VentZone Systems include a heat or energy recovery ventilator and a zone register terminal for each bathroom in the home

Bradenton, FL (PRWEB) June 14, 2017

American Aldes is pleased to announce the newly designed VentZone System, the most advanced and effective home ventilation system on the market today. The system combines zoned bathroom exhaust plus whole-house ventilation with a single heat or energy recovery ventilator. For the homeowner, this means healthy indoor air quality throughout the home with extra boost ventilation in the bathrooms as needed while maximizing energy efficiency.

Traditional systems ventilate a bathroom in one of two ways; individual fans for each bathroom, or an inline bathroom fan connected to all bathrooms. The former is expensive as it requires purchasing, installing, and ducting several fans plus installing a vent in the exterior of the home for each bathroom. The later wastes energy and can over ventilate a home since all bathroom exhaust is either on or off and does not allow the homeowner to operate ventilation in each bathroom independently.

The innovative VentZone System provides centralized, zoned bathroom exhaust plus whole house ventilation with a single heat or energy recovery ventilator. It gives the homeowner the ability to turn on individual bathroom ventilation as needed, yet only requires one ventilator to provide exhaust for all the bathrooms.

As air is removed from the bathrooms through ALDES patented Zone Register Terminals (ZRT), it it passes through an ALDES heat or energy recovery ventilator (also called an air exchanger). As air is being exhausted from the home, fresh air is also being brought in at the same rate. The air exchanger tempers the incoming air using the energy from the outgoing air without the air streams mixing. This provides balanced ventilation, avoids negative pressure on the home, and improves indoor air quality while maximizing energy recovery. The technology built inside the air exchanger does this in the most energy efficient manner possible to avoid losing heating or cooling energy from within the home.

American Aldes VentZone System and Aldes ZRTs are both past recipients of the Innovation Award for Ventilation by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

The company has built upon this already-successful system in several ways.

Ventzone kits are available for homes with 2-5 bathrooms. Each kit includes an ERV or HRV, Zone Register Terminals (ZRTs) and controls for each ZRT.

Forward-thinking builders and HVAC installers have recognized the benefits of VentZone System for years, and homeowners appreciate the energy savings year after year, said Tom Heidel, Residential and Ecommerce Business Development Manager at American Aldes. These improvements take the award-winning Aldes VentZone System even further in terms of healthy indoor air quality, energy savings, and ease of installation.

A demonstration video is available at: http://bit.ly/ventzone

About American ALDES American ALDES is the premier manufacturer of ventilation products and systems for homes, multi-family dwellings, hotels, schools and numerous other commercial applications. Products are designed for superior airflow control, energy-efficient performance, and a healthy indoor environment.

American ALDES is a based in Florida and is a subsidiary of the ALDES Group, an international, family owned group of more than 1,300 employees and 17 subsidiaries in 13 countries. More information on VentZone Systems is available at http://www.aldes.us/ventzone-iaq .

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American Aldes Raises the Bar on Home Ventilation with Improved VentZone Systems - PR Web (press release)

Manteca Unified has added the equivalent of almost another elementary school as part of its modernization effort at five campuses. And it was done by honoring two promises to Measure G voters: No new classrooms would be built for growth and the bond money would be spent in a manner that was efficient and maximized every cent. The remodels at Lincoln, Sequoia, Shasta, Lathrop, and Golden West schools yielded 15 additional classroom spaces. This was accomplished in several ways: uThe five new offices that were positioned to enhance campus security allowed the older offices to be remodeled into classrooms. uThanks to Going Digital, computer labs per se were no longer needed so those classrooms were repurposed as general classrooms. uSpace for pull out programs where students leave a classroom setting for more intense help in smaller groups that were adjacent to other such areas where walls could be removed were remodeled into standard classrooms. uOther space that could be converted for pull out programs such as the old boiler room at Lincoln School that was no longer needed thanks to electric heating and cooling roof units were remodeled freeing up other space for general classrooms. When the dust is settled, there will be a net gain of around 15 classrooms at the five schools to support upwards of 450 more students based on a 30 students per classroom ratio. Given that a classroom can cost around $330,000 apiece when they are built in clusters of eight to 10 rooms, the additional classroom space represents a cost avoidance of just under $5 million. The additional classroom capacity is even more cost effective given that 450 more students could ultimately be housed without the need to secure land for a school site, install infrastructure and build support facilities such as a multi-purpose room, cafeteria kitchen, library, office, parking lots, and other typical campus improvements. Deputy Superintendent Clark Burke said staff looked for any area they could come up with 960 square feet the minimum size required by the state for a first through eighth grade classroom and worked it into the remodel plans. The repurposing of other space for classrooms means the five remodels have maximized facilities. At the same time, Manteca Unified Superintendent Jason Messer noted the condition of each portable classroom was re-evaluated. While the district was hopeful to replace all portables with permanent buildings that have a significantly longer life expectancy and lower maintenance costs when the bond measure was cobbled together, portables that could have significant more life squeezed out of them with a minimal investment were retained. It would have been nice to replace all of the portables but it made no sense to do so with the classroom space needs the district is facing, Messer said. All classrooms whether they involved new construction to replace dilapidated portables, remodeling of aging classrooms, or other space that was converted to general classrooms were brought up to current standards. An example is the original classroom wings at Lincoln School. The wiring was all replaced, new cabinets installed, ceilings replaced, new plumbing for rooms with sinks, as well as new flooring. At Lincoln school, original classroom wings had linoleum flooring removed in hallways and the cement given a polished finish. Not only did that increase durability and reduce maintenance costs but it gave the 60-year-old plus building a modern, updated look.

