Government Regulations

The Ghana Mega Clima Show 2025, organized by Elan Expo, takes place from June 17-19, 2025, at the International Convention Center in Accra, Ghana. New Era In HVAC Innovatıon With a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2% from 2024 to 2030, the Ghana HVAC market is expanding rapidly due to urbanization, rising temperatures, and increasing demand for efficient cooling solutions. The market is expected to reach $258.3 million by 2029, supported by investments in residential and commercial infrastructure. Accra, as the capital city, has several ongoing and potential construction projects that require advanced HVAC systems. Notable projects include the $1.9 million air conditioning and refrigeration test lab recently opened in Accra. Additionally, ongoing projects such as the $150 million redevelopment of the Accra Mall and the construction of new hotels like the Marriott Accra Airport Hotel are driving demand for advanced HVAC solutions. Ghana Energy Commission's regulations The Ghana RAC Roadmap aims to accelerate the transition to climate-friendly sustainable technologies The Ghana Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) Roadmap aims to accelerate the transition to climate-friendly sustainable technologies, with a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by promoting 380 green air conditioning units through demonstration projects and training programs for technicians. The split AC sub-sector is particularly impactful, accounting for about 8% of national GHG emissions, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions. The government is actively promoting energy efficiency through projects like the Ghana Energy Commission's regulations on energy standards and mandatory certification for HVAC technicians. Ghana's HVAC sector  Despite this growth potential, the HVAC market in Ghana faces challenges such as underdeveloped distribution channels, a lack of skilled professionals, and affordability issues for consumers. By participating in the HVAC Fair Show, companies will have a unique opportunity to not only showcase their innovative products and technologies but also address the urgent needs of the Ghanaian market. This event serves as a critical platform for networking with industry pioneers, decision-makers, and stakeholders, fostering valuable collaborations and networks that can enhance service delivery, expand market presence, and, lastly, make their brands stand out in the HVAC industry as a pioneer. As Ghana's HVAC sector continues to grow, businesses that engage in this fair will position themselves at the forefront of industry advancements, gaining insights into emerging trends and consumer demands.  First Mega Clima Show in Ghana The First Mega Clima Show in Ghana is a pioneering event set to reshape the HVAC landscape in West Africa The First Mega Clima Show in Ghana is a pioneering event set to reshape the HVAC landscape in West Africa. Organized by Elan Expo, a pioneer in international exhibitions with 25 years of extensive experience in the region, this show promises to be a compelling opportunity for industry stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and innovate. Elan Expo has successfully organized similar shows in Nigeria, Algeria, and Kenya, establishing itself as a trusted name in the HVAC sector in the African region. The previous events have consistently attracted significant participation and engagement rates and generated impressive results. Mega Clima Nigeria 2023  For instance, the recent Mega Clima Nigeria 2023 attracted over 8,600 visitors and featured 172 brands from 25 countries notably from Algeria, Belgium, China, Egypt, Germany, Ghana, India, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Nigeria, Poland, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, including well-known brands like Panasonic, Daikin, Carrier, Trane, Mitsubishi Electric, LG Electronics, Fujitsu, Honeywell, York, and Gree,  Rheem, Toshiba, Sanyo, Bosch, Emerson, and Chigo. In total, the events across the region have welcomed over 30,000 visitors and showcased more than 600 brands from around the world. The past exhibitions have consistently demonstrated the value of participation; for instance, exhibitors reported that over 80% of them found new business opportunities and expanded their networks in a meaningful way.  Exploring innovative technologies  Mega Clima Show will attract an amount of diverse participants showcasing and exploring technologies Drawing on the extensive experience from previous successful events, they anticipate a similarly impressive participation in Ghana. Therefore, they want to bring together key players once again in Ghana’s HVAC market. With urbanization on the rise and increasing demand for sustainable cooling solutions, they anticipate that the Mega Clima Show will attract a remarkable amount of diverse participants showcasing and exploring innovative technologies that enhance energy efficiency and sustainability.  The Ghana Mega Clima Show will undoubtedly serve as a premier platform for exhibitors to showcase their latest products and services specialized for the HVAC industry. Promising To Shape Industry Standards "The Mega Clima Show is set to be a novel event for the HVAC industry in Ghana," stated Mr. Süer AY, General Manager of ELAN EXPO, adding "This is the first time we are launching this show in Ghana, which provides the opportunity for international exhibitors for the first time in this region to showcase their products and innovative technologies, connect with industry pioneers and stakeholders, foster collaboration and innovation in a professional environment."  He continues, "This event is not just about showcasing products; it is an opportunity to drive the adoption of sustainable technologies and practices that will significantly influence the growth and efficiency of the HVAC sector in Ghana. By bringing together key players in the industry, we aim to address current challenges, share best practices, and ultimately shape a more sustainable future for climate control solutions in West Africa."  "Now is the time for companies to seize this opportunity to contribute to a more efficient and sustainable future in the HVAC industry, helping to shape the industry of Ghana’s rapidly evolving HVAC market while guaranteeing  their own growth and success." Mr. Süer AY emphasized.  Save the date Dates: June 17-19, 2025 Location: Accra International Conference Center, Castle Rd, Accra, Ghana Exhibitor Profile: Ventilation & Air Conditioning Systems and Equipments, Heating Systems and Equipments, Refrigeration Systems and Components, Installation Systems, Installation Systems.

Siemens and Genea recently announced a second collaborative effort to provide security professionals and facility managers with improved security using the cloud. The security solution allows teams to leverage their existing technology, like security cameras, door readers, controllers and more, and manage it all from a modern dashboard, anytime, anywhere. Siemens’ security customers Through Genea’s customizable, cloud-based, open API platform, Siemens’ security customers can now integrate various current building systems or applications, such as visitor management, Apple Wallet, video management, or identity management. Genea makes it possible to assign and distribute NFC and Bluetooth mobile credentials directly to users’ smartphones. As an added convenience, credentials can also be stored in Apple and Google Wallet, for easier accessibility. Integrated systems   Customers can transition to the cloud without paying to replace their entire hardware system Since Genea runs on non-proprietary door readers and Mercury controllers, customers can transition to the cloud without paying to replace their entire hardware system. This commitment to open standards helps guarantee that the integrated systems will provide exceptional performance, while safeguarding customers' investments in security infrastructure. Genea's advanced platform "Teaming up with Genea underscores our dedication to expanding the Siemens Connect Ecosystem program by delivering top-tier security solutions using non-proprietary Mercury hardware," said Rich Reidy, US Security Segment Head of the Buildings business at Siemens Smart Infrastructure USA.  Rich Reidy adds, "As a trusted and proven pioneer in the industry, Genea's advanced platform and flexible technology align perfectly with our goal of offering cutting-edge, adaptable solutions for the future." Flexible security solution Genea and Siemens first collaborated five years ago with the goal of enhancing commercial real estate operations. With Genea On-Demand HVAC and Genea Submeter Billing, property teams were able to drive significant energy savings and operational efficiencies.  This latest joint effort gives Siemens’ customers a flexible security solution that remains adaptable to the evolving needs of enterprises, universities, schools, healthcare facilities, commercial real estate properties, and other markets. Transition to cloud-based security "We are excited to once again collaborate with Siemens, a company that shares our dedication to innovation and excellence," said Eric Moe, Senior Vice President of Sales, Security at Genea. Eric Moe adds, "This latest endeavor that targets the physical security market allows us to pair with an industry pioneer and help more organizations transition to cloud-based security."

