.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />Davis Watkins, Vice President of Applied Systems, Sanyo HVAC Solutions, recently wrote an introductory article for <a href="http://www.hvacinsider.com/about.htm">HVAC insider</a> describing these systems, their applications and installation. He also debunks several myths about these systems that have caused concern in the past. It is well worth a read to understand how these systems provide better comfort control with great energy savings. A copy is locate here: <a href="http://rand.conger.googlepages.com/SanyoarticleInsiderNationalEdition_2.pdf">Ductless Split System Technology: From Bonus Rooms to Commercial Buildings</a><br /><br />Personally, I think one very strong argument for these systems can be summed up in a single graph:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/2219/sanyolowtempheatingqx2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/2219/sanyolowtempheatingqx2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />This is a chart of the heating performance of the Sanyo ECO-i VRF system at low ambient conditions. Note that at as low as -4 deg F, the ECO-i VRF system still provideds 60% of the rated heating capacity without supplemental strip heat. Keep in mind that in a heat pump system the rated heating capacity is usually about 30% or so greater than the rated cooling capacity. In other words, you will get nearly 12 tons of heating out of a 12 ton cooling unit even in sub-zero weather! <br /><br />If you are interested in reducing your carbon footprint, moving to a fully electric heat pump system makes sense in a primarily hydroelectric utility market--and even more so if you don't have to size your electrical service to provide redundant electric strip heat! Or, for that matter, pay for the energy required to provide that strip heat.<br /><br />Another feature that highly recommends these systems is the capability to provide heat recovery while operating in simultaneous heating and cooling mode. A three-way Sanyo ECO-i system can operate much like a water-source heat pump system, re-using heat rejected from warm interior zones at perimeter zones that require heating. This inherent energy recapture ability allows the compressor in the outdoor unit to only have to work hard enough to transfer the difference in capacity between the two modes. If, on a given system, you have 7 tons of heating load and 4 tons of cooling load (11 tons, total) the compressor actually only sees <span style="font-weight:bold;">3 tons</span> of load!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vApupbpJlPRJV-E4dtKOzkvi0Sktah_7FSAKWvdr3S0Z5NcisXdRlMFlS2oG6LiE_TFnTfrVns9Q8bQPDL0nbke4DwW7to7rZ3vquFU6qw8V9HoZTFA6iDN_P2EsDlq5TjLPLADNL28/s1600-h/heat+recovery+Sanyo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vApupbpJlPRJV-E4dtKOzkvi0Sktah_7FSAKWvdr3S0Z5NcisXdRlMFlS2oG6LiE_TFnTfrVns9Q8bQPDL0nbke4DwW7to7rZ3vquFU6qw8V9HoZTFA6iDN_P2EsDlq5TjLPLADNL28/s320/heat+recovery+Sanyo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252628422674256258" /></a><br /><br />These advantages are above and beyond the already impressive efficiencies gained by the use of variable-speed compressors, and transferring heat and cooling energy with efficient refrigerant transfer instead of much less efficient air transfer. And, of course, these systems can offer great architectural advantages too: Lower floor to ceiling height, smaller spaces with independent comfort zones, very easy reconfiguration, etc.<br /><br />It's no wonder these systems are gaining traction in a big way in the North American market.Rand Congerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331499244334895693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304563205151354520.post-27868894600868509952008-08-21T08:55:00.001-07:002008-08-21T09:15:46.946-07:00Greg Nickels vows to DOUBLE Seattle Conservation ProgramsA <a href="http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/375793_citylight21.html">recent article</a> in the Seattle times indicates that the City of Seattle is getting serious about conservation:<br /><br /><blockquote>Overlooking the Seahawks' field, Seattle City Light officials and <span style="font-weight:bold;">Mayor Greg Nickels announced a $185 million plan Wednesday to double the city's energy conservation</span> over five years -- an amount equal to the annual energy use of 180,000 Seattle homes.<br /><br />The program, which targets residential and commercial electricity use, could save customers $310 million over that time.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">"We are putting our conservation program on steroids," Nickels said.</span></blockquote><br /><br />The plan is available online at <a href="http://www.seattle.gov/light/conserve/docs/Conservation_5_Year_Action_Plan.pdf">http://www.seattle.gov/light/conserve/docs/Conservation_5_Year_Action_Plan.pdf</a>, and focuses on Lighting, HVAC, Industrial Processes and Data Centers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.seattle.gov/light/conserve/docs/Conservation_5_Year_Action_Plan.pdf"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/3809/citylighttt6.