HVAC IoT

Trane Technologies, a global climate innovator, announced its successful completion of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump (CCHP) Challenge for high-efficiency heating in extremely cold temperatures. After surpassing DOE laboratory tests, the Trane® high-efficiency, Cold Climate Heat Pump prototype, installed at a Boise, Idaho residence, successfully warmed the home for two winters by extracting heat from the air – relying on its backup electric heat strip only 10% of the time. During field trials over two full summer and winter seasons of cooling and heating, the prototype delivered the homeowner 15-20% average energy bill savings. Climate control solutions "We were confident going into the Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge in our ability to deliver cutting-edge, highly-efficient climate control solutions – the results were outstanding and we’re proud of our performance," said Dwayne Cowan, President, Residential HVAC, Trane Technologies, adding "Backed by our purpose-driven strategy and relentless investment in innovation, we are ready to continue scaling today’s technology for a sustainable tomorrow." "Our modeling was spot on with how the prototype functioned in the field, and we were thrilled to hear of the homeowner’s outstanding reviews as well as their energy savings," said Katie Davis, Vice President of Engineering and Technology, Residential HVAC, Trane Technologies, adding "We are excited to advance electrification of heating in homes, while maintaining both comfort and efficiency for its occupants." New product development programs Trane Technologies is one of the first companies to successfully complete the CCHP challenge Trane Technologies is one of the first companies to successfully complete the CCHP challenge. The company’s prototype has been relocated to its Tyler, Texas manufacturing facility, where it will continue to undergo robust performance evaluations at the site’s new state-of-the-art psychrometric testing labs – used for new product development programs and capable of withstanding temperatures as low as negative 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The company will complete the design for its new Trane residential Cold Climate Heat Pump, with additional comfort and efficiency enhancements, in 2025. The Cold Climate Heat Pump will be compatible with advanced, connected comfort solutions, including Trane Link, enabling seamless integration with Trane’s comprehensive ecosystem of smart home technologies. 2030 Sustainability Commitments Additionally, all heat pumps 15 SEER and higher in the company’s newly-announced residential portfolio meet the requirements for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit and incentives and rebates available through the Inflation Reduction Act – significantly reducing upfront costs and achieving long-term energy bill savings for homeowners. Through bold, industry-renowned action and innovation, Trane Technologies is advancing its 2030 Sustainability Commitments, including the Gigaton Challenge to reduce customer emissions by a billion metric tons and its pledge to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The company’s emissions reduction targets have been externally validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).

Viessmann Climate Solutions is making OVO’s Heat Pump Plus add-on available to anyone using its Vitocal 150-A or Vitocal 151-A domestic air source heat pumps. The partnership is a further step in Viessmann and OVO’s mission to help customers cost-effectively and efficiently transition towards greener heating solutions. The partnership with OVO means Viessmann customers can take advantage of OVO’s flexible Heat Pump Plus add-on of 15p/kWh, delivering an annual saving of up to £300 on the running costs of a Viessmann air source heat pump compared to their standard variable tariff. The result is a heating solution that cuts costs and carbon.  Partnership with OVO Energy The saving of £300 is based on the heat pump achieving the minimum seasonal coefficient of performance (SCoP) allowed under MCS regulations of 2.8, for a home with an annual heat pump electricity consumption of 3,644 kWh. Saving of £300 is based on the heat pump achieving the minimum SCoP allowed under MCS regulations David Dunn, UK MD of Viessmann Climate Solutions, says: “Flexible tariffs are a market enabler for the Government’s heat pump roadmap. We know that the biggest issues facing heat pump deployment in the UK are a lack of consumer knowledge about the technology, the higher installed costs relative to gas boilers and concerns about the running costs relative to gas boilers. We believe our partnership with OVO Energy tackles the running cost piece head on while helping the industry assess the impact of tariff price on heat pump adoption." Adoption of Heat Pumps Dunn added: “We are delighted to be working with OVO Energy to drive forward an innovative digital approach to energy management, helping to drive down household costs while lowering the carbon footprint of energy consumption.” Gráinne Regan, Head of Heat at OVO said: “OVO is committed to supporting the adoption of Heat Pumps and this partnership will help do just that by extending our Heat Pump Plus add-on to more customers than ever before. This is good news for Viessmann’s customers and is also part of our wider commitment to help more customers make the switch.” How Heat Pump Plus Saves Money OVO will view electricity usage by accessing the Viessmann heat pump via the Viessmann ViGuide interface OVO’s Heat Pump Plus enables Viessmann’s customers to run a heat pump at 15p/kWh. Customers will pay one rate for the electricity their home uses and a lower rate for the electricity the heat pump uses. First, OVO will charge a customer’s electricity usage at the usual rate. Then, once OVO has calculated how much electricity the heat pump used, they will credit back the savings the following month. OVO will view electricity usage by accessing the Viessmann heat pump via the Viessmann ViGuide interface. Anyone with a Viessmann Vitocal 150-A or Vitocal 151-A air source heat pump who is already an OVO customer can take advantage of the Heat Pump Plus tariff. If a Viessmann customer is not already an OVO customer but wants to move to the Heat Pump Plus tariff, they can switch their electricity supply to OVO, subject to an eligibility check. Customers also require a smart meter that can send half-hourly readings. However, if a customer doesn’t have a smart meter capable of this, OVO will install one at no extra cost. Future-proofing the home The UK Government’s Clean Heat Market Mechanism consultation outlined a target of 600,000 heat pump installations per year by 2028 as part of the roadmap to decarbonize home heating. Viessmann’s reliable, compact, and greener air source heat pump systems use innovative technologies to efficiently use clean energy for heating and cooling. They enable households to reduce both their energy bills and carbon footprint.

