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Innovative Solutions - Product Reviews

Oct. 1, 2010
Heat pumps Mitsubishi Electric's CITY MULTI H2i Hyper-Heating INVERTER VRF Heat Pumps maximize energy efficiency and provide better heating performance down to -13˚F. Even on the coldest days, a single system can provide year-round comfort. Integrated ...

Heat pumps
Mitsubishi Electric's CITY MULTI H2i Hyper-Heating INVERTER VRF Heat Pumps maximize energy efficiency and provide better heating performance down to -13˚F. Even on the coldest days, a single system can provide year-round comfort. Integrated flash-injection technology cools the INVERTER compressor, allowing it to speed up and produce more heat at lower temperatures. The system delivers 100 percent of rated heating capacity at -4˚F and 88 percent of rated capacity at -13˚F without the need for a secondary compressor. With extended comfort performance and longer intervals between defrost times, the heat pumps can provide up to four hours of heating in one continuous cycle. Outdoor units deliver full-sized performance with a compact, space-saving design for easier transportation and installation. The INVERTER-driven scroll compressor delivers the precise required amount of comfort to the zones.
Mitsubishi Electric
3400 Lawrenceville Suwanee Road
Suwanee, GA 30024
800-433-4822
www.MitsubishiPro.com

Thermal-imaging cameras
FLIR i5/i7 thermal-imaging cameras can be used to quickly diagnose problems, improve efficiency, and ensure worker safety. Ergonomically lightweight, the cameras are heavyweight performers. Both models offer remarkable infrared-image quality, with 2-percent thermal accuracy, and a large 2.8-in. color display. The FLIR i5 features 80-by-80 pixel resolution, while the FLIR i7 features a RESNET-compliant 120-by-120 pixel resolution. The FLIR i5 offers a center-spot measurement mode, while, for extensive job-site analysis, the FLIR i7 adds two measurement modes: area (minimum/maximum) and isotherm (above/below). The entry-level FLIR i5 retails for $1,595, while the FLIR i7 retails for $1,995. Both cameras capture infrared images in FLIR's radiometric JPEG format, which permits users to rely on only one image file for temperature analysis and reporting. The images can be shared easily in e-mails, Word documents, etc.
FLIR Systems Inc.
285 Bear Hill Road
Waltham, MA 02451
800-464-6372
www.flir.com

Centrifugal modules
Compact and easy to install, radial motors with backward-curved blades feature integrated connection components for straightforward, simple operation. A pre-set inlet nozzle guarantees flawless aerodynamic and acoustic operation, while the pre-assembled operating capacitor and plug connector on alternating-current (AC) units eliminate incorrect wiring. Available with impeller diameters ranging from 190 to 225 mm, Compact Centrifugal Modules come in AC, direct-current, and electronically commutated technology. Applications include refrigeration, home ventilation, and industrial facilities.
ebm-papst Inc.
100 Hyde Road
Farmington, CT 06034
860-674-1515
www.ebmpapst.us

Backflow preventers
Wilkins 375 Series Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Preventers provide the best backflow solutions available in the marketplace with the lowest life-cycle cost of similar valves. Features include a replaceable/reusable check-valve housing made of composite materials that resist corrosion, a short lay length that allows easy replacements of competitors' valves, test cocks facing up for universal installation with easy access for testing, and a special blowout/flush fitting (BOF) for winterizing and startup flushing. The removable housing decreases system downtime and is repairable without removing the valve from the system. This feature makes repairs and maintenance simple and cost-effective while reducing the number of parts needed on hand. The BOF is unique to the Wilkins 375, making system winterizing and startup flushing easy to perform.
Zurn Industries LLC
1747 Commerce Way
Paso Robles, CA 93446-3696
877-222-5356 or 805-226-6297
[email protected]
www.zurn.com

Desiccant dehumidifiers
Designed primarily for low-dew-point applications, desiccant dehumidifiers with EcoPurge recover energy from the hottest segment of the rotor and use the heat to reduce energy costs associated with the regeneration process. A closed-loop design preconditions the process segment of the rotor, which results in improved grain depression and often allows an engineer to reduce the size of the system for a smaller footprint and lower initial costs. Additionally, the dehumidifiers significantly reduce the temperature of process outlet air, resulting in reductions in post-cooling costs.
Bry-Air Inc.
10793 St. Rt. 37W
Sunbury, OH 43074
877-379-2479
www.bry-air.com