Good Energy, the clean power company, will pay customers to automate the flexible use of their heat pumps or batteries through its new cutting-edge platform FlexiRewards. Customers could earn between £5 and £20 a month without needing to take any action – FlexiRewards does the work for them. Building on the success of Power Pause, Good Energy’s implementation of National Grid’s Demand Flexibility Service (DFS), FlexiRewards will take ‘demand side response’ a step further by automating customers’ flexibility. Unlike DFS, FlexiRewards does not require customers to respond to alerts to manually adjust their energy usage as adjustments are automated. Good Energy customers Launched as a pilot which will run for 12 months, the platform is available only to a select number of Good Energy customers who have had heat pumps or batteries installed by the company, but do not need to be supplied electricity by Good Energy. It not only offers direct financial rewards to participating households it also supports a more efficient and resilient national electricity grid, benefiting all electricity consumers across the UK. FlexiRewards platform FlexiRewards works seamlessly with Good Energy’s installed heat pumps and battery systems FlexiRewards works seamlessly with Good Energy’s installed heat pumps and battery systems to monitor and automatically adjust how each device uses or shares electricity during peak periods, requiring no active management by the customer. By doing so, it helps reduce strain on the electricity grid when demand is at its highest.  As the FlexiRewards platform communicates with the customer’s devices, it can automatically shift power usage or battery charging to less-demanding periods, optimizing both the customer’s energy efficiency and the grid’s performance. Resilient energy system James Rees, Director of Product and Propositions, said, "Our goal has always been to allow people to take control of their energy in a way that’s both beneficial to them and sustainable for the planet." He adds, "With FlexiRewards, we’re offering a way for our customers to save and earn money with little to no effort, while supporting a cleaner, more resilient energy system." Good Energy heat pump James Rees continues: "We hope it will provide new insights into a smart energy future where everyone can play a role in grid efficiency – and get rewarded for it." Research the University of Southampton has conducted with Good Energy heat pump customers has indicated that heat pumps can be paused for up to two-hour periods with limited impact on home heat and customer comfort.

Carrier and its partner, Strategic Thermal Labs (STL), are highlighting a number of products and services tailor-made for data centers at this year’s SC24 conference and exhibition in Atlanta. Carrier is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, a global pioneer in intelligent climate and energy solutions. SC24, or SuperComputing24, is a conference and exhibition that draws over 10,000 attendees, hosted by the International Conference for High-Performance Computing, Networking, Storage and Analysis. Carrier Cooling Distribution Units Attendees include scientists, engineers, researchers, educators, programmers, system administrators and developers. This year, the event will take place the week of Nov. 17 at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. Carrier and Strategic Thermal Labs will be located in booth #3755. Products on display will include a demonstration product for a new family of Carrier Cooling Distribution Units being developed specifically for liquid cooling in high-performance computing applications.  New liquid cooling products Experts from Carrier and Strategic Thermal Labs will also be on hand to answer questions Strategic Thermal Labs will be introducing 10 new liquid cooling products developed to address the increase in processor power, while providing an increase in cooling efficiency and reduction in infrastructure costs. Experts from Carrier and Strategic Thermal Labs will also be on hand to answer questions and highlight the full breadth of solutions for data centers from each company. For Carrier, this includes chillers, air handlers, integrated management solutions, building automation systems, analytics and service solutions. Liquid cooling solutions “Carrier is at the forefront of heating and cooling solutions for customers around the world. We are focused on providing data center customers with best-in-class products and support to bolster their growth and provide them peace of mind,” said Christian Senu, Executive Director, Data Center and Mega-Projects, Carrier, adding “We’re excited to showcase our full set of offerings here at SC24.” Carrier Global Corporation’s venture group, Carrier Ventures, announced an investment and technology partnership with Strategic Thermal Labs earlier this year, allowing Carrier to leverage ground-breaking technology for liquid cooling solutions for data centers. Greenfield AI data center The liquid cooling market is expected to approach $3-5B by 2028, driven by greenfield AI data center builds that will bring significantly higher rack power densities. Liquid cooling accounts for roughly 2% of overall cooling solutions within the data center today and is expected to increase to almost ~30% by 2028. As part of the investment, Carrier’s Vice President for Commercial HVAC Product Management, Marketing and Strategy, Chris Opie, now sits on the Strategic Thermal Labs Board.

New research from a government adviser, promoting the highest standards in solid fuel appliance usage, has found that despite 98% of wood-burning stove owners having a CO alarm fitted, close to one in ten have either never tested it, they can’t remember, or it has been over a year since they last checked that the alarm works.   These findings have been released by not-for-profit, HETAS, during CO Awareness Week (18–24th November) with UK Fire and Rescue services advising to test CO alarms every month. HETAS findings According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, the UK sees an average of over 60 deaths a year due to accidental exposure to carbon monoxide, with 45% occurring in the home.  The HETAS findings on CO alarm testing also follow growing concern across the solid fuel and energy industry of the rising sale of counterfeit Carbon Monoxide alarms. British Standard CO detection tests HETAS findings on CO alarm testing also follow growing concern across the solid fuel and energy industry Sources such as Consumer Champion, Which? tested over 1,000 unbranded CO alarms, sold in the UK mainly through e-commerce sites, which fail to detect the gas and sound the alarm under British Standard CO detection tests. Further tests by Which? found that some of these alarms work on the first CO detection test but then develop critical faults.  Alan Young, HETAS Compliance Manager, said: “Counterfeit CO alarms are non-certified, not fit for purpose, and are a cause of growing concern for consumer safety. It is an ongoing problem which consumers need to be aware of." CE and UKCA marks Young added: “To ensure your CO alarm is genuine and certified, ensure to purchase it from a trusted, reputable and well-known retailer. Check that it carries the correct CE and UKCA marks - as often the design proportions are wrong on the back of the alarm - and that it mentions (BS) EN 50291-1 or CO reaction thresholds." "Some have only two LED indicators rather than three, and often come with user manuals which contain contradictory and unclear information, and with almost all missing basic packaging and alarm label requirements such as lifespan, storage conditions and warnings about acute effects.”   Smoke and CO alarms Young added: “Ensuring you have a British Standard CO alarm installed is essential for safety, counterfeit alarms can be as dangerous as having no alarm at all. Regulations do vary across the UK, but there is common ground in legislation on having a CO alarm installed in any living space with a fuel appliance." "If you are tenant, legislation requires your landlord to have fitted and tested both smoke and CO alarms at the beginning of your tenancy. Further advice for homeowners, tenants and landlords is available through our website as well as bodies such as the NRLA.” UK Smoke Control Areas Bruce Allen, CEO of HETAS, added: “If a wood burning stove is not properly installed, maintained or ventilated then CO can build up in the home or wherever the appliance is being used."  "So, using a trained and registered installer who meets appropriate standards is key for your safety, as is having a cleaner choice stove which burns at least 50% less particulate emissions than current requirements in UK Smoke Control Areas. HETAS provides a useful register on its website of certified technicians and appliances."   Compliant carbon monoxide alarm Allen added: “Also, use Ready to Burn fuel and ensure to sweep your chimney regularly. Earlier this year we found that one in ten wood burner stove owners leave it years before sweeping their chimneys when you should sweep at least every six months if you burn wood."   “Finally, ensure that you have a compliant carbon monoxide alarm fitted in the same room as the appliance, and that it is frequently tested by pressing the button until the alarm sounds.”

Marcone, North America's renowned distributor for appliance, HVAC, plumbing, commercial kitchen, and pool and spa parts, announced that veteran customers and employees alike were invited into the U.S. branches of its HVAC division in honor of their service. Servicemen and servicewomen were provided with treats and a show of gratitude in honor of Veteran's Day, with employees given special recognition internally and on social media. Veteran employees of Marcone Appliance Parts also were recognized with gifts. Veteran's Day "We enjoy the freedom to conduct business and pursue success because of the sacrifice that many made on behalf of our nation," said Randall Hudspeth, President of Marcone HVAC. He adds, "We appreciate their contributions every day, but want to make a special point on Veteran's Day to set time aside to offer thanks for a job extraordinarily well done."

