Remote Monitoring

GlassHouse introduces the first customer intelligence platform for the trades and home services industries, a digital solution transforming how contractors and business owners engage with customers. GlassHouse’s leverages the industry’s deepest catalog of consumer data to empower contractors and business owners with unprecedented buyer insights, helping businesses work with the right customers, grow their revenue, and become more profitable. GlassHouse offers "Many home service and skilled trades businesses spend too much time completing difficult jobs and chasing payments," said Jimmy Speyer, CEO of GlassHouse, adding "With the buyer intelligence, review collection and prospecting tools GlassHouse offers, they can prioritize sales and identify potential downstream costs before they accept a job." GlassHouse allows operators in home services, trade businesses, HVAC, electrical, plumbing He continues, "Our platform is the first solution that truly allows contractors to prioritize their loyal customers and get the best return for the time and capital they have invested in their business." GlassHouse allows operators in home services, trade businesses, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and pest control to easily access potential client reviews and get notifications about prospects so they can avoid potentially costly high-risk engagements and successfully align payment and engagement terms with customers. Customer engagement functions GlassHouse is the only vertical SaaS for trades and home services to feature a comprehensive range of customer engagement functions, including: Customer insights: When it comes to the success of any business, the quality of customers is just as important as the quantity. With GlassHouse, contractors can research buyers, collect reviews from customers, get feedback from their team, and make sure they get paid. Targeted prospecting: With over 4 billion data points, business owners can use GlassHouse to find and research the best buyers for their services. GlassHouse users can dive deep into a prospect’s digital footprint. Leveraging extensive public data, including income and credit range, review histories, and home size and history, contractors can tailor services and access detailed consumer information so they can target their ideal buyers. Free business review collection: GlassHouse makes collecting online reviews fast, easy and effective by automatically sending the customers to the review site they use the most. Rate the customers: GlassHouse users can enhance the industry’s major store of consumer data by reviewing customer interactions with just a few clicks. Integrations: The intuitive GlassHouse mobile app allows users to access and automate insights and track and enrich data from the field by connecting with multiple field management systems and office or accounting programs.  Customer intelligence platform "Customer intelligence can be the difference between a struggling company and a successful one," said Jimmy Speyer, adding "Knowing a good customer from a bad one can help reduce collections, increase revenue, and prevent negative business reviews." He continues, "GlassHouse is the first customer intelligence platform that empowers business owners to protect their company’s reputation and grow revenue by prioritizing good customers and minimizing risk."

Wauseon Machine, a globally renowned provider of automation solutions, tube forming technologies, precision machining, and fabrication, is proud to announce that Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), Joe Gemma, was awarded the prestigious Joseph F. Engelberger Robotics Award for 2024, recognizing his exceptional leadership and contributions to the automation industry. The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) recognized Joe Gemma alongside two other industry pioneers for their significant impact within the field. This award, named after the late Joseph F. Engelberger, who is widely regarded as the Father of Industrial Robotics, celebrates excellence in technology development, application, education, and leadership in robotics. Impact on the automation sector  Joe Gemma's recognition in leadership underscores his profound impact on the automation sector Established in 1977, the award has been presented to 139 pioneers and is often referred to as the 'Hall of Fame' for the robotics and automation sector. The award will be presented at the Automate conference in Chicago on May 8, 2024. Joe Gemma's recognition in leadership underscores his profound impact on the automation sector throughout his distinguished career. His tenure includes pivotal roles as a Board Member of the Robotics Industries Association (RIA), currently known as A3, and as the President of the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). Gemma’s leadership and contributions Jeff Burnstein, President of A3, commended this year’s Engelberger Robotics Awards honorees, stating, "Joe Gemma’s valuable leadership and contributions over the last 35+ years have been instrumental as we bring greater innovations to users worldwide." At Wauseon Machine, Joe Gemma has been a pivotal figure since joining in 2022, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his time working for both system integrators and robotics OEMs. His responsibilities as CRO focus on pioneering the front end of the business, building on his extensive background in engineering, project management, business development, and sales management. Mission of automation solutions Upon receiving the award, Joe Gemma expressed his gratitude, saying, "This recognition goes out to all the people I have worked with through the years. It is an honor to accept this award on their behalf. I am thankful to have been given the opportunity to share the passion that many of us have for what automation means and what it does for manufacturing, for people, and for the world in general." Wauseon Machine is proud to have Joe Gemma on the team. His expertise continues to drive the mission of providing top automation solutions, precision machining, fabrication, and tube-forming technologies to manufacturing organizations across North America.