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Data-center in-row cooling units
Self-contained InRow SC data-center cooling units (300 mm, 200 to 240 v, 60 hz) closely couple cooling with the information-technology (IT) heat load. This design prevents hot-air recirculation while improving cooling predictability and allowing for a "pay-as-you-grow" environment. The entire line of InRow Direct Expansion products is designed to meet the diverse requirements of closets, server rooms, and data centers. IT operators looking to improve efficiency or deploy higher-density equipment will benefit from the products' modular design. The intelligent controls of the InRow Direct Expansion products actively adjust fan speed and refrigerant flow to match the IT heat load, maximizing efficiency and addressing the dynamic demands of IT environments.
APC by Schneider Electric
132 Fairgrounds Road
West Kingston, RI 02892
800-877-4080
www.apc.com

Commercial heat pumps
Carrier Corp. has introduced WeatherMaster Series Packaged Rooftop Heat Pumps with Puron refrigerant. With a seasonal energy-efficiency ratio of up to 15.8 and an energy-efficiency ratio (EER) of up to 12.8, the heat pumps deliver the highest EERs in the industry for 3- to 5-ton, three-phase commercial-package heat pumps. Features include precision-designed coils with thermostatic-expansion-valve metering devices for cooling operation of up to 125˚F and an integrated refrigerant accumulator on each refrigerant circuit. Exceeding 2010 Energy Star standards by up to 16 percent, the new units reduce operating costs and qualify for many utility rebates. As with all Carrier WeatherMaster rooftops, the heat pumps also maintain a consistent footprint with past models, enabling direct replacement on existing curbs dating back to the late 1980s.
Carrier
Carrier World Headquarters
One Carrier Place
Farmington, CT 06034-4015
800-227-7437
www.commercial.carrier.com

Air-conditioning systems
LG's Multi-V air-conditioning systems combat insufficient payback with their unique HVAC systems, which offer commercial buildings and lodging and hospitality environments a combination of high energy efficiency and easy temperature control. Built around LG's inverter compressors, the Multi-V series delivers one of the highest energy-efficiency ratios available in the variable-refrigerant-flow (VRF) equipment category, along with low sound operation. Using VRF technology, the Multi-V system provides businesses greater temperature control, avoiding unnecessary energy usage in unoccupied rooms. LG's outdoor units also incorporate a modular design that can be scaled to suit the needs of a particular facility, including high-rise buildings, high-end hotels, luxury-resort facilities, commercial buildings, and condominiums.
LG Commercial Air Conditioning
11405 Old Roswell Road
Alpharetta, GA 30009
www.lghvac.com

Water heaters
SHIELD condensing gas water heaters are equipped with an advanced stainless-steel heat-transfer system located outside of the tank, ensuring the same high efficiency and low operating costs throughout the life cycle. With inputs of up to 500,000 Btuh, 96-percent thermal efficiency, and storage of up to 125 gal., the water heaters have everything it takes to provide green operation without the risk of lime-scale buildup. Ideal for green commercial buildings, the water heaters provide low-nitrogen-oxide (NOx) ratings compatible with the most stringent air-quality standards. The NEG/REG sealed combustion system allows the unit to operate with inlet-gas pressure as low as 4 in. of water column and delivers a quiet, environmentally friendly supply of heat. For added flexibility, the water heaters offer rooftop or sidewall venting options, including conventional, direct vent, and concentric direct vent using polyvinyl-chloride or chlorinated-polyvinyl-chloride pipe with vent runs of up to 100 ft.
Lochinvar Corp.
300 Maddox Simpson Parkway
Lebanon, TN 37090
615-889-8900
www.lochinvar.com

