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MARCH 2013 | www.hpac.com A Penton Publication
2013 AHR Expo
Product Review
Design Solutions:
Duct-Sealing Technology and
DOAS With Energy Recovery
Maximizing Outdoor-Air-
Economizer Operation
Product Spotlight: Rooftop Units
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7/27/2019 HPAC - 201303
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FEATURES:
22 2013 AHR Expo Product ReviewThe 2013 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating
Exposition (AHR Expo) was held Jan. 28-30 in Dallas. Here is a look atsome of the exhibited products you may have missed.
SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES/MANUFACTURING AND INDUSTRIAL/HOSPITALS AND HEALTH CARE/
COMMERCIAL OFFICE BUILDINGS/GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS
26 Why Retrocommission Your Building?With energy costs on the rise and the future of oil, natural gas, and otherfossil fuels unknown, saving energy is top of mind for many buildingowners and managers. The ticket to increased energy efficiencyas wellas increased occupant satisfaction and lower operating costsisretrocommissioning. This article discusses what retrocommissioning is,why it is important, what buildings need it, and what its benefits are.Additionally, the article discusses ways in which retrocommissioning isimplemented and touches on pertinent code changes.
By William J. Stangeland
SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES/MANUFACTURING AND INDUSTRIAL/HOSPITALS AND HEALTH CARE/
COMMERCIAL OFFICE BUILDINGS/GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS
30 Maximizing Outdoor-Air-Economizer OperationMany variable-air-volume systems are designed with incompatible and/orincomplete control strategiesthat undermine the perfor-mance of outdoor-air econo-mizers. This article discusseshow, through proper applica-tion of modern tools, such asdirect digital control and highly
accurate, low-cost instruments,a much higher level of successcan be achieved. Many of themethods discussed in this arti-cle are not industry-standard practice, but nonetheless worth consideringin the name of controllability, performance, and energy efficiency.
By Craig F. Hofferber, CxA, CSI
HPAC Heating/Piping/Air Conditioning Engineering(ISSN 1527-4055) is published monthly by Penton Media, Inc., 9800 MetcalfAve., Overland Park, KS 66212-2216. Periodicals Postage Paid at Shawnee Mission, KS and at additional mailing offices. CanadianPost Publications Mail agreement No. 40612608. Canada return address: Pitney Bowes, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Customer Service, HPAC Engineering, P.O. Box 2100, Skokie, IL 60076-7800. Member ofAmerican Business Press Inc. and Business Publications Audit of Circulation, Inc.
ART ICLE REPRINTS and E-PR INTS: Increase exposure by including article reprints and e-prints in your next promotionalproject. High-quality article reprints and e-prints are available by contacting Wrights Media at 877-652-5295, e-mail:penton@wrightsmedi a.co m, Website: www.wrightsmedia.com.
Weil Im Thinking of It ... ............... 5
Sounding Board ............................ 6
Engineering Green Buildings .......... 8
News & Notes ............................. 12
INSIDE HPAC ENGINEERINGMARCH 2013 VOL. 85, NO. 3
PUBLISHING OFFICES:
The Penton Media Building1300 E. Ninth St.
Cleveland, OH 44114-1503216-696-7000
Fax: 216-696-3432www.hpac.com
e-mail: hpac@penton.com
DAVID MILLER
Vice President,
Electrical & Mechanical Systems,
Energy & Construction
DAN ASHENDEN
Group Publisher,
Mechanical Systems/Construction
MICHAEL WEIL
Editorial Director
SCOTT ARNOLD
Executive Editor
RON RAJECKI
Senior Editor
CONNIE CONKLINArt Director
KATHRYN FINCH
Production Coordinator
SONJA CHEADLE
Audience Development Manager
ANGIE GATES
Group Digital Director
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CALIFORNIA/TEXAS
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Austin, TX 78734
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Fax: 913-514-6628e-mail: randle.jeter@penton.com
NORTH CENTRAL/NEW ENGLAND/SOUTHEAST
JOE DAHLHEIMER
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Fax: 913-514-6663
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DAVID KIESELSTEIN
Chief Executive Officer
ON THE COVER:Most buildings are not performing to their potential . Thus, it is important to consider
retrocommissioning, as the majority of existing buildings have not undergone any type of
commissioning or quality-assurance testing. To learn more, read Why Retrocommission
Your Building? by William J. Stangeland, beginning on Page 26.
Design Solutions ......................... 16
Product Spotlight ........................ 20
Classifieds ................................. 38
Ad Index ..................................... 40
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This is somewhat of a rhetoricalquestion. I ask it because there isso much buzz over the importanceof building performance and the
need to document and certify that ourcommercial, industrial, and residentialstructures are meeting energy standardsand government regulations.
I certainly am a proponentof building performance. Ibel ieve most people in theindustry are, too. But thenthere is LEED (Leadership inEnergy and EnvironmentalDesign), the de facto green-building certification standarddeveloped by the U.S. GreenBuilding Council (USGBC). Arecent study by Turner Con-struction Co. shows a major-ity of real-estate owners, de-
velopers, and corporate owneroccupants are planning newprojects this yearboth newconstruction and renovationwith the intent of making useof environmentally sustain-able practices. Interestinglyenough, these same respon-dents are not so committed toobtaining LEED certification(ht tp:/ /bi t . ly /LessLEED ) .
In fact, the number of respondentssaying they will seek LEED certification fortheir projects has been on the decline forthree years running. This and many other
studies show the construction industryremains concerned that the cost of suchcertification is too high, with too long of apayback period. They do not show that theindustry is not committed to sustainabilityor building performance.
Many seek other types of certificationto prove their buildings meet green goals.The ENERGY STAR certification programis very popular, according to the study.
In January, HPAC Engi ne er ing pub-lished an article titled A Paler Shade of
Green by John H. Scofield (http://bit .ly/Scofield_0113). The article discusses theconstruction of the Adam Joseph LewisCenter for Environmental Studies at
Oberlin College, which was designed to bea zero-energy building in the late 1990s.The intentions were good. The bad newsis that over its first 11 years, the buildingfailed to perform at zero-energy levels.
Study of the buildings energy use ledto corrections and redesigns that resulted
in 2012 being the first calen-dar year in which the centerproduced more electric energythan it consumed. However, thefinancial sustainability of theAdam Joseph Lewis Centermodel remains unclear. Therewere many reasons for thefailure of the initial design,and the story of this seems tobe far from over.
Obviously, this is a very ex-pensive and time-consumingprocess. I do not believe theproject was LEED-certified,although it received muchnotoriety for its design and
proposed efficiency.Could the certification pro-cess have uncovered the prob-lems? Not necessarily, andtherein lies the rub.
Concerns about stated en-ergy use vs. actual energy use
in the LEED process remain, and althoughthe USGBC addressed this in the mandatedenergy-use requirement of LEED v3, itisnt retroactive, and some LEED-certifiedbuildings remain energy hogs. Version 4,
which is scheduled for review this year,may address this problem, but, right now, itremains an open question.
As an industry, I believe we have tocontinue working on ways to reduce thecost of green buildings, and part of thoseefforts should be focused on the cost ofachieving certification.
I also believe it doesnt end there. Asimportant as certification is, it meansnothing if measurement and testing arentperformed on a regular basis to prove that
a building is operating at design levels.Is certification necessary? Yes.But building performance does not begin
and end with that certification.