Parts Town, the technology innovator and market-renowned distributor of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) food service parts, HVAC parts, and residential appliance parts, has announced the launch of its first visual search capability, their HVAC Data Plate Scanner, now available in the Parts Town mobile app. The new feature allows HVAC technicians to effortlessly identify and purchase the exact parts they need by simply scanning the data plate on HVAC equipment. OCR technology Traditionally, HVAC technicians have relied on manually deciphering long models and serial numbers from data plates, a process that usually comes with errors or delays. Parts Town’s HVAC Data Plate Scanner utilizes optical character recognition (OCR) technology to streamline this process. The scanner allows technicians to quickly and accurately identify the exact OEM parts The scanner allows technicians to quickly and accurately identify the exact OEM parts needed for HVAC equipment repairs. The functionality not only saves time but also ensures accuracy, as it directs users to a landing page that lists all parts associated with the model, making the service call process more efficient and effective. HVAC Data Plate Scanner Here's how the HVAC Data Plate Scanner works: Scan the data plate: Users can quickly snap a photo or upload a saved image of the model and serial number on the HVAC equipment’s data plate. Instant part lookup: Once scanned, the Parts Town app takes you to a dedicated landing page showcasing a comprehensive list of all relevant OEM parts and manuals for the specific equipment model. Seamless purchasing: Click on any part to be directed to a purchase page within the Parts Town app, facilitating a smooth transition from identification to acquisition. Mission at Parts Town "Technicians are the backbone of our industry," said Jeff Audette, Senior Vice President of HVAC at Parts Town, adding "Our mission at Parts Town is to equip our customers with the tools they need to work efficiently and effectively. HVAC service technicians are often battling the clock to diagnose and repair equipment when on the job. This new functionality will allow them to identify the right parts quickly using their mobile devices, saving valuable time on every job and getting things fixed even faster." "This application will make service technicians’ lives easier when they are out in the field and need to identify a critical part for the Trane HVAC equipment that they are servicing," said Nathaniel Grove, National Account Manager, Trane Supply, adding "This technology will ultimately make life easier for the technician, but in turn will also offer a better, faster, and more reliable service experience for the end user." Parts Town’s broader strategy The HVAC Data Plate Scanner is currently in beta test, allowing Parts Town to gather valuable customer feedback and continuously improve the feature. The initial launch supports Trane and YORK brands, with plans to expand compatibility to encompass a wider range of manufacturers in the future.  This innovation is the first step in Parts Town’s broader strategy to bring new features across its digital properties to continue to make finding and buying the right parts for equipment easier than ever.

Daikin is pleased to announce a partnership with Kraken Flex to further the development of a more flexible and resilient energy system. This collaboration will promote better use of renewable energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. By integrating Daikin’s state-of-the-art heat pump technology with the Kraken Flex platform, Daikin customers will soon gain access to a range of advanced smart services, including Energy Optimization and Demand Response. These services will empower customers to maximize energy efficiency and reduce their energy costs while contributing to a more sustainable environment. Daikin UK’s commitment The goal is to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of energy systems The partnership aligns with Daikin UK’s commitment to providing efficient and sustainable climate control solutions. Kraken Flex is a technology platform developed by Octopus Energy, a UK-based energy company.  The Kraken Flex platform focuses on energy flexibility and aims to optimize the use of distributed energy resources (DERs), such as renewable energy sources, electric vehicles (EVs), battery storage systems, and other flexible energy assets. The goal is to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of energy systems. Key features and functionalities Key features and functionalities of Kraken Flex include: Real-Time Monitoring and Control: Kraken Flex enables real-time monitoring and control of various energy assets, allowing for dynamic response to changes in energy demand and supply. Energy Optimization: The platform uses advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence to optimize the dispatch and usage of energy resources, maximizing efficiency and minimizing costs. Demand Response: Kraken Flex supports demand response programs, where energy consumption can be adjusted in response to grid conditions, such as peak demand periods or renewable energy availability. Integration with Renewable Energy: The platform helps integrate renewable energy sources like solar and wind into the grid, ensuring they are used effectively and efficiently. Support for Electric Vehicles: Kraken Flex can manage the charging and discharging of electric vehicles, optimizing their use as flexible energy assets and supporting the wider adoption of EVs. Grid Services: The platform provides grid services such as frequency regulation and balancing, helping to maintain grid stability and reliability. User Engagement: Kraken Flex includes tools to engage energy consumers and encourage participation in flexibility programs, providing incentives for users to adjust their energy usage patterns. Kraken Flex platform Kraken Flex aims to form a more lax and resilient energy plan, enabling better use of renewable energy By leveraging these capabilities, Kraken Flex aims to create a more flexible and resilient energy system, enabling better use of renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.  The integration of Daikin heat pump technology within the Kraken Flex platform will allow Daikin customers to access additional smart services, such as Energy Optimization and Demand Response. Advancements in the smart energy sector "It is great to see Daikin partnering with Kraken Flex. This collaboration allows us to integrate our advanced heat pump systems with Kraken Flex's cutting-edge energy flexibility platform. Together, we aim to enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and provide our customers with innovative, value-added solutions for a sustainable future." "We believe that combining Daikin's expertise in heat pump technology with Kraken Flex's intelligent energy management capabilities will lead to significant advancements in the smart energy sector," Henk van den Berg, Deputy Managing Director, Robert Heath Heating.