UK’s pioneering heat manufacturer, Daikin, opened a new Sustainable Home Center in Stanmore. As part of Daikin’s commitment to advancing sustainable home solutions, the launch marked the seventh addition to its Sustainable Home Centers in 2024. With the nation’s momentum shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy, these centers help to educate homeowners in the area on the benefits of sustainable, low-carbon, home heating, and support anyone considering the transition. Latest heat pump technology Built to inform homeowners about the advantages of sustainable, low-carbon home heating, the facility is a joint effort of Daikin and ElecMec, an independent local merchant for plumbing, heating, electrical, and bathroom supplies for over 25 years. Visitors meet experts from Daikin UK and experience all of the brand's latest heat pump technology The official launch event ran from 10 am to 3 pm on Friday 21st and was open to all, from homeowners to trade professionals such as households, merchants and both existing and future heating installers. The Mayor of Stanmore, Salim Chowdhury, was in attendance at the event and cut the ribbon to mark its opening. Visitors were able to meet experts from Daikin UK and experience all of the brand's latest heat pump technology. low-carbon heating engineers The Daikin Sustainable Home Center will serve as a knowledge hub for those interested in heating and cooling, as well as a venue for installers to consult their clients and for ElecMec to train the next generation of low-carbon heating engineers. The center aims to empower installers to embrace renewable heating, ensuring their businesses remain competitive amid the phasing-out of fossil fuel boilers and futureproofing the industry. Innovative solutions and technologies Councillor Salim Chowdhury, Mayor of Stanmore, stated: “I am honored to be at the grand opening of the Sustainable Home Center at ElecMec Limited in Honey Pot Lane today. This marks a significant promotion of sustainability and environmental consciousness." “The center will serve as a hub for innovative solutions and technologies that will help us create a greener future for generations to come. From energy-efficient appliances to eco-friendly building materials, the centers aim to showcase the possibilities of sustainable living.” Heating and air conditioning solutions Visesh Gami, Head of Renewables at ElecMec stated: “Launching Daikin’s latest Sustainable Home Center has been an exciting next step forward for us, it was great to see an amazing turnout of support to enhance our ethos of bringing high-quality branded products to our customer base. Adding low carbon technology, like air-to-water and air-to-air heat pumps, marks a significant milestone for us, and helps us towards meeting our goal of aiding the transition to renewables for heating engineers." “The center aims to promote sustainable heating and air conditioning solutions and equip installers with the necessary knowledge and skills to efficiently and effectively meet the growing demand for net-zero, eco-friendly options. Through our training center, we aim to provide expert advice and training to help our installer base to become fully equipped to deal with upcoming technologies.” Energy efficiency of heat pumps Commercial Manager of Heating & Renewables at Daikin UK, Iain Bevan commented: “Heat pumps hold immense potential for slashing energy consumption and home bills. Over their 15-year lifespan, transitioning from a fossil fuel boiler to an air source heat pump could result in savings exceeding £3,000 compared to gas boilers, over £6,000 compared to oil, and surpassing £9,000 compared to LPG." “Our studies reveal that a staggering 68% of homeowners are unaware of the significantly higher energy efficiency of heat pumps over gas boilers. While gas boilers operate at 70-90% efficiency, heat pumps soar between 300-400%. There’s an essential need to educate homeowners about heat pump technology, and our Sustainable Home Centers, like ElecMec, offer the ideal platform for such endeavors. Furthermore, with substantial funding accessible through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, now boosted to £7,500, homeowners have the remarkable opportunity to undertake green energy efficiency enhancements.”

A-Gas, a world pioneer in environmentally responsible lifecycle refrigerant management, announces its attendance at the July 2024 RefriAmericas Conference in Miami, Florida, USA. Over two days, from July 24-25, 2024, A-Gas will educate visitors at booth #529 on the benefits of lifecycle refrigerant management practices, from recovery to reclamation or safe destruction.  This is an incredible opportunity for HVAC industry pioneers to learn about the critical ways that people can adopt a circular approach to refrigerant management, helping to deliver the next generation of cooling. Influx of legislation In order to be effectively reclaimed and re-used, refrigerant gases must be properly recovered In order to be effectively reclaimed and re-used, refrigerant gases must be properly recovered. Releasing these gases into the atmosphere to dispose of them is not only illegal, but it also eliminates these valuable gases from the supply chain. Through proper recovery and reclamation, refrigerant gases such as HFCs can be reintegrated back into the supply chain.  With the influx of legislation prompting the phase-down of virgin HFC production and importation, recovery and reclamation will ensure businesses have a stable supply of high-quality refrigerant gases, even as supply chains tighten. Furthermore, businesses can sell their used refrigerants for reclamation through refrigerant buyback programs, adding a new revenue stream and incentivizing the move towards a net-zero future. EPA-certified recovery services A-Gas is the world pioneer in the supply and lifecycle management of refrigerants. Through heavy investment in state-of-the-art recovery and reclamation technology, A-Gas is able to provide businesses with EPA-certified recovery services to facilitate a more circular economy.  Businesses looking for ways to better their sustainability practices and contribute to the circular economy can look to A-Gas to provide high-quality reclaimed refrigerant gases. A-Gas offers an extensive line of fluorinated and un-fluorinated refrigerants. Lifecycle refrigerant management  A-Gas experts will be available at booth #529 to discuss their product and service offerings that streamline lifecycle refrigerant management for their customers. From Rapid Recovery® to Rapid Exchange®, A-Gas brings EPA-certified refrigerant gas recovery and cylinder exchange services directly to their customers. Plus, through Refri-Claim, A-Gas provides wholesale suppliers and their customers a way to access reclaimed refrigerants and participate in the circular economy.

Eurovent has welcomed one of the pioneering HVACR solution providers, LENNOX EMEA, as a new member. LENNOX EMEA’s membership significantly expands Eurovent’s base, supporting its goal of a level playing field in the industry. With over 60 years of experience in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, LENNOX EMEA has solidified its position as a trusted provider of HVAC and refrigeration solutions. Distinguished by its three renowned brands - Lennox, Friga-Bohn, and HK Refrigeration - the company remains committed to addressing tomorrow's challenges and ensuring ongoing business success. Future of HVAC Upon its membership approval, Mr. Laurent Segneri, Director of Engineering and R&D at LENNOX EMEA, announced that: “We are thrilled to join Eurovent, in particular the Product Group ‘Rooftop Units’, and to contribute to shaping the future of HVAC. Rooftop solutions are in our company's DNA. We are proud to be part of this initiative and look forward to collaborating to develop the future together.”