As environmental regulations become increasingly stringent, the HVAC/R industry is turning to sustainable refrigerants to minimize environmental impact. A3 refrigerants—flammable gases with low global warming potential (GWP)—are emerging as a preferred choice. However, their adoption introduces additional regulatory requirements. EPA regulations To address these challenges, the industry is leveraging innovative solutions like enhanced small-diameter copper tubes, which enable compliance with EPA guidelines while maintaining performance and safety standards. In this article, we’ll explore key EPA regulations for A3 refrigerants and how small-diameter copper tubes play a vital role in optimizing system performance, ensuring safety, and achieving regulatory compliance.  Understanding A3 Refrigerants A3 refrigerants help HVAC/R systems align with current and upcoming environmental regulations A3 refrigerants are characterized by their low GWP and flammability, making them a sustainable alternative to traditional high-GWP refrigerants. Common examples include propane (R-290) and isobutane (R-600a). By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, A3 refrigerants help HVAC/R systems align with current and upcoming environmental regulations. Their benefits go beyond regulatory compliance. energy efficiency A3 refrigerants improve energy efficiency, enabling systems to operate more effectively while consuming less energy. This dual advantage of sustainability and operational efficiency reduces both carbon footprints and operating costs. As global regulations continue to phase out high-GWP refrigerants, A3 options stand out as a viable solution that balances environmental responsibility with system performance. Their efficiency and compliance capabilities position A3 refrigerants as a key player in the future of HVAC/R system design.  Advantages of Small-Diameter Copper Tubes 1. Meeting EPA Charge Limits  Small-diameter copper tubes offer a significant advantage in adhering to EPA refrigerant charge limits. With their reduced internal volume, these tubes require less refrigerant to maintain optimal performance. This feature is particularly beneficial when working with A3 refrigerants, as the EPA enforces strict charge limits to mitigate flammability risks while upholding efficiency.  2. Boosting System Efficiency with Enhanced Heat Transfer  When enhanced with internal grooves, small-diameter copper tubes maximize surface area contact with refrigerants Copper’s exceptional thermal conductivity, even with smaller tube diameters, ensures effective heat transfer. When enhanced with internal grooves, small-diameter copper tubes maximize surface area contact with refrigerants, further increasing heat transfer efficiency. This improvement translates to lower energy consumption and reduced operating costs, all while delivering reliable cooling performance.  3. Durability, Safety, and Ease of Installation  Using small-diameter copper tubes reduces the refrigerant charge required within a system, enhancing safety. Copper’s lightweight and flexible properties, especially when annealed, simplify installation, particularly in compact systems with complex configurations. Its natural corrosion resistance also ensures durability and long-term reliability, minimizing maintenance needs over the equipment’s lifespan.  Innovating for a Sustainable Future  As the HVAC/R industry transitions to A3 refrigerants, adapting to stricter EPA regulations requires innovative system designs that address safety, efficiency, and performance challenges. Small-diameter copper tubes provide a practical solution by reducing refrigerant charges, enhancing heat transfer, and delivering reliable, durable performance.  reducing environmental impact These copper innovations are especially valuable for compact, high-performance systems that demand precision and compliance with environmental standards. By embracing these advancements, the HVAC/R industry can ensure systems are future-ready, capable of meeting evolving regulations while maintaining efficiency and safety. Small-diameter copper tubes are paving the way for a more sustainable HVAC/R landscape, helping businesses succeed in reducing their environmental impact while achieving regulatory compliance. 

Until a couple of years ago, most of the talk about heat pumps occurred around this time of year, when more than half the planet prepares for an autumn cooldown. These discussions were typically limited to regions that only experienced moderate winters. But as anyone who has recently perused an HVACR trade magazine or website—or participated in an industry webinar, event, or social media conversation—can tell you, the topic of heat pumps is virtually unavoidable. Not only do heat pump discussions now occur year-round, but they’ve also ascended to consistent headline status and transcended the traditional boundaries of moderate climates.  The decarbonization megatrend One might say heat pumps have taken their place on the global stage. If you’re asking why this has happened, the answer requires just three words: the decarbonization megatrend. However, for industry professionals looking to grow their businesses, it’s helpful to gain a deeper understanding of heat pumps—how they work, ways they are currently meeting HVACR needs, and where the technology is headed for next-generation applications. Through this understanding, members of the industry can better forecast customer needs as well as identify opportunities for expanding in both current markets and, potentially, new ones. How heat pumps work—don’t let the name fool you The heat released as the refrigerant condenses is then transferred to interior spaces What heat pumps do and, more specifically, how they do it provides the key as to why they are now being considered a “hero” of decarbonization. The term can be misleading, because “heat pumps” do not generate heat. Because of this, heat pumps are being more widely embraced as the lower-carbon-emission alternative to combustion-based heating technology that uses, for example, fossil fuels.  Instead of creating heat, heat pumps extract heat energy from where it’s not needed and move it to where it is needed. When a heat pump is in heating mode, its refrigerant evaporates as it absorbs heat from the outside. The heat released as the refrigerant condenses is then transferred to interior spaces. In warmer weather, a heat pump kicks into cooling mode and the process is reversed, as heat is extracted inside and released outside. This non-combustion process of moving heat from one place to another provides several potential benefits to society: Heat pumps support the megatrend toward decarbonization. They replace fossil-fuel heating with high-efficiency technology. They can be paired with lower-global-warming-potential (GWP) A2L refrigerants—such as R-454B and R-32—to further increase environmental benefits, while offering similar performance to the legacy R-410A. They offer the ability to tap into alternative energy sources, such as industrial waste heat as well as heat sourced from the air (ambient), ground (geothermal), or lakes/ponds (water). Meeting today’s needs—these aren’t your grandfather’s heat pumps Heat pump technology has been commercially available and in use since the 1950s. Early versions of heat pumps were essentially reversible air conditioning units, and most used traditional refrigerants—like R-22 and, more recently, R-410A. These units performed well and operated safely using lower-toxicity, nonflammable (A1) refrigerants. However, they were known to sometimes struggle at lower ambient temperatures. As often happens in the world of science and technology, challenges drive the search for solutions. Today, we’re seeing innovations that result in efficient, effective cold-climate heat pumps that optimize various components, such as compressors, heat exchangers, expansion valves, and their controls. Thanks to these innovations and others, the U.S. and other countries are experiencing broader heat pump adoption and, in turn, supporting progress toward decarbonization.  Heat pump technology has been commercially available. Increasing heat pump accessibility and viability in more places and spaces is also critical to the HVACR industry’s commitments to the environment—and its need to heed regulations advancing the transition to systems reducing climate impact. Emerging systems use mildly flammable (A2L) refrigerants. They are similar in design to legacy systems and include modifications to mitigate risks associated with the change to A2Ls. Where things are headed—heat pump technology is just getting started Even with the significant advances we’ve seen in colder-climate heat pumps, there is still untapped potential in terms of what the technology can achieve. We can expect to see continued innovation as end-user needs and environmental priorities continue to evolve. Some foreseeable growth areas for heat pumps include: Traditional applications—that is, moderate climates Expansion into nontraditional climates—heating in very cold climates and cooling in hotter regions Domestic water heating, replacing fossil-fuel systems Leveraging a variety of heat sources—geothermal, air-sourced, and water-sourced Harnessing waste heat generated by energy-intensive industrial processes Use of lower-GWP A2L refrigerants System optimization will also drive greater use of lower-GWP A2L refrigerants, such as R-454B Supporting these growth areas will be innovations that optimize high-performance, high-efficiency delivery of extracted heat, using a combination of traditional and new split-ducted, ductless/mini-split, and mono-block technologies. System optimization will also drive greater use of lower-GWP A2L refrigerants, such as R-454B, while limiting the use of highly flammable refrigerants such as R-290. Refrigerant selection will also play an increasingly important role and may offer additional opportunities for application-specific technology. As heat pump applications expand, we can expect to see greater focus on selecting the optimum refrigerant to use as the working fluid. Criteria will weigh system design, operating conditions, and other priorities against key refrigerant properties: Physical—boiling point, vapor pressure, density, and material compatibility Thermodynamic—cooling/heat capacity, energy efficiency, pressure-enthalpy (PH) curves Environmental—ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP) Safety and health—flammability and toxicity Conclusion: There’s strong and ample reason to “stay pumped” Over the past several years, members of the HVACR industry have enthusiastically embraced new heat pump solutions. Evolving heat pump technology and expanding applications will continue as the industry progresses along the path of more energy-efficient, lower-GWP, and more sustainable new-generation and next-generation heating and cooling. This, coupled engineering and science that leverages untapped heat pump potential, will mean more opportunities for HVACR contractors to deliver new options to the markets they serve. With a strong understanding of their customers’ individual heating and cooling needs, climate challenges, and sustainability goals, contractors can confidently select the best heat-pump refrigerant solution.