EDITORIALADVISORY BOARD:
William G. AckerAcker & Associates
William P. Bahnfleth, PhD, PEThe Pennsylvania State University
Don Beaty, PE, FASHRAEDLB Associates Consulting Engineers
Edward H. Brzezowski, PE, LEED APNoveda Technologies Inc.
wrence (Larry) Clark, LEED AP O+Mustainable Performance Solutions LLC
William J. Coad, PE, FASHRAECoad Engineering Enterprises
eter C. DAntonio, PE, CEM, LEED APPCD Engineering Services Inc.
Kenneth M. Elovitz, PE, Esq.Energy Economics Inc.
Ben Erpelding, PE, CEMOptimum Energy LLC
Kenneth E. Gill, PEIntegrated Design Group Inc.
Alfred E. Guntermann, PE, FASHRAEGuntermann Engineering LLC
Thomas Hartman, PEThe Hartman Co.
Asif Kadiani, PE, CEMHanson Professional Services Inc.
John H. Klote, PE, DSc
Valentine A. Lehr, PE, FASHRAELehr Consultants International
John J. Lembo, LEED APThe Ferreira Group
Mark S. Lentz, PELentz Engineering Associates Inc.
Dave Moser, PE, CPMPPECI
Joel N. Orr, PhDOrr Associates International
J. Jay Santos, PEFacility Dynamics Engineering
Glenn M. Showers, PEBBS Engineering, a GAI company
Andrew J. Streifel, MPH
University of Minnesota
Robert W. Tinsley, PE, CFPS, CIAQPP2RS Group
James P. Waltz, PE, CEM, ACFEEnergy Resource Associates Inc.
Gary W. Wamsley, PE, CEMJoGar Energy Services
Dennis J. Wessel, PE, LEED APKarpinski Engineering
Michael K. West, PhD, PEAdvantek Consulting
Ron Wilkinson, PE, LEED APe4 inc.
Gerald J. Williams, PE, LEED AP8760 Engineering LLC
James A. Wise, PhDEco-Integrations Inc.
Is Building Certification Really Necessary?
WEIL IM THINKING OF IT ...BY MICHAEL S. WEIL, EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Building
performance
does notbegin and
end with
certification.
http://bit.ly/LessLEEDhttp://bit.ly/LessLEEDhttp://bit.ly/LessLEEDhttp://bit.ly/Scofield_0113http://bit.ly/Scofield_0113http://bit.ly/Scofield_0113http://bit.ly/Scofield_0113http://bit.ly/Scofield_0113http://bit.ly/Scofield_0113http://bit.ly/LessLEED -
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A Paler Shade of GreenJohn H. Scofields analysis of the
performance of the Adam JosephLewis Center for EnvironmentalStudies at Oberlin College (A PalerShade of Green, January 2013,
ht tp :/ /b it .l y/Scof ie ld_0113) was abreath of fresh air. It is rare amongarticles on green or LEED buildingsor those purporting to be zero netenergy not to find long paragraphsof optimistic but unsubstantiatedblather about how environmentalthe construction is or how themagical ground-water geothermalheat pumps will heat and cool thebuilding for practically nothing. Butfew articles are written to provide acandid assessment of the buildingsactual performance and failings.
The Scofield article points outthe hard truth that it is very difficultto construct a high-performancecommercial building. We can infer
that design firms too often turn outdrawings for projects that do notcome close to meeting vaunteddesign objectives or public-relationshype. Because few buildings arerigorously monitored after construc-tion, wild claims of high performanceare generally accepted at face valueby the public. One suspects design-ers may feel no qualms about makinggrossly optimistic pronouncementsknowing there will be nobody check-ing. In the worst cases of buildingdesign failure, a more likely expla-nation is that the designers took onwork beyond their competence.
Candid post-occupancy articlessuch as Professor Scofields providea painful but extremely valuableservice to the engineering andarchitectural professions.
While the Scofield article is richwith insight on some of the reasonsthe building did not perform as well
as advertised, more details on thebuilding envelope would have been
very welcome.Carl Mezoff, PE, architect
Stamford, Conn.
Very instructive. One of the besthigh-performance-building casestudies I have read. Neither theengineers nor Oberlin are to beblamed for their courage in funding,designing, and constructing such anadvanced building. However, onlythe full disclosure of actual perfor-mance will lead the way to futureimprovement. Even though thebuilding falls short of (its zero-energygoal), I assume it uses far less energythan a conventional code building.
Ron Wilkinson
Via the Internet
6 HPAC ENGINEERING MARCH 2013
Circle 154
SOUNDING BOARDEDITED BY SCOTT ARNOLD, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
http://www.fireye.com/http://bit.ly/Scofield_0113http://bit.ly/Scofield_0113http://www.fireye.com/mailto:scott.arnold@penton.comhttp://bit.ly/Scofield_0113 -
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While assisting with the commissioningof a biosafety level 3 laboratory for ag-ricultural hazards, I was asked by theproject manager to investigate why the
two 100-percent-redundant, HEPA-filtered, high-veloc-ity exhaust fans serving the space were not performingas designed. Troubleshooting the systemled to a substantial learning experience.
Normal operating mode had thetwo fansoperating in parallel. In the event of a fanfailure, the remaining fan would ramp upto maintain the field-adjustable (FA) ex-haust static-pressure setpoint of 2.95 in.wc. To ensure critical room-pressure dif-ferentials in the space were maintained,this pressure setpoint was achieved withboth fans running at 48.6 Hz variable-fre-quency-drive (VFD) speed. During an ini-tial fan-failure test, with one fan stoppedand its associated isolation dampersclosed, the remaining fan ramped up to60 Hz, but could achieve static pressure ofonly 1.45 in. wc.
During the transition from two redun-dant to one single operating fan, criticalroom differential pressure was being lost.Although some of the pressure-indepen-dent, constant-volume boxes achieved de-sign flow in the space and began throttling,several did not and were 100-percent open. In the timebetween a single fan failing and closing its isolationdamper and the redundant fan ramping up to meet load,the air terminals opened up, looking for more flow. Theboxes on the shortest (lowest pressure drop) brancheswere able to achieve flow and begin throttling, but the
boxes on more distant (higher pressure drop) brancheswere starvedand the static-pressure setpoint wasnever reached on one fan.
As I traversed the clean side of the ductwork up tothe HEPA-filter caisson to create a static-pressure profileof the system, I looked for significant losses that could becorrected. I did not continue the profile on the dirtyside of the HEPA filters, as this would call for drilling intofully welded stainless-steel ductwork.
The HEPA caisson had three distinct filter banks withdecontamination ports and bubble-tight dampers up-stream and downstream of each filter to allow for de-
contamination in place prior to filter removal. Through
a systematic series of measurements, I determined oneof the bubble-tight HEPA-filter isolation dampers wasclosed. The indicator on the manual operator was in-stalled incorrectly, showing open when the damperwas closed. This effectively closed off one-third of theHEPA-filter free area and added significant pressure
drop across the remaining filters. By in-creasing the flow to 150 percent of designon the remaining filters, the pressure dropmore than doubled.
With the indicator fixed and HEPA-filter-bank isolation damper open, the failure-mode test was repeated. A single installedfan running alone still could not maintainstatic-pressure setpoint in the space, but itdid show improvement, and we were ableto hold 1.80 in. wc, while all air terminalsbegan to throttle, the worst of which was95-percent open. Critical room airflowsand differential pressures were maintainedto guarantee containment in the space. Jobdone, right?
