Trane NewsletterVol.20 Jun 2013

Trane: A Century of Service特靈：貫徹一個世紀的服務

With a 100-year legacy of partnership, it is easy to predict how

Trane will work with you in the future. Just as we are working

with you now to deliver innovative products, systems and services

that meet your needs, our partnership will continue to develop

innovative solutions that address your growing concerns about the

environment, energy efficiency and sustainability.

Our BeginningsFor more than a century, the Trane name has been identified with

products and technology that stretched the world's idea of what was

possible – a tradition that is still very much with us. In many ways,

Trane is a classic American success story that grew into a global one.

It began with our founder, James Trane, a Norwegian immigrant who

opened his own plumbing shop in La Crosse, WI, in 1885.

With the inspiration of cold Wisconsin winters, James Trane invented

a new low-pressure heating system he proudly called the Trane

Vapor Heating System. His son, Reuben, was just back from college

with a degree in mechanical engineering, so father and son began

manufacturing operations in 1910 and incorporated as The Trane

Company in 1913. It was Reuben's invention of the convector

radiator in 1923 that firmly established the company's reputation as

an innovator, a reputation Trane people have been building on ever

since.

Growth through InnovationTrane became an air conditioning pioneer in 1931. Trane

fundamentally changed the concept of air conditioning large

buildings with the 1938 launch of Turbovac, the industry's first

hermetic, centrifugal refrigeration machine. This was the beginning

of a long chain of innovations leading to Trane's current CenTraVac®,

the industry standard for large commercial air conditioning systems.

CenTraVac® is the most energy-efficient system available anywhere

for large buildings and it has earned Trane the "Best of the Best"

Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Expanding our Offer to CustomersWith the acquisition of Sentinel Electronics in the late 1970s, Trane

moved into the important building automation and management

field. The company was the first to offer integrated controls

for all its products and became a leader in the still new field of

energy management, a leadership position that continues to

expand. Trane acquired General Electric's Central Air Conditioning

Division in 1982, enriching the scope of the products and

technology available to customers. In 1984, Trane was acquired by

Trane TurboVac Compressor特靈Tu r b o Va c壓縮機

Feature今期特寫

Feature今期特寫

American Standard Companies, becoming the largest of

American Standard’s three businesses: Air Conditioning

Systems and Services, Vehicle Control Systems (WABCO)

and Bath and Kitchen. In 1988, Trane relaunched the

American Standard heating and air conditioning brand,

introducing a new generation of families to the century-

old American Standard tradition of making quality

products for the home.

New ChaptersIn November 2007, Trane announced the separation of

the three American Standard businesses, leaving each

free to concentrate exclusively on the markets it knows

best. American Standard Companies changed its name to

Trane, with its stock trading under the new symbol "TT".

In June 2008, Trane was acquired by Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:

IR). In addition to the air conditioning segment (Trane),

Ingersoll Rand has three other segments: Climate Control

Technologies, Industrial Technologies and Security

Technologies.

Today, Trane Inc., as a wholly owned subsidiary of

Ingersoll Rand, provides systems and services that

enhance the quality and comfort of air in homes and

buildings around the world. The business offers a broad

range of energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air

conditioning solutions. Its systems and services comprise

dehumidifying and air cleaning products; aftermarket

service and parts support; advanced building controls;

and building and financing solutions, including those

that allow energy-efficient systems to pay for themselves

through energy savings. Over the last century, Trane was

a pioneer in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning

(HVAC) industry. Trane will continue to define the

building industry by delivering performance, innovation,

commitment and knowledge to bring even more

comfort, efficiency and productivity to its customers.

Some Facts about Trane

* James Trane and his son Reuben founded the Trane

Company as a family business in 1913.

* Trane expanded into unitary systems in 1961. Unitary

systems combine heating, cooling and fan sections all

in one or a few assemblies for simplified application

and installation.

* The Tracer AdaptiView chiller control, introduced

in 2009. Its ergonomic arm and screen allows the

operator to have a window into the chiller from any

height or angle.

* The Trane centrifugal chiller is celebrating its 75th-

year anniversary in 2013.

* Since 1925, 8,700 participants have attended the

Graduate Training Programme (GTP), including

sales and marketing engineers from more than 50

countries worldwide.

* Trane boasts more than 750 LEED accredited

professionals. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy

and Environmental Design.