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Learn more about what this means to you and your business at <a href="http://www.seattle.gov/light/conserve/">http://www.seattle.gov/light/conserve/</a><br /><br />Information on rebates, including spreadsheets to calculate rebates for common measures (VFD's, chillers, heat pumps, etc) is available at <a href="http://www.seattle.gov/light/Conserve/Business/cv4_ess.asp">http://www.seattle.gov/light/Conserve/Business/cv4_ess.asp</a><br /><br />Don't miss out on a great opportunity to fund your project and lower your operating costs at the same time!Rand Congerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331499244334895693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304563205151354520.post-63646945941411032162008-07-22T06:05:00.000-07:002008-07-22T06:40:35.635-07:00Fan Engineering: Spark Resistance RatingsEvery once in a while we will see a specification for "explosion proof" fans. While this may be a desirable characteristic, "explosion proof" is not a specifiable option, and usually is included because of confusion with electrical component (i.e. motors, disconnects) specifications.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/4498/fcvte0.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/4498/fcvte0.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Instead, fans are generally classified by "spark resistance". <a href="http://amca.org/">AMCA</a> has created a standard that defines three different levels of spark resistance, classes A, B and C.<br /><br />These classes, listed in decreasing order of assurance, are generally concerned with the prevention of sparks caused by the rubbing together of spark-producing metallic components (generally ferrous materials). These classes only address spark risks due to an explosive airstream, and do not address explosive conditions <span style="font-style:italic;"></span>outside the fan. A summary of the different levels of protection is found in <a href="http://rand.conger.googlepages.com/ED2200.pdf">this helpful engineering paper from Twin City Fans</a>. <br /><br /><blockquote><span style="font-weight:bold;">Type C:</span> The fan is designed so that if the impeller or shaft comes loose and shifts during operation, two ferrous parts will not come into contact.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Type B:</span> In general, this requires a nonferrous impeller and a nonferrous rubbing ring around the shaft hole. Also, extra locking systems are required to prevent the fan impeller, shaft, and bearings from shifting.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Type A:</span> This requires a nonferrous airstream. Also, the extra locking systems are required as in Type B.</blockquote><br /><br />As with any engineering decision, the correct level of spark resistance to specify depends strongly upon the particulars of the project: The gasses or substances expected, the concentration of these contaminants, the location of the air-moving device, etc.Rand Congerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331499244334895693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4304563205151354520.post-27278475364528026232008-07-01T06:35:00.000-07:002008-07-09T05:39:17.985-07:00Smarter StartersAs anyone who has specified or supplied them on projects knows, motor starters can be a big headache. And despite the growth in the use of VFD's in today's energy conscious designs, motor starters still are used on about 60-70% of the motors provided in the industry. Typical problems can range from the very basic to the more involved. Some of the problems our customers report are:<br /><ul><li>Incorrect overload protection provided or heaters incorrectly sized</li><li>Incorrect control signal available on the site</li><li>Not enough BAS points to provide needed damper or valve interlocks</li></ul>For the most part, starters are old technology. <a href="http://www.cerusindustrial.com/"> Cerus Industrial</a> re-examined starters and found that a lot of benefit can be gained from re-working these components to take advantage of today's technology.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/9257/cerusstarteryx8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/9257/cerusstarteryx8.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cerus BAS Starter</span><br /></span></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Protecting The Motor</span><br /><br />Besides starting the motor, the main function of a motor starter is to provide a measure of protection to the motor in case of an electrical malfunction. Typically, this protection is provided by means of an overload protection in the starter that trips power in case the motor pulls more amps than it is safely rated for. Traditionally, this has been provided by means of small heater elements that are rated for the motor FLA. These are interchangeable and different motor operating conditions will require different heaters.<br /><br />In practice, these heaters can be problematic--Essentially, they must be sized correctly for the operating amps of the motor, and this may or may not be known at the time they are purchased. Many things can change a motor duty point from the design to the installation: product substitution, air or water balancing, changes to the design, etc. And since these heaters have very small operating ranges, even a small change in any of these criteria can result in a heater change. In fact, replacing starter heaters are one of the most commonly reported change orders.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/6850/ssoverloadaj3.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/6850/ssoverloadaj3.