Wrong. Now we had a system that was
just barely functioning with clean HEPAfilters while maintaining an exhaust-fanstatic setpoint of 2.95 in. wc. How werewe going to ensure the system was ro-bust enough after including the additional1.0-in.-wc pressure drop with dirty filters?
Where could we find an additional 1 in. wc of pressurefrom this system to make the current installation workwithout significant change orders or schedule delays?
While studying the building-automation system, Inoticed while maintaining 2.95-in.-wc setpoint at theexhaust main, the worst-case terminal box was control-
8 HPAC ENGINEERING MARCH 2013
ENGINEERING GREEN BUILDINGSBY KEVIN KOSS, PE, LEED AP; ACS; MADISON, WIS.
Commissioning Uncovers Opportunity for Energy Savings
As
commissioning
agents, we
are ethical
professionals,
and our clients
deserve the
attention
required to
fine-tune their
systems vs. ussimply kicking
the tires.
Kevin Koss, PE, LEED AP, is a mechanical engineer with
ACS, a company specializing in the integration of equipment
and building systems in technically complex test environ-
ments. His responsibil ities include HVAC and mechanical
design and estimating, project engineer-
ing, and commissioning. He has a bach-
elors degree in mechanical engineering
from the University of Wisconsin-Platte-
ville and more than 19 years of industry ex-
perience, including hands-on maintenance
and management as a mechanic in the U.S.
Army Reserves.
Seek out artificial inefficiencies in HVAC systems, and it is likely you will find them
http://www.hpac.com/ -
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10 HPAC ENGINEERING MARCH 2013
ling to only 40-percent open, and allothers serving the space were lessopen. Because they were pressure-independent, constant-flow boxes,I began to manipulate the staticsetpoint. Simultaneously watchingall the boxes serving the space as I
very slowly lowered the setpoint, Iwatched until at least one box was75-percent open to ensure the airterminals were still in a control-lable range. This allowed for mynew static-pressure setpoint to be2.0 in. wc. I found enough addi-tional static to compensate for thedirty filters, with little more costinvested than a couple hours oftime.
In my quest for the system toachieve the static-pressure setpointand provide stable flow for the ex-haust system while operating onefan, I contacted the fan, motor, andVFD manufacturers. Getting allof their blessings, I increased the100-percent VFD maximum speedto 66 Hz. This allowed for the same
exhaust static setpoint of 2.0 in. wcto be reached, regardless of whetherone or two fans were operating.
Analyze the System,Not the Components
The m o s t i m po r t a n t l e s s o nlearned from this troubleshootingexercise is that, many times, the en-gineer of record will enter a con-servative static- pressure setpointbased on the engineering calcula-
tion of the system design (2.95 in.wc FA in this case). The FA optionrarely is exercised on a system thatfunctions per design intent. I neverwould have thought twice about it ifthis system passed the fan-failure-mode functional-performance test.
As commissioning agents, wework closely with test-and-balanceand controls contractors, ensuring afully functioning building system isdelivered to the client. We are ethi-
cal professionals, and our clientsdeserve the attention required tofine-tune their systems vs. us simplykicking the tires.
According to the fan laws:
(2.00 in. 2.95 in.) 48.6 Hz = 40 Hz
which is the new exhaust-fanspeed to maintain set point.
(40 Hz 48.6 Hz)3 = 55.8 percent
which is the reduction in powerconsumption required to maintainthe new lower setpoint.
We started at a reasonable 10-hpoperating point; we are now oper-ating at 5.6 hp. That is a 4.4-hp sav-ings, or 3.3 kw, which is nearly 28,900kwh per year.
Based on the local electrical rates,this subtle and unnoticed setpointmanipulation from 2.95 in. to 2.00in. saved this client more than $2,500per year in electrical utility costs ona system that runs 24/7 because thefans no longer must maintain an ar-bitrarily high static setpoint.
This was one air system in a build-ing with five air handlers and eight ex-haust fans, with hot-water and chilled-water pumps and piping. I estimatean additional $10,000 per year couldbe saved if the same investigation wascompleted on all systems. That maynot be significant to a building thatconsumes $25,000 per month in elec-tricity, but it is real dollars and realsavings in resource consumption andcarbon-dioxide production. The pay-back period for this exercise was onlya couple of months and has a return on
investment that will carry forward.Take a close look at balancingvalves and dampers, circuit setters,and control valves and dampers as awhole system, and look for inefficien-cies. Are you maintaining artificiallyhigh setpoints on the HVAC project
you are working on right now? Areyou operating with the least amountof acceptable pressure drop acrossthe fans and pumps? Are there ar-tificial inefficiencies that could be
removed with little effort to makethe system perform better, more ef-ficiently, and more cost-effectivelythan it does today?
Circle 157
ENGINEERING GREEN BUILDINGS
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Trane made a triumphant returnto the International Air-Con-ditioning, Heating, Refrigerat-
ing Exposition (AHR Expo) in 2013,celebrating its 100-year anniversarywith one of the largest, most talkedabout, and most visited booths at theevent, held Jan. 28-30 in Dallas.
The company, which last exhib-ited at the AHR Expo approximately15 years ago, highlighted seven
new solutions for the health-care,education, hospitality, retail, com-mercial, industrial, and data-centermarkets:
The Advantage VRF variablerefrigerant system, which closelymatches energy use to demand,providing heating and cooling toonly the areas of a building in needof it.
Intelligent variable-air systems,which are said to be 20 to 30
percent more energy-efficient thantraditional variable-air-volume(VAV) systems.
IntelliPak I packaged rooftop
units, which provide static-efficiencyimprovements of 15 to 20 percentcompared with tradit ional fantechnologies and, when coupledwith higher-efficiency refrigeration-system components and systemcontrol strategies, can achievebuilding energy savings of up to22 percent.
The Series S CenTraVac chillerfeaturing AdaptiSpeed technol-
ogy for replacement and retrofitapplications. Axiom variable-speed water-
source heat pumps, now availablein horizontal configurations.
Wireless Comm, said to be theindustrys first control system to runBACnet protocol on top of ZigBeeBuilding Automation standards andto be ZigBee-certified.
High-efficiency terminal deviceswith electrically commutated motors
and single-zone VAV capability.For more highlights from Tranes2013 AHR Expo exhibit, visit www.trane.com/ahr-2013/.
12 HPAC ENGINEERING MARCH 2013
FROM THE FIELD NEWS & NOTESEDITED BY SCOTT ARNOLD, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Trane Celebrates 100 Yearsin Return to the AHR Expo
EnVisioneer Entries Sought
Danfoss, manufacturer of high-
efficiency electronic and
mechanical components and
controls for air-conditioning,
heating, refrigeration, and motion
systems, is accepting entries for
its annual EnVisioneer of the Year
award competition.
The competition recognizes
U.S. end users, municipalities,
building owners, and original-
equipment manufacturers who
introduced a new product, opened
a new facility, or invested in a
building or system upgrade using
Danfoss products or solutions,
realizing significant energy and/or
environmental savings, during the
last 18 months.
A panel of judges representing
different disciplines in the fields
of industry, water, and HVACR
will review all applications and
select the winner, with Danfoss
making a donation to charity inthe winners honor.
