Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems (VRF or VRV) News & Trends

Working alongside Sunflag Iron and Steel Company Ltd. in Bhandara, India, global technology company ABB has achieved successful integration of its ABB Ability™ Data Analytics Platform for metals, tying together all manufacturing and operational data of steel melt shop and rolling mills to improve production planning and plant performance optimization. The plant, which has a capacity to produce 500,000 metric tons of high-quality special steel per annum, now has the platform to integrate...

Few data centers live in a world of ‘high’ density, a number that is a moving target, but many are moving to high[er] density environments. Owners of higher density data centers often aren’t aware of how many variables factor into cooling their equipment. The result is that they spend too much on shotgun solutions that waste capacity when they would be better served by taking a rifle shot approach. This means understanding the heat dispersion characteristics of each piece of eq...

ABB has joined forces with Swiss utility Axpo to develop modular green hydrogen production plants in Italy, that aim at creating an optimum operating model to produce affordable, green hydrogen. The two companies will apply their complementary skills to achieve their joint vision of more affordable green hydrogen, with ABB harnessing its automation, electrification, and digital leadership in industrial operations and Axpo’s experience as an established energy provider. Green Hydrogen...

Summer is quickly approaching, and that means preparing for the sweltering heat. If users haven’t already, that means that they need to complete some home air conditioner maintenance if they want their home to stay cool and comfortable.  The annual air conditioner maintenance doesn’t have to be extensive. With the right technician, it will be done in a flash. Learn all about how users or maintenance technicians should prepare an air conditioner for the hot summer ahead. C...

Johnson Controls, the provider of smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, announces the Quantech™ QWC4 Water-Cooled Screw Chiller has been added to the brand’s expanded chiller portfolio. The Quantech™ QWC4 chiller uses variable speed drive technology to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions by as much as 30 percent when compared to traditional chillers. Throughout most locations, the variable speed drive saves energy during 99 percent of operating hours spent at off-des...

Southern HVAC Corporation acquires of Dial Plumbing and Air Conditioning, which provides residential and light commercial plumbing, heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and gas services in Volusia and Brevard counties. Dial Plumbing and Air Conditioning, established in 1967, will continue to provide the same great plumbing and air conditioning services they are known for throughout Florida’s space coast, but will now benefit from additional support, resources, and buying power from Sou...

A hundred years ago, as the world was recovering from the Spanish flu pandemic, Bill Reed developed and manufactured his original commercial air filter in Louisville, Ky. Today, Reed’s idea has grown into the world’s foremost manufacturer of air filtration solutions. In April 2016, American Air Filter Co. Inc., (AAF International), acquired Flanders Corp., to form AAF Flanders. Improving indoor air quality With production, warehousing, and distribution facilities in 22 countries...

U.S. shipments of central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps totaled 925,031 units in March 2021, up 8.6 percent from 851,939 units shipped in March 2020. U.S. shipments of air conditioners increased 5.4 percent, to 576,646 units, up from 546,992 units shipped in March 2020. U.S. shipments of air-source heat pumps increased 14.2 percent, to 348,385 units, up from 304,947 units shipped in March 2020. Year-to-date combined shipments of central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps in...

The new, updated Crestron driver allows users to have the same benefit of simplified connectivity as in the previous version, but now – with the new 4th generation controllers included!  After updating the driver, simply add the CoolMasterNet IP address within the driver, add the AC addresses – and the integration is set. This update allows Crestron integrators to have a seamless connection between VRF, Split HVACs, and the main Crestron controller, while only having to plug...

CoolMasterNet, a Plug&Play integration device, is now even simpler to install. Once purchased and received the device, use the digital version of the installation guideline. The guideline is accessible through a new web page that helps find all the information. How can you reach it? Simply scan the QR code printed on the box or at the back of the device itself. This will lead you to a routing web page that allows you to reach the installation guideline and more. Browsing through the optio...