By now, the HVAC industry is well versed in, and operating successfully with, various HFC refrigerant production and consumption reduction schedules put forth by regulatory bodies. Under the EPA American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, for example, the U.S. experienced a significant reduction (another 30%) in January 2024, advancing the goal of an 85% HFC phasedown from historic baseline levels by 2036. And the EU is working toward its stated objective of an HFC phaseout by 2050. technology transition rules In addition, technology transition rules are at work to limit the use of higher global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants in specific applications, ranging from commercial air conditioning to residential heat pumps. Consequently, with each passing year, the industry can expect HFC availability to feel increasingly “tighter.”  additional requirements Once the EPA’s proposed rules become final rules, more details will be available to guide the industry In addition, by the end of summer 2024, it’s expected that the U.S. EPA’s proposed rule, “Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Management of Certain Hydrofluorocarbons and Substitutes Under Subsection (h) of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020” will be finalized—subjecting the HVACR industry to additional requirements. Once the EPA’s proposed rules become final rules, more details will be available to guide the industry on steps they need to take in terms of compliance.  takeaway from HFC phasedown The main takeaway from the progress of the HFC phasedown is that businesses at every level of the HVAC industry must employ a strong refrigerant management strategy. Several of the “Eight Rs” below represent best practices that many industry members already follow. By structuring your strategy around these measures, you can align your business with regulations and ensure you have the resources necessary to continue servicing equipment with legacy refrigerants as well as to successfully introduce A2L solutions to customers.  Eight Rs of Refrigerant Management  Regulations Whether you’re manufacturing, installing, or servicing equipment, keeping up to date with regulatory changes is key to compliance. In addition, because recent and pending regulatory changes may impact both legacy and new-generation refrigerants and equipment, understanding changes offers an important tool for planning for what’s next.  Recordkeeping Regulatory bodies conduct audits relying heavily on recordkeeping and reporting to ensure compliance Regulatory bodies conduct audits relying heavily on recordkeeping and reporting to ensure compliance. This will mainly impact manufacturers, importers, and equipment owners.  However, accurate and consistent recordkeeping on the contractor side can prove to be incredibly beneficial to your business’s operating efficiency, bring added value to your customers, and support sustainability objectives.  Repair leaks Practicing consistent, effective leak detection and repair is an important part of regulatory compliance that can also impact your bottom line by reducing service gas costs and keeping systems operating at peak efficiency. In addition, it’s the first line of defense in reducing HVAC systems’ impact on the environment.  Replace equipment As systems approach the end of their serviceable lifetime, define which new, higher-efficiency units utilizing A2L refrigerants offer the best replacements. Remind customers of benefits such as reduced energy consumption and operating costs.  Retrofits It may still make sense, where applicable, to perform a refrigerant conversion If equipment is in good condition and not nearing the end of its serviceable lifetime, it may still make sense, where applicable, to perform a refrigerant conversion. Thus allowing the equipment to operate with a more sustainable and readily available refrigerant.  Recovery The first step in supporting refrigerant circularity is recovery, which means removing refrigerant from a system and placing it into a separate container. During this process, it’s important to maintain the refrigerant’s value/purity as much as possible by not mixing gases.  Reuse/Recycle This means returning recovered refrigerant to the same system or another system with common ownership. Removing oil, moisture, or other contaminants via minor “cleanup” or filtering of the recovered gas may be part of the process.  Reclamation HFC phasedown and the transition to A2L refrigerants will continue to impact the operations of HVAC contractors Reprocessing recovered refrigerant to meet virgin purity specifications allows it to be reintroduced commercially for industry use and is becoming increasingly important in ensuring ample legacy refrigerant supply exists to meet current servicing needs. In the U.S., reclamation must be performed by EPA-certified reclaimers.  Whether it’s through new regulations or processes and requirements already underway, the HFC phasedown and the transition to A2L refrigerants will continue to impact the operations of HVAC contractors, equipment owners/operators, OEMs, equipment sellers/distributors, and others. A2L transition Implementing a solid refrigerant management strategy built around the Eight Rs can help you consistently and effectively stay updated on regulations, take steps to remain compliant, and contribute to industry efforts to mitigate global warming. In addition, following the Eight Rs can keep your company ahead of continued HFC phasedowns, aligned with the A2L transition, and in a strong position to both maintain your legacy refrigerant business and possibly expand your customer base through new-generation solutions.

