Ask Rick: Enthalpy Wheels in Labs?

Chilled Beams vs. Variable Air Volume (VAV) Boxes. This is a debate that is still raging here in the US. We have seen a number of applications that use both. In the cases, where a VAV box is installed with a active chilled beam, the designer needs to be careful to set a minimum turndown on the VAV box (typically 50 to 60%). Turning the beam below this point decreases nozzle velocity and in turn impedes induction. At this point the system fails to work as designed. We think it’s a good idea to combine VAV with active chilled beams. There can be an additional savings of 15 to 20% depending on the application. That’s worth it. Problem is, till now, there has been no effective way to make it happen.

Swegon ADAPT Parasol

Good News: Swegon has unveiled the new ADAPT Parasol – the first chilled beam with built in variable air volume. This product has been available for quite some time in Europe. Now it’s available in the US. Combining the energy savings capabilities of water-based cooling and variable air volume, plus the outstanding comfort of Swegon’s comfort module technology, ADAPT Parasol is also the first plug-and-play chilled beam, featuring built-in controls. Features include choice of sequence of operations, built-in temperature and occupancy sensors, condensation protection, modulating valves and dampers.

Things we like best:

Combined functionality of a VAV box, Chilled Beam and ATC controller built into a single package for complete demand control ventilation (VAV turndown) – only chilled beam to offer this. This combination can save up to 30% more energy than VAV boxes alone and 20% more energy than standard chilled beams.
Comes standard in a 4-way blow Active Beam, which has greater capacity than 2 way chilled beams and can result in 30% fewer modules needed on a project.
Has an on board Controller that manages demand control VAV. Can use occupancy sensor (included), CO2 sensor input or both.

Swegon has a complete online Web-based software for easy dimensioning and selection of room products. Finally, a more effective and easier way to couple chilled beams with VAV.

Downloads: ADAPT Parasol Design Catalog

Project Snapshot | Dartmouth College – Konvekta System

Posted October 3, 2013 by Jim Shiminski

The new existing Burke Hall Chemistry Building was built in the 1950’s. The mechanical systems were renovated in the early 1990’s. A state of the art Konvekta energy recovery system was retrofitted into the system in 2012 to save energy from the 120,000 cfm of exhaust from the labs.

Project Name:	Dartmouth College – Burke Hall Science Complex Infrastructure Project
Architect:	Bruner/Cott
Mechanical Engineer:	vanZelm Engineers
Contractor:	Pizzagalli and Vermont Heating and Ventilating
Equipment:	High Efficiency Pumped Glycol Energy Recovery Systems
Manufacturer:	Konvekta
Size:	120,000 CFM total
DAC Sales Contact:	Rick McGinley

Technology

Dartmouth College

The Konvekta energy recovery system serves four supply air handling units and three exhaust air handling units. In addition to energy recovery the system provides all heating of the 120,000 CFM of supply air. On cold winter days this is achieved with the help of shell and tube heat exchangers that boost the water/glycoltemperature. The plate and frame heat exchangers are fed with steam from the boiler plant.

Operating Performance

During the winter season the Konvekta system will provide nearly 80% of the net heating requirement for the building from energy recovery.

Konvekta: Unique Cost Transparency Concerning Energy Efﬁciency

Konvekta AG, founded in 1949, is one of the leading manufacturers of air/liquid lamellar heat exchangers. The heat exchangers are custom designed for each application and manufactured in Switzerland. They are primarily suitable for utilization in HVAC energy recovery.

Dartmouth College Burke Hall – Konvekta System

The Konvekta system is based on three core elements of a high-efﬁciency energy recovery system at their disposal:

• Highly efﬁcient heat exchanger

• Hydraulic assembly unit

• System Controller – After installation of a Konvekta heat recovery system the system controller continuously records the system operating parameters and transmits the data via the internet to Konvekta headquarters in Switzerland. The Syskom software calculates the investment cost as well as the annual operating cost of entire HVAC systems (air-conditioning system, refrigeration plant including re-cooling). Depending on the customer’s interests, the system can be optimized through changes in operating conditions and variations of components. This computing service is free of charge for Konvekta customers.

Konvekta Coil – Dartmouth College Burke Hall

Pool Unit Design: WebSentry – 24/7 Factory Monitoring

Posted September 26, 2013 by Jim Shiminski

Dave Lucas, President and Co-Founder Seresco Technologies Inc. presents WebSentry – 24/7 Factory Monitoring & Protection. This is an awesome feature. In today’s world, if we can remotely turn on and off our home HVAC system, why can’t we connect factories directly with their equipment? The technology is coming; these guys are way ahead of the curve. This is cool.

Why WebSentry Technology?