Previous recipients of the
award are Smardt Chiller Group
Inc. (2012), Multistack LLC
(2011), and Mars Supermarkets
(2010).
Entries are due no later than
July 1, 2013. For more
information, visit http://bit.ly/
EnVisioneer_award, or contact
Lisa Tryson, director of corporate
communications and publicrelations, at LisaTryson@danfoss
.com or 410-513-1142.
Design-Build Hotline Started
The Design-Build Institute of
America (DBIA) recently
established a hotline for public
agencies and private owners
using or considering design-build,
an approach to project delivery
combining design and
construction services under onecontract, with a single point of
IN BRIEF
Continued on Page 15
In recognition of Tranes 100-year anniversary, visitors to the companys booth at the 2013
AHR Expo in Dallas signed a wall of congratulations.
COURTESY
OFTRANE
http://www.trane.com/ahr-2013/http://www.trane.com/ahr-2013/http://www.trane.com/ahr-2013/http://www.trane.com/ahr-2013/http://bit.ly/EnVisioneer_awardhttp://bit.ly/EnVisioneer_awardhttp://bit.ly/EnVisioneer_awardhttp://bit.ly/EnVisioneer_awardmailto:lisatryson@danfoss.commailto:lisatryson@danfoss.commailto:lisatryson@danfoss.commailto:lisatryson@danfoss.comhttp://www.trane.com/ahr-2013/mailto:lisatryson@danfoss.comhttp://bit.ly/EnVisioneer_award -
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Faster and easier:Flexible, quick, and cost-effective deployment since unit used zero white
space with the data center.
Right-sized:The pre-engineered 50kW modulesthat fit into two frame sizes can be scaled to
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Two economizer modes: Indirect evaporativecooling and air-to-air heat exchange in the same
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Business-wise, Future-driven.
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EasyFaster and easier installationbecause of a single point ofconnection for power.
> Executivesummary
EconomizerModes ofDataCenter cooling Systems
White Paper 132
2013 Schneider Electric. All Rights Reserved. Schneider Electric, APC, InfraStruxure, EcoBreeze, Make the most of your energy, and Business-wise, Future-driven are trademarks owned by
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EcoBreeze is the industrys only economizer with two economization
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In addition, the innovative cooling solution boasts a modular design for
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With an international standing that has attracted more then 4,500 membersand 65 chapters around the world, the Society of Fire Protection EngineersSFPE) advances the science and practice of fire protection engineering world-wide. Our strength and the future of the industry rely on the innovative think-ng and active participation of professional fire protection engineers just likeyou. And, our members realize benefits they cant get anywhere else
Gain the credibility you need to advance your career.
Build life-long alliances and share ideas and solutions with more than4,500 industry peers and 65 local chapters through SFPEs manynetworking opportunities throughout the year.
Stay up to date on new developments (and new opportunities) throughSFPEs monthly e-newsletter, web site postings, blog, and job board.
Sharpen your expertise on technical topics through the quarterly peer re-viewed Journal of Fire Protection Engineering, Fire Protection Engineering
Magazine, design guides, and other publicationsas well as continuingeducation programs, symposia, and distance learning.
Access smart opportunities and enjoy discounts on publications, educa-tional events, and professional liability and group insurance programs.
Shape the future of fire protection engineering by contributingyour time and expertise as a volunteer.
TYes! I would like to advance my career and help shape the future of fire protection engineering. Sign me up for a year of SFPE member benefits. I
understand that the $215 annual membership fee entitles me to all of the benefits described above.
TI am not an engineer, but I would like to build alliances with the industry. Enroll me in the SFPE Allied Professional Group. Annual dues are $107.50.
Complimentary memberships are available to engineering students and recent graduates. Visitwww.sfpe.org/membership/join for application details.
Method of Payment
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The MuseumHouse is a center-piece of luxury living locatedon Torontos prestigious Bloor
Street West. The 19-story buildinghas 27 luxury condominiums. At $2million to $12 million apiece, eachcondo offers residents a stunningpanoramic view of the city, a privateelevator, a grand terrace, and spar-kling glass walls. Until recently, eachcondo also featured excessively leakyductwork: in some cases, 300 cfm ofleakage per unit.
To pass its performance audit andmeet air-handling specifications,
Yorkville Corp., the owners of thisnewly constructed high-rise build-ing, were faced with the prospect oftearing down interior drywall andmanually sealing each of the build-ings 25 duct systems. Instead, theowners enlisted the help of JW Dan-forth, a residential and commercialHVAC contracting company based
in Tonawanda, N.Y., and the areasexperts on Aeroseal duct-sealingtechnology. Aeroseal was used toquickly seal the leaky ducts and getthe HVAC system working to speci-fication, with no costly renovationrequired.
Aeroseal was developed at Law-rence Berkeley National Laboratoryin 1994. It is the only duct-sealanttechnology that is applied from theinside of the duct system. It is deliv-ered as a non-toxic aerosol mist thatseeks out and plugs leaks. The De-partment of Energy named Aerosealtechnology one of the top 23 mostimportant energy-conservation tech-nologies to be introduced since thedepartment was established.
To prepare for the Aeroseal pro-cess, furniture, artwork, and other
valuables in the occupied apartmentswere covered in plastic, and filtrationfans were set up to catch any errantsealant particles, minimizing cleanuprequirements. Then, the Aerosealsealant was sprayed throughout theinside of the ductwork. The averagetime required to seal an apartment,including cleanup, was one day. Theaverage results: 90 percent of ductleakage was eliminated, with air lossin the leakiest units reduced from 300
cfm to 6.5 cfm.Aeroseal was the only viable op-tion, David Hart, project manager,
Yorkville Construction, said. Ouronly other alternative was to teardown the walls inside each apart-ment and seal the individual duct sys-tems manually. From a purely mone-tary standpoint, this approach savedus hundreds of thousands of dollarsin renovation costs.
Even if we were able to access the
ductwork to manually seal the leaks,the design of the building itself wouldhave made the work impossible,Ken Kwasniak, service operations
manager, JW Danforth, said. Thespace between the duct system andthe surrounding structures left noroom to apply sealant on all sides ofeach joint. The unique supply grillesleft little space to reach the leaks typi-cally found there as well. By sealing
from inside the ductwork, Aerosealmade us heroes. It allowed us to ac-cess all the leaks while leaving thewalls and all the beautiful detailingintact.
Aeroseal saved The Museum-House thousands of dollars in projectcosts while proving minimally dis-
ruptive to its residents, Neal Walsh,vice president, Aeroseal LLC, said.It allowed the building engineersto easily get the HVAC system wellunder legal specifications and willsave the condo owners hundreds ofdollars each year in utility costs.
Information and photographs courtesy
of Aeroseal.
Circle 100
16 HPAC ENGINEERING MARCH 2013
FROM THE FIELD DESIGN SOLUTIONSEDITED BY RON RAJECKI, SENIOR EDITOR
Duct-Sealing Technology EliminatesLeaks at Ultraluxurious Condominiums
Internal sealing process reduces leakage by 90 percent
The Aeroseal system being put into in place
in a unit at the MuseumHouse.