The British Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is an essential initiative for building owners, security professionals, and HVAC experts aiming to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs. Designed to replace aging fossil fuel boilers with low-carbon alternatives, this United Kingdom government-backed scheme provides financial incentives that make upgrading more accessible. With rising energy prices and stricter environmental regulations, the program could benefit property investors and tenants while fostering collaboration across the HVAC industry.  What is the British Boiler Upgrade Scheme?   The British Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is a government program focused on reducing the UK’s carbon footprint. It encourages homeowners and building owners in England and Wales to upgrade their outdated fossil fuel-based heating systems. The scheme offers grants of up to £7,500 (around $9,600) for air or ground-source heat pump installations and £5,000 (about $6,400) for biomass boilers.  Environmentally friendly alternatives The program's target is to facilitate 600,000 heat pump installations per year by 2028 These grants help offset the costs of upgrading to more environmentally friendly alternatives, making it more appealing for building owners to switch. The program's target is to facilitate 600,000 heat pump installations per year by 2028, but uptake has been slower than anticipated due to several challenges, including limited public awareness and a shortage of trained installers.  Air-source heat pump grants The government’s latest figures show a growing demand, with applications reaching 55,095 by the end of September 2024. Most grants (97%) are for air-source heat pumps. In September, 1,882 grants were paid out, bringing the scheme’s overall total to 34,438 grants.  "An uplift in applications for September, following a record year for heat pump installations so far, reaffirms that more homeowners than ever are recognizing the substantial benefits of upgrading to greener heating systems,” comments Gav Murray, Hive Heating Director at Centrica New Business and Net Zero.   Additional funding “The government's announcement of additional funding for the upgrade scheme will help to alleviate concerns that support for households was set to be reduced,” Murray adds. “Industry leaders must now work together to capitalize on this and ensure the workforce has the skills to convince would-be adopters and deliver on rolling out the technology to more homes across the country.”  How the Scheme Promotes Greater Use of HVAC Technology   The inclusion of hybrid heat pumps in the scheme allows for a smoother transition The Boiler Upgrade Scheme serves as a driving force behind the increased adoption of advanced HVAC technologies like heat pumps. By providing financial incentives, it encourages building owners to transition to sustainable systems that are more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Not only do these technologies reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but they also align with the UK’s broader initiative to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Importantly, the inclusion of hybrid heat pumps in the scheme allows for a smoother transition. These systems combine traditional boilers with heat pumps, offering the quickest route to decarbonization for existing properties without demanding excessive financial outlay.  Benefits for Tenants and Investors   The Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers numerous benefits for both tenants and investors. For tenants, upgrading to heat pumps or biomass boilers means lower energy bills due to increased efficiency. This reduction in utility costs is particularly attractive in a time of rising energy prices. Additionally, the environmental benefits of these upgrades—namely, reduced carbon emissions—are a strong selling point for environmentally conscious tenants.  Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings For investors and building owners, there are financial gains as well. The installation of modern HVAC systems can increase property values by enhancing energy efficiency and lowering operational costs. Buildings with better Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings are more attractive to investors, offering lower long-term running costs and potentially higher rental income. Moreover, the ability to command higher property values and comply with future environmental regulations adds to the scheme's appeal.  Encouraging Collaboration Across the Industry   The Boiler Upgrade Scheme promotes collaboration among various stakeholders in the building and HVAC The Boiler Upgrade Scheme goes beyond offering financial incentives, it promotes collaboration among various stakeholders in the building and HVAC industries. Building owners, managers, architects, and HVAC professionals must work together to ensure that new systems are installed correctly and that properties are optimized for energy efficiency.  BMS and smart technology The scheme also creates an opportunity to integrate energy-efficient upgrades with building management systems (BMS) and smart technology solutions. These integrated systems can enhance overall building performance, reduce energy consumption, and improve tenant comfort and security. Hybrid heat pumps, now included in the scheme, further encourage industry collaboration. Their adoption requires a coordinated effort from engineers, architects, and HVAC specialists to ensure that both the traditional and renewable components of the heating system work seamlessly together.

Johnson Controls’ Advanced Development Engineering Center (JADEC) in New Freedom, PA., about 25 miles from Philadelphia, highlights and demonstrates the company’s capabilities related to development, testing and manufacturing.  The 357,000-square-foot facility is an advanced engineering and testing facility for water-cooled chillers, air-cooled chillers, air handlers, compressors, and heat pumps. Much of the development in the facility centers on advancements in a critical vertical market for the HVAC industry – data centers. Big challenge  Data centers are a big challenge – and a huge opportunity – for the HVAC industry. “You cannot ignore the tremendous growth opportunity in this vertical,” says Todd Grabowski, president, Global Data Center Solutions for Johnson Controls. Unlike other verticals that are more dominant in certain geographic regions, data centers are growing everywhere globally – and at a breathtaking pace. “As a growth company, it is critical that we have solutions to handle the growth and serve the customers in the data center market,” says Grabowski. Performance of various components Testing options at JADEC include testing the performance of various components Testing options at JADEC include the ability to test the performance of various components in a controlled environment that approximates how they will operate in the customer’s real-world setting. There are more than 20 testing labs available at the JADEC campus, covering some 250,000 square feet.  “We want everyone to understand the unique position Johnson Controls is in to use our technology and our manufacturing scale to accomplish desired outcomes,” said Grabowski. Non-compressor solution  JADEC displays the full breadth of what they offer, including a non-compressor solution using direct evaporative cooling and an air-cooled unit that uses a screw compressor or a magnetic-bearing centrifugal compressor. Also included are various water-cooled chillers.   Johnson Controls owns, develops, tests, and manufactures all the compressors on display. Customers are assured of getting a fully engineered and supported solution from Johnson Controls (e.g., no third-party compressors). Johnson Controls owns, develops, tests, and manufactures all the compressors on display. Colocated data centers  Grabowski emphasizes that each customer installation has site-specific needs that require unique solutions that Johnson Controls seeks to fulfill. The company works closely with data centers, including those operated by “hyperscalers” such as Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, and Meta, and colocated data centers that rent space and capacity to customers based on their growth and needs. Colocated data centers come in a variety of sizes and types; some of them are operated by companies such as Equinix and NTT. Data center solutions Sustainable methods include the use of refrigerants with ultra-low GWP The sustainability of data center solutions is a bigger issue than ever, given the sheer volume of data centers being built to handle the world’s growing computational needs. Sustainable approaches include the use of refrigerants with ultra-low GWP, and water-free systems that do not require higher costs or create higher demands on a locality’s water infrastructure. Magnetic bearing centrifugal compressors are more energy-efficient because no friction is lost in the compression; also, the equipment is quieter. Impact on global electricity demand “Sustainability has always been an important aspect, and now it is critical in 2024 and beyond,” says Grabowski. Because data centers are huge consumers of energy, they can put more strain on the electricity grid and have a big impact on global electricity demand. Lowering energy usage helps to address the challenge.  “We want to contribute to energy efficiency, be good stewards of water, and reduce noise,” says Grabowski. Increasing the challenges are the proliferation of new artificial intelligence (AI) chips, more common in newer data centers, which need more power and create more heat than older chips.   Advantages of water cooling  The liquid contained in a cold plate on top of the chip is denser than air and accept more transferred heat Closed-loop liquid systems are used to cool individual chips, an application that does not cause a strain on local water supplies. The liquid contained in a cold plate on top of the chip is denser than air and can accept more transferred heat.  However, chillers and cooling towers lose water through evaporation and can strain local water supplies. Johnson Controls is researching and testing systems that provide the advantage of water cooling without losing excess water to evaporation. Air-cooled systems  In contrast, air-cooled systems can cool chips to a point, but may not provide enough cooling for high-density chips. Johnson Controls provides air-cooled machines up to 600 tons and water-cooled systems up to 4,000-plus tons.  “As chip technology evolves, the way you cool, secure and automate the entire data center changes as well,” says Grabowski. “Companies such as Johnson Controls must keep up with evolving trends and provide unique solutions.” As chips become denser from a heat-generation perspective, systems must be optimized from a footprint and energy standpoint.  JCI provides air-cooled machines up to 600 tons and water-cooled systems up to 4,000-plus tons. Technological solutions “As chip density increases, we will have technological solutions ready for the next generation of chips when they come out,” adds Grabowski.  Johnson Controls is also involved in developing new approaches to managing the heat from data centers, such as the possibility of recapturing the heat and circulating it into a district-heating system for a nearby community, university, or hospital. A more widely deployed approach in Europe, the concept of district heating is gaining acceptance in the U.S. market. {##Poll1725623180 - What is the biggest challenge the data center market presents to the HVAC community?##}