Interplay Learning, the pioneering provider of immersive skilled trades training, announced the launch of a new mobile app that extends Interplay’s career development platform into the hands of on-the-go workers, empowering organizations to save time and boost productivity. The enhanced Interplay Learning mobile app gives employers the flexibility to train team members between service calls, at home, or in the field with job-relevant content built by industry experts. By giving workers the ultimate flexibility with streamlined access to the tools they need on the job, organizations can help their workers succeed anywhere, anytime. Interplay's training materials “In an industry where every minute counts, being able to engage with Interplay's training materials on their mobile phones has allowed our team members to make the most of even those spare five minutes,” said Jeff Hass, Director of Training and Development at Freeman Webb Company. “This on-demand accessibility empowers them to start and stop the training as their schedule allows.” Interplay mobile app allows organizations to improve knowledge retention for learners with just-in-time The Interplay mobile app allows organizations to improve knowledge retention for learners with just-in-time information when and where they need it. Teams can expand their knowledge and skills on-demand and in the field by tapping into the short, bite-sized instructional videos, giving them more flexibility to engage with training where and when it’s most relevant. When learners can immediately apply what they have learned to a real-world task, they are more likely to retain that information and feel confident on the job. Development training solution “The Interplay Learning mobile app helps increase training adoption and enables techs to learn while they are in-the-field, not just at the office,” said Doug Donovan, CEO and founder of Interplay Learning. “It enhances the power of our industry-pioneering immersive enterprise career development training solution, enabling everyone to perform more efficiently and effectively.” Bite-sized foundational courses Knowledge checks help trainees test retention and stay focused on the key takeaways from each module With proven content from trusted subject matter experts, technicians don’t have to rely on Internet searches or unreliable videos to find answers in the field. Through the app, technicians can learn from industry experts as they share their knowledge and lead learners through bite-sized foundational courses.  Knowledge checks help learners test retention and stay focused on the key takeaways from each module. Skills assessments provide employers with an objective measurement of their teams’ skills and help managers customize training paths to meet the unique needs of their workers, regardless of job role, experience level, or geographic location. Interplay's mobile training “The scope of logistically training 750-1,000 techs spread across ten states can make physical training almost impossible for one person to do,” said Matt Ellenberg, Director of Training, Southern Home Services. “With Interplay's mobile training, however, they now have a flexible platform that goes where they go, and we see a lot of engagement from it between calls.” Features of Interplay Learning mobile app Unique features of the enhanced Interplay Learning mobile app include: Microlearning: Teams can improve knowledge retention with just-in-time information from Interplay’s short, bite-sized instructional videos. Expert-led instructional videos: Learners can access Interplay Learning’s full course catalog of bite-sized video courses led by trusted subject matter experts and instructional design professionals. Checks to test foundational knowledge: Short quizzes follow each instructional video, helping learners focus, remember key pieces of information, and zero in on the most important takeaways from each module. Skills assessments for customized learning: Learners can test their knowledge, get an objective readout of their skills, and receive AI-based course recommendations to help fill skill gaps and tailor learning to their unique needs. Intuitive search capabilities: Users can type course keywords into the mobile search bar to quickly find what they need in Interplay’s ever-growing content catalog.

I remember Dr. Dave Bowman from Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey" commanding HAL 9000 to open the pod bay doors, and HAL chillingly responds, "I'm sorry, Dave. I'm afraid I can't do that." Fortunately, unlike the fictional HAL," ChatGPT and other GenAI tools remain compliant and helpful, far from refusing commands or leaving us stranded in space. In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) should play a pivotal role in transforming various aspects of our daily lives, using climate tech. One significant domain where AI should make substantial strides is in the realm of smart homes. With the advent of Generative AI (GenAI), the capabilities and possibilities for enhancing smart homes can reach unprecedented levels. New level of personalization Machine learning algorithms can analyze user behavior over time, learning patterns and anticipating needs GenAI brings a new level of personalization to smart homes by understanding and adapting to individual preferences. Machine learning algorithms can analyze user behavior over time, learning patterns and anticipating needs. This allows for the creation of highly personalized automation systems that can adjust lighting, temperature, music, and other home settings based on the occupant's habits and preferences. For example, GenAI can learn when occupants typically wake up and adjust the thermostat and lighting accordingly. It can also integrate with other smart devices to streamline daily routines, such as brewing coffee when it senses the user waking up or adjusting the home security system based on historical usage patterns. Landscape of smart home technology In an era defined by the pressing need to address climate change, one of the most significant contributors to energy consumption is often overlooked—the ubiquitous air conditioner (AC). The key to addressing this issue lies in the synergy of AI and cutting-edge technology. In the ever-evolving landscape of smart home technology, climate tech startups must disrupt the dated and non-smart devices of air conditioners and heat pumps to reduce CO2 emissions and the loads on power grids.  The key to addressing this issue lies in the synergy of AI and cutting-edge technology In mid-January 2024, Sensibo, the pioneering Climate Tech IoT company combining smart heating and cooling devices with a more sustainable world, took a giant leap forward with the integration of an advanced AI Assistant powered by OpenAI's ChatGPT. This innovation represents a significant advancement in Climate Tech IoT, specifically in the realm of smart heating and cooling devices. I’d like to exemplify how Sensibo utilizes Large Language Models (LLMs) to enhance user experiences, conserve energy, and optimize HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) performance. Understanding the AI Assistant's Capabilities Voice-activated assistants have become a staple in smart homes, and GenAI can significantly enhance their capabilities. Natural Language Processing (NLP) algorithms powered by GenAI enable more nuanced and context-aware interactions. This means users can communicate with their smart homes in a more natural and conversational manner. The integration of GenAI with voice assistants allows for improved comprehension of user commands, pioneering to more accurate responses. Additionally, GenAI can learn from user feedback and adapt over time, making the voice-controlled interface more intuitive and user-friendly. Sensibo AI Assistant Sensibo's AI Assistant is planned to understand complex user bids and hire in telling talks The Sensibo AI Assistant is not just another voice-activated tool. Unlike traditional voice assistants with predefined commands, Sensibo's AI Assistant is designed to understand complex user requests and engage in meaningful conversations. This includes responding to simple commands like "I'm cold" by adjusting the heating to a desired temperature. Moreover, it can handle more intricate tasks, such as creating schedules based on weather forecasts and energy considerations. This functionality not only adds a layer of interactivity but also empowers users to seamlessly integrate AI capabilities into their daily heating and cooling routines. The advanced system goes beyond mere understanding; it empowers the AI Assistant to take direct actions with connected HVAC systems. Integration Timeline: ChatGPT in Sensibo Sensibo raises an enhanced AI assistant, leveraging the capabilities of the ChatGPT The journey began in 2023 when ChatGPT was initially integrated into Sensibo. Initially, the focus was on offering suggested recommendations based on user behavior patterns. This included automated AC schedules tailored to individual preferences and personalized Climate React recommendations.  Building upon this foundation, Sensibo now introduces an enhanced AI assistant, leveraging the capabilities of the ChatGPT Large Language Model. Leveraging AI for Energy Efficiency Traditional heating and cooling devices are notorious for their inefficiency, contributing significantly to global energy consumption and CO2 emissions. OpenAI's innovative technology, driven by the AI Assistant into smart HVAC, aims to revolutionize how users manage their heating and cooling systems. The integration of AI allows users to issue commands to the cloud, which, in turn, controls HVAC devices within their premises. This goes beyond understanding and processing user requests; it translates into taking direct actions that optimize energy consumption. The potential for energy savings is up to 40%, showcasing the transformative impact of AI on AC performance and overall energy bills. The integration of the ChatGPT Large Language Model into AI Assistants marks a significant stride in smart climate technology. The marriage of advanced AI capabilities with climate control systems showcases the potential for sustainable living through energy-efficient HVAC management. As the AI revolution deepens, climate tech companies must embrace these new technologies and research and develop how they can benefit the users and our climate.

