Capacity

A collaboration between ABB and Arkitech has brought significant efficiency gains for the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system on board MSC Magnifica. Using artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze data from over 1,500 sensors on the MSC Cruises ship, this technology enables up to 12 percent increase in chiller efficiency to achieve monthly energy savings of 100 MW by the 15-year-old ship, while maintaining optimal air-handling unit performance. energy efficiency The HVAC systems onboard cruise ships and ferries are often one of the largest energy consumers after propulsion, making energy efficiency a priority. The ABB solution based on ARK-M20 is designed to minimize the cost and environmental impact of this system. It works by continuously optimizing the HVAC system’s temperature set point in response to variable conditions including weather, seawater temperature, mobility, proportion of passenger capacity filled, time of day, and position in port or at sea. emissions savings "Controlling the most energy-demanding processes onboard – propulsion, hotel operations, and HVAC – is increasingly important," said Ivana Melillo, Head of Energy Efficiency, MSC Cruise Management (UK) Limited. Ivana Melillo adds, "Reducing energy needs can decrease fuel consumption and emissions. Thanks to the project, we expect to save 10-12 percent of HVAC energy consumption, equating to nearly 1 ton of fuel saved daily. The greatest emissions savings come from the fuel we don't use." operational improvements and sustainability "As maritime organizations seek to enhance operational efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint, innovative technologies like ARK-M20 are well positioned to support this growing demand," said Alessandro De Santis, Manager – Service Area South Europe, ABB Marine & Ports. Alessandro De Santis adds, "Our collaboration with Arkitech and MSC Cruises emphasizes our commitment to delivering measurable energy savings and operational improvements through technology. The project’s success is yet another testament to our leadership in advancing efficiency and sustainability in the maritime industry." ARK-M20 system Supplied in a modular plug-and-play configuration, the ARK-M20 system can be installed seamlessly Supplied in a modular plug-and-play configuration, the ARK-M20 system can be installed seamlessly during normal vessel operations to offer a platform to monitor vessel air quality. As well as providing a safe and comfortable environment for passengers and crew, optimizing HVAC performance contributes towards compliance with regulations such as the International Maritime Organization’s Carbon Intensity Indicator. energy savings of 100 MW per month "The results achieved by our ARK-M20 system onboard MSC Magnifica exceeded our initial target, equating to energy savings of 100 MW per month and an anticipated 1,600–2,000 MW per year," said Sander Huijer, Chief Executive Officer, Arkitech. Sander Huijer adds, "We are grateful to ABB for its support, in a project which demonstrates the efficiency gains, cost savings, and emissions reduction, which can be achieved without compromising performance or guest and crew comfort."

09 June 2024 marked World Accreditation Day (WAD), an initiative established by IAF and ILAC to raise awareness about accreditation. Each year, WAD brings the global conformity assessment community together with events, webinars, and workshops. With the theme of ‘Accreditation: Empowering Tomorrow and Shaping the Future,’ WAD 2024 underscored the important role of accreditation in navigating the complexities of an evolving world. As technology advances and global challenges persist, accreditation will continue to empower consumers, industries and governments by supporting quality, safety and sustainability. Sustainable Development Goals Speakers provided valuable insights into the benefits of accredited conformity assessment and standards To commemorate the day, IAF and ILAC held a webinar with speeches from IAF Chair Emanuele Riva, ILAC Chair Etty Feller, ISO/CASCO Chair Caroline Outa, and WADA representatives Olivier Rabin (Senior Director, Science and Medicine), Victoria Ivanova (Senior Manager, International Partnerships), and Osquel Barroso (Senior Associate Director, Laboratories Science and Medicine).  The speakers provided valuable insights into the benefits of accredited conformity assessment and standards across various sectors. They highlighted how accreditation enhances trust, facilitates international trade, and supports the Sustainable Development Goals. Awareness of accreditation IAF and ILAC members held additional celebrations in their own economies or virtually, and published materials to raise awareness of accreditation. Join them in exploring their activities by downloading the PDF with all the celebrations below. They eagerly anticipate celebrating with the members and stakeholders again in 2025!

Bradford White Corporation, an industry-renowned manufacturer of water heaters, boilers, and storage tanks, announced the acquisition of Heat-Flo, a pioneer in stainless steel indirect water-heating and hydronic storage tanks for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The acquisition of Heat-Flo results in the broadest portfolio of indirect water-heating solutions in the industry and affirms Bradford White’s unwavering commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving needs of its customers. Water heater products "Heat-Flo is a perfect complement to our existing product portfolio," said Bruce Carnevale, President and CEO of Bradford White Corporation, adding "For both companies, our customers live at the center of all we do every day. Together we will continue to deliver upon the shared values of a customer-first approach." Bradford White’s subsidiary - Laars Heating Systems will be supporting Heat-Flo Bradford White’s subsidiary - Laars Heating Systems will be supporting Heat-Flo. "We are excited to build on the hard work demonstrated by the entire Heat-Flo team," said Domingo Mohedano, VP and GM, Laars Heating Systems, adding "Their dedication and reputation for building the highest quality stainless steel water heater products in our industry will allow us to achieve long-lasting success in the market." heating system solutions Heat-Flo’s expansive heating system solutions and indirect stainless steel product portfolio will allow the company to expand its capabilities to meet the rapidly evolving regulatory environment in the water heater industry. "I am very excited that Heat-Flo will become part of Bradford White Corporation," said George Celorier, Founder of Heat-Flo, adding "I selected Bradford White because of the alignment of our core values, and our unwavering commitment to our customers, employees, professional plumbers, and wholesalers. I am confident that the company we built is in good hands." Radiant heating applications George Celorier continues, "With this acquisition, we’ll be able to ensure Heat-Flo continues to have the resources and support necessary to continue to grow and thrive well into the future." Heat-Flo offers a range of solutions, from multi-energy/solar and electric-based water heating systems to hydronic and radiant heating applications. Operations will continue at the Uxbridge, MA factory.

Prompt action by Green Point UK, BITZER UK's compressor remanufacturing and services arm, ensured critical cooling at a major UK data center was maintained following the failure of several chillers at the site. The loss of cooling capacity meant the data center was vulnerable to a spike in ambient temperatures or an increase in the intensity of server usage, which could have overloaded the remaining cooling plant at the site, with potentially catastrophic consequences.  proactive approach Will Pribyl, General Manager of Green Point UK, said, "Due to system issues, several chillers on site had gone down and the data center was vulnerable. The work needed to be done immediately to ensure continuity of cooling, and the on-site contractor was under pressure to solve the problem." The company was contacted due to its proactive approach and ability to guarantee the remanufacture of compressors regardless of their mechanical and electrical condition once units have been stripped down.  data center cooling optimization The company upgraded the compressors to the latest BITZER specification improving efficiency Green Point UK fast-tracked full strip-down and remanufacture of five BITZER CSH95111 and CSH95113 semi-hermetic screw compressors, which are optimized for data center cooling and use in air-cooled liquid chillers in UK conditions.  As part of the remanufacturing process, the company upgraded the compressors to the latest BITZER specification, improving efficiency and ensuring compatibility with current-generation spare parts.  contactless oil-level monitoring The upgraded compressor has the same footprint but includes internal enhancements, including the replacement of the original float-type oil-level management control with an optical sensor for improved performance.  The optical system provides contactless oil-level monitoring, ensuring the compressor has optimum lubrication at all times.  energy performance and reliability Will Pribyl adds, "The upgrade effectively took what were first generation units up to the same specification as BITZER's latest third generation units, improving energy performance and reliability, and ensuring spare part support for the foreseeable future."  Green Point UK is supporting the contractor in improving the resilience of other data center facilities it is responsible for, including the use of monitoring via the BITZER Digital Network and reducing running costs with variable speed drives. 