Daikin Applied announced the addition of air-source heat pumps to its award-winning lineup of Rebel® and Rebel Applied® packaged rooftop systems. With electricity-powered heat pumps, low-GWP R-32 refrigerant and ultra-efficient inverter compressors, the new Rebel Applied and Rebel units will help building owners optimize comfort and cost while decarbonizing their facilities. The units also include features that increase performance, especially in cold climates, and simplify installation for both new construction and retrofits. Limitations of heat pumps “We’re not just making heat pumps available, we’re also making them practical for a wide range of applications,” said Jim Macosko, vice president of product and sustainability solutions at Daikin Applied. “Buildings account for 40% of global energy use and 33% of greenhouse gas emissions, which is why they’re central to mitigating climate change. By addressing the historic limitations of heat pumps, we’re making it easier for customers to use this technology, electrify their HVAC systems, and decarbonize in a way that benefits the environment and bottom line.” Low Ambient Operation   In Rebel, compressors have a boost role that ramps speeds up in cold states to increase heating capacity Heat pumps face a capacity challenge — the colder the temperature, the less efficient and effective a heat pump traditionally gets. However, with inverter compressors and the unique operating envelope of R-32, Rebel Applied, and Rebel rooftop units are proficient in lower ambient temperatures. With Rebel Applied, this is accomplished with an additional outdoor coil surface and a supplemental compressor that kicks in when temperatures drop. In Rebel, compressors have a boost function that ramps speeds up in cold conditions to increase heating capacity.  Similarly, when used in a dedicated outdoor air system, the performance of conventional heat pumps decreases significantly when ambient air temperatures fall below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. To address this limitation, the new Rebel Applied units have optional features such as energy recovery wheels to pre-heat air before it passes through the heating coil, extending the heat pump’s capacity once again.  Simplified Configuration   Rebel Applied and Rebel heat pumps eliminate or minimize electrical infrastructure modifications Switching from natural gas to electricity as an energy source is not just about the equipment; it often requires changes to a building’s electrical infrastructure as well, which can increase installation costs, especially in retrofit applications.  Daikin is making the transition easier and more cost-effective, however, by using configurable circuitry, and isolating new loads to smaller and separate circuits, Rebel Applied and Rebel heat pumps eliminate or minimize electrical infrastructure modifications, trimming installation time, and associated expenses. Further, the rooftop systems offer auxiliary electric heat limits and emergency backup controls that reduce the unit’s peak design electrical load.  Real-World Efficiency    Designed with R-32, the rooftop units are up to 20% more efficient than predecessors with R-410A refrigerant. These new solutions are ideal for schools and commercial office spaces where there are common needs for comfort and space conditioning. The new heat pump technology is just one part of Daikin’s larger movement toward solutions that are redefining sustainable heating and cooling.

As the push toward decarbonization and adoption of cleaner heating sources continues, Danfoss is releasing two new compressors for the North American market. The new lineup, which includes the BOCK® HGX56 CO2 T 6-cylinder semi-hermetic reciprocating compressor for large-capacity industrial heat pumps and the PSH scroll compressor for reversible rooftop units and hydronic systems in cold climates, offers new and extended compressor ranges to help OEMs accelerate the green transition for comfort and industrial heat pumps. low-GWP refrigerant usage Heating and cooling account for half of the final energy consumption globally Heating and cooling account for half of the final energy consumption globally. In “The Future of Heat Pumps,” the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that by the year 2030, heat pumps can reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 500 million tons and save U.S. households roughly $300 per year in energy costs. Globally, the public and private sectors are encouraging greener choices like heating electrification, heat pump incentives, and low-GWP refrigerant usage. Sustainable and energy-efficient technologies Commenting on the shift away from fossil fuels, Kristian Strand, Danfoss Commercial Compressors President, stated: "Building owners are demanding energy efficiency and accountability from their suppliers, which creates a growing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient technologies. Globally, we are seeing the market shift from gas boilers to heat pumps across multi-family housing or office building projects. Industrial/process heat pumps are also gaining traction and play a central role in decarbonizing industries such as Food & Beverage, Chemicals, or Textiles." Kristian Strand continued: “Our comprehensive lineup offers heating capacities in single-circuit configuration, delivering high water supply temperatures. These compressors enable OEMs to simplify designs and minimize their environmental impact. We are committed to helping OEMs secure today’s deals and win tomorrow’s market position on every type of project.” BOCK® HGX56 CO2 T — simplicity for industrial heat pumps Number of compressors must for industrial heat pumps, refrigeration, and heating systems Ideal for large-capacity heat pumps, the 6-cylinder semi-hermetic BOCK® HGX56 CO2 T achieves water temperatures up to 90°C/194°F and offers an efficient alternative to ammonia and synthetic refrigerants. The HGX56 CO2 T reduces cost, system complexity, and the number of compressors required for large industrial heat pumps, refrigeration, and district heating systems. PSH scroll compressors — lower-GWP option in cold climates The new PSH scroll range compressor is ideal for North American reversible rooftop units and hydronic heat pump systems with higher discharge gas temperature limits. Featuring liquid, vapor, and wet injection, it comes with a full package of qualified components to manage the injection and delivers year-round comfort with a water-supply temperature of up to 65°C/149°F. The versatile PSH scroll range is optimized for new-generation systems transitioning to lower GWP options like R454B. Demand for heat pumps Heat pumps are critical for decarbonizing heating and the solutions announced are pivotal in enabling the success of these applications. Currently, Danfoss delivers up to 70% of the materials for air-to-water heat pumps and has plans to release additional products this year.  Danfoss’ MCE 2024 award-winning Alsmart® Universal Controller platform will come to market in 2024, as well as its R290-optimized brazed-plate heat exchangers, further supporting the increasing demand for heat pumps, including in residential single-home setups.

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

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.