Nothing is immune to entropy. As buildings age, they suffer natural breakdowns in efficiency, performance, and useability, compromising occupant comfort and leading to higher energy bills. Luckily, they do not have to stay that way. Retro-commissioning brings existing structures up to speed so they can function their best.  What Is Commissioning?  Commissioning helps buildings operate as the owners intended and ensures staff maintains their equipment and systems. During new construction, commissioning teams may conduct a quality assurance process on a structure to ensure it will perform properly. For example, making HVAC equipment more energy-efficient often requires advanced control strategies. It is ideal to implement these controls early in the construction process.  Recommissioning Recommissioning occurs when a facility experiences a more commissioning process Recommissioning occurs when a building undergoes an additional commissioning process. A change in ownership or building use may trigger the decision to recommission a structure. Operational problems or poor energy performance can also lead owners to recommission their properties.  Since the building has already been commissioned in the past, the commissioning team may have initially included a plan for future renovations. Following it simplifies the recommissioning process.  Retro-Commissioning An existing building that has never been commissioned may be retro-commissioned to modernize it, improve occupant comfort and boost energy efficiency. It is common to retro-commission during a planned renovation or upgrade to the structure.  Retro-commissioning ensures a building’s new features meet the owner’s and occupants’ needs, as well as government regulations. It can resolve problems that occurred during the design and construction phase and address new issues that arose as the structure aged.  The Importance of Retro-Commissioning One of the most obvious benefits of retro-commissioning a building is the cost savings One of the most obvious benefits of retro-commissioning a building is the cost savings. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average retro-commissioning project leads to a 15% reduction in energy consumption and saves building owners 27 cents per square foot. Many utility companies also offer performance-based incentives to owners based on how many kilowatt-hours their retro-commissioning project saves. Additionally, retro-commissioning can reduce maintenance costs in the long run and extend equipment life. Improving a building’s heating, cooling, and humidity control can increase tenant comfort and retention. Building sector Retro-commissioning often boosts air quality by ensuring adequate air intake, improving HVAC filtration and reducing moisture. It may even increase a structure’s property value.  The building sector—including construction, heating, lighting, and cooling for companies and homes—accounts for over 33% of worldwide energy consumption and emissions. Retro-commissioning makes structures more sustainable and helps companies comply with environmental laws, an increasingly important factor in modern business operations.  Which Parts of a Building Can Be Retro-Commissioned? Retro-commissioning addresses many complex systems within a building, including: HVAC: A commissioning authority or facilities team can retro-commission a structure’s HVAC system, including inspecting air economizers and demand-controlled ventilation for proper function. They can also check for blocked air registers, broken exhaust fans and whether the HVAC equipment complies with building occupancy codes. This process may reveal broken machinery or inefficiencies that waste energy, reduce occupant comfort and harm indoor air quality.  Lighting and Lighting Controls: Old lightbulbs are often inefficient and require more frequent maintenance than newer types like LEDs. Retro-commissioning teams can look at a building’s lighting to determine if the building would benefit from different kinds of lights. Additionally, they can install smart lighting systems to automatically regulate energy use based on times of day or occupancy levels.  Humidity Control Systems: A building’s humidity level plays a strong role in occupant comfort, mold growth, and heating and cooling efficiency. Retro-commissioning an HVAC system’s dehumidifier and humidity sensors ensures the building stays dry, avoiding problems down the road.  Sprinkler Systems: A working sprinkler system is crucial to a building’s fire safety installations. Retro-commissioning teams can look for broken sprinkler heads, leaking pipes and bad wiring connections that could pose a safety issue during an emergency.  Steps of Retro-Commissioning Here is a breakdown of the retro-commissioning process: Planning: In the planning phase, the commissioning team prescreens a building for energy use, HVAC problems and tenant comfort complaints. It then develops a plan for retro-commissioning the building. Closer investigation: The commissioning team performs diagnostic testing and monitoring to closely examine a building’s energy performance. It documents findings and reviews the results. Implementation: The commissioning team performs necessary repairs and improvements to the building based on testing. Confirmation: The team drafts a final report to confirm what was done in the building. It may give the owners a copy of the retro-commissioning plan. Training: As a last step, training building occupants to use new controls or equipment the commissioning team installed is often necessary.  Revitalizing Existing Structures Although it is common to commission buildings when they are first built, it is also possible to retro-commission structures that need an upgrade. Retro-commissioning helps owners meet performance and energy efficiency targets. It improves occupant comfort, reduces the need for expensive equipment repairs and can significantly lower energy bills.  As properties age and more companies seek to become sustainable, it is more important than ever to breathe new life—and fresher air—into existing buildings. Retro-commissioning is the easiest way to accomplish that.  