OEMs can accelerate the green transition with new and extended compressor ranges for comfort and industrial heat pumps. The new lineup includes the BOCK® HGX56 CO2 T 6-cylinder semi-hermetic reciprocating compressor for large-capacity industrial heat pumps, PSH scroll compressors for reversible rooftop units and hydronic systems in cold climates, and the VZN inverter scroll compressors for light commercial heat pumps. ‘The Future of Heat Pumps’ - IEA report Heating and cooling account for half of the final energy consumption in Europe Heating and cooling account for half of the final energy consumption in Europe. In its report, ‘The Future of Heat Pumps’, the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that by the year 2030, heat pumps can reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 500 million tons, which is equal to the annual CO2 emissions of cars in Europe. Globally, the public and private sectors are encouraging greener choices like heating electrification, heat pump incentives, and low-GWP refrigerant usage. Energy efficiency and accountability Commenting on the shift away from fossil fuels, Kristian Strand, Danfoss Commercial Compressors President, stated: “Building owners are demanding energy efficiency and accountability from their suppliers, which creates a growing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient technologies.” He adds, “Globally, we are seeing the market shift from gas boilers to heat pumps across multi-family housing or office building projects. Industrial/process heat pumps are also gaining traction and play a central role in decarbonizing industries such as Food & Beverage, Chemicals, or Textiles.” New Danfoss compressors and heat pumps Kristian Strand continued: “Our comprehensive lineup offers heating capacities in single-circuit configuration ranging from 30kW with the VZN range to 350kW with BOCK® compressors, delivering high water supply temperatures.” He further said, “These compressors enable OEMs to simplify designs, minimize their environmental impact, and comply with directives such as the European EPBD. We are committed to helping OEMs secure today’s deals and win tomorrow’s market position on every type of project.” Three new compressors offer flexibility and simplicity for any low-GWP or natural refrigerant heat pump. They include: BOCK® HGX56 CO2 T — simplicity for industrial heat pumps Ideal for large-capacity heat pumps, the 6-cylinder semi-hermetic BOCK® HGX56 CO2 T achieves water temperatures up to 90°C and offers an efficient alternative to Ammonia and synthetic refrigerants. The HGX56 CO2 T reduces cost, system complexity, and the number of compressors required for large industrial heat pumps, refrigeration, and district heating systems. Now available in most countries, Danfoss expects the HGX56 CO2 T to be available for sell in North America beginning of 2025. PSH scroll compressors — lower-GWP option in cold climates The new PSH scroll range compressor is ideal for North American reversible rooftop units and hydronic heat pump systems with higher discharge gas temperature limits. Featuring liquid, vapor, and wet injection, it comes with a full package of qualified components to manage the injection and delivers year-round comfort with a water-supply temperature of up to 65°C/149°F. The versatile PSH scroll range is optimized for new-generation systems transitioning to lower GWP options like R454B. VZN inverter scroll compressors — twice the power in one unit For European applications, OEMs can easily transition their heat-pump designs to natural refrigerant R290 for new or renovated multi-family homes. Designed to accelerate heat-pump adoption, the VZN inverter scroll compressor range ensures design simplicity by delivering up to 70kW heating capacity in a single-circuit configuration with less than 5kg charge in the circuit, for air-to-water heat pump applications. Just one VZN compressor delivers a sufficient capacity of 80°C water supply, even in low ambient temperatures. Heat pumps critical for decarbonizing heating Danfoss innovations will continue to support professionals who make the green transition possible Heat pumps are critical for decarbonizing heating, and the solutions announced today are pivotal in enabling the success of these applications. Danfoss innovations will continue to support professionals who make the green transition possible. Currently, Danfoss delivers up to 70% of the bill of materials for an air-to-water heat pump and has plans to release additional products this year. The MCE 2024 award winner Alsmart® Universal Controller platform will come to market in the course of 2024, as well as R290-optimized brazed-plate heat exchangers, further supporting the increasing demand for heat pumps, including in residential single-home setups. Danfoss supports the green movement Danfoss supports the green movement by offering OEMs a trusted all-in-one partner for design, build, and optimization across all low-energy heat pump applications.

Sygehus Sønderjylland–the local hospital in Sønderborg located in Southern Denmark–is pioneering the way in ensuring a greener and more sustainable future in healthcare as they are replacing oil-based heating and cooling systems with energy-efficient technology. Marked the inauguration of two new heat pumps and an updated hydronic system, which will support the hospital in its transition to become carbon neutral as they phase out fossil fuels. With a combined capacity of 2.6 MW, two Energy Machines™ heat pumps will provide the hospital with sustainable heating and cooling. Each machine is equipped with four Danfoss oil-free Turbocor® compressors. These compressors boast exceptional efficiency, particularly for cooling applications, making them an excellent fit for buildings with a high cooling demand such as hospitals, manufacturing facilities, and data centers. Energy systems of the future The new key not only reduces the hospital’s environmental impact by lowering its carbon footprint Bo Libergren, Regional Councilman, says: “We are thrilled to officially inaugurate our two new heat pumps as part of the hospital’s new customer demonstration room. This is a significant move away from fossil fuels and outdated gas boilers. At Sygehus Sønderjylland and in our region, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint, and our aim is that this project will inspire the healthcare sector to follow our example to accelerate the green transition.” The new solution not only reduces the hospital’s environmental impact by lowering its carbon footprint, but it also creates a more comfortable indoor climate, while setting an example of how the energy systems of the future are electrified, hydronic, and integrated. Energy-efficient technology Energy Efficiency through Integrated Systems and Sector Coupling The two new heat pumps will replace gas and oil-based heating and cooling systems through energy-efficient technology and are expected to reduce the hospital’s annual energy consumption by around 12,500 MWh. This equals the total heat consumption of around 740 average Danish households. The new integrated system will also enable the hospital to become an energy provider as the hospital In addition to producing direct cooling for the hospital’s technical installations, scanners, ambulatory clinics, and wards, the hospital will use the excess heat recovered from cooling to meet the hospital process and comfort heat loads while utilizing heat to keep staff and patients comfortable. The new integrated system will also enable the hospital to become an energy provider as the hospital will provide heat to the local district heating network in terms of surplus heat to further extend the decarbonization impact to the local community. Once the system is fully implemented, the hospital expects to sell back 15,800 MWh of excess heat to the grid, which could cover the heat consumption of more than 930 average Danish households. Decarbonizing the healthcare sector Jürgen Fischer, President of Danfoss Climate Solutions, says: “This partnership is a lighthouse example of how innovation and collaboration can drive sustainable change. It also showcases our commitment in Danfoss to co-develop sustainable solutions to decarbonize heating and cooling. We are proud to partner with Sygehus Sønderjylland and the district heating utility Sønderborg Varme as we set a new standard for decarbonizing the healthcare sector.” The project has been headed by a steering committee with representatives from the Sønderborg Municipality, Sønderborg Varme A/S, Rambøll, and representatives from the hospitals in the region, and Danfoss.

From temperate climates that reach mid-90 F in June and mild winters allowing people to be outdoors without jackets to the “May flowers” that bloom in early March, it’s evident that society is experiencing World Refrigeration Day’s 2024 theme: “Temperature matters.” In addition to driving climate change, global warming is driving changes in how people live and how industries adapt and innovate to support new dynamics. This is especially true for the HVACR Industry. Over the past several years, contractors have been busy installing and servicing cooling systems in climate zones that historically haven’t needed them. There’s a major focus on achieving more energy efficiency and lower water consumption in cooling the world’s escalating number of data centers.  Impact on HVACR Industry There’s also increased demand to conserve water in cooling towers and/or adiabatic condensers and for elevated indoor environmental quality (IEQ) to improve health and productivity. A few examples show how rising global temperatures are impacting the HVACR industry These few examples demonstrate how rising global temperatures are impacting the HVACR industry. Sharing a huge part of the spotlight of industry solutions are refrigerants, which now need to work harder than ever to keep people comfortable and foods, beverages, and pharmaceuticals at proper temperatures. And they must do so without contributing to global warming and other environmental concerns. Refrigerant priority #1: lower GWP Assessing refrigerants for their ability to address climate change concerns starts with their global warming potential (GWP). That’s why attention has turned to A2Ls, which offer significantly lower GWP than legacy refrigerants. The three “big players” in the A2L arena—R-454A, R-454B, and R-454C—are now being selected for new-generation equipment solutions in various HVACR applications. A look at GWP reduction in a sampling of these applications tells the story: R-454A and R-454C can provide a 94% to 96% reduction in GWP as an alternative for R-404A, while offering similar performance Applications that historically would use a new R-410A unit can transition to R-454B, resulting in a 77% reduction in GWP. The industry is also choosing HFO-1234yf, an A2L currently used in air conditioners in 95 million vehicles on U.S. roads. HFO-1234yf has an AR4 GWP of 4 and is also used as a blend component in Chemours A1 and A2L products. Although A2Ls are for new equipment only, lower-GWP A1 refrigerant solutions can help in retrofits. For most applications using a higher-GWP HFC in an existing system, there’s likely a lower-GWP HFC/HFO blend for retrofit applications Other refrigerant priorities Of course, the value of a refrigerant is based on more than just low GWP Of course, the value of a refrigerant is based on more than just low GWP. The true innovation in refrigerant development lies in striking the optimal balance between environmental impact and performance for a diversity of applications. For example, after developing what are now considered three major players in the future of refrigerants—Chemours Opteon™ XL40 (R-454A), Opteon™ XL41 (R-454B), and Opteon™ XL20 (R-454C)—our chemists remain in the labs and work with pioneering industry partners to lower GWP even more, without compromising other properties. It’s important to consider how well a refrigerant addresses several key factors: Low GWP and zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) Reduced energy consumption Circularity—the ability to be recovered, recycled, and reclaimed Lower operating costs over the lifetime of equipment Safety—for everyone from technicians to end users Overall performance—measured by capacity, reliability, and efficiency Can be serviced by a large existing workforce of trained technicians Responsible manufacturing focused on reducing carbon emissions Availability and supply chain strength A2L refrigerants have been designed with these factors in mind, raising the bar in terms of performance and support for environmental priorities. Addressing climate zone challenges In addition to solutions designed for today’s many residential, commercial, and industrial cooling and refrigeration applications, the industry needs a full toolbox of systems, components, and refrigerants to meet—in a highly efficient manner—the challenges of cooling and heating in various climate zones. These range from Zone 1, which is very hot, humid, and dry, to the subarctic Zone 8 ASHRAE divides the U.S. into eight major climate zones. These range from Zone 1, which is very hot, humid, and dry, to the subarctic Zone 8. In between these two extremes, we find various levels of heat/cold, humidity, and dryness. These climate zones provide system engineers with guidance for choosing the best designs—including refrigerant selection—so that each zone can be equipped with the appropriate system, optimized for year-round capacity, efficiency, reliability, and more. New-generation heat pumps For example, the high heat and humidity of a tropical climate put heavy demand on cooling equipment—from air conditioners to refrigeration systems. These cooling systems are likely to run most of the year, so choosing a highly energy-efficient option is paramount. By contrast, we have zones with overall colder ambient temperatures. Heat pumps must be properly sized to ensure occupant comfort. Cooling systems in these climates have limited use during the year, but they must perform reliably when needed. In climates where heating buildings take priority over cooling them, we’re finding a significant transition from traditional AC-only units to new-generation heat pumps. Heat pumps must be properly sized to ensure occupant comfort and keep the heat pump from “struggling” to control humidity when operated in AC mode. Choosing refrigerant solutions There is no question the world’s temperature is on the rise. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, since 1982, the rate of the Earth’s warming has risen approximately 0.36 F (0.20°C) per decade—more than three times the average rate of all previous decades measured. The 10 warmest years on record all occurred in the past decade. And 2023 was the warmest year on record for North America, South America, and Africa, as well as the second warmest for Europe. As climate change continues to warm up winters and heat up summers, refrigerants will play an increasingly important role in “cooling down” people and products and helping to reduce the impact that industry and society have on “heating up” the planet. Everyone can do their part by understanding that temperature matters, then choosing refrigerant solutions that have lower GWP, support other environmental needs, and offer the right combination of performance attributes for a given climate zone.