TE Connectivity’s main product categories for the HVAC market are power interconnects, signal interconnects, magnet wire for motors, and heat-shrink tubing to seal against environmental factors. component materials The company works with HVAC original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to solve challenges such as harsh environments, safety, and power and signal usage. Although components are a “small” element when an OEM assembles an HVAC system, their impact can be big. For example, a tiny component not producing a spark could make it safer to introduce mildly flammable refrigerants into the newer HVAC systems.  Addressing material compatibility Raising questions about component materials not degrading by exposure to newer chemicals over time Also related to the transition to newer refrigerants is the issue of materials compatibility, raising questions about component materials not degrading by exposure to newer chemicals over time. “The big trends in HVAC are higher efficiency, more intelligence (in the context of the Internet of Things), faster data transmission, better safety, and more reliability,” says Joseph Burch, Business Development Manager for TE Connectivity’s Appliance Business Unit.  product portfolio TE Connectivity is a brand associated with high quality. OEM customers think of the company (rather than lower-cost competitors) when they have a critical design and/or they need to access TE Connectivity’s vast product portfolio spanning a variety of markets. Broadly speaking, their products include wire-to-board connectors and wire-to-wire connectors at a range of amperages, voltages, and sealing requirements. The broad product line means there are likely solutions within the TE Connectivity family for many OEM design needs.  durability and sustainability “We try to meet customers where they are and where the supply chain is,” says Burch. In addition to dealing directly with OEMs, the company works around the world alongside contract manufacturers of various subsystem components. Currently, TE Connectivity is a global leader with a strong focus on reliability, durability, and sustainability in its connectivity and sensor products. They serve a range of industries, including HVAC, and are known for their contributions to technological advancements.  the efficiency of heat pumps Higher efficiency requires precise monitoring of electrical signals and transmission of data For TE Connectivity and others, driving development in the HVAC market is the transition to heat pumps, a rapidly growing equipment category. Achieving the improved efficiency of heat pumps raises the stakes from a component perspective boosting the need for sensors and faster data transmission. Higher efficiency requires precise monitoring of electrical signals and transmission of data. Integration of heat pumps with renewable energy sources, such as solar, requires even more connections and better communications.  rapid data transmission The ability of newer systems to adapt to changing environmental conditions depends on the fast transmission of sensor data to guide operation. In effect, rapid data transmission, using signal interconnects, makes it possible to achieve higher efficiencies that are critical to newer systems. The faster signals are communicated, the more efficient the systems are. Larger systems are increasing the demand for higher power, and efficiency standards are driving more sensing needs, as is the trend toward smart homes.  flame retardant Addressing one of the big challenges in the HVAC market, TE Connectivity sells its products to withstand harsh environments such as moisture and vibration. In a typical HVAC scenario, half the system is located outdoors and exposed to weather and other elements. From a safety perspective, electrical connectors on HVAC units are unattended 24/7, so reliability is critical, and materials must be flame retardant and withstand high temperatures. Parts must adhere to the Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) VO flammability rating, which means a flame extinguishes within 10 seconds and there is no dripping.  competitive analysis TE Connectivity’s business development teams seek broadly to assess the size of a market, such as HVAC, and the magnitude of the opportunity in each market for their various product lines. In addition, the company attends trade shows to see the latest trends to seize the opportunities to promote the company’s brands and products to the market.  TE Connectivity engineers conduct “in-house teardowns” of existing OEM products to analyze how various components are used and how they might be improved to refine the overall solution. TE Connectivity’s competitive analysis labs are frequently looking for new opportunities to innovate. address design-related issues A “system architecture team” within the engineering group is tasked with understanding how systems work TE Connectivity’s engineers also work directly with OEM customer engineers to address any design-related issues. The field engineering team works on the “front line” with customers and provides feedback to the company’s development engineering team, which gets involved as needed. A “system architecture team” within the engineering group is tasked with understanding how systems work, new technologies, new regulations, and innovations, and establishing roadmaps to forecast needs looking ahead five to ten years.  Multiple design trends “Our engineering teams are problem-solvers, focused on connectivity problems across many industries,” says Joshua Poterjoy, Senior Manager, Product Development Engineering. Multiple design trends are among the factors driving product needs, such as miniaturization, higher-speed data transmission, the need for ergonomic and modular designs (for ease of assembly), and components designed for assembly and packaging automation. Components also adhere to Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directives that avoid the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.  ease of installation GRACE INERTIA series signal connectors provide fine-pitch connections for smaller electronics Creating components to deploy ergonomic and modular designs promotes ease of installation, both for assembly by the OEM company and for installers in the field. Components are designed to be as simple as possible while achieving all the operation and reliability standards. Quick-connect and twist-and-lock systems provide an assuring “click” when a robust connection is made. For example, the company’s Universal MATE-N-LOK multi-position power connectors are often used in the HVAC market from powering control cards to motors to fans. Also, the GRACE INERTIA series signal connectors provide fine-pitch connections for smaller electronics.  TE Connectivity’s history TE Connectivity’s history can be traced back to the founding of AMP Incorporated in 1941, which pioneered the development of electrical connectors. In the 1990s, AMP became part of the Tyco International conglomerate, further expanding and diversifying. In 2007, Tyco International split into three independent companies, including Tyco Electronics, which focuses on connectivity and sensor solutions. Tyco Electronics changed its name to TE Connectivity in 2011.