Using air conditioners and electric fans to stay cool accounts for nearly 20% of the total electricity used in buildings around the world, according to a report from the International Energy Agency. hybrid work model As a unique mix of key factors, such as the adoption of the hybrid work model and escalating heatwaves in certain regions of the United States keep people indoors for longer periods, this 20% share represents an increasingly costly line item on household budgets. Those within the market are responding by seeking out products that can help them control climates more efficiently. Smart thermostats and inverters Markets for smart thermostats and inverter HVAC controllers are clear illustrations of in-demand technology Given what the industry is experiencing, the markets for smart thermostats and inverter HVAC controllers, which are clear illustrations of in-demand technology, are experiencing growth. But as they do, are the technologies growing together or growing apart? Rapid Growth in Both Markets  Discounts and incentives The smart thermostat market has expanded steadily in recent years, with that growth projected to continue through the 2020s in part due to savings of up to 8% on energy bills homeowners can recoup with the best smart thermostats. The sleek design and digital interface of modern smart thermostats, coupled with the increased control capabilities provided by mobile applications, seem to offer homeowners unprecedented control over their indoor climate. Moreover, the growing popularity of rebate programs providing discounts and incentives is making these solutions even more attractive. Real-time heating/cooling needs with Inverter/VRF Inverter/VRF HVAC systems are capable of adjusting the frequency of the compressor precisely Concurrently, the market for Inverter/VRF HVAC control systems is also expanding. It is estimated that the global Inverter/VRF market will grow from USD $17.6 billion (2020) to $31.9 billion (2025) at a CAGR of 12.7%, with the US identified as the fastest-growing Inverter/VRF market. Unlike their single-speed system counterparts which operate on an on/off or all-or-nothing dichotomy, Inverter/VRF HVAC systems are capable of adjusting the frequency of the compressor to precisely match the real-time heating/cooling needs of an environment. By regulating the fan speed and airflow, Inverter/VRF systems are extremely efficient at keeping an environment at a precisely set temperature.  Enhanced HVAC system performance or not? Given the rapidly expanding markets, one might think that the easy interface of the current smartest thermostats and the operational efficiency of the best Inverter/VRF HVAC controllers could combine to create an exceptionally comfortable and cost-efficient experience for homeowners, and an easily interoperable install for HVAC pros. However, the question remains: have these devices genuinely enhanced HVAC system performance in terms of accuracy, consistency, and efficiency? More importantly, have they made living spaces more comfortable? Have these growing markets and technological advancements made life easier for industry pros?  Persistent and pervasive incompatibility This communication breakdown leads to issues such as set temperature variance, inefficient operation Many are surprised to discover that the response to these important queries is frequently negative and “no”, due to a persistent and pervasive incompatibility between smart thermostats and Inverter/ VRF HVAC controllers. It is this incompatibility that ultimately negates the advanced features and intelligence of each product. This communication breakdown leads to issues such as set temperature variance, inefficient operation, and energy consumption.  Confronting the Critical Interoperability Challenges Ideally, the current smart thermostats, and the benefits they bring such as user-friendly interfaces, would integrate flawlessly with high-efficiency Inverter/VRF HVAC systems, enhancing comfort and cost-efficiency while simplifying installation for HVAC professionals. Unfortunately, this ideal scenario is elusive. The core problem stems from these technologies developing and evolving separately, and in isolated environments. Inadequate two-way communication While individual support for certain protocols may exist, they fail to communicate complex instructions effectively While individual support for certain protocols may exist, they fail to communicate complex instructions effectively due to inadequate two-way communication. When a smart thermostat is improperly paired with an intelligent Inverter/VRF HVAC system, the resulting communication breakdown forces the HVAC system to revert back to single-speed operations, completely undermining its full potential, and sophisticated features. Inefficiency and discomfort Given its prevalence, what does this incompatibility mean for HVAC professionals and their clients? Consider a scenario where a user desires to adjust the indoor temperature to 68°F via a smart thermostat. Since the Inverter/VRF unit can only be adjusted by means of its own communication protocol, and the output of the smart thermostat is a dry contact closure, the 68°F would never be properly relayed to the air conditioner. In other words, the smart thermostat does not provide information on how hard the system is working or the deviation of the current temperature from the desired set point. As a result, the system cannot modulate its output to precisely match the temperature needs of an environment, and the air handling unit within the system is forced to always operate at high speeds creating inefficiency and discomfort.  On-and-off mode Homeowners miss out on the benefits of their investment, and installers find themselves in the predicament Moreover, this style of operation is quite noisy, as the HVAC system drones on at full capacity every time it is reactivated. This on-and-off mode of operation consumes more energy, comparable to stop-and-start gas-guzzling city driving versus smooth highway cruising. Both homeowners and installers bear the brunt of these drawbacks, homeowners miss out on the benefits of their investment, and installers find themselves in the predicament of either explaining this intricate issue or spending valuable time troubleshooting. What Can Be Done to Address Incompatibility?  While this convergence of technology and home comfort presents significant potential and profound challenges, this situation is not without a solution. The industry’s most advanced smart thermostats and efficient Inverter/VRF HVAC controllers both possess impressive capabilities, but the key to success lies in improving their ability to fluently exchange commands and information.  Translator between smart thermostat and Inverter/VRF These remarkable devices contain the unit's protocols, deftly translating the commands of the smart thermostat Thankfully, there are solutions within the market from industry pioneers that act as a "translator" between the smart thermostat and the Inverter/VRF unit. These remarkable devices contain the unit's protocols, deftly translating the commands of the smart thermostat, creating a seamless conduit of communication. Enhancing interoperability Enhancing interoperability is a prevailing trend across the smart home sector, and it is imperative the HVAC industry works to align with this trend. By embracing such changes, HVAC professionals can offer unparalleled value and functionality to their clients while simultaneously reducing installation complexities. This paradigm shift offers a unique opportunity to alleviate their challenges while providing customers with extraordinary value and performance from their HVAC systems. 

It takes a proliferation of data centers to serve the growing computing needs of the Internet, and all those servers churning away create plenty of heat. Might some of that heat be harnessed and used for residential or commercial heating? The emergence of district heating systems, which provide thermal energy to multiple buildings from a single source, demonstrates the approach has broad possibilities. Air-cooled chillers and air-handling units used to cool data centers are like the technologies that cool residences and businesses. They just operate on a larger scale and require a higher degree of resilience and redundancy to ensure data center servers operate without interruption. District heating system The law of physics dictates that the energy you put into a data server will come out as heat, and heat is a byproduct of data center cooling systems. Rather than exhaust that heat into the outside environment, how can it be captured and channeled into a district heating system to heat water and/or to provide warmth to homes and businesses in the same neighborhood as the data center? Law of physics dictates that the energy you put into a data server will come out as heat  Mitsubishi Electric designs engineered solutions that both cool data centers and generate heat output that can be captured for district heating applications. “We want to capture the heat and repurpose it for someone else to use,” says Simon Prichard, Product Strategy Manager for Engineered Solutions for Mitsubishi Electric. Reusing wasted heat from data centers can help to decarbonize heating. United Kingdom's Energy Act 2023 An additional heat pump can be used to increase the “low-grade heat” generated by a data center to the temperature needed for district heating. Alternatively, district heating systems might be upgraded to accommodate the lower-temperature heat from data centers. Additional heat pump can be used to increase the “low-grade heat” generated by a data center. The United Kingdom and other governments globally are promoting the creation of district heating networks. Legislation such as the United Kingdom's Energy Act 2023 identifies areas within England where certain new and existing buildings will be required to connect into district heating networks. Legislation is pushing developers toward district heating and away from the use of fossil fuels. District heating applications Water cooling is a developing technology for data centers, which mostly use air-cooling systems In November 2023, the UK government awarded £36 million to a district heating system in West London that will share data center waste heat with up to 10,000 new homes. Hot air from a data center can provide some of the energy needed for a district heating system, and water-cooling systems can provide even more. Water cooling is a developing technology for data centers, which mostly use air cooling systems. Cooperation is needed to realize the scenario of capturing the heat from data centers for district heating applications. Government legislation can drive requirements to embrace the approach, but the multiple involved parties, including data center operators and the architects and engineers creating nearby communities, must also cooperate. Greater ESG goals Energy must be reused in the geographic area immediately surrounding the data center for the scenario to be financially viable. In an industrial estate, for example, the excess heat could be used for nearby farming; the reuse is not restricted to domestic or residential applications. The various parties tend to be “siloed,” so a concerted effort of “joined-up thinking” is needed to bring all the parties to the table to enable such a system. Construction of new data centers is accelerating, and the centers are getting larger. Construction of new data centers is accelerating, and the centers are getting larger. Currently, 4 or 5% of total electricity output is used by data centers, and ways to reuse that energy are a growing priority for ethical companies in the data center market. Large companies that use data centers are drawn to the district heating scenario to achieve greater ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals. Moving forward, it behooves everyone to think of data centers as not just generating data but as energy centers generating sustainable energy. Mitsubishi Electric’s products MEWALL mixes high version with energy efficiency, space optimization, and cost-effectiveness “We live in a connected world, and we need data centers,” says Prichard. “The world won’t work without them, but many people don’t know what a data center is and how much we rely on them. Society doesn’t realize how embedded they are.” Among Mitsubishi Electric’s products for the data center market is the MEWALL air handling unit, a “wall” of fans with built-in controls, valves, and filters that are mounted alongside a suite of data servers. MEWALL combines high performance with energy efficiency, space optimization, and cost-effectiveness. Water circulates inside the fans, using cold water produced by a chiller. View of the MEWALL system Smaller data center needs can be addressed using technology such as Mitsubishi Electric’s indoor s-MEXT high-precision air conditioner connected to a Mr. Slim R32 Power Inverter outdoor unit. The indoor unit is customized to the client’s requirements for use in a data center.  At the Data Center World trade show in London in March, Mitsubishi Electric used virtual reality (VR) to provide attendees with a simulated view of the MEWALL system. Given the dimensions of 4 by 2.3 meters, transporting the system to the show presented prohibitive cost and logistical challenges.