Peak Performance – because with WebSentry, the same engineers who designed and built your dehumidifier can remotely observe, control and fine tune its performance during and after installation with control of over 100 critical functions
24-7 Remote Monitoring – WebSentry allows our servers to remotely monitor, record and analyze your dehumidifier performance every 60 seconds, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and provide real time online data access for operators and authorized service technicians
Remote System Control – allows authorized technicians and service experts to remotely view and change performance parameters in real time via any internet connected device, including smart phones
Performance Trouble Alerts – provide instant email alerts to key personal to should any system parameters not conform to performance expectations
Maintenance Reminders – help ensure scheduled maintenance to maximize performance, boost energy savings and provide the absolute lowest overall cost of ownership of any dehumidifier in the industry

Design Materials:
Link to WebSentry Web Page
WebSentry Technology Brochure
Seresco’s Natatorium Design Guide
Pool Design Checklist

Ask Rick: VAV Diffusers | R-Ring – Pressure Independence Option

Posted September 11, 2013 by Jim Shiminski

Q. Is it required to add an R-Ring for every Acutherm Therma-Fuser installed? Will the R-Ring replace the return air diffuser (typically installed with regular supply air diffuser)? In what application do you need an R-Ring? Why is it an option?

Acutherm System Is it required to add an R-Ring for every Acutherm Therma-Fuser installed? No – only when using specifically for pressure relief on ceiling plenum return applications.

Will the R-Ring replace the return air diffuser (typically installed with regular supply airdiffuser)? No – Return air diffusers will still need to be designed into the system.

In what application do you need an R-Ring? Why is it an option? The R-Ring is used as an inexpensive means of pressure relief for the Therma-Fuser. The Therma-Fuser is a low pressure device; requiring from 0.05 to 0.25 in. SP at the inlet. If there is excess pressure then it will need to be reduced by one, or a combination, of three choices; 1. VFD on system 2. Pressure relief damper (Acutherm PIM) for 3. R-Ring. In ceiling plenum return applications we can use the R (Relief) Ring to bypass additional pressure to the plenum return. We only use these on applications with ceiling plenum return.

Bear in mind that the use of the R-Ring is the least energy efficient option. We onlytypically use it in applications where there are a couple of Therma-Fusers that needto be installed in a system. Otherwise we would prefer to use a “PressureIndependence Module”(PIM).

PIM

Project Snapshot | UMass Boston – Integrated Science Complex

Posted August 15, 2013 by Jim Shiminski

The new 220,000 square foot Integrated Science Complex at the University of Massachusetts – Boston Campus will be the first new academic building on the campus since it opened in 1974. The building is expected to achieve LEED Silver certification and will open in 2014. A state of the art Konvekta energy recovery system is being installed as a key part of the energy efficiency plan.

Project Name:	UMass Boston – Integrated Science Complex
Architect:	Goody Clancy
Mechanical Engineer:	Vanderweil
Contractor:	J. C. Higgins
Equipment:	High Efficiency Pumped Glycol Energy Recovery Systems
Manufacturer:	Konvekta
Size:	210,000 CFM total
DAC Sales Contact:	DAC Sales

Technology

The Konvekta energy recovery system serves five supply air handling units and two exhaust air handling units. In addition to energy recovery the system provides all heating of the 210,000 CFM of supply air. On cold winter days this is achieved with the help of plate and frame heat exchangers that boost the water/glycol temperature. The plate and frame heat exchangers are fed with hot water from the boiler.

Operating Performance

During the winter season the Konvekta system with provide nearly 80% of the net heating requirement for the building from energy recovery.

Konvekta: Unique Cost Transparency Concerning Energy Efﬁciency

Konvekta AG, founded in 1949, is one of the leading manufacturers of air/liquid lamellar heat exchangers. The heat exchangers are custom designed for each application and manufactured in Switzerland. They are primarily suitable for utilization in HVAC energy recovery.

The Konvekta system is based on three core elements of a high-efﬁciency energy recovery system at their disposal:

• Highly efﬁcient heat exchanger

• Hydraulic assembly unit

• System Controller – After installation of a Konvekta heat recovery system the system controller continuously records the system operating parameters and transmits the data via the internet to Konvekta headquarters in Switzerland. The Syskom software calculates the investment cost as well as the annual operating cost of entire HVAC systems (air-conditioning system, refrigeration plant including re-cooling). Depending on the customer’s interests, the system can be optimized through changes in operating conditions and variations of components. This computing service is free of charge for Konvekta customers.

High Plume Dilution Fans | Seven Clicks From Your Best Selection

Posted July 31, 2013 by Jim Shiminski

Strobic Air Tri-Stack Fans

We have been working with high plume dilution fans since their inception (over 25 years ago). It’s absolutely amazing what we see on some schedules these days. For the most part, they will work in the design. Problem is that in many cases they are not optimized for the right variables. There are at least 7 variables that should be considered. These are never weighted the same but should all be thought through carefully to yield the best fan selection.