The Olsen Group, based in Boca Raton, Florida, is a national pioneer in HVAC energy optimization. Donald Olsen and his seasoned team of HVAC control specialists have been in business for two decades, integrating energy-saving solutions into over a thousand commercial and large-scale residential projects. In the process, the Olsen Group has become one of North America’s top suppliers of Verdant thermostats. Verdant devices leverage intelligent occupancy sensors and proprietary software to reduce HVAC runtimes by 45 percent on average. HVAC control integration Verdant’s effectiveness, reliability, and broad compatibility have made Verdant the energy management solution of choice for thousands of hotels and MDUs, including multifamily buildings, senior living, and student housing.  The Olsen Group has forged a productive two-way partnership with Verdant. Donald Olsen and his team have made it a priority to share data, customer feedback, and requirements with Verdant – and Verdant, in turn, has come to rely on Olsen when they need to field test a new solution. In May of 2024, Verdant reached out to Olsen for help with a new pilot program aiming to facilitate more effective HVAC control integration, easier service, and deep energy savings for MDU projects around the globe. The Challenge Commercial VRF systems have an extremely attractive set of upsides for hotel operators Inverter (VRF) system design is becoming increasingly common in hospitality settings. Commercial VRF systems have an extremely attractive set of upsides for hotel operators. They are significantly more energy efficient and quieter than traditional VTACs or PTACs; they can provide simultaneous heating and cooling to different zones for optimal guest comfort; and they allow both individual room-level setpoint control and building-level centralized management. However, the majority of VRF units cannot connect directly to a third-party smart thermostat. Because they rely on proprietary manufacturer protocols for variable speed commands and internal diagnostics, VRF units require an external control solution to facilitate bidirectional communication with Verdant thermostats. Installation and commissioning process Every additional component in a system adds complexity and opportunity for human error. In hotels, that complexity is multiplied across hundreds of rooms. “HVAC systems are installed dark for new builds, with no power running to the site,” says Donald Olsen, President and Owner of the Olsen Group. “There’s no way to test as we go. If there are any mistakes during installation, we find out about it when the lights go on after project completion.” And mistakes are nearly inevitable. Some third-party controllers have prominent dipswitches that can be easily snagged or tripped during transportation or installation, altering their configuration and causing them to fail once the system is powered. These switches are often accidentally tripped multiple times throughout the installation and commissioning process, pioneering to a never-ending cycle of errors and service calls. VRF control solutions  Adding to the issue, not all third-party control keys have the ability to retrieve and solve system error codes “Once properly configured and installed, VRF control solutions tend to be incredibly reliable,” says Olsen. “Getting them there is a real challenge, however. Accidents, human error, and repeated recalibrations can drive serious project overruns and client dissatisfaction.” Adding to the problem, not all third-party control solutions have the capability to retrieve and translate system error codes. “If the central management system isn’t getting certified manufacturer control signals from the control device, it may no longer recognize the thermostat. The system will continue to function, but it will always show up in the central manager with an error message,” warns Olsen. Airzone Aidoo Pro control solution These false error reports degrade the overall utility of the central management system, robbing operators of the ability to detect and mitigate problems proactively and requiring onsite testing to diagnose any issues. As VRF systems become the norm for hospitality projects, Verdant needed a solution to reduce the possibility of accidental misconfiguration and improve visibility into system functionality. They called on Olsen to conduct a pilot program, retrofitting sixteen VRF units in the Jacksonville Beach, FL Springhill Suites with the Airzone Aidoo Pro control solution. The Solution For the pilot, the Olsen Group outfitted each VRV unit in the loop with an Aidoo Pro controller The Jacksonville Beach Springhill Suites is a 156-room hotel with a state-of-the-art Daikin VRV rooftop chiller system. The Airzone Aidoo Pro ships preconfigured for the specific HVAC unit model, reducing the possibility for errors during initial installation. For the pilot, the Olsen Group outfitted each VRV unit in the loop with an Aidoo Pro controller. This 1:1 system design simplifies operations and troubleshooting: Any issue can be immediately traced back to a single unit, minimizing the scope and duration or repair downtime. “The Airzone Aidoo Pro offered two key upgrades as a VRV control solution,” says Olsen. “First, the dipswitches are recessed, making them much harder to trip accidentally. Second, Aidoo makes the system much easier to service. We can read error codes, run tests, and diagnose issues remotely, without ever needing to disrupt a guest’s stay.” Airzone’s expansive library This advanced remote management is enabled by Airzone’s expansive library of manufacturer protocols. “Because of our close relationship with HVAC manufacturers, Aidoo Pro can provide the proprietary control signals the central management system is expecting to see,” says Borja Fernandez, Director of OEM Solutions, Airzone. “That preserves all the features of the HVAC unit and thermostat, while also eliminating persistent false error codes. With Aidoo Pro, the central management system can function as a single-pane-of-glass HVAC monitoring and control solution for the building, as intended.” Results and Next Steps The pilot program is expanding to new builds around the globe, including projects in the UK Olsen reports that Springhill Suites is happy with their upgraded VRV system. “They have more visibility into the system and fewer services calls,” says Olsen. “When there is an issue, we can diagnose it remotely for faster resolution and less guest room downtime. It’s a much better customer experience overall.” Verdant is encouraged as well. This pilot program is expanding to several new builds around the globe, including projects in Central America, the Caribbean, the UK, and the EU. HVAC energy savings “There is a massive untapped market for energy-efficient HVAC upgrades in the Caribbean region,” says Olsen. “Energy costs there can exceed a dollar per kilowatt hour. Cost-effective devices like Verdant thermostats and the Airzone Aidoo Pro pay for themselves very easily in that scenario.” Verdant and the Olsen Group have built global brands by helping commercial properties realize significant HVAC energy savings. Through the Airzone Aidoo Pro pilot program, they are continuing to innovate, enabling reliable integration and enterprise-grade control on highly efficient VRF units. “The demand for commercial VRF control is definitely there,” says Olsen. “With Verdant and Airzone, we can deliver it with ease.”

Nearly Bergamo, Italy, there is a weather station that collects meteorological data and monitors air quality. Its operation requires professional equipment that, however, works without a permanent power supply or the presence of staff. Such conditions put the equipment and other assets at risk. In fact, the station had already suffered from several intrusion attempts and needed a security system to be put in place. Challenge Protect a remote object without a permanent power supply Like many remote objects, the weather station does not have a permanent power supply and cannot afford a full-time presence of staff members on the site. After several intrusion attempts, the client needed to secure an area of 600 square meters, prevent equipment theft, and put an end to the damage made to the agricultural produce growing on the site. They looked for a professional security system that could operate outdoors without mains power and was easy to manage remotely.  Solution Wireless outdoor security system with flexible power options and remote control The implemented security system consists of 11 Ajax devices, coupled with a third-party solar panel, battery, and case In response to the challenge, Von Wunster Next s.r.l. configured a solution for securing the object that has no permanent power source or staff on-site but has extensive sun exposure. The implemented security system consists of 11 Ajax devices, coupled with a third-party solar panel, battery, and case. At the core of the system, there is a Hub 2 (2G) Jeweller control panel with a low-voltage PSU 6V. The latter allows the hub to operate from an external 7 A h battery for years. The battery, in turn, is charged via the 25 W solar panel (10 A). If the external power supply fails, the hub switches to a built-in battery and continues to protect the object for up to 16 hours or even 60 hours if the Battery Power Saver feature is enabled. The client and central monitoring station of the security company instantly receive a notification about the power issue to be fixed. The company has enough time to get to the remote object for restoring power without compromising its security. A SIM card (2G) ensures connection with the network, so Von Wunster Next s.r.l. won’t miss a thing. StreetSiren DoubleDeck Other elements of the security system are wireless outdoor Ajax devices that operate with pre-installed batteries for up to 3 years. Several MotionCam Outdoor Jeweller cover the perimeter and detect movement within seconds. The device’s photo-by-alarm feature allows minimizing expensive patrol dispatches to false alarms and gives the client peace of mind. StreetSiren DoubleDeck activates the sound of up to 113 dB and bright LED indicators in response to an alarm to deter and expose intruders. Communication with the wireless devices is provided via Ajax proprietary radio protocols Jeweler and Wings at a distance of up to 2,000 m. It’s perfect for covering large areas such as that of the station. Ajax SpaceControl Jeweller key fobs Dealing with the security system is as easy as it gets for both the client and the security company The client can control security modes effortlessly. There are four end users with different rights, and they can manage the system in the Ajax app on their phones and with wireless Ajax SpaceControl Jeweller key fobs. Von Wunster Next s.r.l., which installed the system and conducts monitoring, can track the devices’ status and take care of their configuration and maintenance remotely in the majority of cases.  Dealing with the security system is as easy as it gets for both the client and the security company. All the devices are either weather-resistant or reliably hidden in the case to withstand the impacts of the environment. Constant exposure to rain or sun does not affect the security system. Why Ajax Flexible power supply options. Ajax's product portfolio includes PSUs designed to connect the system to a low-voltage power supply even when no permanent power source is available. Wireless Ajax devices operate with pre-installed batteries for up to 3 years. Visual alarm verification. With photo verification, system users and monitoring company operators can promptly verify whether an alarm is real and save costs on patrol dispatches. It is a particularly important feature for remote objects. Remote system management. The system can be managed, configured, and maintained through Ajax apps with no people present on-site, which is a cost-effective solution for a remote object. Products Hub 2 (2G) Jeweller - Security system control panel with support for photo verification MotionCam Outdoor Jeweller - Wireless outdoor motion detector with a photo camera to verify alarms 6V PSU for Hub 2/Hub 2 Plus/ReX 2 - Power supply unit for operation of the device from portable battery StreetSiren DoubleDeck Jeweller - Wireless outdoor siren with a clip lock for a branded faceplate Ajax SpaceControl Jeweller - A key fob for controlling security modes

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.