Technicians monitor the Aeroseal duct-sealing
process in a unit at the MuseumHouse.
mailto:scott.arnold@penton.com -
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7!2.).'U5+0)37#6*'4/2+2'&1'5016 )+8' ;17 572'4*'41 219'45X '8'0
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One might not expect moldproblems in the arid Arizonaclimate, but from mid-July
through September, the city of Yumaexperiences monsoon season.Over the years, serious mold issuesdeveloped in both buildings on the
Yu ma Hi gh Schoo l camp us : Ol dMain, a three-story, 30,000-sq-ftfacility built in 1910, and SniderHall , a two-story, 20,000-sq-ftfacility built in 1921. Two-pipe fan-coil units installed in each classroomwere not sized to handle increasedhumidity. Additionally, the buildingswere designed to provide only 5 cfmof outdoor air per person, even lessof which was delivered becauseoutdoor-air dampers often wereclosed. The lack of venti lat ionresulted in carbon-dioxide (CO2)levels of 2,000 to 6,000 ppm.
After spending millions of dollarscleaning up the mold, Yuma SchoolDistrict decided to invest in a morereliable, economical HVAC system.The new system was designed notonly to keep the mold problemsfrom reoccurring, but to comply withthe 15-cfm-per-person outdoor-air
requirement of ANSI/ASHRAE Stan-dard 62.1, Ventilation for Acceptable
Indoor Air Quality.
The SolutionJohn Sternitzke of Sternco Engi-
neers determined a dedicated out-door-air system with energy recov-
ery would be the most economicalsolution.
The ventilation system at YumaHigh School util izes GreenheckModel ERCH, which combines thebenefits of a total enthalpy wheel
with supplemental cooling andheating. Seven ERCH units
with chilled-water cool-
ing and hot-water heat-ing were ins ta l l ed .One ERCH unit perfloor supplies ventila-
tion air at 65F and35-percent RH tothe return side of thefan-coil units in eachclassroom. Exhaustair is pulled from thecorridors and routed
back to the ERCH unit.
The ERCH units elim-inated the need for the fan-coil units to handle the latent load ofoutdoor air. Also, because the ERCH
units handle the entire outdoor-airload, outdoor-air volume was able tobe increased to meet current venti-lation standards without additionalcooling equipment.
ResultsMore than a year after the ERCH
units were installed, tests for moldwere negative.
Our indoor-air quality has im-proved, especially the humidity,Dave Folsom, director of mainte-nance for Yuma School District,
said, adding, CO2 levels have beenreduced to 1,200 ppm or less, while,Math and science scores have
jumped.With the ERCH units, Sternitzke
was able to specify a semi-customenergy-recovery unit that satisfiedthe needs of the school district whilestaying within budget. Additionally,
he knows the district has a top-per-forming ventilation system: The en-ergy wheel is certified per ARI 1060,
Rating Air-to-Air Energy Recovery
Ventilation Heat Exchangers, whilethe entire unit is Air Movement andControl Association International-licensed for air performance.
Information and images courtesy of
Greenheck Fan Corp.
Circle 101
18 HPAC ENGINEERING MARCH 2013
FROM THE FIELD DESIGN SOLUTIONSEDITED BY SCOTT ARNOLD, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Dedicated Outdoor Air, Energy RecoveryRise to Schools Ventilation Challenge
System prevents recurrence of serious mold issues
The Model ERCH energy-recovery ventilator.
Yuma High School, one of the oldest schools in Arizona, has a student body of 3,000.
mailto:scott.arnold@penton.com -
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-
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1 888-570-DUCT
info.duct@armacell.com
2013 Armacell LLC. Made in USA. MICROBAN is a registered trademark of Microban Products Company. The GREENGUARDIndoor Air Quality Certified Mark i s a registered certification mark used under license through the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute.
AP Armaflex duct liners and wraps provide the all-in-one solution
for ducts. The closed-cell structure of AP Armaflex flexible elastomeric
foam makes it an efficient thermal insulation with excellent sound absorption
at critical low frequencies. The fiber-free construction and built-in Microban
antimicrobial protection ensure high indoor air quality. AP Armaflex is the
standard in performance and efficiency. Specify it. Trust it.
www.armacell.us
SPECIFYPROTECTIONFIBER-FREE FOR IMPROVED IAQ
FROM THE FIELD PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTEDITED BY RON RAJECKI, SENIOR EDITOR
Variable-speed-compressoroptionRN Series pack-
aged roof top
units are avail-
able in capacities of 55 to 140 tons.
Variable-speed, direct-drive, backward-
curved plenum fans provide quiet,
energy-efficient airflow at all static-
pressure conditions. The addition of
variable-frequency-drive-controlled vari-
able-speed compressors results in unit
efficiencies of up to 16 IEER.AAON
Circle 1
Energy-recovery-wheel optionAn energy-recovery wheel that recov-
ers approximately 75
percent of energy from
an exhaust-air stream
is available for Rebel
rooftop units. Rebel
units without energy recovery achieve
integrated energy-efficiency ratios as
high as 20.6; the energy-recovery op-
tion allows for even greater efficien-
cies, especially for applications requir-
ing large amounts of ventilation air.
Daikin-McQuay Circle 2
Expanded capacity rangeThe Atherion commercial packaged
ventilation system now has a capacity
range of 7.5 to 30 tons
with the addition of
a B-cabinet model.
Atherion units offer
optional high-efficiency
gas heating and MERV 16 filtra-
tion.Modine Circle 3
High-efficiency package unitsAvailable in 7.5-, 10-, 15- and 20-ton
sizes, the Prestige Series of commer-
cial package units features MicroChan-
nel coil technology, which uses up to
50-percent less re-
frigerant than conven-
tional coils. Some models
include variable-frequency-drive sup -
ply fans, which save energy by reduc-
ing airflow by 50 percent during first-
stage cooling and fan-only operation.
Rheem Circle 4
Forty-ton scroll compressorDesigned for rooftop units and chillers
that use R-410A refrigerant, the SH485
scroll compressor features an interme-
diate discharge valve that adapts to
varying loads and ambient conditions,
optimizing a system
throughout the year.
As a result, the
SH485 offers up to
24-percent higher
part-load efficiency in manifold configura-
tions compared with other compressors.
Danfoss Circle 5
20 HPAC ENGINEERING MARCH 2013
Circle 164
Rooftop Units
mailto:info.duct@armacell.comhttp://www.armacell.us/http://www.armacell.us/mailto:info.duct@armacell.com -
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When you start with the premise that the absolute
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7/27/2019 HPAC - 201303
25/4522 HPAC ENGINEERING MARCH 2013
EDITED BY RON RAJECKI, SENIOR EDITOR
2013 AHR Expo Product Review
Potable-water pipingThe Greenpipe recyclable pol ypropylene-random (PP-R)
piping system or potable-water applications is now avail-
able in diameters o up to 18 in. The 18-
in. Greenpipe eatures a standard-dimen-
sion-ratio-11 (SDR 11) wall thickness and is
capable o delivering 4,000 to 6,000 gpm.
The pipes natural R-value o 1or more
depending on pipe size and SDRdelivers
potential savings by reducing energy loss.
Aquatherm Circle 6
Air-filter-clog detectorThe FILTERSCAN air-ilter-clog detector provides visual, au-
dible, and remote alerts that a ilter needs servicing by moni-
toring changes in dierential pressure in an HVAC system.
The detector automatical ly compensates or changes in
system blower speed; can be installed
upstream, downstream, or dieren-
tially across a ilter; and works with
single-speed, multispeed, and most
variable-air-volume systems. It auto-
matically recalibrates each time a clogged air ilter is serviced.