“Decarbonising home heating represents one of the biggest challenges to the government achieving net zero,” was a conclusion of the recent National Audit Office report ‘Decarbonising home heating’. The facts, the report states clearly in the opening are: 18% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2021 were from home heating and 55,000 heat pumps were sold in the UK in 2022. decarbonizing home heating Crucial to decarbonizing home heating is the government’s ambitious goal to install 600,000 heat pumps annually by 2028 – just four years away. To achieve this, installations need to increase 11-fold on current levels.  To foster the uptake of heat pumps several actions can be taken including rebalancing the cost of electricity and gas, training more installers to meet demand, and generating more awareness of heat pumps by consumers. Rebalance the cost of electricity and gas In fact, from April 2024, gas prices were capped at 6p/kWh while electricity prices were capped at 24p/kWh In the UK, the wholesale price of electricity is pegged to an expensive source of energy - gas. This means electricity prices are artificially inflated by the price of gas despite more and more of the country’s electricity being generated from renewables. In fact, from April 2024, gas prices were capped at 6p/kWh while electricity prices were capped at 24p/kWh.  Decoupling the price of electricity There is an imbalance of social and environmental levies which are loaded onto electricity bills. These add an average of £131 to a customer’s annual electricity bill, compared to just £34 for the average annual gas bill, meaning that the cost of running a heat pump is artificially high compared to a gas boiler. This can be addressed by rebalancing the cost of electricity with a more progressive and environmentally conscious distribution of levies and by de-coupling the price of electricity from the price of gas. This would make electricity more affordable, which is particularly relevant at a time when the cost of living is causing huge strain across the UK.  Growing the green economy It would also move household energy requirements away from fossil fuels and volatile oil and gas prices, back UK energy security as the nation moves to renewable energy sources, and help to grow the green economy and employment in the UK.  In the long term, the removal of levies on electricity bills would help to balance these costs. In the short term, the Heat Pump Associations’ call for a Domestic Heat Pump Tariff Discount would reduce the price of electricity used for hot water and heating produced by a domestic heat pump.  Train heating engineers We need 33,700 full-time heat pump installers in the UK to support the government’s ambitions Improving upskilling, capacity building, and infrastructure investment is also required to provide the number of heat pump installers needed to meet the government’s annual target. Significant progress has already been made in training heat pump installers. In 2023, close to 8,000 individuals became qualified heat pump installers – compared to just under 3,000 in 2022. The Heat Pump Association estimates that we need 33,700 full-time heat pump installers in the UK to support the government’s ambitions for heat pump uptake. Heat Pump Training Grant We are currently at around 11,000 so we must continue the upward trajectory of the last few years to meet this goal. The government’s Heat Pump Training Grant is supporting this effort by offering £500 towards the cost of training to become a heat pump installer. Beyond this, support for building the UK’s capacity and capability to manufacture heat pumps and their components is vital to be able to meet demand as it increases in the future. Building skills as heat pump engineers Our heat pump manufacturing facility in Livingston, Scotland, already employs some 1,800 people in green jobs and supplies heat pumps for installation across Britain and export to the rest of Europe. As of this year, in addition to our training facility in Hatfield for installers to build their skills as heat pump engineers, we have added new centers in Livingston and Manchester, and are planning for more. We are also proudly working with colleges, supporting them as they take on young people to learn skills in renewable energy. Increase consumer awareness  Ipsos revealed that over 70% of consumers still know little to nothing about how heat pump technology works To increase the uptake of heat pumps, consumer awareness needs to be raised. Research commissioned by Ipsos revealed that over 70% of consumers still know little to nothing about how heat pump technology works. This means that educating consumers on the importance of heat pump technology will also be crucial to encouraging wider uptake. Greater awareness of the benefits of heat pumps, driven by the government, media, and organizations within the heat pump industry, will ultimately accelerate adoption, help decarbonize home heating, and help us hit the all-important net zero goal. Getting to net zero calls for a heat pump boost It is well documented that heat pump uptake needs to grow, or we risk missing our climate goals. The technology to help us achieve this already exists in the form of heat pumps. However, steps must be taken to raise awareness about their potential and benefits, reduce their running cost by rebalancing electricity and gas prices, and ensure there are enough trained heat pump installers to meet demand as it increases. 

Refrigerant transitions are imperative to comply with evolving emissions regulations and decarbonization agendas. The dynamic landscape necessitates continual adaptation to meet current requirements, with further changes anticipated. However, switching refrigerants poses numerous HVAC/R system design hurdles, affecting system performance and component selection. Energy efficiency standards Energy efficiency standards are a paramount concern, driving innovation towards systems that perform well and do so with minimal energy consumption. Additionally, there's a keen focus on gaining a competitive edge in the market, whether by introducing new functionalities, streamlining costs, or achieving both simultaneously. This combination of environmental responsibility, technological advancement, and market insight propels the evolution of HVAC/R equipment design into constant innovation and improvement.  product design According to the Engineering Team at OTS R&D, Inc., there are three driving factors motivating new product design: Energy efficiency, including:  Equipment standard legislation  End-user operational savings  Emissions reductions are driven by:  Environmental legislation  Decarbonization initiatives  Customer or market advantage involving:  New functionality  Cost reductions  New product design  The primary consideration revolves around determining if the change warrants a complete overhaul When transitioning to new refrigerants in product design, the primary consideration revolves around determining if the change warrants a complete overhaul of the existing product design. This assessment hinges on the extent of the impact of the refrigerant transition. If deemed substantial, the focus shifts towards the heat exchangers. Heat exchangers emerge as pivotal elements in overcoming these challenges. Flammability and toxicity Addressing concerns such as flammability and toxicity entails limiting refrigerant charge volumes while enhancing capacity and efficiency demands by optimizing heat exchanger configurations to minimize expenses. Incorporating small-diameter copper tubes has several benefits, which become evident in these scenarios. Small-diameter copper offers enhanced efficiency and compatibility with various and new refrigerants, facilitating more streamlined HVAC/R redesigns and ensuring optimal performance amidst evolving industry standards.  Procrastination  Meeting the new standards seems imperative; nevertheless, manufacturers frequently delay  Meeting the new standards seems imperative; nevertheless, manufacturers frequently delay these adaptations due to time constraints, expectations of changing standards, or resource limitations, resulting in a decline in market competitiveness. Martin acknowledges the intricacies of aligning various industry sectors, including refrigerant manufacturers, OEMs, and compressor manufacturers. Concerted efforts from all stakeholders are imperative to propel the industry toward progress.  Efficiency standards How can companies manage performance losses resulting from last-minute alterations? Companies could still fulfill efficiency standards despite potential performance setbacks. However, it is essential to recognize that even minor design adjustments could impact product performance, influencing energy consumption throughout the product’s lifespan.  Decision Time  There exists a divergence of perspectives regarding the utilization of R32, which, while approved and utilized in Asia The decision-making process concerning adopting new refrigerants to replace R410A involves careful consideration. There are ongoing discussions regarding the accessibility of these alternatives, and OEMs have yet to fully endorse R454B. Additionally, there exists a divergence of perspectives regarding the utilization of R32, which, while approved and utilized in Asia, encounters more regulatory hurdles in the US. Notably, R454B incorporates R32 as one of its constituents, offering a slightly lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) than other options.  design modifications OEMs, such as Whirlpool, partner with OTS R&D Inc., in collaboration with the Copper Development Association, to redesign alternative evaporator and condenser designs as they transition to low-GWP refrigerants. For a partnership with Whirlpool, OTS R&D Inc. successfully identified an optimal design that surpasses the baseline coil in all measurable parameters by meticulously evaluating over 55,000 evaporator and condenser models. The resulting design modifications demonstrate how small-diameter copper has superior performance in heat transfer applications. In the case study, we explain the proposed modifications and illustrate how implementing small-diameter copper tubing enhances heat pump performance.