What the district was able to do at Lathrop School Of all the campus modernizations done so far using Measure G funds, perhaps none were as transformative as Lathrop School. Prior to Measure G work the campus front along Fifth Street was a major hazard. There were no curbs, gutters, or sidewalks. Parking and drop off areas were blurred. The office was away from the entrance. Portable buildings were placed in such a manner that securing the campus that is bounded on three sides by streets was difficult at best. Some interior hallways had a dingy, cramped feel to them due to a hodge podge of additions over the years. The $10.4 million Measure G infusion provided Lathrop School with 10 new classrooms to replace the worst portables. The front has been cleaned up with sidewalks, streets, and curbs along with separated parking and drop off zones. There is a new main entrance with wrought iron fencing and gates along with a new office that allows the staff to monitor those who enter during the school day and after hours. The smaller of the original multi-purpose rooms was converted into an expansive library that takes advantage of natural lighting. Drainage and slope issues were addressed on the playground to deal with run-off effectively and to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. And it was done were care to save massive, sturdy heritage trees. Just like with modernizations at other campuses, there were unique touches that reflect Lathrop School. Given the schools long involvement with student gardens, 10 elevated garden tubs were put in place. Not only are they ADA compliant but each have their own water faucet. The finishing touch was covering the surrounding area with decomposed granite. It means the garden area will be easier to prevent weed growth and for students to work. There is also a separate drop-off area by the multi-purpose room that can be opened and closed with new gates. Clarke noted that once the multipurpose room is painted, the campus will have a cohesive look.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com

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Remodeling produces more classroom space - Manteca Bulletin

While heat pump water heaters are not known by every customer, they are a choice every customer should know about. Whether its for an emergency or planned replacement, a heat pump water heater (HPWH) is the most energy-efficient choice, providing your customers hot water needs today, while saving them more than 50 percent of electric water heating costs for years to come.

They can also be a business booster since the profitability of HPWHs is typically higher than a standard water heater, making each sale a valuable opportunity.

In the Pacific Northwest, Hot Water Solutions, hotwatersolutionsnw.org, an initiative funded by utilities in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana through the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, is working to dramatically increase consumer demand for HPWHs through consumer awareness, education, and monetary incentives over the next few years. The initiative is also working to boost business for contractors and installers with free technical and sales training.

Elsewhere in the U.S., there is also a great opportunity for growth. And with a little background knowledge, contractors could become leaders in their service area.

HPWHs have been around since the 1980s, but todays models are a far cry from their predecessors. And, while todays models are a great option for customers, there are still misperceptions. This article debunks five common myths about HPWHs, and provides actionable strategies to build your sales.

Five myths about HPWHs

Myth No. 1: HPWH technology may not produce enough heat to quickly recover when hot water is in high demand, and theyre loud.

HPWHs offer the best of both worlds: maximum energy savings and reliable recovery time. In fact, first hour ratings for HPWHs are just as high as electric tanks. Newer HPWH technology, used in Tier 3 tanks, works to maximize the most recently heated water for its end uses.

To maximize hot water recovery; larger tank sizes may be advisable based on your customers needs. Manufacturer and sizing guidance will help with this. It is also helpful to encourage customers to use the Hybrid Mode, so when extra hot water is required, electric elements will kick in to boost hot water. Hybrid Mode provides economy when you want it, power when you need it.