CleanAlert Circle 7
Fabric-duct tensioning systemThe SkeleCore in-duct cylindrical tensioning system or textile
HVAC ductwork has been expanded with the addition o aabric-tensioning system (FTS). The FTS
consists o cylindrical tensioning rings
attached circumerentially to the abric
via sewn-in clips at the inlet, end cap, and
connections; abric-supporting internal
rings; and a lightweight aluminum back-
bone tube. A lower-cost internal-hoop system (IHS) consisting
o actory-installed hoops is also available. DuctSox Circle 8
Air purifierThe commercia l series APCO rack system is a non-ozone
air-puriication system or HVAC units in commercial, indus-trial, and institutional acilities. It eatures ultraviolet-C (UVC)
germicidal irradiation or airborne and HVAC-unit in-
ternal-surace disinection combined with gas-
phase air puriication and photocatalytic
oxidat ion (PC O) to captur e
and neutralize volatile organic
compounds. The system can be
installed in all brands o package and air-handling
units ranging rom 10 to 200 tons. FreshAire UV
Circle 9
Heat-recovery systemThe Airstage VR-II heat-recovery system allows or simultane-ous heating and cooling operation. Single outdoor units are
available rom 6 to 10 tons; units can
be combined to provide up to 24 tons
on a single rerigerant circuit. When
multiple outdoor units are combined,
compressor control logic automatically
balances the mass low rate o each compressor. One rerig-
eration circuit can supply up to 45 indoor air handlers.
Fujitsu Circle 10
Wall-mount water heaterThe latest additions to the ARMOR amily o
water heaters are wall-mount models with
inputs o 125,000 Btuh and 199,999 Btuh. The
units oer up to 96 percent thermal eiciency
with a 5:1 turndown and a compact design
that its tight installations. They are designed
to be installed with a separate unired storage
tank, which prevents lime-scale buildup rom
impairing a systems heat-transer eiciency. Lochinvar
Circle 11
In-line expansion jointThe Seismic Gator in-line expansion joint is designed to pro-
tect piping spanning a build-
ings seismic joint. It is capable
o 4 in. o movement in all di-
rections. It is engineered with
gimbal and bellows technolo-gies combined with a MetraGa-
tor expansion joint. It has a maximum working pressure
o 150 psi and a maximum working temperature o 700F.
Metraflex Circle 12
Energy-recovery systemThe eQ Series dedicated-outdoor-air energy-recovery sys-
tem is available in eight sizes under
15,000 cm or schools, oices, hotels,
and other commercial applications o
50,000 sq t and less. The unit eatures
an onboard microprocessor and 3-ang-strom molecular sieve enthalpy-wheel
technology. The Dynamic Novel Auto-
mation controller monitors both out-
door temperature and dew point to determine when the
enthalpy-based economizer cycle should activate the mois-
ture-removal and reheating modes. SEMCO Circle 13
Indoor-swimming-pool dehumidifierTh e Pr ot oc ol NP Se ri es in do or -
swimming-pool dehumidiier is
available in capacities rom 18 to
140 tons. The units are designedto provide energy-eicient na-
tatorium space heating/cool-
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2013 AHR Expo Product Review
ing and humidity control, while oering ree pool-water
heating and reheat through heat recovery. The Protocol
Series replaces vapor-compression rerigerants with glycol,
an environmentally preerred heat-transer luid or LEED
and other sustainable-building projects. Seresco USA Inc.
Circle 14
High-efficiency-pump lineWet-rotor Viridian pumps eature
electronically commutated motors,
ully automated sel-sensing variable-
speed operation, and simple Web-
style controls. They are available in
capacities o up to 375 gpm. An Eth-
ernet connection allows remote control, monitoring, and
adjustment. The Viridian is suitable or luid temperatures
rom 14F to 230F and water/glycol mixtures in concentra-
tions o up to 50 percent. Taco Circle 15
Redesigned UV-C fixtureThe redesigned X-Plus UV UV-C NEMA 4X ixture accom-
modates 17- to 61-in.
extended-base lamps,
which easily mount rom
the exterior o any HVAC
system, air handler, ple-
num, or duct. The rede-
signed version nearlydoubles lamp-length compatibility, while a new ballast pro-
vides voltage lexibility rom 120 V to 208/230/240 V and 277
VAC. The ballast automatically matches its output voltage
and current to the power requirements o a particular lamp.
UV Resources Circle 16
Hydronic balancing solutionsVictaulic provides a comprehensive line o hydronic bal-
ancing products, as well as Tour & An-
dersson (TA) instruments (TA-SCOPE
and TA-CMI) and sotware (TA Link
and TA Select). TA-SCOPE providesquick and accurate measurement o
dierential pressure, low, tempera-
ture, and power to ensure hydronic
heating and cooling systems are operating at the most
economic and comortable settings; TA Select makes
valve selection easy as it takes desired low, pressure
drop, and low rate into consideration during valve selec-
tion. Victaulic Circle 17
Plastic-pipe-fusion systemThe TRITON pipe-usion system is a plastic-pipe-welding solu-
tion that uses radio-requency electromagnetic technologyto improve pipe-joining and testing times. Using TRITON,
-in. plastic pipe can be used in approximately 40 sec, and
welds are ready or pressure testing immediately. TRITON in-
cludes three componentsa con-
trol unit, users, and ittingsthat
operate together to create durable
outside-diameter welds oering
unobstructed low and low pres-
sure drop. Watts Circle 18
Circulator pumpDesigned or commercial hydronic applications, the
MAGNA3 variable-speed wet-rotor circulator eatures the
AUTOAdapt unction, which automatically and continu-
ously adjusts circulator perormance, and the FLOWADAPT
control mode, which reduces the need
or pump throttling valves. The pumps
variable-speed, electronically commu-
tated motor uses an integrated logic
algorithm to learn the energy-usage
patterns o an application over time,
enabling the sotware to automatically determine the low-
est operating eiciency point to meet ever-changing de-
mand. Grundfos Circle 19
Liquid-desiccant systemThe DT- RT 2500/15 is a actory -as-
sembled, single-piece liquid-desic-
cant dehumidiication and cooling
unit. The non-toxic lithium-chloride
d e s i c c a n t - b a s e d s y s t e m e n a b l e sprecise control o indoor environ-
ments by oering independent temperature and hu-
midity control in a s ingle packaged rootop unit .
Advantix Systems Circle 20
Water pressure booster systemThe Aurora IntelliBoost variable-speed constant-pressure
booster system is designed or resh-water applications in high-
rises, oice buildings, hospitals, hotels, and
other commercial and industrial applications.
The system combines a variable-requency
drive or each pump and a programmablelogic controller with a proportional integral
derivative loop to stage up to our pumps
based on pressure and low needs. Pentair
Circle 21
Brazed-plate heatexchangersFour models o 3-in. and 4-in. brazed-
plate heat exchangers are well-suited
or large hydronic heating applications,
rerigerant evaporators, condensers
with large chillers, and many other ap-plications requiring low rates o up to
800 gpm. All have a design pressure o 435 psig and min/max
design temperature o 310F/450F. Xylem Circle 22
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28/45MARCH 2013 HPAC ENGINEERING 25
Augmented-reality appThe Titus augmented-reality (AR) app allows smartphones
and tablets to recognize images in Titus HVAC literature and
printed documents and augment it with hidden content,
such as video, animation, and drawings. The
ree app is designed to provide consulting
engineers with additional explanations and
make content easier to understand by seeing
it in action using multimedia channels. The
company has incorporated Titus AR logos in print catalogs,
equipment, advertisements, and business cards. Custom-
ers simply download the Titus AR app and then use their
smartphones to scan the logo to unlock the hidden content.