Peter Van Den Heede, Head of Sales and Marketing, Benelux, ABB Motion, explains how electrification systems are paving the way for sustainable urban landscapes.  As the fight against climate change intensifies, the European Union has set crystal clear targets on the path to Net Zero. If we are to meet the EU’s ambitious goals of a 55 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and complete climate neutrality by 2050, then we need to find ever-smarter ways to save energy.  District heating and cooling (DHC) systems, powered by low-carbon options like, biomass, geothermal energy, and waste heat, have long been recognized as a sustainable solution. However, the real breakthrough in decarbonizing urban heating emerges when district heating integrates with electrification. Indeed, the integration of DHC systems with electricity networks is emerging as a crucial step toward sustainable heating and cooling in urban areas worldwide. Key Technologies For Sustainable Heating Advanced technologies, including large-scale compressors, ultra-low harmonic drive solutions, and optimization software like ABB’s OPTIMAX™, play a pivotal role in managing energy flows and ensuring a balance between supply and demand. There has also been a significant shift toward combined heat and power (CHP) schemes, which are exemplary for their energy efficiency and contribution to grid stability. This article explores in detail the combined potential of electrification and DHCs to deliver significant energy savings, and the key technologies paving the way to sustainable urban heating. The challenges and opportunities of integrating renewables Traditionally, of course, oil and gas were also considered to be a relatively low-cost source of energy In the pursuit of sustainable urban heating, electrification refers to the process of expanding the use of electricity in a manner that prioritizes the planet. This includes the increasing integration of renewable energy sources, rather than traditional fossil fuels, to minimize the environmental impact. Historic resistance to renewable energy for DHCs has largely been driven by an entrenched reliance on fossil fuels and their established, familiar infrastructure. Traditionally, of course, oil and gas were also considered to be a relatively low-cost source of energy. But with rising oil prices making alternative electricity generation more appealing, the landscape is shifting. This shift is particularly significant for heating systems with an electrical component, as they can leverage diverse energy sources, including renewables, which reduces their vulnerability to fluctuations in the price of oil.  And while fossil fuel technologies have long been perceived as more reliable and capable of providing consistent heat compared to renewable sources such as wind and solar – both of which are inherently intermittent – new technologies are unlocking the powerful synergies between DHCs and electrification to improve electrical grid power quality and efficiency, further supporting the case for renewable energy sources. The merits of combined heat and power schemes Combined heat and power (CHP) schemes have gained popularity across Europe as a sustainable heating and cooling solution, primarily due to their enhanced energy efficiency. CHP systems are designed to generate both electricity and useful heat simultaneously from a single energy source, such as natural gas, biomass, or waste heat. This dual production of energy significantly improves overall efficiency compared to separate electricity and heat generation methods, reducing the environmental impact and resource consumption. CHP systems are designed to induce electricity and useful heat simultaneously from a single source Utilizing waste heat that would otherwise be discarded, such as in space or water heating, can help reduce the demand for conventional heating fuels. CHPs maximize the use of available energy, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and increasing sustainability in district heating systems. Additionally, CHPs can be integrated with a variety of renewable energy sources and can contribute significantly to grid stability by switching swiftly between alternative heat sources. But opportunities can also be found right under our feet. Such was the case in Denmark, where an underground water source proved pivotal in supplying carbon-neutral heating to an entire town. Transforming district heating in Broager, Denmark The district heating and cooling facility in Broager faced the challenge of achieving carbon neutrality while efficiently meeting the energy needs of its community of approximately 1,200 people. With the increasing global emphasis on sustainability, there was a need to transition from conventional heating methods to more eco-friendly alternatives. Broager District Heating (BDH) pioneered a sustainable solution by implementing a comprehensive district heating system. The key components of this solution included harnessing solar and geothermal energy and utilizing the local groundwater as a heat source. BDH adopted pioneering edge technologies, such as a first-of-its-kind groundwater heat pump system, a vast solar thermal collector system, and an electrical boiler for heating the cool groundwater. ABB components, including advanced variable speed drives (VSDs) and motors, are playing a crucial role in optimizing the system's performance. Integration of ABB components The intuitive and user-friendly nature of ABB drives facilitated seamless operation and maintenance The geothermal heat pump, a standout feature of the system, extracted thermal energy from underground water, achieving an impressive Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 4, meaning it produced 4 kW of heat for every 1 kW of electricity input. ABB’s drives were employed to regulate motor speeds in the compressors, ensuring energy efficiency and enabling significant energy savings, of up to 60 percent. The intuitive and user-friendly nature of ABB drives facilitated seamless operation and maintenance. Broager District Heating's commitment to sustainable practices resulted in a district heating facility that is almost 100 percent carbon neutral. The integration of ABB components, particularly variable speed drives (VSDs) to regulate compressor motors, contributed to remarkable energy savings and efficiency improvements. VSDs and high-efficiency motors offer next-level power savings Motors used in district energy systems usually run constantly at full speed. To adjust the airflow of a fan or the flow from a pump, operators generally use mechanical methods such as throttling, which is inefficient and energy-wasting. However, adopting VSDs can significantly reduce energy consumption in heat generation since they will adjust the motors’ speed to suit an application’s exact requirements. Depending on the application, VSDs can generally produce energy savings of 20 to 60 percent. Depending on the application, VSDs can generally produce energy savings of 20 to 60 percent Network operators can further reduce energy consumption in heat generation, transmission, and distribution by pairing VSDs with the latest IE4 or IE5 efficiency class motors, instantly reducing a facility’s carbon footprint. In the context of today’s escalating energy costs, return on investment is often realized within a year or less. Ultra-low harmonic (ULH) drives present a further opportunity to improve energy efficiency, by minimizing electrical disturbances and reducing power losses, ensuring a smoother and more efficient conversion of electrical energy into mechanical power. Digitalization for improved reliability District energy systems must demonstrate a consistently high degree of reliability and efficiency. Facility managers are increasingly digitalizing processes with smart sensors and connectivity devices to improve performance. The most advanced drive systems can even automatically detect blockages in air systems, gears needing lubrication, and heat pumps facing bearing failures. Sensors placed throughout the entire DHC system enable proactive maintenance by allowing operators to spot possible issues before they present major problems that could result in unscheduled downtime. ABB’s OPTIMAX™ software platform Ability to monitor and optimize the district heating system in an integrated way across all power streams  The ability to monitor and optimize the district heating system in an integrated manner across all energy streams is where the synergy with the electrical grid really shines, like with ABB’s OPTIMAX™ software platform. It not only ensures that the total carbon emissions and energy costs are significantly reduced, but also that the resilience of both the heating and electrical grid is improved due to the addition of a forecasting and optimal planning step.  This is especially valuable in highly congested areas, where normal operations would more quickly reach their technical limits, pioneering to serious, unplanned downtime. Luckily, these software applications have seen multiple decades of development time and are robust and proven technologies. The future landscape Improving energy efficiency is not a choice. It’s a necessity if we are to combat climate change. Here, the dynamic synergy between DHC systems and electrification emerges as a vital step, creating powerful sustainability opportunities and standing as a pivotal cornerstone in our quest for carbon neutrality. Recent and planned energy projects across Europe underscore the importance of these synergies. For example, in Belgium, the Antwerp 2030 roadmap is utilizing a citywide heat network to annually reduce CO2 emissions by 71,000 tons by 2030. While in Denmark, Aalborg’s ambitious plan for a 176 MW heat pump exemplifies the potential of such pumps in creating a more sustainable urban heating ecosystem. Furthermore, localized heat islands in areas like Kiel, Germany present a tangible vision of the future of DHC based on sustainable heat sources. The smart and powerful mix of high-efficiency components, optimization software, and integrated heat and electric synergies is a winning combination that will undoubtedly accelerate our journey toward a greener future.