SNAP Rule 26 marks an important milestone in the transition from commercial refrigeration to new refrigerants. The rule lists refrigerant substitutes that provide a spectrum of technological solutions to meet required performance, global warming potential (GWP), safety, and environmental standards.  SNAP stands for Significant New Alternatives Policy, a program by the U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) under the Clean Air Act. In general, the program aims to evaluate and regulate substitutes for ozone-depleting substances, considering their overall risks to both human health and the environment. Impact of SNAP Rule 26 Final SNAP Rule 26, Protection of Stratospheric Ozone, lists acceptable substitutes in commercial and industrial refrigeration. SNAP Rule 26 will be effective July 15, 2024. The incorporation by reference of certain material listed in the rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of July 15, 2024. The incorporation by reference of certain material listed in the rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register “To date, the SNAP program has provided a very effective framework for evaluation and approval in support of innovation and the transition to new technology,” says Andrew Pansulla, Technical Service Engineer, The Chemours Company, a global chemistry company that provides a range of refrigerant products. We asked Pansulla to elaborate further on the impact of SNAP Rule 26 and what lies ahead. Q: How will the Rule’s finalization impact various commercial refrigeration sectors? Pansulla: The rule’s finalization will impact commercial refrigeration in several ways. Areas, where impact will likely be seen, include providing more acceptable refrigerant options, adherence to updated standards, new equipment design standards, and the exemption of propane from the venting prohibition for refrigerated food processing and dispensing equipment. These impacts could trigger changes in operational, manufacturing, and environmental compliance strategies in the commercial refrigeration sectors. SNAP Rule 26 will enable the adoption of the listed substitutes, including Chemours Opteon™ refrigerants, with global warming potential (GWP) lower than existing refrigerants. This rule does not require any changes to existing equipment and will impact only new equipment that uses the specific substances referenced in the SNAP rule. Q: What is the outlook for additional requirements for safe handling and use of alternative refrigerants? What specific safety standards are expected or appropriate? Pansulla: As part of the comparative risk framework used by the EPA to assess new alternatives, the EPA considers and implements use conditions that will ensure the safe use of products. These use conditions rely upon existing safety standards (e.g., UL and ASHRAE) which are available at the time the rule is finalized. In the case of SNAP Rule 26, many of the use conditions require adherence to UL 60335-2-89 and ASHRAE-15-2022. These standards are reviewed and updated periodically to maintain relevance with the products subject to the standards. Q: What are any limitations of the use of A2L refrigerants under SNAP Rule 26? Pansulla: There are two main categories of limitations under SNAP Rule 26. The first, as mentioned above, is the adherence to specific safety standards that apply to refrigerants that are designated as mildly flammable (A2L). The second is based on the GWP of the refrigerant. In the case of the A2L refrigerants subject to SNAP Rule 26, the EPA imposed conditions on the type of equipment and specific circumstances in which the substitute may be used. For example, the EPA is permitting the use of R-454A in supermarket systems, but only on the high side of a cascade system, or when the refrigerant charge capacity is less than 200 pounds. Q: Which new-generation A2L refrigerants are fit for which commercial refrigeration applications? Pansulla: Under SNAP Rule 26, the EPA deems R-1234yf, R-1234ze(E), R-454C, R-455A, R-457A, and R-516A as acceptable subject-to-use conditions for various commercial refrigeration applications. This selection is primarily driven by these refrigerants having GWPs under 150. However, certain applications necessitate refrigerants with higher GWPs due to unique performance characteristics. For example, R-454B and R-32 were listed for industrial process refrigeration with exiting fluid temperatures below minus 30 degree Celsius because these two specific refrigerants have lower boiling points than the other six less-than-150-GWP alternatives. However, it is critically important to consider the additional use conditions when designing equipment with refrigerants that have a GWP greater than 150. Q: So various equipment needs different refrigerants? Pansulla: The EPA purposefully lists several different refrigerants in each application to allow for equipment manufacturers to consider a variety of different factors that go into refrigerant selection, such as energy efficiency, capacity, normal boiling point, temperature glide, cost, safety, and use conditions. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for the entire commercial refrigeration industry. Q: How can commercial refrigeration businesses achieve a smooth transition to A2Ls? Pansulla: Keys to a smooth transition to A2Ls include understanding what refrigerants the EPA has approved as acceptable substitutes under the SNAP program, the sector-based GWP limits imposed by the Technology Transitions Program under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, and which refrigerants provide the best combination of technical performance and environmental characteristics. Many resources are available to navigate the regulatory landscape and select the best low-GWP refrigerants to meet the needs of this industry. Working with companies like Chemours, who has nearly a century of refrigerant innovation and experience, is a great first step in the transition process. Q: What is the “staying power” of A2Ls — based on their chemistry, sustainability, and other attributes, combined with regulations such as SNAP Rule 26? Pansulla: The identification, selection, and development of new refrigerants that deliver required performance while meeting increasingly stringent environmental standards is a challenging process. With the identification of certain hydrofluoroolefin-based (HFO) refrigerants as an alternative to meet these criteria came a new safety classification. These HFO-based refrigerants are classified as A2Ls. While slightly more flammable than existing hydrofluorocarbon-base (HFC) refrigerants, HFOs are much less flammable than hydrocarbons, which are classified as A3 (two categories higher on the ASHRAE flammability spectrum). Moreover, such refrigerants offer an excellent alternative to substances with higher toxicity, such as R-717. The listing of A2L refrigerants in SNAP Rule 26 clearly indicates that such refrigerants can be used safely in commercial refrigeration as well as many other applications, which are subject to the SNAP Program, when adhering to the applicable safety standards.

Humidity can influence employee health and productivity in the workplace. Humidity, temperature, and ventilation all work in concert to create a healthy indoor environment that supports overall occupant well-being. “Dry indoor air can cause discomfort in the form of dry skin, eyes, and throat for staff and visitors,” says Jennifer Montville, Director of Marketing at DriSteem, a manufacturer of humidification systems. Air-related health issues “There are real costs associated with health-related issues caused by dry air, including a higher occurrence of infections and increased rates of staff absenteeism?”  Maintaining a comfortable work environment, including the correct humidity levels, prevents respiratory issues and reduces the spread of illnesses, ensuring a healthy working environment and boosting productivity and efficiency, says Montville.  humidity levels Humidified spaces help keep facility costs down by improving thermal comfort at lower temperatures Maintaining humidity levels between 40% and 60% RH is ideal for mitigating virus transmission, she comments. Humidified spaces feel warmer and are more comfortable for employees, which in turn increases their productivity with improved concentration and less fatigue. It also helps keep facility costs down by improving thermal comfort at lower temperatures.  dehumidifiers Employing dehumidifiers to keep humidity levels from rising above that 60% RH threshold is also important. Removing excess moisture from the air reduces distraction from unpleasant smells or health issues caused by mold, mildew, or fungi that thrive in moist environments. All the ways that proper humidity levels affect employee health and productivity in the workplace also contribute to increased customer satisfaction in office and retail spaces, says Montville.  preventing product issues “We all prefer to spend time in places where we feel physically comfortable,” she says. “Customers in offices and retail spaces are no different. When physical comfort is not an issue, we are likely to spend more time and engage more deeply.” Well-managed humidity levels also help to prevent product issues such as shrinkage, warping, or degradation due to moisture fluctuations. Food quality is particularly impacted by humidity levels. In a retail store, this can translate to spending more time shopping in a store and a more positive opinion of the products being considered.  recommended indoor relative humidity level Keeping relative humidity levels within the range ensures the health and safety of building occupants The recommended indoor relative humidity level ranges from 30% to 60% RH, according to guidelines published by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Keeping relative humidity levels within this range ensures the health and safety of building occupants without promoting mold growth or other indoor air quality issues.  air quality goals With that said, the type of indoor space, air quality goals, and how the space is used will determine the best relative humidity levels for each facility, according to Montville. Machinery and sensitive electronic equipment are vulnerable to low or fluctuating moisture levels. Static electricity buildup and electrical malfunctions are among the potential consequences of inadequate humidity control.  precise humidity control Many industrial processes depend on the consistent quality of materials, and fluctuations in relative humidity (RH) can result in less-than-ideal inputs which in turn impact the quality of final products. From preventing mold growth, spoilage, and texture deterioration in food processing to safeguarding medication stability, efficacy, and safety of pharmaceuticals, precise humidity control is critical to achieving intended results.  Optimal RH levels Adequate humidity also supports the body's natural defense mechanisms, enhancing the effectiveness Maintaining appropriate humidity levels is essential for infection control. Optimal RH levels can inhibit the growth and transmission of airborne pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Adequate humidity also supports the body's natural defense mechanisms, enhancing the effectiveness of respiratory tract mucous membranes in trapping and neutralizing pathogens. Conversely, dry indoor air impairs these defenses, increasing susceptibility to respiratory infections.  humidity control systems Investing in commercial humidity control systems, such as those offered by DriSteem, can effectively regulate RH levels within facilities. “These systems provide flexibility and precision in catering to specific humidity needs across different areas within the facility,” says Montville. Whether integrating humidity control solutions in existing structures or implementing them in new buildings, factors such as the type of indoor space, energy source, required maintenance, and capacity determine the best technology for each building, she says.