Water and energy efficiency company Cenergist has been appointed by Ashford Borough Council to provide a nutrient neutrality solution for a new 1,000 home development using its patented Control Flow technologies. The site is within a nutrient-sensitive area that requires any new development to mitigate against increased localized waterway pollution.  Cenergist’s patented Control Flow products are pressure-independent flow controllers that provide long-term reductions in water wastage and nutrient emissions from homes as well as improve the performance of existing gas boilers. By eliminating the fluctuations in the water supply caused by system pressure changes, Control Flow provides a steady precise water flow to the home.  Control Flow installations By installing in existing homes in the area, Control Flow creates the headroom for new builds Performance tested in both the UK and Europe, Control Flow has been shown to reduce water and energy bills by up to £360 per annum with a 98% customer satisfaction rating. By installing in existing homes in the area, Control Flow creates the headroom for new builds.  Under the contract, Cenergist will determine the precise number of Control Flow installations required to offset all the nutrient emissions from the new development at Ashford. Working with the council, it will then contact and persuade householders of the benefits of the technology and then carry and complete the installations and provide the necessary assurance to allow Natural England to sign off on the development. The project follows on from the use of Control Flow to unlock a development in Crawley that had previously been held up due to water scarcity concerns. Nutrient neutrality strategies Paul Mckenner, head of strategic projects at Ashford Borough Council, said: “The retrofitting works is part of a series of measures to unlock approximately 1,000 new dwellings which the Council has a vested interest in.” In England, waterways including lakes, rivers and estuaries are protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. Natural England has mandated that developments located near vulnerable watercourses require nutrient neutrality strategies to prevent negative ecological impact." Caroline Gray Mason, business development director at Cenergist commented: “Nutrient neutrality is a significant challenge facing developers as they look to deliver much-needed housing in a sustainable, responsible way. It is essential to be on the front foot with nutrient mitigation measures to minimize the environmental impact of new developments in vulnerable areas. Securing this contact with Ashford Borough Council is a testament to Control Flow’s role to mitigate nutrient pollution by reducing the level of emissions from existing homes.”

With nearly nine out of ten new school sites above the World Health Organization (WHO) targets on major air pollutants, Elta is urging decision makers for schools’ building services to address the problem through a ‘three-step’ process to ventilation specification and maintenance. The callout follows a study led by researchers from Evelina London Children’s Hospital and King’s College London (KCL). Following their analysis of 147 new school locations around England that were to be built between 2017 and 2025, the researchers found that 86% of those sites exceeded air quality targets. Those targets are for particulate matter PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide), pioneering to the conclusion that air quality around new schools is “alarmingly poor”. Three steps to prevent poor air  With emerging studies also showing that poor air quality leads to lowered cognitive growth With emerging studies also showing that poor air quality leads to lowered cognitive growth, Elta, UK’s pioneering experts in ventilation equipment, outlines three measures to tackle the problem. The three steps are aimed at preventing poor air from entering the school building and classrooms, including: Installing air monitoring equipment in schools to identify concentrations of particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and other contributors to poor air quality Using correctly specified mechanical ventilation systems to process and filter air of harmful particulate matter and substances, to bring indoor air quality to a safe level Having a robust maintenance schedule in place to clean ventilation equipment on a regular basis Decision-makers for building services David Millward, Group Product Manager at Elta Group, the parent company of Elta, said: “This latest study by Evelina London Children’s Hospital and King’s College London is a harsh wake-up call to everybody in the country and is a reminder that poor air quality has a real detrimental effect on children. Not only is it harmful from a health perspective, putting pupils with respiratory conditions like asthma at higher risk, but poor air also impairs children’s learning and ability to concentrate. “While outdoor air is hard to regulate, there are some immediate steps that decision-makers for building services can take to improve indoor air quality in schools. Through three simple steps of air quality monitoring, correct specification of mechanical ventilation systems, and regular maintenance of these systems, we can at least prevent poor air from making its way into the classroom.” Framework for ventilation Framework for ventilation in schools and recommended performance levels to comply with UK regulations David highlights that ‘Approved Document F – Ventilation – Volume 2’ of the Building Regulations gives guidance about air quality monitoring requirements in buildings other than dwellings.  Meanwhile, ventilation decision-makers for schools should follow the guidance given in the UK Government’s Building Bulletin, BB 101, to understand the framework for ventilation in schools and recommended performance levels to comply with UK regulations. David also urges those in charge of building services for schools to collaborate with ventilation experts to ensure best practices and compliance is achieved. Effects of poor air quality David concluded: “With better collaboration across the supply chain, we can protect the next generation from the effects of poor air quality, and improve indoor air quality across new schools, as well as old." "At Elta, our ventilation experts are always available to help provide guidance and help design ventilation systems, either for newly built schools or for retrofitting to existing school stock.”

Birmingham-based Armac Martin, a pioneer in design-led luxury brass hardware and accessories, relies heavily on compressed air for its CNC machining requirements. However, the company’s existing system was constantly operating at full capacity, pioneering to unnecessary energy expenditure. By collaborating with FPS Compressors and its preferred local distributor Compressed Air Systems UK - Birmingham, Armac Martin adopted a new system capable of variable compressed air supply. The project led to an impressive 46% reduction in energy consumption compared with the company’s previous compressor. CNC machining centers Compressed air is critical to the successful operation of the company’s modern CNC machining centers Founded in 1929 as a local brass foundry, Armac Martin is a fourth-generation family business with a global reputation for exceptional design and craftsmanship. Compressed air is critical to the successful operation of the company’s modern CNC machining centers.  At the same time, like all manufacturers, Armac Martin is driving to make its operations more sustainable. The company has a strategy to achieve net zero by 2041, making the significant energy drain of its compressed air system a cause of major concern. Armac Martin’s management team Collaborating with FPS Compressors and Compressed Air Systems UK - Birmingham, Armac Martin opted for a new system capable of variable compressed air supply, identified through data logging and energy audit exercises. Monitoring of the system took place using state-of-the-art instruments over several weeks. FPS Compressors and Compressed Air Systems UK - Birmingham explained both the data and the recommended solution to Armac Martin’s management team. Notably, the transition to the new compressed air system, which features a NOBEL 18.508 DVF PM variable-speed screw air compressor from FPS at its core, was seamless and without downtime. Comprehensive training ensured proficiency in operation.  Embracing innovative technologies Armac Martin is seeing a remarkable 46% reduction in compressor energy consumption With the NOBEL 18.508 DV FPM, compressed air aligns with system requirements by regulating the speed of the electric IE4 permanent magnet motor, which can range from 15 to 100% of the maximum speed. Notably, the direct-drive system means zero energy losses, whereas standard drive belts may incur losses of 4-11% as the energy transfers from the motor to the compressor. Excellent and precise pressure control extends from 6 to 13 bar, while accurate and optimized cooling of the compressor arrives courtesy of efficient, powerful, and quiet radial fans. By partnering with industry experts and embracing innovative technologies, Armac Martin is seeing a remarkable 46% reduction in compressor energy consumption, translating to an impressive £23,637 in annual savings. The return on investment (ROI) for this sustainable initiative was achieved in just 14 months. Significant improvements in energy efficiency “The use of compressed air represents a large chunk of electricity costs at machine shops such as Armac Martin, just like it does at any manufacturing plant, food production facility, or packaging plant,” says Nick Poole, Managing Director at FPS Air Compressors. Nick Poole adds, “To make gains, users of compressed air must get smart about specifying the optimal technology, notably the compressor. Armac Martin is a great example of what this strategy can deliver. While the company’s previous compressed air system ran constantly at full capacity, the new solution reduces power requirements by only meeting actual demand. The result? Significant improvements in energy efficiency without any compromise in manufacturing performance.”

The HVAC market is a rapidly changing environment on a variety of fronts, from the introduction of new refrigerants to the increasing use of artificial intelligence to the embrace of interconnected systems in the Internet of Things (IoT) environment. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How will the HVAC market change in the next five years?

For schools, improving indoor air quality (IAQ) is a basic function of HVAC systems, which also ensures a high comfort level for students, teachers and staff. Schools can be a lucrative market for HVAC systems, but there are challenges, such as long sales cycles and the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the challenges for HVAC in serving the education/schools market?

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