DENSO, a globally renowned mobility supplier, hosted a business briefing to share its semiconductor strategy and how the company is achieving its Long-term Policy 2030. During the briefing, DENSO leaders discussed how semiconductors help lay the foundation in pursuing the company’s Two Great Causes: ‘Green’, achieving carbon neutrality by 2035 and ‘Peace of Mind’, creating a safe and seamless world for all. Semiconductors crucial in the automotive industry &ldquo...

The CLC has published the second iteration of the National Retrofit Strategy, a twenty-year blueprint for how the construction industry can work with the Government to retrofit the UK’s 28 million existing homes. Heat and Buildings Strategy Following open consultation with the construction industry, the strategy has over 50 supporter organizations Following open consultation with the construction industry, the strategy has over 50 supporter organizations.  In partnership with 38 s...

The latest addition to the Frascold family is the new FVR screw compressor Series. This small-footprint machine is the distillation of our many years of experience building screw compressors. Quiet, efficient, and reliable, the FVR Series is everything one expects from Frascold. FVR screw compressor Series The series consists of 9 models ranging from 30 – 60 Hp and displacements of 120 to 160 m3/h. A broad refrigerant range includes R134a, R404A, R407A, R407F, R448A, R449A, and R290. T...

After numerous water leaks, compressor failures, and damper control problems, it was time for South High Community School in Worcester, Massachusetts to replace their 30 year old HVAC rooftop units. Not only had the units outlasted their expected mechanical life, but the ability to deliver fresh outdoor air and maintain comfortable heating and cooling conditions became increasingly difficult and expensive. To specify a state-of-the-art replacement HVAC roof-top system, the energy and environmen...

With help from celebrity investors like Dan Aykroyd and Aerosmith, House of Blues has been an iconic franchise in live music since 1992. The popular Boston location that opened in 2009 next to Fenway Park is a prime spot for concerts and private events. A packed schedule that leaves little downtime for the repair of the club’s HVAC equipment means that reliability and ease of maintenance are extremely important factors when making purchasing decisions. In 2016, energy recovery wheels in t...

The YMCA Association of Greater Rochester, New York, is one of the oldest associations in the United States. They currently have fifteen thriving locations built over the last century that range in size from 50,000 to more than 70,000 square feet. While the size and age of the facilities vary, high standards for energy efficiency and indoor air quality (IAQ) are key objectives in the design, construction, and operation of these buildings. "Good indoor air quality is very important" notes Eastsi...

Plymovent is very happy to announce that their Canadian colleagues of the Industrial Products division have moved into a new office building in May 2021. The new office provides plenty of space for their offices, a large warehouse. Larger office area John Mora, General Manager for Industrial Products NA, said: “Our new facility offers us the opportunity to serve our loyal customers better and work with our valued business partners.” Larger warehouse will allow us to stock more i...

After extensive research, testing, and evaluation, Johnson Controls, the provider of smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, has selected R-454B, a lower global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant, to replace R-410A in its ducted residential and commercial unitary products as well as air-cooled scroll chillers. Systems using the new refrigerant will be available for Johnson Controls, YORK®, Luxaire®, Coleman®, Champion®, TempMaster®, Fraser-Johnston®, Guardian®, E...

American Residential Services (ARS), the nation’s largest provider of residential heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and plumbing services, has announced the appointment of Scott Boose as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Scott Boose, a Senior Executive with significant experience in the HVAC, plumbing, and home services industries, succeeds David Slott, who earlier served as CEO of ARS, and who will remain in a Senior Advisory role and assist Mr. Boose and the Senior Man...

Over 3 million users attend music festivals every year in the UK, creating a staggering 23,500 tonnes of waste. WOMAD is already leading the way in sustainability, with several inspiring initiatives including green energy from Ecotricity and action on recycling, single-use plastics, water, and travel. Whichever events users choose to attend, here are the top tips for a sustainable and safe summer of festivals. Be COVID safe Wide open spaces like those at WOMAD are perfect for keeping us...