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.

The idea of Energy as a Service involves shifting the traditional business model from selling energy as a commodity to providing a comprehensive package of goods and services to address a customer’s energy use and management. Rather than selling energy, the approach encompasses complete stewardship of a company’s energy needs in exchange for a monthly fee. Because 40% or so of a company’s typical energy needs are related to heating and cooling systems, implementing Energy as a Service (EaaS) is tied directly to a company’s HVAC systems. heat pumps and HVAC technologies In the EaaS scenario, an outside company pledges to meet a customer’s energy needs at a discount, say 5%, below what they currently pay. By then strategically seeking to lower the customer’s energy costs by more than 5%, the EaaS company uses the extra margin to pay its own costs and to attain a profit. For example, if a customer’s energy costs can be lowered by 30%, the EaaS company retains 25% every month for the term of the agreement, typically 10 years. Any costs associated with providing the service come out of the 25%. In the EaaS scenario, an outside company pledges to meet a customer’s energy needs at a discount Specifically, working to lower energy costs by that much involves an upfront investment in infrastructure, such as heat pumps and HVAC technologies, to lessen energy consumption. The idea is that the profitability of lowering energy costs will offset even a substantial investment over time. Energy-related infrastructure Briefly stated, that is the business model of Budderfly, which assumes management of a company’s energy infrastructure and becomes the “account holder” with the utility. Once an EaaS contract is signed, Budderfly then invests to upgrade the customer’s energy-related infrastructure, including LED lighting, refrigeration, etc., in addition to HVAC. The goal is to decrease energy usage by 30% or more.  Budderfly typically upgrades the variable frequency drive (VFD) When upgrading the infrastructure, Budderfly “owns” any new infrastructure assets for the term of the EaaS agreement, say 10 years, and amortizes the cost over the timespan. At the end of the term, the assets are turned back over to the customer unless they renew the contract. In the HVAC arena, Budderfly typically upgrades the variable frequency drive (VFD), economizers, and other equipment in a rooftop unit or other machinery when it takes on a new customer. Embraces the EaaS scenario EaaS has a direct incentive to invest in the newest technology to slip the client energy usage “Looking at the opportunity to save 5% of their energy costs, many customers think it seems too good to be true,” says Al Subbloie, President, CEO and Founder at Budderfly. The price of the EaaS contract is based on a two-year review of the customer’s utility bill, which creates a baseline against which the 5% discount is provided. On the consumption side, replacing a rooftop unit with a new Lennox, Carrier, or Trane high-efficiency unit can provide 30 to 40% savings in energy usage. When a customer embraces the EaaS scenario, the EaaS company has an immediate incentive to invest in the newest technology to lower the customer’s energy usage. The more they save on energy, the more they earn in profits. EaaS approach In contrast, in a business model involving energy purchased as a commodity, there is little urgency to upgrade the equipment. That explains why so much equipment currently installed is so out-of-date and energy inefficient, says Subbloie. “We did not expect the infrastructure to be so bad,” he says. “I am sharing something the world is not aware of. As long as cool and hot air are coming out of the vents, no one is looking at the energy impact.” In fact, the EaaS approach is a growing factor in decarbonization. “We are a private capital method to save the world,” says Subbloie. “We are aligning capitalism and putting it to use to save the world (from climate change),” he says. Additional investments by Budderfly Budderfly can make a profit on an EaaS contract if it can achieve 30% savings on total energy costs Subbloie says Budderfly can make a profit on an EaaS contract if it can achieve 30% savings on total energy costs. Of the 30%, Budderfly returns 5% typically to the customer and then spends about 15% on capital improvements, amortized over 10 years. Additional investments by Budderfly include 3 to 4% on technology such as thermostats, metering and controls, and data systems. Other costs are to pay Budderfly’s 300 or so employees.  In the refrigeration realm, which might account for 15 or 20% of energy usage, Budderfly deploys controllers (such as KE2 Therm Solutions and NRM) to smartly regulate the compressor operation in refrigeration units. Door alert monitors and upgraded seals avoid any leakage of cool air. Deploying R-290 (propane) refrigerant systems boosts energy efficiency. EaaS strategy When Budderfly deploys solar systems, the cost becomes just another line on the customer’s bill – there is no purchase agreement or lease involved. Budderfly is transparent with the customer in terms of the money they invest in infrastructure and other costs. In addition to providing the customer with the initial 5% discount, Budderfly also typically shares with the customer half of the proceeds of any energy savings they can achieve above 30%. The EaaS strategy is applicable to a variety of markets, but Budderfly is finding initial success in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) market, where repeatable footprints of individual locations make EaaS calculations predictable and scalable. Probably 80% of their business is in casual dining and QSR installations, including 75 or so well-known restaurant brands; they work with large franchisees who operate multiple brands. top-down relationships Budderfly also has firms in healthcare needs, nursing facilities, office buildings, amenity stores Budderfly is also working to establish “top-down” relationships at the restaurants’ corporate level, which has the ability to impose EaaS as a standard throughout its footprint. “As the climate focus becomes more important, a restaurant brand might say to do it everywhere,” says Subbloie. Hotels and motels are another vertical markets amenable to this approach, and Budderfly also has business in healthcare markets, nursing facilities, office buildings, convenience stores, and other retail. They seek to limit each building’s size to 200,000 square feet or less. Regulated and deregulated rates Budderfly has a team that handles the onboarding of new customers, which involves a short, two-page agreement. Their automated system is connected to 500 utilities, and Budderfly tracks all the regulated and deregulated rates. If rates go up, their billing increases, still based on the 5% reduction that is part of the agreement.  Budderfly benefits from its high-volume acquisition of HVAC equipment at lower prices. “We buy a lot of stuff, we have agreements to buy at volume pricing, and we are constantly negotiating to lower the price,” says Subbloie. “We buy the best of the best to achieve the greatest energy-saving outcome, for obvious reasons. We negotiate prices on the expectation that our volume will make it lucrative (for OEMs).” Subbloie says Budderfly is the largest buyer of roof-top units in the country. Energy-efficient HVAC systems Budderfly’s model enables the facility of the latest and most energy-efficient tools In the scenario of buying energy as a commodity, customers have less incentive to proactively replace their HVAC infrastructure with more efficient models. They also may not have the means to invest in capital improvements to achieve better energy efficiency outcomes. In contrast, Budderfly’s model encourages the installation of the latest and most energy-efficient equipment, and that the equipment is fine-tuned and maintained. By pushing the transition to decarbonization based on an old-fashioned business motive (i.e., profit), Budderfly seeks to jump-start the adoption of more energy-efficient HVAC systems on a large scale. “We have an economic model that is sustainable,” says Subbloie. Investment in AI Budderfly also provides customers with abundant data on their energy usage, including submetering architecture that does 20 to 40 measurements per location.  Each point of energy use reports back every five seconds, providing operational data and suggesting a possible investment in artificial intelligence (AI) to make operations even smarter. 