Recently, nine states pledged to accelerate the transition to clean buildings in their states, including a goal of deploying heat pumps to make up 65% of residential heating, cooling, and water heating by 2030. California, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Rhode Island signed a memorandum of understanding in February outlining their collective efforts to accelerate the deployment of clean technologies such as heat pumps in new and existing homes.  Benefits of heat pumps Fifteen percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the heating and cooling of buildings and homes, and accelerating the use of heat pumps advances the goal of a cleaner, healthier environment.   “The door is closing on reasons to shy away from heat pumps because the technology is here, and the incentives and support from government programs are on the rise,” says Katie Davis, VP of Engineering and Technology at Trane Residential. “There is no better time than now to make the change for a more sustainable future.”  portfolio of residential heat pumps The new portfolio yields an emissions reduction of over 35% (compared to 2019), and the new 15 SEER heat pump Beginning this month, Trane Residential launches its new portfolio of residential heat pumps that achieve new levels of emissions reduction. The new portfolio yields an emissions reduction of over 35% (compared to 2019), and the new 15 SEER heat pump will meet Energy Star requirements.   “We saw the change in refrigerant regulation as an opportunity to propel us forward in technology toward a better environment,” says Davis.   Heat pump technology Heat pump technology has been around since the mid-1800s, and it has evolved significantly since that time. Within the last 10 years, improvements have been made in efficiency, in both the heating and cooling cycles. The use of vapor injection technology in the heating cycle has greatly improved the capacity and efficiency of heating with heat pumps.   Comfort mode Comfort mode provides a level of comfort similar to that of fossil fuel-burning furnaces Trane heat pumps also can deliver very warm air at the register through Comfort mode, which provides a level of comfort similar to that of fossil fuel-burning furnaces, says Davis. Homeowners who prefer furnaces due to the temperature of the discharge air have similar capabilities with Trane heat pumps.  Sustainability and efficiency Trane Technologies seeks to challenge what’s possible for a sustainable world, says Davis. “Sustainability is the foundation of how we design our products for the future of HVAC,” she says. Improvements in the efficiency of Trane Heat Pumps have a direct correlation to reduced emissions, which translates to energy savings on a homeowner’s utility bill.   Trane Link systems Other factors that assist in driving the transition to the electrification of heating are utility rebates The Trane Link systems provide up to an additional 5% energy savings to the homeowner using smart technology that efficiently manages the home load environment. Other factors that assist in driving the transition to the electrification of heating are utility rebates and a program that assists homeowners in making the shift.  Of course, "indirect emissions" and the greening of the grid have an impact on emissions as the industry moves toward the use of heat pumps and away from fossil fuel-burning systems. emissions reduction by design Trane is achieving industry-pioneering emissions reduction by design, and as the grid becomes greener, it will accelerate the impact the Trane portfolio will have on the industry and the environment, says Davis.  “At Trane, we utilize a multi-variable approach to reducing emissions in our product portfolio,” says Davis. “While a greener grid can help to accelerate the reduction in emissions, our systems utilize smart technology, lower global warming potential refrigerants, and improved efficiency in heating design to achieve industry-pioneering emissions reduction for our systems.”  alternative energy sources When designing for sustainability, several levers can be pulled to yield the best results Heat pumps play a role in encouraging more efficient energy sources. HVAC accounts for over 40% of the energy usage in a home. There is an opportunity for the development of capabilities in alternative energy sources for heating and cooling as well as improved energy management for the home. When designing for sustainability, several levers can be pulled to yield the best results. One of those levers is related to digital controls and smart systems.  Trane Link Variable Speed Trane Link Variable Speed Systems provide over 700 speeds to provide a pinpoint match to a homeowner’s load demand in a home. The system provides temperature control within 0.5 degrees F, humidity control to the exact setpoint defined by the homeowner, and provides up to 5% energy savings on utility bills.   By utilizing the digital technology within the control system, the heat pump manages comfort as well as efficiency to provide the best for the homeowner and the environment. For dealers, Trane provides Dealer Diagnostics that give precise information on runtime and system performance, in real time, to ensure the most optimal operating parameters for the best system performance and efficiency.  heat pump heating capability Two obstacles are cost and the customer perception of heat pump heating capability Two obstacles remain in the transition journey. They are cost and the customer perception of heat pump heating capability. “As we accelerate this transition, the time is now for utilities and government programs to step up and assist homeowners in electrification of heating,” says Davis. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding is a step toward this assistance, but more is needed across the industry to ensure a rapid transition to cleaner equipment.   Consumer concerns In addition to cost, homeowners have not been properly educated on the advancement of heat pump technology over the last decade, and heating with heat pumps has improved significantly.  “The cost to convert from furnaces to heat pumps can be prohibitive, but with government incentives, like the IRA rebates, this becomes less of an issue,” says Davis. “Other concerns from consumers are energy bills and the concern that energy costs will rise with the use of heat pumps. While it is true that electric energy bills may rise, homeowners should see a reduced cost of use of other energy sources,” says Davis. “In the end, we move closer to parity.” 

To offset the cost of tenants’ monthly electric bills and provide prospective residents with high-quality HVAC upgrades that prioritize comfort and performance, Samuels Associates, owner of the Fenway Triangle luxury apartments, sought a new, building-wide heating solution that was not only cost-effective but also added a modern touch to the building’s extravagance. QMark® MUH-Pro+ and CU900 electric heaters with SmartSeries® Plus (SSP) digital BACnet thermostats from Goodyear HVAC Sales proved to be the ideal solution. Heat in a contemporary design “From their energy efficiency, quiet operation and low maintenance to the fact that they can be controlled individually for personalized comfort, electric heaters offer several benefits in apartment buildings,” explained Andrew Martin, Manager of Product Management with Marley Engineered Products® (MEP). “Delivering supplemental comfort heat in a contemporary design, these heaters are ideal for a variety of spaces including school hallways, church vestibules, transportation terminals, stairwells, entrances, lobbies, mechanical rooms and more.”  Installing Heaters while Maintaining esthetics Buildings boast modern frills and discreet and esthetically good HVAC plans that act quietly Steps away from the iconic Fenway Park, the Fenway Triangle is an 891,000-square-foot complex comprising more than 570 luxury apartment units, as well as an eclectic mix of national and local retailers, restaurants, shops and green spaces. Since opening in 2006, the building needed to address issues with its HVAC systems and controls, which were leading to high monthly electric bills. The culprit? More than 50 outdated competitor electric terminal heaters, which offered only on/off controls and needed to be operated manually. If the maintenance team forgot to shut off the heaters, "The Fenway" would incur the cost of each heater running at full capacity at a rate of about 27 cents per kilowatt-hour. Another challenge facing Fenway Triangle: The emergence of new luxury apartment complexes. These buildings boast modern amenities and discreet and esthetically pleasing HVAC systems that operate quietly. They pose significant competition for “The Fenway”, as tenants increasingly prioritize indoor air quality (IAQ) and HVAC performance when selecting their luxury residences. To remain competitive in the luxury apartment market, investing in HVAC upgrades to replace outdated equipment is imperative. QMark MUH-Pro+ and CU900 electric heaters  Heaters were installed in elevator banks, stairwells, worker lounges, hallways, and facility To combat the rising cost of heating each unit within the building, MEP’s local Sales Representative, Goodyear HVAC Sales, worked with HVAC distributor Equipment Direct Sales, Inc. (EDSI) to provide the client with energy-efficient QMark MUH-Pro+ and CU900 electric heaters from Marley Engineered Products. Designed to maintain occupant comfort and a comfortable environment, the heaters were installed in various elevator banks, stairwells, employee lounges, hallways and inside the building’s recently upgraded building management system (BMS) room.  “Equipped with SSP digital thermostats that provide connections to BACnet MS/TP BMS for easy control and monitoring, the MUH-Pro+ and CU900 units only run when directed by the internal schedule of the BMS,” said Matthew Goodrich, President of Goodyear HVAC Sales. “Use of the BMS saves time and reduces personnel costs by eliminating the need to travel to the heater site. And, if a BMS is not available, the maintenance team can simply use the built in seven-day programmable scheduling feature.”  New electric heating units Cost-Effective Heat for Unmatched Comfort and Lower Monthly Bills In tandem with EDSI, Goodrich and his team installed several brand-new electric heating units in The Fenway’s BMS room to provide cost-effective warmth without taking up floor space or creating a tripping hazard.  “Innovation and collaboration converged as we tailored a custom heating solution, seamlessly blending functionality and aesthetics,” explained Goodrich. “In fabricating this solution for the client, our dedicated team and the coordination of skilled contractors transformed this building into a space that harmonizes comfort and elegance and exemplifies the blending of form and function.”  Full control of the entire heating system The thermostats include features that allow the building’s maintenance team to monitor each heater The success of the project resulted in an extremely satisfied customer. Already, the SSP thermostats have provided cost savings by turning on the heaters only when needed, resulting in less electricity usage throughout The Fenway. Additionally, the thermostats include features that allow the building’s maintenance team to monitor each heater individually from within the BMS room, granting them full control of the entire heating system and eliminating the daily trips previously needed to turn each heater on and off.  “We’re already seeing the savings associated with the upgraded controls,” said John Belmonte, Head of Trilogy Operations for the Fenway Triangle. “Being able to control over 40 heaters locally allows our team to focus on tenant needs without being bogged down by the time it takes to touch each individual unit. We’re eager to work further with the Goodyear team on other buildings in the neighborhood.” Innovative approach and exceptional achievements To acknowledge the innovative approach and exceptional achievements demonstrated by the Goodyear team in overcoming the challenges faced during this project, Marley Engineered Products awarded Goodrich the 2024 Jim Herring Memorial Silver Fox Award at its recent national sales meeting. “This award for excellence in solution design embodies the spirit of Herring, who left a lasting legacy of designing creative solutions for specialized applications, was always up for a challenge and most happy when solving a unique heating or ventilation problem,” said Sean Pesce, Director of Sales for Marley Engineered Products. “Matthew and his team at Goodyear perfectly captured Jim’s talent for finding creative solutions to the most complex issues and left a lasting impression on the client.”