While HPWHs generate some operational noise, around 45 decibels or so, the sound is comparable to the background noise from a portable fan. When the units are installed in a separate room from the living space very few homeowners are aware they are operating.

Myth No. 2: My customers just want a quick, like-for-like replacement.

The truth is, its hard to predict what a customer will or wont pay for, or know what they can or cant afford. To be fair to all customers, offer them choices. Start off by asking questions to find out what the customers interests and needs are. Then provide a series of choices, including the best possible one appropriate for the customers needs.

In the long run, providing choices to all customers, without assumptions, will produce greater sales across all price categories, as well as more satisfied customers.

Myth No. 3: Homeowners wont pay extra for a high-efficiency water heater.

In some cases, upgrading to a HPWH could be comparable in price to a standard electric tank due to available tax credits, manufacturer rebates, and local utility promotions. Heres how it might work:

On average, a customer will pay $2,500 for a HPWH compared to $1,300 for a standard electric water heater. However, in many regions, available rebates can dramatically decrease the upgrade investment for the HPWH. Many manufacturers are offering up to $300 in instant markdowns to help attract more customers to their products. Many local electric utilities are offering rebates to reward their customers who choose energy efficiency. In the Pacific Northwest, for example, customers can qualify for up to $800 in utility rebates.

Its important to remember too that HPWHs generally cost half as much to operate as a standard electric water heater, saving many homeowners $300 a year or more. Using available manufacturer rebates, plus utility rebates could mean there is very little payback time for the initial investment. For customers using only manufacturer rebates, it will take up to two years for a 100 percent return-on-investment. After that, all of the savings go right into the homeowners pocket.

Myth No. 4: HPWH installation requirements are too complicated and may require maintenance and call backs.

As long as you have the skills to install a standard electric water heater, you have the skills to install a heat pump water heater. Its true it may be easier to stay with the models you are most familiar installing. However, once trained, qualified installers will find that the few additional installation requirements for a HPWH are straightforward and typical of other plumbing, heating and air conditioning products they routinely install.

Some of these installation considerations include:

Locating the HPWH in a place with ambient temperatures that do not drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, such as the basement or a utility room

Possibly exhausting the cooler air conditioned air if needed

Having adequate space for the products footprint and height

Installing a condensate drainage line

Ensuring continued access for maintenance (e.g., filter changes)

For worries about maintenance and call backs, with proper homeowner education, filter maintenance can be easily managed. And, if the condensate drainage is installed properly, this shouldnt add customer call backs.

Myth No. 5: HPWHs take too much time to install and are less profitable for my business.

The fact of the matter is HPWHs have the potential to be very profitable. Its the contractor who determines their selling prices by considering product costs, material costs, labor costs, overhead costs, selling costs and desired net profit. So, it does not matter if two HPWHs or three standard water heaters are installed in the same day if the total profit for the day is the same.

The business-savvy contractor considers both the profitability of a single job and the total profits produced per installer per day when establishing their pricing. Simply price each job with a gross profit per day target in mind and you can make more money and create happier customers.

For contractors who want to learn more about HPWHs, there are some great resources available. Building your knowledge, and finding the sales model that works best for you, are the keys to making HPWH sales work well for your business, all while being a leader in energy efficiency and customer services.

Resources:

Hot Water Solutions, http://www.hotwatersolutionsnw.com, offers tools to make selling HPWHs easy, including sales training, product features and benefits, and current financial incentives available. Also, check with your local utility to learn about current rebates available to your customers and any install requirements needed to qualify.

Jill Reynolds oversees the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliances heat pump water heater initiative, Hot Water Solutions, which focuses on promoting the development and adoption of heat pump water heater technology. Prior to joining NEEA, Reynolds managed several residential programs for a variety of Northwest utility and municipal clients. Programs included single family weatherization, single and multifamily direct install, retail products and lighting, and single and multifamily audits. She is a graduate of Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon. Additionally, she holds JD from Lewis and Clark law school in Portland.

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5 common myths and tips when selling heat pump water heaters - Contractor Mag

Partner Post D48 is a different type of energy management company offering no-cost initial analysis, complete energy audits, full spectrum low-to-high tech efficiency analysisand multiple financingsolutions.Turn-key renewable power production and storage project management services are available on request.