AHR Expo 2024 was abuzz with activity, befitting a dynamic industry in the throes of change.  Industry developments such as electrification and the refrigerant transition render business opportunities on the AHR Expo show floor, where exhibitors display a determination to meet the challenges and thrive in the process. Walking from booth to booth during the three-day show in Chicago, I saw the best the HVAC industry has to offer, up close and personal. Innovation and adaptability are the watchwords as the industry journeys into 2024 and beyond. Refrigerant Transition Top of Mind  Patented R-454B refrigerant enables a simpler transition without redesigning equipment The technology transition is well underway for OEMs seeking to meet a pending AIM Act deadline at the end of the year. OEMs are choosing to embrace either R-32 or R454-B refrigerant to replace legacy R-410A, which is being phased out. Patented R-454B refrigerant enables a simpler transition without redesigning equipment, while R-32 offers advantages such as higher capacity, higher efficiency, and easier cradle-to-cradle management. Arkema Arkema is the only producer of R-32 refrigerant in the United States. The newer refrigerant is being embraced as HVAC OEMs seek to meet the deadline of Jan. 1, 2025, to use lower-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerants in their products. The technology transition is just part of the AIM Act implementation that will also limit allocation and require refrigerant management. Chemours Chemours is a manufacturer of R-454A, R-454B, and R-454C refrigerants. At AHR, they presented hourly education sessions on a variety of subjects. The refrigerant transition will impact everyone in the industry, including refrigerant producers, equipment manufacturers, contractors, and end users. R-454B refrigerant provides identical performance in HVAC systems compared to the previous refrigerant (R-410A). There is less need to redesign equipment; just adding sensors for leak mitigation can address the mild flammability of A2L refrigerants. Because of the 2025 deadline, 2024 will be the “year of new products” in the HVAC market. OEMs pioneering Innovation  Carrier and others are offering smaller footprints, seeking to meet environmental targets Innovation in the HVAC market is led by companies such as Carrier, which has introduced 100 new products each year for the past eight years. Carrier and others are offering smaller footprints, seeking to meet environmental targets, and providing flexibility for customers. New products include the AquaSnap 30RC air-cooled chiller and the AquaEdge 19MV chiller with low GWP refrigerant to meet pending regulatory requirements.  Copeland Copeland, recently divested from Emerson, also emphasizes innovation, including 12 research and development (R&D) facilities, 1,700 engineers, and more than 3,000 patents. At a press conference at AHR Expo, the 100-year-old company announced it is a “new” company owned by Blackstone Private Equity.  Products featured Among the featured products at AHR are Copeland’s oil-free centrifugal compressor with Aero-lift bearing technology; and Copeland’s CC200 case controller, specifically designed to handle the unique challenges of the current retail grocery refrigeration environments. Copeland also pledges to play a role in educating the market about new trends and the transition to new refrigerants.  Emphasizing a Smaller Footprint  Trailblazer AGZ-F is an R-32 air-cooled scroll chiller that delivers 10% greater capacity and efficiency Daikin Daikin highlights the Atmosphera, a single-zone ductless split system (using R-32) that can reduce carbon emissions by 80% (compared to R-410A). Also, Trailblazer AGZ-F is an R-32 air-cooled scroll chiller that delivers 10% greater capacity and efficiency. Products emphasize a smaller footprint and less weight than their predecessors. Rebel Applied is a packaged rooftop unit that continually adjusts operation to address the building load, consuming less energy. Trailblazer HP is an air-to-water heat pump chiller with a reversing function that allows the product to switch between cooling and heating based on temperature requirements.  Friedrich Air Conditioning Friedrich Air Conditioning features the Breeze universally flexible inverter heat pump, a ducted mini-split for upgrading traditional equipment. It works with any furnace or air handler, has side discharge, is 40% smaller, and is cold weather capable to minus 13. Friedrich's new Vert-I-Pak is a line of M1-compliant single package Vertical Heat Pumps (available in 9K, 12K, 18K, and 24K Btu), supporting decarbonization efforts with heat pump operation down to 10°F. High Efficiency for Commercial and Residential Johnson Controls Johnson Controls exhibits their highly efficient residential and commercial HVAC solutions designed for Department of Energy (DOE) 2023 compliance and helping customers achieve Net Zero goals through decarbonization. On display was the York High-Efficiency 18 SEER2 Side-Discharge Heat Pump with up to 30% smaller footprint than vertical-discharge equipment. Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning's Aircore 700 single split system is aimed at light commercial and residential. Midea Their 3-ton model achieved 118% of rated capacity heating output at minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit Midea, known for selling consumer products, has kept a low profile in the professional sector, selling products that are either OEMed for Carrier or private-labeled by a contractor company. Seeking to promote the Midea brand, the Chinese company is staking its claim on the trade market with an emphasis on performance: The company exceeded performance in the Department of Energy’s “ColdClimate Heat Pump Challenge:” Their 3-ton model achieved 118% of rated capacity heating output at minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat pump awareness Results of a survey conducted by Midea show that more than half of homeowners are not fully aware of heat pumps and their function. Awareness lags among contractors, too: 70% of contractors indicate they do not know that the current’s advanced heat pumps can generate 100% heat output to a minimum temperature of minus 4 F. Wide Selection of New Products Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US emphasizes all-electric heat pump solutions. The Deluxe Wall-mounted H2i sumo System connects with an outdoor unit, and the intelli-HEAT