To adequately heat the 111 Murray Street residential skyscraper in New York, the owner sought an effective way to maintain the aesthetic of the mostly glass building without being obtrusive to its design. Custom convection style heaters, mounted in the building’s millwork by Faber Industrial Technologies, proved to be the game-changing resolution. “Convection heaters provide warmth and heat to a specific area or room by circulating air and heating it using a highly efficient electric element,” explained Andrew Martin, Manager of Product Management with Marley Engineered Products. He adds, “Designed for quiet, controlled comfort, they are ideal for both residential and commercial applications, including living rooms and bedrooms, offices, hallways, lobbies, conference rooms, retail stores and buildings with floor-to-ceiling windows.” Installing heaters while maintaining aesthetics 111 Murray Street is a 792-foot-tall residential skyscraper with 156 luxury condominiums Located in the Financial District and Tribeca neighborhoods in Lower Manhattan, 111 Murray Street is a 792-foot-tall residential skyscraper with 156 luxury condominiums and 2,100 square feet of retail space on the ground floor. Due to mechanical constraints exacerbated by the building’s slim design, hot water was not available in most of the upper residences, rendering hydronic heating systems impractical. Therefore, the client requested Berko ASL3 convector heaters from Marley Engineered Products to be installed for elegant, supplemental comfort for heat loss, condensation prevention and continuous warmth throughout each condo. The challenge, however, came from their preference to keep the heaters hidden for aesthetic reasons. “The varying heights and angles of the millwork in each condo limited our ability to install the heaters directly where we wanted them,” said Christopher Smith, a Heater Manufacturing Representative with Faber Industrial Technologies, adding “Therefore, we needed a custom design that enabled us to mount the heaters properly while also keeping them out of sight.” Hidden Heat for Unmatched Comfort and Elegance The solution involved fabricating and supplying custom dual inlet convector heaters, which were then mounted within the millwork of each condominium unit. Using a thermocouple array, the engineering team at Marley tested the Berko ASL3 convectors – at 125 watts per foot and 120V – inside a customer-supplied demo millwork section sent from New York City. After making some adjustments to the design, thermal couplers were utilized on both the heaters and their enclosures to ensure their surface temperatures were within Marley Engineered Products’ limits to pass a UL site inspection. Berko ASL3 convector heaters The result was an ‘invisible solution’ in which none of the controls or heaters could be seen in the residential units Next, Smith coordinated with the electrical and mechanical contractors on-site to fit the heaters into each condo’s temperature control system using power relays. The result was an ‘invisible solution’ in which none of the controls or heaters could be seen in the residential units. “Innovation and collaboration converged as we tailored a custom heating solution, seamlessly blending functionality and aesthetics,” explained Christopher Smith, adding “In fabricating this ‘invisible solution’ for the client, our dedicated team and the coordination of skilled contractors transformed these condos into spaces that harmonize comfort and elegance and exemplify the blending of form and function.” Berko ASL3 convector heaters The success of the project not only resulted in an extremely satisfied customer, but also left the contractors pleased with the uninterrupted delivery and installation of the heaters. They were further impressed when the custom heater and millwork system passed the UL site inspector’s test after just one evaluation. To acknowledge the innovative approach and exceptional achievements demonstrated by the Faber team in overcoming the challenges faced during this project, Marley Engineered Products awarded Smith the 2023 Jim Herring Memorial Silver Fox Award at its recent national sales meeting. Solving unique heating or ventilation problems “This award for excellence in solution design embodies the spirit of Herring, who was always up for a challenge and most happy when solving a unique heating or ventilation problem,” said Sean Pesce, Acting Director of Sales for Marley Engineered Products. He adds, “Chris and his team perfectly captured Jim’s talent for finding creative solutions to the most complex issues and left a lasting impression on the client.”

Sophisticated temperature control using Fujitsu General Air Conditioning UK technology is delivering the best possible growing conditions for a vertical farming enterprise in Northamptonshire. Vertical farming involves growing food indoors on multiple levels, in vertically stacked layers, using UV lighting. With arable space increasingly coming under pressure from urbanization, the technique aims to provide an efficient and sustainable source of food into the future.  energy and resource-efficient Vertical Future says its systems use up to 98% less water compared to traditional farming, are energy and resource-efficient, and can grow the same amount of produce in 1% of the space when compared to traditional methods. The installation was carried out by CSL Air Conditioning with equipment supplied by distributor Oceanair.  monitoring and control technologies Darren James, Director of Vertical Future, said, “We deliver advanced growing solutions tailored to an industry that demands unparalleled precision and control. Our systems integrate sophisticated monitoring and control technologies, ensuring the optimum growth environment to maximize crop quality and yield." “I was extremely impressed with the combined work of both Fujitsu and Oceanair on this project." choosing equipments "Both companies attended the site in tandem so that they could come up with the best option for this project in loadings and efficiency, and choose the relevant equipment within the area where we could install the systems." “This meant more than one site visit but they kept me informed throughout the design stage of the project and it has worked wonders. The site has been up and running for over 12 months with no issues.’’  Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) technology By monitoring every aspect of the environment, it can achieve the best possible yield For the installation at Syan Farms in Horton, CSL Air Conditioning chose equipment from Fujitsu to meet the precise requirements of the customer and end-user. Electrical installation was carried out by a third party. Syan Farms uses Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) technology, which sets the temperature, light, and humidity within each growing stack. By monitoring every aspect of the environment, it can achieve the best possible yield and ensure crops are never affected by poor weather conditions or land damage. addressing air conditioning challenges Dave Crate from CSL Air Conditioning, said, “The biggest challenge is designing a system that can distribute air efficiently across the growing area." "We have developed a solution with all air conditioning units installed at a high level, with cool air sinking across the growing pods and any heat rising into the units. The wall mounts are positioned perpendicular to the growing racks to deliver air across the vertically stacked pods.’’  Fujitsu 22kW High Static Duct Units The ducted units are mounted centrally, and each uses a flexible fabric duct sock to distribute air evenly Oceanair supplied CSL with the equipment needed to keep the growing area at a constant 23°C. It was also crucial to design a system which avoided high-velocity air movement in the 30m2 space, as the plants require conditions as close to natural as possible. Two Fujitsu 22kW High Static Duct Units are paired with 22kW HP Inverter Condensers. The ducted units are mounted centrally, and each uses a flexible fabric duct sock to distribute air evenly along the center of the warehouse. These units work alongside eight Fujitsu 9.4kW Inverter Heat Pump Condensers, connected to eight 9.4kW Wall Mount Units. single controller operation The two groups of four systems, operating off a single controller, are sited at high levels on facing walls perpendicular to the growing racks to prevent excess air movement. Tony Holland of Oceanair said, “We know from long experience the capabilities of the Fujitsu kit and were confident that it was the correct choice for Vertical Future at Syan Farms." “It was a new experience to work out climate control loadings for plants rather than people but working as a team of manufacturers, distributors, engineers, and end users, we came up with a grid system to make sure each section had the correct loading to do the job and the proof of the warehouse now up and running and working to its full capacity is a testament to all parties concerned.”  Fujitsu 6.8kW Multi Condenser The installation marks a significant leap forward from the container-based modules with localized cooling Elsewhere on site, a multi-split system consisting of a Fujitsu 6.8kW Multi Condenser connected to two 3.4kW Wall Mount Units and a Compact Cassette serves the entrance, offices, and meeting area. The project is the first of this size for Vertical Future and further sites are in development. For Syan Farms, the installation marks a significant leap forward from the container-based modules with localized cooling used previously.  Food security Kelly Bullivant, Distribution Account Manager at Fujitsu General Air Conditioning, said, “Food security is becoming increasingly important and we are proud to be able to contribute to the development of vertical farming." "Our equipment is ideally suited to the precision needed for an installation of this type.’’