EDF Renewables Ireland is announcing plans to develop a 100MW wind farm to the south of Bellacorick in Mayo. The proposed project, which could consist of up to 25 turbines and power more than 60,000 homes, will be located in a forested area to the northeast of Slieve Carr, approximately 8 km southeast of Bangor Erris. environmental studies The project team is currently gathering wind data and mapping the environmental constraints on site which will be used to create a preliminary wind turbine...

Ruskin® has been awarded a patent for the unique blade design on its XP500WD stationary wind-driven rain aluminum louver, which provides both FEMA impact protection and Class A wind-driven rain protection. The blade’s ability to catch water and channel it away from the louver helps keep water out, boosting its already high performance against wind-driven rain. Combined with FEMA impact protection, the blade design makes the XP500WD a smart choice for extreme weather areas. Reducing s...

ABB has begun a pilot project with Equinor in Norway, at the Gina Krog platform in the North Sea. The project enables a digital transformation of monitoring of critical electrical systems on the platform, accelerating Equinor’s condition monitoring capabilities with a focus on improving safety, reducing operational costs, and increasing production efficiency. Adopting a collaborative maintenance model enables Equinor to start the journey from today’s planned maintenance program tow...

With this report, IEA shows how the transition to a net zero energy system would be possible by 2050 while ensuring stable and affordable energy supplies, providing universal energy access, and enabling robust economic growth. While the study addresses the energy sector, the chapter on buildings does offer some perspectives. Buildings The 244-page study focuses on the energy sector. For information, abstracts from the chapter on buildings are copied below. It should be kept in mind that the...

The European Commission and Öko-Recherche recently presented the preliminary findings of the F-Gas review study. The study notably models the degree to which F-Gases could be substituted in RACHP equipment until 2050. Eurovent considers the substitution scenarios unrealistic and has expressed skepticism about the modeling assumptions used by the study consultant. Review of the study The study notably foresees that hydrocarbons could be used in up to 90% of small heat pumps as of 2025,...

Compact, climate-friendly, and with a stunning design: This is the new generation of Viessmann air/water heat pumps. Powered by green electricity, they produce CO2-free heat for heating, cooling, and DHW generation. All that alongside particularly climate-friendly refrigerants. The wall-mounted and compact devices in the Vitocal 25x-A and Vitocal 2xx-S lines recently won the iF Gold Design Award 2021. renewable energy The iF Design Award is awarded once a year and is one of the most renowned...

GE Appliances. (GEA), a Haier company, partnered with Chicago nonprofit Kitchen Possible to provide GE Digital Air Fry 7-in-1 Toaster Ovens to 46 households in Chicago’s Pilsen and East Garfield Park neighborhoods as part of GEA’s community engagement investments with nonprofit organizations and community partners who connect people with the resources they need to be successful. About Kitchen Possible Kitchen Possible teaches weekly cooking lessons to young people ages eight throug...

Two of Carrier Transicold’s longest-serving network service partners have relocated to improved facilities, in a drive to ensure customers have access to the most modern and well-equipped dealerships, situated in the most convenient locations. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, a foremost global provider of healthy, safe, and sustainable building, and cold chain solutions. Leading the investment, Robson Refrigeration, which trades as Carrier Transicold East &...

The ongoing COVID-19 outbreak already forced the postponement of the upcoming EUROVENTSUMMIT from September 2020 to October 2021. After carefully evaluating the situation, the organizers have decided that the Summit will be further postponed to 2022. Although postponed to 2022, the next edition of the EUROVENTSUMMIT is still scheduled to take place in Antalya, Turkey. Concrete dates will be announced later this year. Naci Sahin, outgoing Eurovent President and representative of the local Membe...

Carrier Transicold now provides remote monitoring of mixed fleets, including those using refrigeration systems from multiple manufacturers, through a single interface, the company’s versatile new Lynx™ Fleet platform. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, the foremost global provider of healthy, safe, and sustainable building, and cold chain solutions. “The latest upgrade to our Lynx Fleet platform fulfills an important aspect of our digital vision, ena...