Esthetics have historically not been a primary consideration when it comes to HVAC vents and grilles. Rather, HVAC vents have been typically concerned with performance and ease of production, manufactured from stamped metal or extruded. “There have been limited efforts to make HVAC components that are also interior design elements,” says Mark Mascarello, Head of Design and Production of InviAir. It’s a missed opportunity. “I’m not an interior designer, but I feel like attention to detail is becoming more important,” says Marscarello. “With HVAC fixtures that can provide an interior design element, people don’t have to settle for unsightly HVAC grilles.” HVAC vent solutions “Designers do not need to sacrifice or ignore esthetics for HVAC performance,” says Mascarello. “They need to become more informed and design-forward.” Tools such as automation and state-of-the-art design software make it simpler to create unique HVAC vent solutions, including design-forward air diffusers and grilles. Automation tools pave the way for architects and designers to incorporate HVAC elements as part of the overall design. Sometimes the approach might be as simple as using a linear diffuser to provide a clean look that is more conducive to design.   Performance requirements of InviAir The design prevents condensation, cracking, and creaking noises that can come from moving parts Founded in 2018, InviAir is a small company in Brooklyn, N.Y., with 18 employees, providing custom solutions to match any shape, size, and performance requirements. The company focuses on practical solutions to the construction materials marketplace while always keeping esthetics in mind. Products are designed based on customer requests, generally from a designer. The company also maintains an inventory of its more standardized products. The products are made using a proprietary wood-based composite material, which has a lower carbon footprint than metal. Their patented design allows the diffusers to be integrated into and installed flush with the drywall. There is nothing outside the drywall and also no exposure of moving air to metal, no fins or baffles. There is no visual clutter. The design also prevents condensation, cracking, and squeaking noises that can come from metal and moving parts.  Custom round diffusers are integrated with pendant lights and a specialty acoustical ceiling at an Ivy League University library's reading room InviAir products InviAir products, such as the one-slot linear and round diffusers, have been tested by Intertek Labs to provide performance data on parameters such as volume, static pressure, noise criteria, and throw. A report from Intertek notes a reduction in condensation of up to 95%. Used in a variety of environments from high-end homes to commercial spaces and hospitality properties, the new air distribution concept frees architects and interior designers from the constraints of designing around traditional, unsightly air vents. A custom curved diffuser is among the design-forward products offered by InviAir Recent renovation in HVAC installation “When clients or designers want our products, we work to get them solutions they are happy with, which builds customer loyalty,” says Mascarello. “It helps if we can provide a cutting-edge solution they are happy with, but others might not know of. We pride ourselves on providing a lot of support.” InviAir worked to integrate custom round diffusers with the pendant lights and the acoustical ceiling  An example of the impact of design on an HVAC installation can be seen in the recent renovation of a library at an Ivy League University. Inspired by photos of the library’s reading room taken in the early 20th century, the architects wanted to replicate the look of chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. To approximate the required look, pendant lights were coupled with HVAC diffusers. InviAir worked to integrate custom round diffusers with the pendant lights and the specialty acoustical ceiling. The result was reduced clutter in the new ceiling design. InviAir customer An InviAir customer might be an interior designer, architect, general contractor, or even a homeowner. The company prefers to work with HVAC installers to understand any sizing and installation needs. “A lot of our traffic comes through advertisements to our website,” says Mascarello. InviAir has seen an increase in requests for smaller units, ductless technologies, and VRF. InviAir works to match the airflow requirements and create a more seamless system. They have also seen requests in New York City for products that work with high-velocity systems, which provide a workaround in brownstone buildings that were not built for HVAC. The high-velocity systems have smaller ducts and air moves faster to provide adequate air flow. The approach requires building customized parts.