When the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority opens its upgraded desalination plant on Stock Island, Danfoss high-pressure pumps and energy recovery devices will radically improve the energy efficiency of a SWRO plant that plays a central role in the Florida Keys water supply strategy.   The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (FKAA) supplies 20 million gallons of potable water per day (75.7k m3/d) to its nearly 80,000 customers in the Florida Keys. While most of the water is normally sourced in aquifers, FKAA also operates two seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) plants for emergency purposes and as a supplemental supply in periods of high demand. FKAA initiated the SWRO plant upgrade FKAA initiated the upgrade of one of these plants, the Kermit H. Lewin Water Treatment Plant located on Stock Island, to increase its capacity, make it more resilient to hurricanes and rising flood levels, and improve its energy efficiency. Since opening in 1980, not only have guidelines for storm protection of such critical infrastructure changed significantly, so has the potential to save on the energy required by desalination. Designed to withstand future floods and hurricanes With sustained winds above 157 mph, such storms can cause severe damage to everything in their path To improve resiliency to extreme weather events in the low-lying Florida Keys, the entire site and facility have now been upgraded to withstand Category 5 hurricanes, the most dangerous level of tropical storms. With sustained winds above 157 mph (252 kph), such storms can cause severe damage to everything in their path. Accordingly, the refurbished facility lifts all electrical and mechanical equipment above the base flood elevation and the expected sea-level rise anticipated by 2060, effectively placing the plant’s desalination operations on stilts to mitigate the risk of severe flooding. improve the plant’s energy efficiency Another key goal of the upgrade was to improve the plant’s energy efficiency at the same time as doubling its production capacity from 2 MGD (7,500 m3/d) to 4 MGD (15,000 m3/d). To bring the refurbished plant up to date and reduce its financial and environmental costs, Carollo, a major U.S. engineering firm specializing in water and wastewater facilities, specified the latest axial-piston high-pressure pumps to replace legacy centrifugal pumps and swapped out old turbines for the newest active isobaric energy recovery technology. Upgraded plant to consist of four RO trains This innovative high-pressure setup dramatically reduces the plant’s energy needs This innovative high-pressure setup dramatically reduces the plant’s energy needs. In the new Kermit H. Lewin Water Treatment Plant being built by Biwater, a world pioneer in water treatment, the RO process-specific energy consumption will be slashed from 25.6 kW/kgal (6.77 kWh/m3) to 8.6 kW/kgal (2.27 kWh/m3). With this improvement, the new plant will be among the most energy-efficient in its class, with significantly reduced electricity bills and greenhouse gas emissions. The upgraded plant will consist of four RO trains, each of which includes two Danfoss APP 86 high-pressure pumps and three Danfoss iSave 70 ERDs. Improvement in energy efficiency In addition to the dramatic improvement in energy efficiency, configuring each train with parallel high-pressure pumps provides additional resilience and other benefits: the smaller pumps are easier to lift and work on, and it is now affordable to keep a spare pump in stock. The new improved plant will come online in Q4 2024. The new Kermit H. Lewin Water Treatment Plant is located just north of the existing plant. Construction began in Q3 2021 and will be completed by Q2 2024. The plant is expected to be fully operational by Q4 2024.

Convoy of Hope is an international nonprofit based in Springfield, Missouri. Founded in 1994 by Hal Donaldson, the humanitarian organization strives to feed the world and end intergenerational poverty. Programs include training and equipping local farmers to create food security, feeding more than 533,000 children every school day worldwide, U.S. and international disaster response, and empowering women as entrepreneurs and in the workforce. Since its founding, Convoy of Hope has served more than 250 million people and provided more than $2.5 billion worth of supplies to those in need. tackling global priorities In 2021, Convoy of Hope’s leadership decided that building a new headquarters and training center would improve the organization’s ability to serve humanity. For the first time in its nearly 30-year existence, Convoy of Hope would bring staff together on one campus to tackle its global priorities. The new facility would be a point of pride in Springfield and connect team members in an inviting and comfortable setting.  culture of the humanitarian organization The building would reflect the culture of the humanitarian organization and demonstrate good stewardship Additionally, the building would reflect the culture of the humanitarian organization and demonstrate good stewardship of financial resources. “We’re a non-profit organization, so we don’t want to spend more than we need to. We need to be able to take care of the heating and cooling needs in a way that’s efficient and cost-effective," said Ethan Forhetz, Vice President of Public Engagement, at Convoy of Hope. Project highlights Convoy of Hope’s headquarters is a 200,000-square-foot, modern, industrial-styled, open-concept, multi-use facility. The building houses a large atrium, auditorium, cafeteria, dining room, kitchen, open office spaces, and private offices. More than 280 of the organization’s 500-plus total employees work at the facility daily. The project team, assembled in 2021, collaborated from the design phase through the grand opening in 2023. Installation and project management Buxton Kubik Dodd, Inc., a full-service design firm in Springfield, did the architectural design, interior design, and mechanical engineering. Knight Heating & Air Conditioning, a local, family-owned HVAC contractor, did the installation and project management with support from Fields Mechanical Systems, a local LG-applied representative firm. “We try to recommend a product to the customer that has good local representation. It usually boils down to who supports a product the best. So that’s why we recommended LG,” said Chris Knight, Vice President, of Knight Heating and Air Conditioning. Challenges The heating and cooling system would need to satisfy diverse comfort requirements simultaneously Load diversity was the project team’s most significant challenge. Comfort requirements in the multi-use building vary by each space’s purpose, solar orientation, time of day, glazing, and whether the space is on the perimeter or interior. Southwest-facing offices have different heating and cooling needs than similar offices on the northeast side, as does the large, wide-open atrium versus the kitchen. On cold days when most of the building requires heating, some spaces still require cooling due to the facility’s glass frontage. The heating and cooling system would need to satisfy diverse comfort requirements simultaneously throughout the seasons, as Missouri’s weather ranged from intense heat to extreme cold. Acoustics, mechanical systems and designs The project team also considered acoustics while evaluating mechanical systems and designs. Convoy of Hope’s headquarters embraces an industrial aesthetic, which includes hard floors and concrete, exposed ceilings. With large, open spaces and few surfaces to absorb noise, a noisy HVAC system would disturb employees and reduce each space’s usability. The heating and cooling solution needed to operate quietly and fit in aesthetically. Concealing the HVAC equipment Given the facility’s size and profile in the community, Convoy of Hope tasked the project team with concealing the HVAC equipment so that it did not detract from the exterior appearance of the building. Thousands of cars pass the facility daily. The team rejected mechanical options that would have required extensive ductwork and equipment sitting in full view on the building’s lower roofs. Comfortable and seamless While hiding the equipment posed an engineering challenge, Convoy of Hope prioritized the building’s beauty While hiding the equipment posed an engineering challenge, Convoy of Hope prioritized the building’s beauty as part of being a good neighbor. “The ability to handle varying loads comfortably and seamlessly was the main goal of the project,” said Dylan Chorice, Principal Engineer, Buxton Kubik Dodd, Inc. Solution The project team decided that a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system with heat recovery from LG would be the best and most cost-effective solution to meeting Convoy of Hope’s needs. “Early in the process, we knew LG was the partner we wanted to work with,” said Dylan Chorice, Principal Engineer, Buxton Kubik Dodd, Inc. Multi V 5 system LG’s Multi V 5 system uses comprehensive controls and outdoor units with inverters to vary compressor speeds and heating and cooling capacity based on occupant comfort needs and ambient conditions. Every outdoor unit connects to multiple indoor units, each serving a zone within the building. With LG’s inverter technology, the all-electric system uses minimal energy to move heat out of zones requiring cooling and transfer heat to zones that need heating. “What LG does for us here is allow us to meet the unique needs of our building’s individual spaces,” said Ethan Forhetz, VP of Public Engagement, at Convoy of Hope. Heat-recovery unit VRF systems typically reject indoor heat to the outdoors during cooling and operate in one mode at a time The project team specified an LG Multi V 5 system with a heat-recovery unit to solve Convoy of Hope’s load diversity challenge with simultaneous heating and cooling. VRF systems typically reject indoor heat to the outdoors during cooling and operate in one mode at a time: heating or cooling.  Adding a heat-recovery unit enables LG’s VRF system to transfer heat from zones in cooling mode and simultaneously use it to warm zones in heating mode. Increased efficiency and cost savings By repurposing heat instead of rejecting it, a VRF system with heat recovery increases efficiency and cost savings while keeping diverse spaces comfortable. For example, the Multi V 5 can cool Convoy of Hope’ssouthwest-facing offices and account for solar gain while using that heat to warm the building’s cooler opposite side. The technology also allows Convoy of Hope to customize setpoints for each zone based on individual and administrator preferences. Powered by the Niagara 4 Framework®, LG’sMultiSITE VM3 controls empower facility managers to visualize, monitor, and control the entire VRF system. Mid-static ducted units The project team installed mid-static ducted units in the areas with covered ceilings. In the open office spaces with exposed high ceilings, the project team installed LG’s DUAL Vane 4-way cassettes. The cassettes cover wide spaces and contribute to healthier air with a five-step filtration and purification kit. To better match the space’s aesthetic requirements, the team placed shrouds on the cassettes, giving the units a cloud-like look that fits seamlessly into the design. Compact refrigerant lines Multi V 5 solution supported Convoy of Hope’s aesthetic needs and reduce costs by requiring less ductwork The Multi V 5 solution also supported Convoy of Hope’s aesthetic needs and reduced costs by requiring less ductwork than alternative systems.LG’s VRF system runs very quietly. Convoy of Hope team members can focus on their work without complaints about comfort or mechanical noise. The Multi V 5’s long, compact refrigerant lines enabled the project team to tackle the facility’s exterior design challenges.  VRF outdoor units By installing the VRF outdoor units on the third floor’s roof, the project team kept the system out of sight to pass neighbors or people entering the parking lot. The refrigerant lines run from the upper roof and down the sides of the buildings to serve the lower floors without requiring units on the ground or the lower roofs. Result Convoy of Hope is currently listed among the top 50 organizations in the Forbes list of America’s Top 100 Charities. With its new headquarters and training center, the organization is positioned to continue and grow its humanitarian work. “It’s a brand-new building. It’s a big building. But it felt very homey right off the bat. I think a large part of that is because it’s very comfortable,” said Ethan Forhetz, VP of Public Engagement, at Convoy of Hope. Cost-effective operation LG’s Multi V 5 VRF system with heat recovery satisfies Convoy of Hope's requirements LG’s Multi V 5 VRF system with heat recovery satisfies Convoy of Hope's requirements across comfort, efficiency, acoustics, and aesthetics. The facility is a community showpiece that helps the organization keep faith with its financial supporters through cost-effective operation. “Convoy of Hope plans to be here for a very long time, so every dollar we can save on utility bills is another dollar they can put toward their mission, which is critically important,” said Dylan Chorice, Principal Engineer, Buxton Kubik Dodd, Inc. LG HVAC Products Multi V 5 (20 - 40 Ton) MultiSITE VM3 DUAL Vane 4way Cassettes Ceiling Concealed Duct Unit (Mid-Static)