Infrared heaters
Two-stage infrared heaters are available in high-intensity-ceramic (SunTwin) and low-intensity-tube (True Dual) types. The SunTwin is offered in three sizes, with inputs for natural and propane gases. The True Dual has a patented design that provides precise matching of air/gas flows at high- and low-fire stages and is offered in lengths from 20 to 70 ft, inputs of 65 to 200 mbh, and three different tube selections (black steel, aluminized, or stainless steel). Both types of heaters offer an even greater savings in energy costs when compared with a standard single-stage infrared heater. The heaters provide quicker recovery from drastic ambient-temperature changes and can maintain more precise control of inside temperatures without the "overshooting" of a single-stage unit. Applications include warehouses, auto dealerships/service centers, airplane hangars, fire stations, sports facilities, manufacturing plants, and maintenance facilities.
Solaronics Inc.
704 Woodward Ave.
Rochester, MI 48307
800-223-5335
www.solaronicsusa.com

Radiant heating/cooling system
A radiant-heating/cooling-dedicated product, LOFlo Mixing Block (LMB) was designed to work with Taco's LoadMatch single-pipe system along with active-passive chilled beams and a 100-percent dedicated outside-air system to supply latent cooling. The LMB-LoadMatch system provides building owners and operators with an injection-pumping system that is more energy-efficient, lowers first costs, eliminates balancing problems, simplifies commissioning, reduces callbacks, and maximizes occupant comfort throughout a building space. LMB consists of a variable-speed injection circulator, a constant- (or variable-) speed zone circulator, and common bridge piping. It has only four piping connections, which reduces installation time and space needed. LMB can be used in heating and cooling systems to significantly reduce system water flow.
Taco Inc.
1160 Cranston St.
Cranston, RI 02920
401-942-8000
www.taco-hvac.com

Cottonwood filter screens
Designed to protect condenser coils, air-handling units, cooling towers, and other mechanical equipment from fouling caused by airborne matter (insects, cottonwood seed, leaves, etc.), Cottonwood Filter Screens are engineered for optimal airflow and low static-pressure impact. Made with a heavy-duty, fiber-reinforced outer binding and non-stick vinyl-coated polyester mesh with rip-stop characteristics that prevent running or fraying, the filters are ultraviolet-, flame-, mold-, and mildew-resistant, with a service life of up to 15 years. They can be cleaned without removal using a broom, brush, or garden hose—even rain will rinse them clean—eliminating power-washing and cleaning chemicals. They can help reduce energy costs by up to 30 percent and help building owners earn LEED credits in multiple categories.
Air Solution Co.
West Chester, OH 45069
513-860-9784
www.airsolutioncompany.com

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V-belts for rooftop HVAC units
On a hot day, a standard wrapped or smooth V-belt on a fixed-diameter pulley in a rooftop air handler can exceed its 140°F-ambient rating. For every 18°F a belt exceeds its rated temperature, its life is reduced by half. While most raw-edge V-belts are rated at 200°F ambient, they have problems with noise, higher cost, and aggressive (twice as fast as wrapped belts) pulley wear. Optibelt HVAC Power performs to the level of a raw-edge belt in every way, but in the wrapped configuration, eliminating belt noise and excessive pulley wear during operation. This high-heat-resistant belt runs with less vibration and is less aggressive vs. pulleys, extending belt life and pulley-groove life.
Optibelt Corp.
1120 W. National Ave.
Addison, IL 60101
630-628-8400
www.optibelt.com

Cooling-tower motor-and-drive system
Baldor has introduced new direct-drive technology for the cooling-tower industry that improves reliability, reduces maintenance, runs more quietly, and saves energy. By combining the technologies of the field-proven laminated-finned-frame RPM AC motor with a high-performance permanent-magnet salient pole rotor design, Baldor offers an energy-efficient, power-dense product that can directly replace the right-angle gearbox and jack-shaft installation in many conventional cooling towers. The fan couples directly to the motor shaft and is controlled by Baldor's unique VS1 Cooling Tower Drive to provide optimal variable-speed performance. Historically, a fan drive's mechanical components, specifically right-angle gearboxes, have been the largest maintenance issue for cooling-tower installations. Baldor's new direct-drive arrangement eliminates the need for this maintenance and does not allow cooling-tower water to become contaminated via leaky gearboxes.
Baldor Electric Co.
5711 R.S. Boreham Jr. St.
P.O. Box 2400
Fort Smith, AR 72901
479-646-4711
http://www.baldor.com