Seven Clicks From Your Best Selection

First Cost: In some projects this drives the selection; budget is everything. We are called on to select the least expensive solution that will meet performance at least cost. This is important information to know right up front.
Operating Costs: There are times when facility owners are driven to create the most sustainable designs. There are trade-offs to be made but selecting for life cycle costs is very common now.
Energy Recovery: We are seeing energy recovery included in a significant number of our designs. Look at the application and determine a payback for the type of energy recovery that is being considered. It does not make sense to use energy recovery on applications that do not support a payback (like very small applications or applications with extremely dangerous exhaust). Most of the applications we see with High Plume Dilution Fans do support a payback and it’s usually less than 4 to 5 years.
Redundancy: Most High Plume Dilution Fan Systems (Lab Fume Hood Exhaust Fan Systems) are now manifolded systems. For these systems it is essential to figure out how much, if any, redundancy is required. We build redundancy into systems as a backup. Typically we look to make sure we are covered in the event of a fan failure. If one fan fails, will the system be able to cover the exhaust load? The tradeoff is cost. Redundancy costs money. It’s important to determine the correct amount of redundancy to match the budget.
Footprint: These types of systems can take up a lot of space, especially if energy recovery is being used. If footprint is an issue then systems can be designed differently to accommodate.
Sound Attenuation: It is important to look at the type of application and the proximity to neighbors. If it’s a big industrial park and the building is miles from neighbors then we don’t look to incorporate sound attenuation. If the building is on a quiet campus and could impact other areas then it’s definitely considered.
Effective Stack Height: High Plume Dilution Fan Systems are often the fan of choice to solve a specific problem; like getting lab exhaust fumes, odors or smoke away from the roof level. In many cases it is important to maximize the height of the discharge plume. Great to know this information in the start of design.

We have tried to make this easy for designers. We have captured these questions on a very simple form: 7 clicks away from your best selection

Just fill out the form and we will turn it around for you in less than 24 hours. We will also make sure to have senior people here at DAC Sales review the selection. Experience makes for a better selection.

Visit our Strobic Toolbox for other cool applications.

High Plume Dilution Fans | What is a High Plume Dilution Fan? – See more at: https://www.dac-hvac.com/category/high-plume-dilution-fans/page/2/#sthash.kxsqa5yF.dpuf

Ask Rick: DOAS System | Sensible Wheel vs. Heat Pipe

Posted July 19, 2013 by Jim Shiminski

Q. I am working on the design of a Dedicated Outdoor Air System ( DOAS ) unit. I am leaning towards using double wheel units (latent and sensible wheels). What is your opinion on this approach vs. using a wraparound heat pipe.

Dual Wheel Option

Rick… From my viewpoint the dual wheel design is a much less efficient approach than using a wraparound heat pipe. There are a few simple reasons:

the sensible reheat wheel gets its energy from the exhaust air stream and does not have any pre-cooling effect, the wrap around heat pipe gets its energy from the leaving air off the cooling coil and pre-cools the air coming into the cooling coil by 8-9 deg F
the sensible reheat wheel is inherently designed to be 70+% efficient due to its size and velocity, which is much more than you need, you could get a 25 deg rise out of that which you could never use, the ideal reheat amount is 8-10 deg
the wrap around heat pipe is 2 rows and 30% efficient, which gives you exactly the 8-10 deg you want, and by precooling the air it saves almost 30% more capacity than the sensible wheel
the heat pipe is over 30% lower static pressure drop

Heat Pipe Option
the heat pipe takes up less space and is less costly
both devices can modulate the discharge temperature, the heat pipe has solenoid valves and the heat wheel has a VFD, so both are equally controllable
the heat pipe is passive and the wheel is not. There will be more maintenance associated with the wheel

Note that we are still using the latent wheel in the wrap around heat pipe choice. We are just eliminating the sensible wheel in favor of a wrap around heat pipe.

Indoor Pool Design: Part 1 of 4 – Confirming Owner Expectations

Posted July 3, 2013 by Jim Shiminski

Ralph Kittler, VP Sales, Co-Founder Seresco Technologies Inc. presents the A to Z of indoor pool design in a series of short segments that focus on key issues for engineers and architects. Here is Part 1 in a series of 4 videos.

Part 1: One of the most important, but often overlooked aspects of natatoruim design is confirming the details of the job. Asking the right questions is an important value-add service because it allows you not only to confirm all the owner’s expectations, but provides an opportunity to educate and share ideas that may not have been considered. When you bring potential concerns to light and solve problems before they become problems you become the expert, earn trust, and earn the business. There’s no better way to ensure a successful outcome than to nail down every detail of expectation.

About the Presenter: Ralph Kittler has 23 years of experience in the HVAC industry. He is an ASHRAE “Distinguished Lecturer” and ASHRAE Technical Committee 9.10’s reviser, responsible for Chapter 25 “Mechanical Dehumidifiers and Related Equipment” in ASHRAE’s 2012 Systems and Equipment Handbook as well as Technical Committee 9.8’s reviser responsible for Chapter 5 which covers Natatorium Design (Large Building Air Conditioning Applications) in ASHRAE’s Applications Design Handbooks since 1999.

Related Manufacturer: Seresco

Pool Dehumidification | Pool Load Data Sheet

Posted June 19, 2013 by Jim Shiminski