Based in Parkesburg, Pennsylvania, Zook Cabins designs and builds custom park model homes for people who prioritize comfort while enjoying minimalist living. Park model homes include both rustic, prefabricated log cabins and sleek, modern tiny houses, each offering customized floorplans utilizing quality materials and skilled Amish workmanship. Zook stands out from its competitors by prioritizing quality and customization for homeowners. efficient cabin-buying experience Matt Meshey, lead designer at Zook Cabins, notes, “We work backward from the end goal and design for how our clients are going to use the homes.” Purchasing a custom cabin can be time-consuming, stressful, and expensive for would-be homeowners. Zook works with its manufacturing partner CampPad to give customers a cost-effective and efficient cabin-buying experience. heating and air conditioning systems Upon delivery, homeowners can move into their new homes and begin using amenities immediately Using prefabricated construction techniques, Zook manufactures homes in CampPad’s Gordonville, Pennsylvania warehouse and ships them to customers.  Upon delivery, homeowners can move into their new homes and begin using amenities immediately, including heating and air conditioning systems. Plug-and-play models “Park models are plug and play. They work great if you have land somewhere and want to build a place for a quick getaway,” said Melissa Meshey, Marketing Director, Zook Cabins. The Amish custom home builder has delivered more than 500 modular cabins to almost every state since 2006. Project highlights Park model homes are usually around 400 square feet and are typically located in remote areas or secluded camp-like settings, such as wooded areas, western deserts, and northern coastal hillsides. Cozy and efficient, the homes appeal to minimalists seeking to enjoy natural environments without distractions. Whether it’s hiking, fishing, hunting, farming or simply breathing in the fresh air, satisfied Zook customers can enjoy their hobbies with the comfort of having a place to retire to at the end of the day. ductless -split systems While Zook’s clients like to be close to nature, they still want modern heating and air conditioning While Zook’s clients like to be close to nature, they still want modern heating and air conditioning in their cabins, according to Matt Meshey. “Early on, our clients expressed how climate control was very important to them,” he said. As their trusted HVAC distributor, Thos. Somerville Company helped Zook and CampPad evaluate heating and cooling products, comparing quality, affordability, availability, limited warranties, and serviceability. Together, the partners selected ductless-split systems from LG Electronics for the park model homes. Challenges Designed for efficiency and minimalism, park-model homes have no space for traditional ductwork, requiring the heating and cooling equipment to fit into the physical space of each home without distracting from the Zook experience. Zook also delivers cabins to customers across the country in varied geographies and climates. The heating and cooling equipment would need to provide reliable comfort in different outdoor environments, with support and service readily available nationwide if any issues arise. Easily serviceable “They [LG split systems ] don’t take up much space, and they keep the homes comfortable, which is very important to us. They’re available across the country, and they’re easily serviceable, too." "With other brands we explored, it’s difficult to service units across the country, which made it an easy decision to go with LG," said Matt Meshey, Lead Designer, of Zook Cabins. All-in-one heating and air-conditioning solution The units work with LG’s modern inverter heat pump technology to keep Zook’s customers comfortable LG systems solved each challenge. Each system is an all-in-one heating and air-conditioning solution with the option to use ductless or ducted indoor units connected to a compact outdoor heat pump. Matt Meshey said LG’s ductless indoor units fit the cabins perfectly. With quiet operation, the units work with LG’s modern inverter heat pump technology to keep Zook’s customers comfortable in all seasons wherever they live. LG’s support and service network Also, experience has given Zook confidence in LG’s support and service network, he explained. “When we put LG equipment into one of these cabins, regardless of where it’s being shipped, we know those units will perform,” said Tim Holmes, Sales & Product Manager, Thos. Somerville Company. Solution  he project team selected LG’s Multi F Inverter Heat Pump Outdoor Units with ductless, wall-mounted indoor units for each cabin. Depending on the cabin footprint, model, location, and outdoor climate, cabins have 1-1/2-ton or 2-ton multi-port outdoor heat pumps. The indoor units are sized at 7,000, 9,000, or 12,000 BTUs, and cabins may have a single-head or dual-head system depending on the homeowner’s conditioning needs. Tim Holmes, Sales & Product Manager at the Thos. Somerville Company said LG’s 98-foot pre-charged line set enabled the team to install the outdoor unit and run pipes to the indoor unit without adding additional refrigerant. This saved time and money compared to options with 49-foot line sets. Heat pumps In colder outdoor temperatures, the heat pump compression cycle generates heat Heat pumps operate like two-way air conditioners. In warm outdoor temperatures, heat pumps provide air conditioning by absorbing indoor heat and rejecting the heat outdoors. This is similar to how conventional one-way air conditioners work, but heat pumps also provide heating.  In colder outdoor temperatures, the heat pump compression cycle generates heat, and it absorbs heat from the outdoors and transfers it indoors to keep occupants comfortable. “Moving heat is more efficient than burning fossil fuels to generate heat and helps to reduce air pollution,” said Holmes. Inverter motors The heat pumps use inverter motors to vary compressor speeds and heating or cooling capacity based on environmental conditions and occupant comfort needs. Inverter technology enables LG’s heat pumps to extract ambient outdoor heat to warm homes at temperatures far lower than conventional heat pumps. Also, by varying heating or cooling capacity to match real-time needs, the LG system conserves energy and provides cost savings by using less electricity. Energy efficiency “One thing that’s very important to a lot of our clients is the energy efficiency of these units. They’re very inexpensive to operate, which is a benefit to our clients. They have very low electric bills, and the mini splits certainly contribute towards that. They’re very efficient in different climates, so it makes it very easy and then also very affordable for our clients,” said Matt Meshey, Lead Designer, of Zook Cabins The LG mini-split units give homeowners precise internal climate control and comfort in their cabins. Besides the thermostat, each unit has wi-fi capabilities, enabling the owner to set temperatures and operate the system from anywhere using a smartphone application. Result Zook delivers a turnkey option to people who want to build a cabin home at an affordable price Zook delivers a turnkey option to people who want to build a cabin home at an affordable price without sacrificing quality or comfort. People who may have been priced out in the past now have access to cabin living, enhanced with energy-efficient heat pump technology for quality comfort control. “The LG brand is a product that we stand behind, and we know our customers will have a really good experience with it,” said Melissa Meshey.“They’re going to have a comfortable home that is as warm or cool as they want.” “LG is one of the best lines of equipment we have brought in within the last 20 years. Their service and support are outstanding, and their equipment is of the highest quality,” said Tim Holmes, Sales & Product Manager, Thomas SomervilleCompany. LG HVAC Products LG Multi F Inverter Heat Pump Outdoor Units LG Multi F Wall Mounted High-Efficiency Indoor Units

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