Titus Circle 23
Building-automation gatewayQuickServer is a high-perormance, ully conigurable build-ing and industrial automation gateway designed to enable
integrators to easily interace devices to networks in com-
mercial buildings and industrial plants. The
FS-QS-10XX Series is preloaded with two BAS
drivers (serial, Ethernet, and/or LonWorks)
and can handle up to 250 points. The FS-
QS-12XX Series QuickServer can use any
serial, Ethernet, or LonWorks driver in the
extensive FieldServer driver library. The FS-
QS-12XX Series can handle up to 500 points
and is available with a choice o RS-485, RS-232, or RS-422 serial ports in addition to Ethernet and Lon-
Works. Field Server Technologies Circle 24
Fan diffuserTh e AxiT op di user has been opti mized
or use as a passive component in ebm-
papst 800- and 910-mm series ans. The
low-proile (250 mm tall) diuser reduces
discharge losses substantially. Energy sav-
ings o up to 27 percent and a simultaneous
7.2-dB(A) reduction in operating noise are
attainable. With the same power consumption, an AxiTop-equipped an can generate up to a 9-percent higher low rate
with an approximate 4.9-dB(A) reduction in noise compared
with a an without the diuser. ebm-papst Circle 25
Variable-refrigerant-flow with heatrecoveryCarrier has expanded its variable-rerigerant-low (VRF)
oerings to include heat-recovery models under the
name Toshiba Carrier SHRM-i. Toshiba Carrier SHRM-i VRF
systems eature multiple inverter-driven compressors.
The three-pipe heat-recovery systems are well-suited or
applications requiring simultaneous heating and cool-ing, maximizing eiciency by transerring energy rom
one indoor zone to another through rerigerant piping.
Carrier Circle 26
Low-horsepower motorsThe ARKTIC 59 constant-speed, brushless DC
motor is oered in a 1/15-hp version with an
operating speed o 500 to 1,800 rpm. The
electronically commutated motor is de-
signed to be a drop-in replacement or 3.3-in.
shaded-pole and permanent-split-capacitor motors in the
evaporators o commercial rerigeration walk-in coolers and
reezers. Morrill Motors Circle 27
BACnet thermostatsAppStat BAC-4000 thermostats combine a BACnet
controller and temperature/humidity/motion-
sensor options in a single, space-mounted de-
vice. AppStat is an integrated native BACnet
application-speciic controller. No external
communication or occupancy modules are required.
All models include an integrated BACnet schedule and
hardware real-time clock with 72-hr capacitor backup or
stand-alone operation or network time synchronization.
KMC Controls Circle 28
Water-source heat pumpThe Tranquil ity 22 two-stage compact TY water-
source heat pump is available in 2- to 5-ton ca-
pacities with multiple cabinet options (vertical
uplow and horizontal) and has one o
the industrys smallest ootprints, mak-ing it suitable or installation in tight
places and or the replacement/retroit
market. The TY has an extended-range
rerigerant circuit or both ground-loop
(geothermal) and water-loop (boiler-tower) applications.
ClimateMaster Circle 29
Pipe couplingThe Grinnell Rapid Installation Pivot-Bolt (GRIP) coupling is
designed to provide easy, consistent pipe coupling. The pivot
bolt means there is only one bolt to tighten,
which reduces installation time. The cou-plings patented tongue-and-groove pad
grips the entire circumerence o a pipes
groove. The couplings can withstand
pressures o up to 750 psi and temperatures
o up to 250F. Grinnell Circle 30
Mobile app for refrigeration systemsA mobile application or Android phones and iPhones helps
technicians troubleshoot mechanical and electrical problems
in a rerigeration system. When a system problem
is entered, the app provides possible origin sce-
narios to help pinpoint a solution. The app workswith all rerigeration systems regardless o cool-
ing capacity or compressor brand. Embraco
Circle 31
2013 AHR Expo Product Review
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W
By WILLIAM J. STANGELAND
McGuire Engineers Inc.
Chicago, Ill.
With energy costs on the rise and the future of oil,natural gas, and other fossil fuels unknown, savingenergy is top of mind for many building owners andmanagers. The ticket to increased energy efficiencyaswell as reduced occupant complaints and lower operatingcostsis retrocommissioning.
This article will discuss what retrocommissioning is,why it is important, what buildings need it, and what itsbenefits are. Additionally, the article will discuss ways inwhich retrocommissioning is implemented and touch onpertinent code changes.
What Is Retrocommissioning?Retrocommissioning is a systematic and documented
process for identifying no- and low-cost improvementsthat can boost the efficiency and performance of anexisting building. Through investigation, analysis, andopt imizat ion of bui lding performance throughoperations-and-maintenance- (O&M-) improvementmeasures, retrocommissioning seeks to improve howbuilding equipment and systems function together.
The retrocommissioning process for existing build-ings essentially is the same as the commissioningprocess for new ones, involving inspection and testingof HVAC, plumbing, electrical, lighting, and life-safetysystems, as well as the building envelope. The process
also includes checking for complete documentationand ensuring building operators are sufficiently trainedto sustain building performance. Participants in theretrocommissioning process include the buildingsO&M staff; the building-automation-system (BAS)contractor; the testing, adjusting, and balancing contrac-tor; various service personnel; and the commissioningauthority.
Retrocommissioning uncovers problems stemmingfrom design or construction. Additionally, it identifiesthe types of issues that develop throughout a buildingslife.
Why Is Retrocommissioning Needed?As buildings age and their use changes, system
efficiency degrades and operational requirementschange. With retrocommissioning, building systems areoptimized through O&M upgrades, tune-up activities,and diagnostic testing. The process is performed on allbuilding systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical,lighting, and life safety, as well as the building envelope.
Reasons to retrocommission a building include: Reduce operating costs. Identify and resolve building-system control and
maintenance issues. Minimize operational risks. Increase asset value. Improve comfort and indoor-air quality (IAQ). Reduce liability. Improve tenant satisfaction and retention. Identify O&M-staff training needs. Update O&M manuals and procedures to reflect
current building use. Extend equipment life. Obtain LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environ-
mental Design) for Existing Buildings or ENERGY STARcertification.
Qualify for local rebates or incentives.Buildings as new as 2 to 3 years old, in which excessive
energy use often goes unnoticed, can benefit fromretrocommissioning.
Retrocommissioning efforts should target: The building envelope. For instance, if a building has
openings to the outside, they may not be sealed tightly,which means the HVAC system works much harder toheat, cool, and pressurize the building, resulting in energywaste.
Energy-management systems that were not installedor programmed correctly or that may have degradedover time.
Operational controls that are out of calibration ornot sequencing properly.
Equipment that is running more than needed orinefficiently.
Time clocks or schedules that were set up improperly.
26 HPAC ENGINEERING MARCH 2013
WhyYour Building?
William J. Stangeland has more than 30 years of experience in HVAC- and plumbing-system design. As president of McGuire
Engineers Inc., he is responsible for controlling the overall quality of the firms business, fostering client satisfaction, and mentoring
and developing the firms staff. He has been a leader in the firms sustainability efforts.