In the world of air conditioning, air cooled chillers have always been more efficient than conventional refrigerant based air conditioners, up to 300% more efficient in some cases. The problem was that these chillers are usually over 10-Tons in size and most home/office air conditioners specified or installed are refrigerant based systems and less than 10-Tons. So 95% of the time designers and builders use ducted 3-Ton and 5-Ton, refrigerant based air conditioning or heat pump systems in new construction, small commercial and replacement projects. In addition, no thought was expended on how a climate control system could add to hot water production and take advantage of solar thermal and or electric systems designed into or existing at an increasing number of new and retrofit projects.

Chiltrix has thought about these opportunities and recently updated its CX34, 2-Ton mini-chiller heat pump listing on the California Energy Commission web site to incorporate the CX34s world record setting efficiency data recently certified by AHRI.

As a high quality chiller with a 20-year service life, multiple air handler capability, scalable from 24,000 to 72,000 BTUs of air conditioning, ductless split with variable speed motors; the CX34 checks all the boxes when it comes to being ultra-efficient and dependable. It leaves other comparable units 37% to 150% behind in ILPV EER efficiency and up to 300% more efficient under NLPV conditions. Both ILPV and NLPV are specified in the AHRIs, (Air Conditioning Heating Refrigeration Institutes) 550/590 industry Standard. ILPV is what SEER is to standard air conditioners, the NLPV rating is used for the CX34 when its humidity control option is in use and loop water temperatures fluctuate out of the ILPV standards to maintain a desired indoor humidity level.

The patent-pending Chiltrix offers a DHC humidity control option which is unique to the CX34 and allows users to set specific inside humidity levels higher for a healthier inside environment while saving even more energy during its operation. Other systems cannot provide this important aspect of total indoor climate control.

To put the efficiency of the CX34 in perspective, lets look at a new 100 home project in southern California, (at least 20-miles from the beach) with an average of 1200 square feet of living space per home and the CX34 is used for primary hot water, heating and cooling. The residents of this project would have a combined average of an additional $90,000.00 per year of disposable income that would eventually make its way into the local economy or the homeowners education/retirement accounts. Either way, the effect is a healthier more prosperous community.

So lets review:

In addition to the CX34s attributes above; it is solar ready. With a variable speed 208/240 single phase soft start of 2 amps, the CX34 makes it easy on inverters and battery banks and practical to integrate into solar PV systems. It can also connect directly with solar water heating systems for heating purposes and be an ultra-efficient primary source for hot water thus saving the user even more on related energy costs.

Finally the CX34 is priced about the same or less as quality conventional new or replacement HVAC hardware. If ducting or ducting replacement/repair is factored in the CX34 is often the less expensive option. Builders and contractors can also save on new construction and replacement projects by using in-house install personnel since there is no requirement for a specialty license to install the CX34.

New zero energy and Title 24 compliant home buyers, commercial tenants and system replacement customers benefit greatly from reduced AC operation noise levels, a more comfortable and healthier interior environment, contributing to local carbon reduction strategies and saving up to 50% on climate control and water heating related energy costs as a result of the CX34 being the primary hot water, heating and air conditioning system for their home or office.

Yes, the people at Chiltrix thought of that.

Go to: http://www.chiltrix.com for pricing and technical documents or call; 909.223.7357 to discuss your specific application.

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World Record AC Efficiency for Zero Energy Homes - Inland Empire

LAWTON, OK (KSWO) The City of Lawton has completed phase three of an energy-savings initiative that began in 2007. The City of Lawtons Information Technology Division teamed with Quasar Data Center of OpTerra Energy to virtualize 20 servers managing access to centralized services in the citys network.

The work is the most significant IT undertaking to date, according to City of Lawton IT Supervisor Cindy Price.

The cost of our physical servers and the cost of some of the support software that went along with those will no longer be required, Price said. The management and maintenance tools that we will have available now are so much more sophisticated and efficient compared to what we had before. This is an exciting change for us.

Quasar Data Center signed a 15-year energy-savings deal with the City of Lawton. Most of the decommissioned servers will be transported to the Quasar Data Center headquarters to form a disaster recovery center for the City of Lawton.

City of Lawton Network Support Technician Liz Brundige and City of Lawton Network Administrator Candy Williams completed much of the technical development and configuration to the citys customized Cloud Computing solution.

This was a big undertaking but it was extremely important to have done to protect the infrastructure of the City of Lawton, Price said.

The consolidation of servers will not only save energy; the removal of unused servers will simplify management strategies, increase harbor failure resiliency and cut down the time that technicians regularly spend maintaining nearly two dozen pieces of equipment, according to Gonzales.