Split geothermal systems
Tranquility split geothermal systems include the Tranquility outdoor split unit (TTP) and the Tranquility air handler (TAH). When combined, the pair has one of the highest efficiency ratings of any geothermal system on the market. The TTP, which comes in 26-, 38-, 49-, and 64-mbh capacities, has a built-in expansion tank to ensure stable loop pressure and a pre-charged compressor section with back-seating service valves for quick installation. The weather-proof sound-insulated cabinet has large removable panels for easy access. Using Earthpure HFC0410A, an environmentally friendly refrigerant, the system exceeds ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, and Energy Star 3.0 efficiencies. Also, it meets federal requirements for the 30-percent tax credit on installation costs. TAH units provide flow in any direction, making them ideal for remote crawlspace and attic applications. Other features include condensate-overflow protection, 230-v to 115-v compatibility, a bi-directional thermal-expansion valve, a control transformer with circuit-breaker protection, and a dehumidification mode for high latent cooling.
ClimateMaster Inc.
7300 S.W. 44th St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73179
405-745-6000
www.climatemaster.com

Thermal-imaging cameras
FLIR i5/i7 thermal-imaging cameras can be used to quickly diagnose problems, improve efficiency, and ensure worker safety. Ergonomically lightweight, the cameras are heavyweight performers. Both models offer remarkable infrared-image quality, with 2-percent thermal accuracy, and a large 2.8-in. color display. The FLIR i5 features 80-by-80 pixel resolution, while the FLIR i7 features a RESNET-compliant 120-by-120 pixel resolution. The FLIR i5 offers a center-spot measurement mode, while, for extensive job-site analysis, the FLIR i7 adds two measurement modes: area (minimum/maximum) and isotherm (above/below). The entry-level FLIR i5 retails for $1,595, while the FLIR i7 retails for $1,995. Both cameras capture infrared images in FLIR's radiometric JPEG format, which permits users to rely on only one image file for temperature analysis and reporting. The images can be shared easily in e-mails, Word documents, etc.
FLIR Systems Inc.
285 Bear Hill Road
Waltham, MA 02451
800-464-6372
www.flir.com

Commercial-refrigeration-application motors
The Green Choice brand of motors is designed to address current environmental concerns. JuggerNaut, iMotor, and 3-in-1 motors are designed for commercial refrigeration applications and save energy by reducing the amount of electricity needed, resulting in thousands of dollars in energy savings for a typical supermarket. Green Choice motors also can reduce noise and contribute to a more environmentally friendly equipment system. RoHS-compliant, Green Choice motors do not contain or use certain hazardous materials in the manufacturing process. A popular choice, the line of JuggerNaut inverter-duty condenser-fan replacement motors has five models ranging from 1 to 2 hp. These 56-frame motors are used in commercial air-conditioning and refrigeration markets.
A.O. Smith Electrical Products Co.
531 N. Fourth St.
Tipp City, OH 45371
937-667-2431
www.aosmithmotors.com

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Energy-usage meters
The Badger Meter Series 380 Btu meter is an all-in-one energy-usage package for monitoring hydronic heating or cooling systems. The units accurately measure flow and temperature differential to compute energy. They can measure cold-service fluid temperatures from -20 to 60°C and hot-service fluid temperatures from 4 to 125°C. Standard outputs include BACnet and Modbus protocols and pulse. Tee sizes range from 3/4 to 2 in. At less than 10 lb, the compact meter design incorporates an impeller flow sensor and two temperature probes. One temperature probe is mounted directly in the flow-sensor tee, while the other is placed on the supply or return line, depending on ease of installation for the application. With a few connections, the meter is simple to use and requires minimal installation time. The low-cost system integrates flow and temperature sensors with metering components, providing a single solution to obtain British-thermal-unit information.
Badger Meter Inc.
4545 W. Brown Deer Road
P.O. Box 245036
Milwaukee, WI 53224-9536
800-876-3837 or 800-656-3837
www.badgermeter.com