The steps toward building decarbonization will accelerate organizations’ net-zero journey. Taking steps will also reduce operational costs and deliver better indoor environments. Improvements in heat pumps and digital solutions have enabled these opportunities and, as they continue to advance, deeper and deeper building decarbonization will become achievable. Optimal solutions Mark Lessans, Senior Director of Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs, Johnson Controls, for insights into how buildings and their systems will continue to evolve along with energy grids to achieve net-zero emissions while becoming more sustainable, resilient and cost-effective to operate along the way.  Lessan says this transition will allow the HVAC industry to increase the value proposition as customers demand optimal solutions to meet their specific needs, and as buildings become part of the solution to address climate change. Q: Why and how does it matter if buildings operate more sustainably? Lessans: Buildings are responsible for approximately 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 75% of U.S. electricity consumption. These percentages present a great opportunity. By operating more sustainably and leveraging advanced technology and controls, buildings have the potential to contribute to climate change mitigation and transition the energy system to be cleaner and more reliable. At the same time, they can provide greater comfort and healthier environments for occupants. Q: How does product electrification contribute to decarbonization? Lessans: The electrification of heating is a critical step on the path to building decarbonization. Electricity is becoming increasingly lower carbon as more of it is produced using renewables and other zero-carbon sources. By shifting from heating equipment that consumes fossil fuels to high-efficiency, electric heat pumps, building owners can keep buildings comfortable using clean energy and significantly reduce carbon emissions. Not only can heat pumps remove on-site emissions, but they can also reduce building energy consumption by up to two-thirds. Q: What are some of the regulations and incentives for building owners to reduce emissions? Lessans: Some of the most important regulations driving emissions reductions are building performance standards (BPS), which establish minimum energy efficiency or emissions requirements for existing buildings. BPS set limits at the state and local level for site energy, source energy or source emissions on a per-square-foot basis. In any of these metrics, high-efficiency electric systems like heat pumps can go a long way toward meeting requirements. Many federal, state, and local incentives can reduce the upfront costs of energy efficiency improvements. The Inflation Reduction Act, for example, raised the allowable credit for energy efficiency improvements under the 179D tax deduction. Q: How do decarbonization and electrification offer a unique (and timely) opportunity for growth and expansion in the HVAC market? Lessans: The HVAC industry is evolving in response to the imperative to decarbonize the built environment, creating new opportunities for the entire value chain, especially as unprecedented incentives are available. The industry can expect a wider range of heat pump options, both in breadth of application and in proportion of heating loads. Well-informed contractors can position themselves as advisors to meet each customer’s unique needs for cost-effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and sustainability goals, while taking advantage of available incentives. And, new digital solutions like fault detection and diagnostics enable visibility into equipment performance, creating more opportunities for remote optimization and on-site service. Newly expanded Choice rooftop units offer enhanced features and options to help customers achieve their sustainability goals. Q: What is the “next generation” of products for commercial applications? Lessans: Next-generation heat pumps are significantly more capable in providing reliable space heating than their predecessors. Today’s hydronic water-to-water heat pumps can generate supply water up to 176 F, making them viable boiler replacements without having to replace the existing hot water distribution. Air-to-water heat pumps offer design flexibility and reliable performance at outdoor temperatures well below freezing. Air-source DX heat pumps are increasingly available in higher tonnages and better low-ambient performance. Many hydronic heat pumps are now available with low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants, and DX heat pumps will transition to low-GWP refrigerants starting in 2025. Q: What new innovations in commercial heat pumps are contributing to decarbonization and energy efficiency? Lessans: Today’s commercial heat pumps can deliver increased hot water supply temperatures. Legacy water-to-water heat pumps had maximum hot water supply temperatures of 140 F to 150 F, but the advanced compressor technology and innovative designs of today’s heat pumps can generate hot water above 170 F. This is close to the design temperatures of many existing building heating systems, allowing heat pumps to significantly cut down or, in some cases, even eliminate boiler use. These heat pumps can also operate in simultaneous heating and cooling modes, which can have an extremely high coefficient of performance (COP) above 5. Q: Decarbonization is such a daunting challenge. Where can building managers start to decarbonize their buildings? Lessans: No two buildings are the same, which means every path to decarbonization is unique, but it doesn’t have to be daunting. Building managers should work with engineers and contractors to assess their building systems and identify opportunities to reduce their carbon footprint both short and long term. For example, completely replacing a boiler may prove too challenging, but pairing it with a heat pump can significantly reduce its overall use today while keeping options open for the future. Controls and digital solutions can also drive enormous efficiencies and reduce a building’s carbon footprint. Q: What obstacles remain in the realm of decarbonization and electrification? How can the HVAC marketplace help to overcome the obstacles? Lessans: Upgrades to HVAC equipment will make an immediate, significant reduction in carbon emissions. But to drive even further toward net zero, need to take a comprehensive approach to building energy management. Intelligent building controls can provide a holistic view into contextual, full-building performance and help building managers optimize system- and component-level assets. As these digital solutions “learn” from an ever-growing data set, they can provide deeper insights that enable greater cost savings, emissions reductions and occupant experiences. It is critical that building managers are aware of available HVAC systems and digital technologies to achieve the lowest carbon footprint possible.

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.”

Kepier School's phased transition to low-carbon CIAT heating technologies has delivered generous energy savings within a year of installation. CIAT worked with partners to initiate the school’s journey to net zero in 2022, returning to measure performance and optimize the system. CIAT is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, a global pioneer in intelligent climate and energy solutions. New high-efficiency heat emitters CIAT worked with BREng Hull Ltd, AA Projects, Quora Group, and Cool Designs Ltd to create a phased decarbonization plan for Kepier School in Northeast England, aided by the Condition Improvement Fund (CIF). Recognizing the challenges faced by many schools, Oliver Sanders, Carrier Commercial HVAC Director, United Kingdom, and Ireland, said, "For schools with new gas boilers aiming to reach net zero, it's most cost-effective to integrate them into a modernized heating infrastructure, ready for the next transition phase to heat pumps when the boilers reach end-of-life." Project featured a heating audit The project involved a heating audit identifying the need for new high-efficiency heat emitters The project involved a heating audit identifying the need for new high-efficiency heat emitters. Conventional radiators were replaced with seven surface-mounted high-level CIAT MajorLine and 31 CIAT COADIS fan coil units (FCUs). The seven gas boilers installed in 2019 were integrated into the new system's infrastructure, enabling them to be replaced as required to improve system efficiency and cost savings. Sizeable energy savings A subsequent review revealed sizeable energy savings. Gas usage was compared before and after the pandemic to avoid skewed data due to COVID-19 school closures. Findings revealed an 8.6% reduction of 2,824 m3 (~31,446.41 kWhr) from March 2022 to March 2023 compared to the period from March 2019 to March 2020. This achievement reduced the school’s carbon footprint and resulted in an 8% annual cost saving of ~£800 (average based on gas price fluctuations between March 2019-2020 and March 2022-2023). CIAT project partners BREng Hull  CIAT project partners BREng Hull and installer Quora Group returned to the school to optimize system operating gains Following commission, CIAT project partners BREng Hull and installer Quora Group returned to the school to optimize system operating gains.  "The process doesn’t stop once a solution has been designed, installed, and commissioned," said Rob Smelt, Managing Director of BREng Hull, adding "Experience shows that there are often significant additional gains to be made by optimizing the system in light of its real-world operation." The inspection revealed that some areas were imbalanced while others operated at sub-optimal temperatures. These issues were addressed to improve occupant comfort and reduce energy use and running costs. Carrier’s 2030 ESG Goal "The comfort level has improved significantly," said Brian Dixon, Kepier School Estates Manager, adding "We already gained control over specific rooms and areas, as opposed to the old ‘on or off’ heating system, and the latest work seems to have improved things even more. Future phases in our decarbonization plan will yield even greater energy and cost savings for the school." BREng Hull worked closely with equipment supplier Cool Designs Ltd during the scoping and specification stages, supported by CIAT application specialists. Projects like these contribute to Carrier’s 2030 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Goal of reducing its customers’ carbon footprint by more than one gigaton.