The infrastructure Lawton had was pretty typical as far as IT goes, in that each server was performing a singular function here, Gonzales said. Now that there are multiple servers on one physical server it will allow for many benefits from heating and cooling advantages, to more space, to shortening the life-cycle of provisioning physical servers.

Projects of phase one and two of the energy-savings initiative with OpTerra included installation of Automated Meter Reading (AMR) water meters, upgrading HVAC and control systems across city facilities, replacing traffic signals with LEDs and upgrading light fixtures at various buildings, among other tasks.

The project, in its entirety, has totaled approximately $16 million a debt to be covered by annual savings from the more energy-efficient equipment and services.

Information provided by the City of Lawton.

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Phase 3 of the City of Lawton energy-savings initiative is complete - KSWO

At the edge of Downtown Providence, RI, stands the Sharpe Building at the Foundry, a 157,500 square foot former mill that has been renovated into a six-story building with 196 loft-style luxury residences.

The Challenge Originally built in 1872, The Foundry has a rich history dating back more than a century. Once the former manufacturing campus of industrial powerhouse Brown & Sharpe, the 13 brick buildings located on 26 acres at the edge of downtown Providence, RI have been meticulously restored into a mixed-use complex, which bridges the old and new.

In the middle of the sprawling complex is the Sharpe Building at the Foundry, which served as a mill during the buildings manufacturing years. The goal for the renovation of the 157,500-square-foot, six-story building was to develop 196 loft-style luxury residences. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003, the Sharpe Building required a renovation that upgraded the functionality of the building while maintaining the historic design.

Criteria The project team required an HVAC system that would retain the Sharpe Buildings unique architectural character, while appealing to young professionals migrating to Providences urban center seeking modern comfort and conveniences. Therefore, the team looked for a system that was energy-efficient, aesthetically pleasing and quiet.

Solution The projects mechanical contractor, Peregrine Mechanical, Inc., turned to Trumbull Campbell Associates to help them design a super-efficient solution that would allow for individually-controlled heating and cooling in the buildings mix of metro, studio, one- and two-bedroom units.

A traditional water-source heat pump system was originally scoped for the project, but the rapid on-off cycling of compressors and fans can be noisy, and the system would not be able to match the cooling or heating loads without wide space-temperature swings a problem for a luxury residential building.

After carefully reviewing the requirements, Trumbull Campbell Associates recommended installing the LG Multi V IV VRF heat recovery system. Using LGs VRF (variable refrigerant flow) systems would preserve the architectural integrity of the historic building, while addressing space considerations by running small refrigerant lines throughout the building without using bulky ductwork.

This building is part of the National Register of Historic Places, so they do limit any outside structural changes that can be made. So with the LG VRF system its a lot easier for installation, said Duncan Fuller, sales engineer for Trumbull Campbell.

In addition to the small refrigerant lines and compact equipment, the LG Multi V IV does not require a large mechanical room. In turn, the Sharpe Building was able to repurpose that space for amenities for the residents including a gym and a theater. On a large portion of the roof that would have been occupied by a conventional system, the Sharpe building created an outdoor space overlooking downtown Providence for the residents.

When they first started doing the buildings and the retrofits, they used traditional water-source heat pumps. When you have water-source heat pumps you have large mechanical room full of pumps and other machinery that are not only large electric users but also take up usable space, said Fuller. The designer of this project converted that space into amenities for the residents. It has a large fitness center and a 20-seat theater for the residents.

The roof was modified for a large roof deck for resident enjoyment and views of the city instead of having cooling towers in view.

To create a comfortable and appealing indoor environment, the Sharpe Building features a mix of indoor units including ceiling cassettes and wall-mounted units, depending on the location. Selected for their minimal noise level, the LG indoor units provide precise temperature control while operating as quietly as the noise level in a library. By using individual zones, the LG Multi V IV systems only engage when there is enough demand, and then balance the load requirements across all spaces to use energy more efficiently. The system provides further energy efficiency through the heat recovery feature as heated return air is redistributed to the zones that need it, rather than heating new air.

Results The energy-efficient LG MultiV IV VRF system met all the Sharp Buildings criteria with flawless performance since the building opened in 2015.

The building owners tell us they are experiencing significant cost savings per square foot operation, said Eric Peters, Regional Sales Engineer, LG Air Conditioning Technologies.

For nearly the same cost as a traditional system, the Sharpe Building now has a highly reliable, stable HVAC solution that provides energy efficient comfort for residents.