2013-I GTP Class Values

Today, the EarthWise™ CenTraVac™ centrifugal chiller

from Trane (in short, CTV) is recognized as a “green”

chiller. CTV not only has been documented the world’s

highest energy efficiency with the lowest practical leak

rate, but it also has proven itself as a certified product of

Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) through Life

Cycle Assessment per ISO 14025 that requires stringent

performance standards, for example:

• Global warming potential (100 years)

• Ozone depletion potential (ODP)

• Acidification potential (AP)

• Eutrophication potential (EP)

• Photochemical ozone creation potential (POCP)

Having an EPD also qualifies the CTV for one LEED point

under Pilot Credit 43, Certified Products. I am not doing

a sales pitch here, just trying to think what a green

chiller could be, as it is not defined anywhere obviously.

However, the world is overwhelmed with “green” claims.

After all, you may say that, well, CTV is a green chiller

but it’s using HCFC-123 which will not be allowed to

import by 2020. What’s next?

I am proud to share with you, not only that Trane has

been leading in next generation chiller R&D and has

done the most testing in the industry, but we were also

the first to complete all our work to support AHRI in

Alternate Refrigerant Evaluation Program (AREP).1 You

may download the test reports from the AHRI website.

Reports #1, 6, 7 and 9 are our accomplishment.

HCFC-123 and HFC-134a are the most commonly used

refrigerants in centrifugal chillers. These refrigerants

are being replaced in the near future, driven by ozone

depletion and global warming respectively. Fig. 1 (the

green curve) shows that the draft regulation envisages

an EU phase-down mechanism which gradually tightens

a declining “cap” on bulk HFCs coming on to the

European market, with a freeze in 2015, a first cut in

2016 and then a reduction to 21% of the levels sold in

2008-11 by 2030.2

Current research on next gen refrigerant technology

also covers some candidates for R-410A and R-22, which

are commonly used in HVAC applications, including

small chillers. From Fig. 2, we can see that most of the

low-GWP candidates are flammable to a certain extent.

For instance, the R-410A candidates are all flammable

but the R-123 candidates are all non-flammable. The

flammability of other candidates seems to depend on

what GWP you want. So except the large centrifugal

chillers, it seems the next gen chillers have to deal with

the safety/flammability issue.

Recently, R-32 has appeared a sexy candidate to replace

R-22, especially in developing countries, because many

of them submitted their HCFC Phase-out Management

Plan (HPMP) with R-32 selected as a candidate for

phasing out R-22. As such, some manufacturers have

already invested in developing R-32 compressors

and some are even getting ready to use R-32 in air

conditioning products. Unfortunately, the technical

application guidelines are yet to be finalized. ISO 5149

is an internationally recognized standard for refrigerant

safety in applications. Its major revision was expected

to be adopted at the November meeting last year, but it

was voted down. ASHRAE 34 is the most referenced and

authoritative standard in refrigerant safety and a “2L”

class has been added for some flammable refrigerants,

Technical Focus深 入 探 討

Next Gen “Green” Chillers下一代「綠色」冷水機組

R-123(B1) (GWP=77)

replacements

R-134a(A1) (GWP=1430) replacements

R-404A(A1) (GWP=3900) replacements

R-410A(A1) (GWP=2100) replacements

R-22(A1) (GWP=1810) replacements

Fig. 1: HFC Phase-down Proposals to Montreal Protocol and EU Proposal

Fig. 2: Alternatives for next generation refrigerant technology

including R-32. Recent ignition event testing by ASHRAE

and AHRI regarding the 2L flammability research showed

significant severity of ignition events with R-32. New

research shows that the burning velocity test is affected

by humidity, while humidity is not in the current testing

procedure. Besides the flammability, the ASHRAE 34

toxicity subcommittee is actively developing a framework

for a three-tier toxicity classification to replace the

current A/B rating system based on an arbitrary chronic

toxicity limit of 400ppm. While it is yet to be debated,

most committee members would like to use the Acute

Toxicity Exposure Limit (ATEL) determined by the

standard as a basis for the new rating system.