Energy-saving centrifugal fans
Energy-efficient RadiCal centrifugal fans are defining new standards in the field of centrifugal ventilation and air-conditioning technology. The RadiCal's fan blades are designed with an aerodynamically optimized hybrid construction that reduces noise by 50 percent and consumes 50-percent less energy compared with AC fans. Because of their dimensions, they make an easy 1-1 ratio replacement of conventional lossy solutions. The design of the motor heat-management system also is optimized. The stator is completely encapsulated in a high-performance plastic. Air inlets in the rotor guarantee perfect heat dissipation for the motor, which in turn increases efficiency. The high level of IP protection allows these fans to be implemented in critical applications. The good dampening behavior of the plastic also helps to reduce noise emissions. Even without special varnish, the impellers are corrosion-resistant. Direct solar radiation has no damaging effects on the UV-resistant material.
ebm-papst Inc.
100 Hyde Road
Farmington, CT 06034
860-674-1515
www.ebmpapst.us

Hydronic heat exchangers
Mitsubishi Electric Cooling and Heating Solutions' exclusive Hydronic Heat Exchangers (HEX) transfer recovered waste energy from cooling operation to a hydronic system, supplying non-potable hot water to other building areas. When used in applications such as variable-air-volume reheat, radiant floor heating, and domestic hot water, these units can reduce overall energy usage and costs. In applications without waste-heat recovery, the system can heat water directly by using available condensing-unit capacity. PWFY-AU Hydronic HEX units provide hot water from 86°F to 113°F and cool water from 50°F to 86°F. Three operating modes can be scheduled through a system controller, or the unit can employ external temperature sensors for automatic mode operation. PWFY-BU Hydronic Booster units include a secondary compressor with a R-134A refrigerant cycle to increase water temperature to 160°F.
Mitsubishi Electric Cooling and Heating Solutions
3400 Lawrenceville Suwanee Road
Suwanee, GA 30024
800-433-4822
www.MitsubishiPro.com

Oil, acid, and moisture purger, an energy-saving product
The OAM Purger is designed to remove oil, acid, and moisture from a chiller's refrigerant charge. Oil buildup occurs in all centrifugal chillers. Oil invariably finds its way into the evaporator, where it mixes with refrigerant, degrading system efficiency and capacity. This occurs when evaporator tubes become coated with oil, after which heat-transfer efficiency is retarded, drastically reducing the cooling effect. The purger quickly cleans a chiller's refrigerant charge to only a trace level of oil, restoring the chiller to its peak operating efficiency. The purger reduces maintenance and helps prevent premature failure. It is energy-efficient: Its power consumption is approximately equivalent to a 200-w light bulb.
Redi Controls Inc.
755 E. Main St.
Greenwood, IN 46143
800-626-8640
www.redicontrols.com

Air-to-water reversible heat pump
By using natural gas as the primary energy source, GAHP-AR Series air-to-water reversible heat pumps supply hot water up to 140°F or chilled water down to 37.4°F. The same unit is suitable for heating or cooling by reversing the absorption cycle, using the outside air for heat rejection in cooling mode and as a heat source in heating mode. Gas efficiency at rated conditions is 126 percent in heating mode, while the heating-season performance factor is 11.3. Gas savings that occur during the heating season can offset the gas consumption normally required during the cooling season in heating-dominant climates. The AR series offers a variety of applications, such as air-conditioning systems for light-commercial, industrial, and residential use; single units for heating and cooling with low electrical power consumption; and gas-based heating and cooling systems to achieve electrical peak shaving.
Robur Corp.
827 E. Franklin St.
Evansville, IN 47711
812-424-1800
www.robur.com/us

Drive package
Yaskawa America Inc. announces the new E7S Slim Configured Drive Package, which provides an E7 drive in a space-saving NEMA 1 package that can accommodate several options, such as circuit breakers, filters, and reactors. The package was designed for flexibility in providing features and options commonly specified by facility designers. The new package includes an input disconnect. E7S ratings include a 208-v three-phase unit with 1 to 40 hp and a 480-v three-phase unit with 1 to 100 hp. Available options include a 65-kA circuit-breaker disconnect, a 100-kA circuit-breaker disconnect, an input filter, a 3-percent or 5-percent line impedance, an engraved nameplate, a pneumatic pressure transducer at 3 to 15 psi, and 4-20mA analog outputs. Network communications include BACnet, APOGEE FLN, Metasys N2, EtherNet/IP, LonWorks, and Modbus.
Yaskawa America Inc.
2121 Norman Drive South
Waukegan, IL 60085
800-927-5292
www.yaskawa.com