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Case Studies in Commercial Ductless Systems: LG for Historic Building Retrofit - Contracting Business

Packaged terminal air conditioners (PTAC) have long filled the need for a combined heating and cooling solution that provides low upfront cost, individual control and stand-alone operation within a relatively small footprint. Once installed, PTACs also make the replacement process simple down the road. Thats why making a case for an alternative to the PTAC on a high-rise building retrofit can be a challenge.

Starting in 2014, my company, Melling Engineering, joined several other firms to do just that during an upcoming renovation of Tabco Towers, a large HUD (Housing and Urban Development) apartment building in Towson, MD. The project culminated in late 2016, and so far, has exceeded every expectation.

The buildings owner, Wishrock Investment Group, had been planning HVAC and building upgrades at the high-rise for some time. After Wishrock consulted with New Ecology, a non-profit sustainability consulting firm with offices in Boston, Providence, Hartford and Baltimore, they decided to pursue 2011 Enterprise Green Communities (EGC) certification.

EGC certification is based on a number of factors, including a buildings energy performance, said Marty Davey, Director of Portfolio Services at New Ecology, who has worked on other Wishrock projects in the past. Building to this certification opens the door to significant funding in Maryland.

In addition to certification and efficiency, Wishrock was looking for a longer-term solution that would provide greater comfort, control and reduced maintenance costs. Because the wall penetrations for the PTAC units had caused maintenance issues in recent years, sealing up the building and controlling condensate drainage were goals as well.

While New Ecology gathered building performance data, created an energy model of the building, and helped define the overall greening goals of the project, we were brought onboard. Based in Raleigh, NC, were an MEP firm that specializes in apartment buildings, apartment communities, and commercial space. That work often comes through collaboration with several architects across the East Coast.

Once a performance baseline for the 22-story building was established, the first challenge became selecting a replacement HVAC system. More efficient PTACs were considered, but the performance levels needed just werent available. As a high-efficiency, long-term solution, water-source heat pumps (WSHP) would have worked well but without the need to individually monitor energy use across all the apartments, it was hard to justify the extensive core drilling necessary to install the system.

The use of mini-split heat pumps as a one-for-one replacement for the existing PTACs was also extensively discussed. Efficiency levels were on par with what we needed to achieve, but with 200 apartments in a 180-foot building, finding a place to install all the condensers was difficult. Further, it required too many wall penetrations, and most mini-split systems could not accommodate the line-set lengths that wouldve been needed.

Eventually, we began to consider a central VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) system. Like the WSHPs, our initial skepticism concerning VRF at Tabco Towers was the higher upfront cost.

What ultimately tipped the scales in favor of VRF was that the retrofit needed to take place while the building was completely occupied. Melling Engineering routinely designs both VRF and WSHP systems, but weve never used VRF to replace a PTAC system, let alone in a low-income apartment building. It was ultimately the work of Marty Davey and the team at New Ecology that made it possible. In addition to an energy audit and modeling, they secured the funding that would take the project from a 15-year payback down to a five- or six-year return.

200 Tons Earlier, when mini-split heat pumps were still part of the discussion, the design team had looked closely at Fujitsu units based on a discussion that New Ecologys Jonah Decola had with a Fujitsu Sales Engineer at the AHR Show in Chicago. We spoke with Fujitsu again when the focus shifted to VRF, and had good factory support throughout the design. But we needed to look at other manufacturers as well, considering the many criteria the new system would need to meet. Fujitsus Airstage heat recovery system remained the number one choice because of its overall efficiency. In addition, the Fujitsu RBUs (refrigerant branch units) fit in the small spaces allotted to us.

We initially looked at both heat pump-only and heat-recovery systems. But the buildings shape tall and slender meant that most of the rooms have external walls and windows. This creates the potential for widely varying loads, and increases the likelihood of different zones simultaneously calling for heat and cooling. Being able to essentially recycle heat, or extracting heat from one space and rejecting into another zone on the same system was a big advantage, especially during the shoulder seasons.

Before plans were finalized, the general contractor, Ellisdale Construction and Development, was brought onboard. The Integrated Companies, a large mechanical contractor out of Chantilly, VA, took the bid to do equipment installation. Both firms are known for their work in hi-rise apartment buildings and had the design and engineering capacity to pull it off. Their help was invaluable.