Last but not least, Fig. 3 shows an efficiency comparison

of the new alternatives. Except for R-404A candidates,

all others seem to keep the same performance as the

current options being replaced.3

Fig. 3: Efficiency Comparison of New Alternatives

R-123(B1) (COP=1)

replacements

R-134a(A1) (COP=0.94)

replacements

R-404A(A1) (COP=1)

replacements

R-410A(A1) (COP=1)

replacements

R-22(A1) (COP=1.06)

replacements

Alternative Refrigerant Candidates

W/C Chillers

Refrigeration

Unitary

Technical Focus深 入 探 討

Trane centrifugal chiller uses R123 low-pressure

refrigerant, and some areas of the chiller operate at less

than atmospheric pressure. Air particles, such as water

vapour, may leak into these low-pressure areas and

accumulate in the condenser. If these non-condensable

particles are not removed, the condenser’s ability to

condense refrigerant will be lowered. As the pressure

of the condenser increases, the result will be lower chiller

efficiency and capacity.

Therefore, a purge system is supplied on a low-pressure

R123 centrifugal chiller. The purge system is a device

that is externally mounted on the chiller; it will

condense the R123 into liquid form and purge the non-

condensable gas out of the refrigerant circuit. The purge

unit operates independently and uses R404a refrigerant

with its own refrigerant cycle; the unit consists of a

compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and an

evaporator.

What are the normal Purge Operating Modes?Trane latest Tracer UC800 controller is configured with

various purge operating mode options to control a purge

system. Basically there are four operating modes, they

are:

Stop - The purge condensing unit does not run in

this mode.

On - The purge condensing unit runs continuously

in this mode, regardless of the chiller's

operational status.

Auto - The purge condensing unit runs in this

mode if the main compressor of the chiller

is operating.

Adaptive - The purge condensing unit operation

depends on past purge activity.

What does it mean if it reaches the Pump-Out Limit?The average pump-out time for a purge system on a

R123 chiller is approximately 7 minutes per day over a

one-week period. This value, however, varies widely

depending on chiller size, operating conditions and

operating schedule.

A “Daily Pump-out Limit” set point is used to set the

allowable amount of daily pump-out time. When

the daily pump-out rate exceeds this value, purge

operation stops and a diagnostic is generated. If the

diagnostic persists for some time, it means that the non-

condensable gas could not be purged completely by the

purge unit or that a large amount of non-condensable

gas is being accumulated in the system. On the other

word, it is a sign of leakage along the refrigerant circuit

and leak testing should be carried out.

However, for a low-pressure centrifugal chiller that

has been idle for a long time, a longer purging time is

expected during chiller restarts, as non-condensable gas

may gradually infiltrate into the chiller. If this is the case,

you will see the purge time decrease gradually after the

chiller has been operated for some time. Therefore, for

the purge operating mode options, Trane recommends

that the customer sets the purge unit to “Adaptive”

in order to allow the unit to operate according to past

purge activity.

Purge System Operating Status MonitoringThe purge pump-out activity for the chiller and the

chiller purge history must be monitored carefully during

each maintenance and inspection service, in order that

a decision to shut down the chiller for leak testing and

repair can be made. With our Tracer AdaptiView display,

which is mounted on the side of the chiller, allows the

user to monitor not only the chiller status but also to

review purge-related information about the purge

system.

Technical Classroom技 術 學 堂

How does the Purge System work on a R123 Centrifugal Chiller?

The SiteLab has offered its new battery powered ultrasonic flow meter, which features mirco-power consumption

and super low start up flow rate. The high performance long-life battery, the mirco-power consumption circuits and

the high-efficiency electro acoustic converter make it possible measure outdoor where no power supply is available.

Applications:

- Water supply

- Waste water treatment

- Industrial process water

- Cooling or heating water

- Others

Features:

- Super low start up flow rate: 0.005m/s

- Micro-power design, Power consumption < 0.5mw

- Battery-powered (the battery can continuously work for 10 years)

- Data storage via EEPROM, can record the totalized flow data of the previous 64 working days (Cumulative Data

per day), the previous 32 months (Cumulative Data per month) and the previous 2 years (Cumulative Data per

year)

Please contact Ms. Daisy Wah or Mr. Thomas Woo of Hong Kong Air-conditioning Parts Centre

at telephone 2885 1968.

SiteLab - SL1438B Battery Powered Ultrasonic Flowmeter

Product Introduction 產 品 介 紹

Project Highlights 工程新知

Cityplaza North, Taikoo Shing Trane is currently renewing two sets of water-

cooled centrifugal chillers for Cityplaza

North, in Taikoo Shing, with a total cooling

capacity tonnage of 1,550. The testing and

commissioning are expected to be finished in

Q4 2013.

The BroadwayTrane has provided three sets of air-cooled

screw chil lers for The Broadway chil ler

replacement project in Wanchai with a total

tonnage of 420. The chillers are scheduled to

be delivered to the building in August 2013.