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Adjustable thermal overloads have been developed to allow a greater amp range for a starter overload protection, but the biggest ranges available are provided via<span style="font-weight: bold;"> solid state overloads</span>. Solid state overloads typically provide about a 5:1 amperage adjustment (from 1A to 5A, or 4.4A to 22A in two typical sizes). This essentially allows a single overload device to protect any motor that would reasonably be started by a given contactor, meaning that starters equipped with solid state overloads will always have the right overload protection for the motor they are starting. And solid state overloads add phase loss protection, giving your equipment even better security.<br /><br />Cerus has standardized on solid state overloads for their HVAC starter line, to greatly simplify the process of selecting the correct starter and to avoid last-minute trips to the electrical supply house to get the right overload protection.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Communications</span><br /><br />Almost all available starters use 120v relays to communicate with building controls. However, almost all available building operating systems use 24v power for their signals. This means that in order to provide a control signal to the starter from the BAS, interposing relays are required to convert the 24v signal to a 120v signal. These relays are usually field wired, and therefore add complexity and field labor costs to the installation of motor starters.<br /><br />Cerus has greatly simplified the interface between the BAS and their starters.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/5725/cerusterminalstripbj9.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/5725/cerusterminalstripbj9.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />All of their standard starters have a terminal strip that can accept a 120vac, 24vac or 24vdc signal directly. The terminal is self-calibrating, and will adjust to whatever signal is provided automatically, greatly simplifying field wiring. In addition, this terminal strip has a terminal that will accept a dry contact, if that is the preferred method of control.<br /><br />But even <span style="font-weight: bold;">greater</span> communication flexibility is provided in Cerus' new line of <a href="http://www.bacnet.org/">BACnet</a> enabled starters. Integrating BACnet allows direct communication with the BAS system via a single network connection. The BAS system can provide start/stop signals, interlocked damper control, receive proof of flow via current sensing, monitor the runtime and HOA position remotely, detect phase failure or phase loss, and enact fireman's overrides or emergency shutdowns. These starters provide unequaled ease of use and troubleshooting capabilities and require the absolute minimum in field labor to accomplish this.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cerusind.com/pdffiles/BACnet_Points_Matrix.pdf">BACnet points matrix</a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Simplified Interlocks</span><br /><br />Many fan systems have control dampers that are intended to close when the fan is not operating. These dampers can serve to isolate a single fan in a multiple fan array, or may serve to prevent undesired airflow when the fan is not operating. However, these sorts of systems present a problem--The damper must be opened before the fan is turned on in order to prevent overpressurization of the ductwork. This is typically is handled by the BAS sending a signal to open the damper, having and endswitch on the damper send a signal back to the BAS to indicate that it is open, and then having the BAS send a signal to start the fan. This requires three control points on a BAS controller. Often, these control points are limited, and may or may not be available without a significant cost impact. Cerus has again simplified things by providing for a direct interlock between the fan motor and damper. In this system, the BAS sends a signal to start the fan, then the <span style="font-weight: bold;">starter</span> sends a signal to the damper and waits for a confirming end-switch signal before it will initiate the fan. This eliminates two control points from the BAS and greatly simplifies this critical interlock.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/417/cerusdamperinterlockcy3.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/417/cerusdamperinterlockcy3.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Additionally, the control terminal strip for the Cerus BAS starter has dedicated contacts for emergency shutdown and fireman's override.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">And More to Come</span><br /><br />Cerus is quickly adding functionality to their BAS starter line and upcoming features will include revenue-grade power metering and automatically calibrating motor overload protection.<br /><br />Smarter starters use today's technology to reduce installation costs, minimize field problems and simplify troubleshooting.<br /><a href="http://rand.conger.googlepages.com/BASStarterSpec.doc"><br />Cerus BAS motor starter specification</a><br /><a href="http://rand.conger.googlepages.com/BACnetStarterSpec.doc">Cerus BACnet motor starter specification</a>Rand Congerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01331499244334895693noreply@blogger.com0