The final plan utilized 22 VRF condensers, most of which were 10-tons each. The units were paired together into 20-ton systems, with one system serving two floors. All but two systems were placed on the roof. Apartments on the first and second floor are served by a ground-mounted system, while common areas in the basement and first floors use a four-ton Fujitsu JII single phase VRF system, also located at grade.

Installation Headwinds Work started in February of 2016. Integrated technicians worked their way up the tower, one floor at a time. One-bedroom apartments were outfitted with an 18,000 BTU slim-duct unit that was enclosed in a new soffit with an access panel. This required that the existing sprinkler system in the area and in the adjacent bedroom closet be reworked to provide room for the unit and ductwork. The studio apartments are conditioned by a wall-mount evaporator. Depending on the size of the apartment, these range from 9,000 to 14,000 BTU. The PTAC units remained in service for the duration of the project. Without interrupting either the heating or cooling in any apartments, tenants were only displaced for several hours.

Being an occupied, existing building with limited space, we were tasked with the challenge of finding a location for the RBUs, said Scottie Williams, CEO at Integrated. We efficiently prepared and strategized the most effective way to use our minimal space within the units and ceiling space. We achieved a solution by utilizing the smaller electrical closets and a few apartment closets to install four RBUs per floor.

On each floor, there are two, four-branch RBUs and two single-branch RBUs. Unlike a mini-split system, the use of the RBUs with heat-recovery condensing units not only allows the system to supply simultaneous heating and cooling, but also to share refrigerant between two evaporators. If one room is calling for heat, and another on the same floor is in cooling mode, the cooling unit can effectively reject heat into the room calling for heat.

Line-sets from the roof were run down through an old common exhaust vent. As part of the retrofit project, Ellisdale installed bathroom exhaust fans in each restroom, abandoning the old common exhaust duct and availing it to serve as a chase for the mechanical system. In addition to line-sets, the vent was used to run new power lines to the roof. After the Airstage condensers were craned to the roof, Integrated technicians placed them on top of a custom-made framework on both sides of the elevator tower. A single, 48,000 BTU Fujitsu Halcyon unit was also used to help condition the upper portion of the elevator shaft. Despite the scope of the project and several challenges, system start-up began in late July. Work on the mechanical system culminated in October.

Certification and ROI As planned, this project progressed efficiently with the assistance of Ellisdale Construction, the Engineer of Record, Craig Howell and Matt Cole of the Ferguson VRF Division, and Fujitsu, said Williams.

Communication between all parties involved was outstanding. But New Ecology was definitely the impetus of the project. Without their work before and during the install, providing such an efficient, comfortable solution in an older building on a tight budget simply wouldnt have been an option.

At New Ecology, we perform comprehensive audits with payback analysis, to help owners make decisions, said Davey. In simple numbers, modeling showed that the VRF retrofit at Tabco Towers would yield a 15-year payback before any subsidy or grant money is accounted for. After receiving funding based on the criteria in Enterprise Green Communities Certification, the real return on investment might be about five or six years. That said, we perform robust post-project analyses for every project were involved with, tracking building performance for years to make sure it stays on track and to deepen our understanding.

The hope is that Tabco Towers can serve as a template for similar projects across the country, especially as redevelopment requirements set higher energy efficiency standards. For Melling Engineering, were adding the experience to our portfolio to prove that, in certain situations, there is a viable alternative to exchanging PTACs in a hi-rise.

Rick Melling is president, Melling Engineering, PC, based in Raleigh, N.C. The firm has been providing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire alarm engineering design for commercial buildings for 20 years.

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Case Studies in Commercial Ductless Systems: PTAC Out, Fujitsu VRF In - Contracting Business

The solution to your Vermont heating and cooling needs is just beneath your feet, and it?s been there all along. The greenest, most innovative technologies are going back to the source to meet your needs and expand your horizons.

FHP?s Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems by Bosch are revolutionizing comfort and reliability for the 21st century, and Excel Plumbing and Heating has the expertise to outfit your Vermont property with the very latest green heating technologies.

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Excel Plumbing and Heating can design, install and service geothermal heating and cooling ?loops? for any size home or building, providing savings that can exceed 70% on your Vermont energy bills, and lowering your overall costs by 25-50% over the lifetime of the system all while reducing your impact on the environment. Reliable, comfortable, energy efficient, heating and cooling is no pipe dream. Excel Plumbing and Heating systems are designed with cutting-edge technology that is affordable and adaptable to any conditions, providing you with the comfort you?ve come to expect in your residence or second home.