dual fuel system can determine the best source of heat – electric or gas – on cold days. Among commercial products, Heat2OHeat Pump Water Heaters are designed to produce high-volume domestic hot water for commercial facilities in any climate. LG Electronics LG Electronics’ booth includes a wide product range, including advanced heating, ventilating, air conditioning LG Electronics’ booth includes a wide product range, including advanced heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and building management solutions for residential and commercial applications. Home electrification products include the LG R32 Air-to-Water Heat Pump Monobloc system; the LG Inverter Heat Pump Water Heater the LG Electronics Home 8 Energy Storage System, and ThinQ, LG’s mobile app. LG Art Cool Gallery multi-zone wall-mount indoor unit The LG Art Cool Gallery multi-zone wall-mount indoor unit features a customizable picture frame that doubles as a cooling and heating vent. Also, LG’s Medium and High-Temperature Hydro Kit Systems use a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger to produce chilled or heated water. LG’s Split Compact M3 DOAS with Multi V S is suited to light commercial use where single-phase power is available and as an HVAC solution for outdoor air treatment. Easier Access for Technicians  Rheem Manufacturing New equipment at the Rheem Manufacturing booth at AHR Expo includes true multi-zone operation, smaller footprints, lighter weights, and components that are positioned for easy access by technicians. An LED in the control cabinet displays a fault code that identifies the problem to service technicians. The Resolute and Renaissance lines are commercially packaged heat pump units. The company is emphasizing the transition from R-410A to R-454B refrigerant by the end of 2024. Aeroseal Whether a new install or a retrofit, the product saves energy, saves money, and keeps customers compliant Aeroseal seals ducts by spraying a vinyl acetate polymer substance to increase HVAC efficiency. Whether a new install or a retrofit, the product saves energy, saves money, and keeps customers compliant, and a 30% tax deduction is available through the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).  Airzone Airzone is a Spanish company that controls inverters and VRFs (variable refrigerant flow units). Their communication gateway controller incorporates protocols from various manufacturers, and the Easyzone is an easy-to-install zoning system.  Infinitum Infinitum manufactures a motor system that leverages a printed circuit board as a stator, making the motor system lighter weight and also smaller, quieter, and more efficient. The Aircore EC uses a standard printed circuit board manufacturing process to eliminate bearings. The component is used in blowers by OEMs Lau, Acme, Canarm, and Peerless, whose products are displayed at the booth.  Bell & Gossett Bell & Gossett debuts its line of smart, connected products designed to improve sustainability Bell & Gossett, a Xylem brand, debuts its line of smart, connected products designed to improve the sustainability of commercial buildings and reduce complexity in the design process. Combining pumps and smart motors are the e-1510 end-suction pump, e-80 vertical in-line pump, and TECHNOFORCE e-HV packaged booster system.  NIBCO Simplifying the job of an HVAC installer is the PressACR copper press connection system from NIBCO, which connects copper pipes without brazing, which involves soldering and high temperatures, thus a fire hazard. The patent-pending groove design and crimp pattern support the higher-pressure requirement of an HVACR system. Pipes are pressed together using PressACR jaws and adapter jaws in a variety of sizes. NIBCO also displayed its Webstone brand of residential and commercial valves.  Control Products Provide Data  Resideo Resideo displayed home system products, including the Honeywell Home T10+ thermostat with RedLINK 3.0; sensors enable temperature balancing for hot and cold spots. Pro-IQ Services provides software tools designed for the connected home, including insights on heating, cooling, water, and indoor air quality devices to help contractors track customers. Professional-grade water damage prevention, the First Alert L2 WiFi Water Sensor and Switch provide alarms if there is a water leak.  Schneider Electric The EcoStruxure Building Operation system is open system software for building and facility management Schneider Electric seeks to be “digital partners for our customers,” working with Fortune 500 companies seeking to achieve ESG (environment, social and corporate governance) goals. They help customers establish where they are currently vis-à-vis their goals and then deploy science-based key performance indicators (KPIs) to direct them to where they want to be. The EcoStruxure Building Operation system is open system software for building and facility management, including two products for the small and medium building (SMB) market. Energy measurement Schneider measures energy usage through power meters, indoor air quality, and energy spent to achieve efficiency, compiling data according to what the customer wants to achieve. They sell through a national sales team, direct branch business (20 branches), and 200 system integrators (EcoXperts). Their customers include QSR (quick-service restaurant chains) that control climate centrally with data compiled in the cloud.  Siemens Siemens displays solutions for smart, adaptable buildings for a sustainable tomorrow, including the Building X system and the Sustainability Manager application, providing an understanding of a building’s performance and tracking it against sustainability and compliance targets. The Building X Lifecycle Twin tracks operational building performance via a “digital twin,” providing an augmented reality (AR) headset through which one can view equipment with information superimposed on the screen. Uponor  Uponor seeks to leverage the capital cost of heating systems to deliver heating and hot water. They make pipes and connectors and other technologies, including the AuqaPort, which improves water quality and energy savings in domestic hot water (DHW) applications. They seek to future-proof buildings by combining energy efficiency and comfort. Water recirculates and provides hot water on demand using 40% less piping. A “radiant roll-out mat” is preconfigured piping that can be rolled out to simplify installation. 