Retrocommission
-
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Phases of RetrocommissioningThe retrocommissioning process consists of five
distinct phases:1. Planning. The planning phase includes meeting with
the building owner, documenting the owners facilityrequirements, and performing a site walk-through. Acontract with a services provider is prepared, negotiated,and finalized before any additional steps are taken.
2. Investigation. After the retrocommissioning teamis assembled and the kick-off meeting is held, a siteinvestigation is conducted, facility documentation isreviewed, diagnostic monitoring begins, and functionaltests and simple repairs are performed. This aids indetermining how systems are supposed to operate andenables the team to prioritize operating deficiencies.
3. Implementation. During the implementation phase,the highest-priority deficiencies are corrected, and properoperation is verified.
4. Turnover. A smooth transition provides the toolsand knowledge necessary for the buildings O&M staff tosustain savings and operational improvements.
5. Persistence. This last phase ensures continuoussystem-performance improvement through persistentstrategies.
How Retrocommissioning Is ImplementedA typical way to start retrocommissioning services
is to perform an energy audit of the building and/or todocument the buildings ENERGY STAR rating. Then:
Develop a building-operation plan, defining thepresent-day requirements of the building and its systemsand identifying any operational problems affectingoccupant comfort and any additional low-cost/no-costitems that can be implemented.
Prepare a plan for testing all building systems toconfirm correct operation and/or define requiredremedial work.
Implement and document the tasks in the above plan. Repair and/or upgrade all systems and components
found to be deficient. Retest all building components after changes are
made to ensure optimal operation.
Code ChangesCodes are being changed to require commissioning
and retrocommissioning. For instance, the 2012 Interna-tional Energy Conservation Code requires system com-missioning in buildings in which mechanical-equipmentcapacity is equal to or greater than 480,000 Btuh of cool-ing and 600,000 Btuh of heating.
Case StudiesRetrocommissioning projects on which McGuire
Engineers has worked include a major museum inChicago and a large community school in Wisconsin.
At the museum, more than 1 million sq ft of space iscooled, heated, and humidified to tight tolerances year-round. With this comes high energy use. The chilled-water system was studied to determine if there wereany opportunities to save energy. Multiple cost-savingmeasures, some of which were implemented immediately,were identified.
The community school was experiencing issues withbuilding pressurization, heating and air distribution,
central-air-handler operation, the location and applica-tion of HVAC controls, and its BAS. Through modifica-tions of air-handling units, the hot-water-piping system,and sequence of operations and the integration of temper-ature/carbon-dioxide sensors in classrooms, the schoolwas able to decrease systemwide energy use and achieveimproved occupant comfort.
ConclusionMost buildings are not performing to their potential.
Thus, it is important to consider retrocommissioning,as the majority of existing buildings have not undergone
any type of commissioning or quality-assurance testing.With building conditions (age, size, construction type,systems, etc.) varying so widely, energy savings can rangefrom 11 cents per square foot to 72 cents per square foot.
Circle 168
WHY RETROCOMMISSION YOUR BUILDING?
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Integrated Control Systems
MAXIMIZES BOILER ROOM EFFICIENCY
INCREASES PRODUCTIVITY
REDUCES OPERATING COSTS
+XUVW3HUIRUPDQFH6HULHV%RLOHUVDJDLQOHDGWKHPDUNHWZLWKRXUH[LEOH
GHVLJQVIHDWXULQJWUXHPDVWHULQWHJUDWLRQDQGUHDOWLPHPRQLWRULQJVHWWLQJ
WKHVWDQGDUGVDQGWKHSDWKWRPD[LPL]LQJERLOHUURRPHIFLHQF\
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MBy CRAIG F. HOFFERBER, CxA, CSI
H & P Systems Inc.
Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.
Many HVAC systems are equipped with 100-percent-outdoor-air economizer cycles consisting of a set ofdampers that steer cool outdoor air to fans, which thenmove the air around the system. The purpose of an aireconomizer is to reduce refrigerant-compressor run timeduring colder months and possibly during cool nighthours and, thus, lower annual energy consumption.
Many variable-air-volume (VAV) systems are designedwith incompatible and/or incomplete control strategiesthat undermine the performance of outdoor-air econo-mizers. This problem has persisted since the late 1970s,when some 90 percent of VAV systems did not function asexpected, and some 60 percent did not achieve predictedenergy savings.1 This article discusses how, throughproper application of modern tools,such as direct digital control (DDC) andhighly accurate, low-cost instruments,a much higher level of success can beachieved. It is important to note thatmany of the methods discussed inthis article are not industry-standard
practice, but nonetheless worth considering in the nameof controllability, performance, and energy efficiency.
Economizer OptionsEconomizer systems essentially come in one of two
configurations. The first uses a traditional supply-fan-and-return-fan design, with an outdoor-air intake damper, areturn-air damper, and an exhaust-air damper (Figure1). This type of system, sometimes called push-pull,depends on the return fan to handle return-air-systemlosses and the supply fan to handle supply-air-systemlosses. Economizers should be integrated (sequenced)with cooling-coil operation for best system efficiency andperformance in constant-air-volume applications.
The second configuration uses the same three dampersto steer air, but has a relief/exhaust fan instead of a returnfan to control space pressure (Figure 2). The relief/exhaustfan is located just before the exhaust-air damper and is
30 HPAC ENGINEERING MARCH 2013
Maximizing
Outdoor-Air-EconomizerOperation
A principal for H & P Systems Inc. (www.h-psystems.com), Craig F. Hofferber, CxA, CSI, specializes in mechanical-, electrical-,
instrumentation-, and control-system design; construction coordination; and system commissioning. His hands-on systems
knowledge is coupled with extensive manufacturer and product knowledge.
Overcoming longtime controllability, performance, and energy-efficiency issues
M
OA
EA
VSD
AI
RA
AIAI AIAI AIAO
AIAI AO AO
AI
M
AOAI
VSD
F
AI AO AIAI
SA
AIAI
AI
DP
DP
DP
SpaceCO
2
Economizersection
Filter Supply fan
Cooling coil
Vel
Vel Chilledwater
Returnfan Space
pressure
Network
Spacetemp.
FIGURE 1. Digitally controlled variable-air-volume air-handling unit with return/exhaust
economizer.
LEGEND:AI = analog inputAO = analog outputBDD = Backdraft dampercfm = cubic feet per minuteDP = differential pressure (inch water column
or pounds per square inch differential)EA = exhaust airF = flowM = motorized (actuator)OA = outdoor airRA = return airSA = supply airVel = velocity (feet per minute)VSD = variable-speed drive
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SAVVE energyNew Vektor
-HS lab airexhaust system.
Model
Vektor-HS
Patent Pending
Greenhecks new Vektor-HS can help reduce energy costs
in demand-based laboratory exhaust systems by up to 60%.
A unique variable volume nozzle combined with Greenhecks
Sure-Aire Variable Volume Exhaust (SAVVE) technology help
maintain a constant discharge stack velocity as required by
ANSI Z9.5 when airflows decrease during non-peak periods.
By automatically adjusting the discharge area, an speed and
energy usage can be reduced or quieter, more economical
operation. All an controls in the new Vektor-HS are
pre-programmed at the actory or easy installation.
Scan code
to learn more
about Greenheck
Model Vektor-HS.
Get the ree mobile appat http://gettag.mobi
See how the newest addition to our
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