Our design/build team is bringing the future to Vermont with the latest green technologies and best service you?ll find anywhere without the ecological and economic costs that usually come with it

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Geothermal Heating and Cooling System Install

Italy is moving full steam ahead on the expansion of high-speed rail. The country recently celebrated inauguration for the first phase of the Napoli Afragola station, a solar-powered high-speed rail hub and major gateway to the south of Italy. Zaha Hadid Architects designed the eye-catching station, which doubles as a pedestrian bridge, and integrated energy-efficient systems such as solar panels and ground source heating and cooling.

Located 12 kilometers north of Naples, the Napoli Afragola station will serve four high-speed intercity lines, three inter-regional lines, and a local commuter line. Once complete, the station will connect the 15 million residents of the surrounding southern communities with the national rail network to the north and Europe beyond. An estimated 32,700 passengers are expected to use the station daily once all lines are operational.

Zaha Hadid Architects designed the Napoli Afragola station to double as a public bridge connecting communities on either side of the railway. The design enlarges the public walkway over the eight railway tracks to such a degree that this walkway becomes the stations main passenger concourse a bridge housing all the services and facilities for departing, arriving and connecting passengers, with direct access to all platforms below, write the architects. The elevated station also offers much-needed new public space for the area in addition to shops and other amenities.

Related: Wind power now runs all electric passenger trains in the Netherlands

Designed as an extrusion of a trapezoid along a 450-meter curved path, the sculptural station is constructed with a reinforced concrete base with 200 differently shaped steel ribs clad in Corian and a glazed roof. Natural light pours into the station through the glazed roof to minimize demands on artificial lighting. Integrated solar panels on the roof, natural ventilation, and ground source cooling and heating systems also reduce energy consumption.

+ Zaha Hadid Architects

Images by Jacopo Spilimbergo

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Zaha Hadid Architects completes first phase of Italy's solar-powered high-speed rail hub - Inhabitat

Chris OHiggins, the director of facilities at Jefferson Healthcare, stands next to the new air handling unit that heats, cools, monitors humidity and kills germs in the air in the hospitals surgical units. (Cydney McFarland/Peninsula Daily News)

PORT TOWNSEND The surgical units at Jefferson Healthcare hospital have received an upgrade from a new air-handling unit that kills viruses and bacteria using ultraviolet light.

We have things on this unit that arent even required yet, said Chris OHiggins, director of facilities at the hospital. Its the Tesla of air handlers.

The new system replaces one installed in 1995 that didnt meet new standards and was nearing the end of its 20-year life span.

The new unit controls the air quality for the surgical units, including operating rooms.

This one has a new ultraviolet light system that kills bacteria and viruses, said Laura Showers, the infection preventionist at Jefferson Healthcare. Its also really good at keeping humidity and temperature more consistent.

The new unit has three banks of filters, and all air passes through the UV light system before being released into the vents. Information on the cost of the unit was not available Wednesday.

The new unit was hauled in by truck last Friday morning and moved up to the roof using an 80-foot crane. Due to strict air quality and temperature standards for the operating rooms, they had to be shut down while the new unit was installed later in the day.

It took a lot of coordination, OHiggins said.

The surgical units were shut down at 4 p.m. last Friday. With operating rooms out of commission, the hospital had to make special arrangements in case of emergencies.

With no operating rooms and work being performed on the roof to install the air unit, all helicopter services had to be sent to other hospitals. East Jefferson Fire-Rescue, the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office and Port Townsend police were notified to send anyone who could potentially need surgery to other area hospitals.

The hospital also accounted for six area women who were currently 32 weeks or more along in their pregnancies.

We had plans in place in case they went into labor to send them to other hospitals, OHiggins said. Obviously the hospital wouldve covered those costs since it was our problem, not theirs.

OHiggins said the process went smoothly, and the operating rooms reopened at 3 p.m. Sunday.

The air-handling unit was installed by PSF Mechanical out of Seattle and Precision Electric out of Redmond.

They worked really well together and with us, said Showers.

According to OHiggins, the hospital plans to install next year a similar unit to replace the 1995 equipment currently heating, cooling and filtering the air for the family and birth units.

The new systems are expected to last another 20 years and are more energy-efficient.

I cant wait to see what a month of that one does compared to the 95 unit, OHiggins said.

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Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Cydney McFarland can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 55052, or at cmcfarland@peninsuladailynews.com.

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Jefferson Healthcare surgical units get air handler upgrade - Peninsula Daily News