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

Mulberry’s of Beaconsfield is a prestigious salon spa set in the stunning Chiltern Hills. It is known for its high-end bespoke treatments and faced a significant HVAC challenge during a peak summer heatwave. The compressor on the multi-split air conditioning condenser supplying numerous treatment areas failed, risking the comfort and satisfaction of their discerning clients. SFE Services, a Buckinghamshire-based HVAC service provider, stepped in to offer an efficient and time-critical repair. Installation and compressor challenges Mulberry's internal fit-out, had included the installation of the air conditioning system before SFE Services' involvement. When the compressor failure occurred, it was crucial to address it promptly to maintain the business’s operational standards. SFE Services responded the same day, showcasing its commitment to customer service. The team provided knowledgeable advice. They suggested repairing the existing unit instead of opting for a new and costly re-installation. While new installations are sometimes necessary, SFE Services demonstrated that repairs can be a more sustainable and economical choice when feasible. seamless and efficient services  SFE Services sourced the necessary equipment within the same week and conducted the repairs SFE Services sourced the necessary equipment within the same week and conducted the repairs out of regular business hours to avoid any disruption. Mulberry’s operates from 9 am to 8 pm so the work needed to be done without affecting trading hours. The SFE Services team’s dedication was evident as they arrived on site at 6:00 am and even provided key management to open the premises early in the morning, ensuring the work was completed seamlessly and efficiently. air conditioning and air quality In a spa setting, air conditioning and air quality are vital for ambiance, client comfort, and product efficacy. Mulberry needed a working system to create a tailored atmosphere for various treatments. For instance, when clients relax body temperature decreases so it is often preferred to have a warm environment during massages. For waxing, cooler air is essential to obtain the best treatment results. ventilation Also, proper ventilation is necessary to remove unpleasant fumes in the air while using certain products such as acetone. The ability to control the air quality and temperature not only enhances the client's experience but also serves as a unique selling point for the business. The presence of air conditioning & ventilation becomes especially noticeable when it is absent, underlining its importance. benefits of air conditioning system Clients can enjoy a comfortable setting for treatments like body massages, which might otherwise be unappealing Mulberry highlighted the benefits of having a reliable air conditioning system. It can offer a perfect environment tailored to each client's needs, even during a summer heatwave. This capability sets them apart from competitors, as clients can enjoy a comfortable setting for treatments like body massages, which might otherwise be unappealing in hot weather. customer-focused HVAC solutions SFE Services intervention at Mulberry’s of Beaconsfield exemplifies their commitment to providing timely, knowledgeable, and customer-focused HVAC solutions. SFE Services' ability to work around the salon’s long hours, coupled with their expertise in offering economical options, highlights their position as a trusted service provider in the HVAC industry.

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.

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

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

HVAC systems perform an important function in healthcare facilities, ensuring an environment conducive to healing and optimum health. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How can the industry address HVAC challenges in hospitals and healthcare facilities?  

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?