Company News公 司 簡 訊

Bai San Ceremony for HAECO Project

Work recently started on the air conditioning system

renovation project for the Component and Avionics

Overhaul (CAO) Building of Hong Kong Aircraft

Engineering Company Limited (HAECO) in Tseung

Kwan O, and a Bai San Ceremony was held on 12 March

2013. Ir Dr. K. L. Chan, Operations Director of Trane

Hong Kong (right), Ir K. C. Tang, Head of Section of

HAECO (middle) and Mr. W. K. Li of Hanme Engineering

Company Limited attended the ceremony. We all wish

that the project will run smoothly. Trane is providing

the design, replacement and installation of the

water-cooled screw chiller for the chiller plant of the

building.

Mediation WorkshopTrane held a Mediation Workshop on 13 May 2013

with the aim to enrich staff knowledge regarding

mediation. 30 staff attended the workshop. Mr. Charles

Ng, Insurance Panel Coordinator of the Hong Kong

Mediation Alliance, was invited to speak regarding

mediation on engineering projects, training and service

for mediators, and mediation development in Hong

Kong.

Ir Kelvin Tang (right) presented the appreciation certificate to Mr. Charles Ng.

Trane Joined Anniversary CelebrationsTrane management and graduate engineers joined

the Annual Dinner of the Hong Kong Branch of The

Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers

(CIBSE), which was held at the Hong Kong Convention

and Exhibition Centre on 28 March 2013. Trane personnel

also attended the 26th anniversary banquet of The Hong

Kong Institution of Engineers – Building Services Division

(HKIE – BSD) at the JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong on

28 May 2013. Mr. Wong Kam Sing, JP, Secretary for the

Environment, was invited as the guest of honour at the

event.

Office MoveWith effect from 15 June 2013, Trane Hong Kong and

Trane Service Hong Kong moved to new premises at

12/F, Manhattan Centre, 8 Kwai Cheong Road, Kwai

Chung, New Territories, Hong Kong.

Photo at the CIBSE Hong Kong Branch Annual Dinner.

Photo at the HKIE BSD Annual Dinner.

Long Service AwardsSeveral staff members have served Trane for 10 and 20 years. To show our gratitude for their hard work, contributions

and long-term commitment over the years, Ir Frankie Chan, Operations Director of TSHK(first from right), presented

Long Service Awards to these dedicated Trane employees.

From left: Mr. Andrew Mak, Mr. Thomas Woo, Mr. Gary Ng, Mr. C. W. Chau and Ir Kelvin Tang.

Staff Update員工資訊

From left: Mr. W. C. Wong, Mr. H. L. Larm, Mr. K. T. Chan, Mr. W. K. Lau, Mr. K. S. Szeto,

Mr. W. C. Tang, Mr. H. K. Tsang, Mr. C. M. Lee, Mr. K. M. Leng and Ms S. C. Wong.

Mr. K. K. Leung, Director (first from right), presented Long Service Awards to several staff members who have worked

in Trane for 10 and 15 years.

Energy Saving Technology Technical VisitIr Kelvin Tang (second left from the first row), Business Development and Marketing Manager, as a Vice Chairman

of the Asian Institute of Intelligent Buildings (AIIB), joined the Taiwan Intelligent Green Construction Development

Conference and Energy Saving Technology Sharing Technical Visit, which was organized by AIIB at the end of May

2013. The visit to various intelligent buildings and production plants enabled participants to enrich their insights on

intelligent construction, energy conservation and environmental sustainability matters. Kelvin also gave a technical

presentation at Industrial Technology Research Institute in Taiwan for the introduction on intelligent buildings,

environmental and energy saving during the technical visit.

Visit to CR Expo 2013Mr. Albert Lo, Senior Manager of Trane Hong Kong, as a

President of the ASHRAE Hong Kong Chapter, visited the

CR Expo 2013 in Shanghai in early April 2013. “100 Years

of Innovation” was the theme for the Trane booth this

year, and a range of major Trane innovations introduced

between 1913 and 2013 was on display.

Fellow Member of CIBSECongratulations to Ir Kelvin Tang, Business Development and Marketing Manager,

for successfully attaining the professional status of Fellow Member of The

Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (FCIBSE) of the United Kingdom

recently. Kelvin has professional experience in the HVAC industry and is a Vice

Chairman of the Asian Institute of Intelligent Buildings (AIIB).