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.

Shadow Industrial (SI), one of the UK’s pioneering infrared heating specialists, has been chosen to refit the heating systems at the London Boroughs of Camden and Islington’s jointly-owned Hornsey Street Refuse & Recycling Center. The decision to use SI’s cutting-edge heaters was made on the recommendation of M&E contractor, Vitalenergi London, which was appointed to update the site’s HVAC. Operational Emissions By 2030 Replacing the building’s 300 m2 existing AmbiRad fan heater system, at just over £25,000, the project will see Shadow Industrial fit 35 of its zero-emission, high-performance heaters across the entire facility. This comes in at a far lower cost, often a 50-75% saving, and increased efficiency than many other alternative electric heating systems. The project will see Shadow Industrial fit 35 of its zero-emission, high-performance heaters Predicted to reduce energy consumption by 80%, this represents a landmark moment for shortwave infrared in industrial settings. Not only that, the replacement of existing heating systems with a low-cost, more sustainable alternative perfectly aligns with both Camden and Islington Council’s Climate Action Plans which seek to achieve Net Zero operational emissions by 2030. Shadow Industrial’s Technology As Graham Hughes from Islington Council says, “When Vitalenergi first introduced us to Shadow Industrial’s technology we were very impressed, particularly by its capabilities and relatively low operational costs." "It’s going to make a massive contribution to our efforts, alongside Camden Council to reduce emissions. We’ll also be able to approach our heating strategy in a far more diverse way, keeping costs down and passing those savings onto taxpayers.” The Heat Is On The technology works by emitting focused radiant heat through precisely-configured reflectors Not only will Shadow Industrial’s heating systems shrink the center’s carbon footprint, but they will also improve energy efficiency. This is predominantly due to the way shortwave infrared works, in contrast to traditional electric and gas-powered central heating. The technology works by emitting focused radiant heat through precisely-configured reflectors. Essentially it heats the person, not the air around them, significantly reducing the amount of heat lost to the atmosphere. This comes into its own in large-span, high-ceilinged structures that experience heavy traffic constantly entering in and out, pioneering to a consistent draft. Wall-mounted or ceiling-hung, directed downwards at individuals, the energy creates a comfortable and instant warmth reminiscent of the gentle heat of the sun. In Control Plug-and-play these light heaters are easy to install and operate, compared to formal systems Plug-and-play these lightweight heaters are easy to install and operate, compared to traditional systems. It’s helping to get a practical and scalable heating network up and running within an industrial facility quickly, with minimal disruption to day-to-day operations. Even better, unlike most gas and electric systems, these heaters can be turned on and off on demand as and when personnel are working in specific areas across the site. The instantaneousness of the heat emitted means it can deliver maximum effectiveness at the click of a switch, and extinguish at the same rate. This means no part of the build is heated unnecessarily. Shadow Industrial’s Heaters As Luke Chappell, Vitalenergi’s lead design engineer (mechanical) on the project says, “Shortwave infrared’s set to be a serious market disruptor in the industrial heating market. It’s a game-changer for local authority and public sector projects, which are both subject to strict sustainability briefs and budgetary constraints." "We cannot wait to see the positive impact Shadow Industrial’s heaters will have on those working within, and managing, the Hornsey Street Refuse & Recycling Center. The Shadow Industrial team has been amazing throughout the process and we looking forward to partnering again on future projects.” Installation of Shadow Industrial’s new system was completed at the start of Q2 2024.

Secure I.T. Environments Ltd (SITE), one of the UK’s design and build companies for modular, containerized, and micro data centers, has announced the completion of data center cooling upgrades at Royal Devon University Healthcare, NHS Foundation Trust, that will dramatically reduce energy costs, achieving ROI in under three years. free cooling solution The works, which are the latest in a series of projects SITE has conducted for the trust in recent years, replace existing cooling infrastructure with three new indoor units that improve efficiency. The free cooling solution, allows the data center to operate in a higher temperature-free cooling configuration for a greater proportion of the year, taking advantage of ambient temperatures and lowering running costs.  FreeCool circuit  The new installation is projected to enable the data center to achieve a PUE of 1.14 Each unit combines direct expansion air cooling and an energy-efficient FreeCool circuit, as well as including built-in compressors for the direct expansion circuit. External Hybrid Heat Rejection (HHR) units were also fitted on-site. The new installation is projected to enable the data center to achieve a PUE of 1.14 and a Cooling PUE of 1.10. ASHRAE TC9.9 2016 thermal guidelines Chris Wellfair, Projects Director at Secure I.T. Environments, said, “The primary source of operating expenditure (OPEX) for data centers is electricity. While maintaining the climate conditions within a data center is critical, the ASHRAE TC9.9 2016 thermal guidelines now give confidence to operators that they can control the indoor temperature at higher levels." He adds, "This combined with the efficiencies gained with new equipment will dramatically lower energy costs at RDEF and achieve a return on investment in under three years.” phase wise installation The installation was conducted over three phases, ensuring the data center could remain live supporting hospital and patient services.  Secure I.T. Environments was responsible for the decommissioning of existing units, and installation of new equipment, including electrical works, configuration, and testing. 

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.”

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?

Like most industries, the future of the HVAC market is being driven by technology. In the world of HVAC as in life, technology touches nearly everything we do. Changes in technology can affect the demand for various products or even make products obsolete. Current technology shifts in HVAC are likely to have profound impacts and change the industry as we know it. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the biggest technology change currently happening in the HVAC market?

Some of the technologies in the HVAC market are mature, although the newest innovation is always just around the corner. Newer systems seek to be more sustainable and energy-efficient, and digital control technologies play a role in maximizing their performance. Trends such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart systems are the basis for the newest connectivity and control approaches. These innovations tie into the broader environment of smart buildings. Systems are also providing remote access to enable technicians to analyze system operation and troubleshoot any problems. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What's new in connectivity and control systems for HVAC?