In building projects, there is no single solution for a building to achieve high-performance status. This roundup showcases some of the myriad products that can be used in high-performance buildings, from controls to components and equipment.

Carrier Corp.
www.carrier.com
The Carrier EnergyX® energy recovery ventilator (ERV) system is now offered on Carrier Weather-Master® 48/50HC rooftops, integrated as a single packaged product. This factory-installed offering pre-conditions the outdoor air before it enters the rooftop unit evaporator coil, and uses building exhaust air as a heat exchange source. As a result, the system operates efficiently under a wider range of ambient temperatures. “The EnergyX system provides the potential to reduce costs by downsizing the base rooftop unit while still meeting ventilation requirements. It can also qualify for utility rebates,” said Greg Alcorn, vice president, commercial sales and marketing, Carrier. Options include a true wheel bypass economizer and variable-speed energy recovery fans for optimum demand control ventilation.

Danfoss
www.danfoss.us
The ETS Series of electrically operated expansion valves has been expanded to now include the ETS 6 electronic expansion valves. Designed to control liquid injection into evaporators, the valve regulates refrigerant flow by offering a total of 480 steps from fully closed to fully open and ensures precise resolution for better control of superheat, even at low flow rates. With the ability to adapt to a system’s exact capacity demands, the ETS 6 improves energy efficiency in refrigeration, heat pumps, and air conditioning systems. The ETS 6 is compatible with all common refrigerants, including R-410A, R-407C, R-404A, and R-134a. Compact and lightweight, the new valve can also be used in heat pump systems with biflow operation.

Fujitsu
www.fujitsugeneral.com
The Airstage™ V-II VRF is a new line of variable refrigerant flow (VRF) heat pumps. The large-capacity, zoned heat pump system has operational efficiencies up to 21.7 iEER (to AHRI Standard 1230). Airstage systems avail a lineup from 6 to 24 tons with a connectable indoor unit capacity ratio up to 130 percent and up to 45 indoor units per bank of three condensing units. High efficiency is achieved by using a single dc inverter-controlled, twin rotary compressor per condenser. The system also offers a total pipe length of nearly 3,300 feet. Heating operating range spans ambient temperatures from 75˚F to as low as -5˚, while rated cooling capacity remains constant with outdoor temperatures from 115˚ to 14˚. Wall-mount, cassette, compact duct, floor-/ceiling-mount, and high static pressure duct styles are available.

Honeywell International
www.honeywell.com
The Enterprise Buildings Integrator (EBI R410) is a facility management platform that reduces operating costs by integrating core building technologies: HVAC, security, life safety, lighting, and energy systems. The latest release includes support for Honeywell’s EasyMobile™ client interface that enables building operators to view and control building systems using a variety of compatible mobile devices including Blackberry, Apple iPhone, and Palm Pre. Users can remotely view system alarms and trend information and make changes like shifting HVAC system temperature settings. This version also brings smartcard technology to the EBI platform through support of the IdentIPoint™ IP-based access control system, eliminating the need for centralized access controllers and enabling access decisions to be made locally between the smartcard and the card reader.

LG Electronics USA Inc.
www.LG-VRF.com
The third generation of LG’s variable refrigerant flow (VRF) Multi V Series, Multi V III, is a commercial air conditioning system designed for large-scale facilities. The Multi V III heat pump allows occupants to choose either to air condition or heat all zones in use, while the heat recovery model allows for synchronous cooling and heating in different zones at the same time. Units are available from 6 to 36 tons and 208-230V or 460V. The units have AHRI Certified® ratings and an integrated energy efficiency ratio (IEER) of up to 21.8. Piping distances of up to 3,280 feet of total equivalent length, a maximum run length of 656 feet and a height elevation of 360 feet enable extra zones that are farther away from the Multi V III unit to be reached.

McQuay International
www.mcquay.com
The Daikin McQuay Rebel™ commercial rooftop unit part-load efficiencies can be greater than 19 IEER which, according to the manufacturer, is 60-70 percent better than the ASHRAE 90.1 minimum standard. The Rebel system functions as a variable air volume heat pump unit down to 3 tons. According to the manufacturer, the Daikin McQuay Rebel is the first packaged commercial rooftop system to use variable heat pump technology with hybrid (gas, electric) heat options, variable electronically commutated motors (ECM) fan motors, and Daikin’s advanced variable inverter scroll compressor. The unit offers a modulating hot gas reheat option that contributes to efficient operation in colder weather climates.

Mitsubishi Electric Cooling + Heating
www.mitsubishipro.com
Significant updates have been made to the commercial R2-Series outdoor units, offering end users increased heating capacities and energy efficiency and advanced VRF technology. Sizes 6 to 20 tons meet or exceed Energy Star® light commercial requirements. “Our R2-Series can cool or heat up to 50 zones and takes advantage of Mitsubishi Electric’s Inverter compressor technology and simultaneous cooling and heating, making this system ideal for a variety of applications,” said Meredith Emmerich, director of application support. The R2-Series has a capacity ranging from 6-24 tons. The R2-Series system can be used with the VRF Y-Series heat pump in the same building.

Multistack
www.multistack.com
The ASP_T high-efficiency air-cooled flooded chillers with MagLev® compressor technology are nonmodular conventional chillers. They are capable of full-load efficiencies of 0.992 kW/ton and integrated part-load values of 0.674 kW/ton. According to Multistack®, the ASP-MagLev line is a clean sheet redesign that leverages its experience in the application of magnetic levitation compressor technology. MagLev’s new platform includes features such as powerful FlexSys Lite controls, ECM condenser fan assemblies, and improved low approach evaporator surface area. The ASP_T is available in 75 and 100-ton nominal capacities today with 150- and 200-ton options available later in 2012.

Rheem Manufacturing Co.
www.rheem.com
Rheem has expanded its SPIDERfire line of ultra high-efficiency condensing commercial water heaters to include new 80-gallon capacity models. The 80-gallon SPIDERfire units operate between 92 and 97 percent thermal efficiency, and have Btu input rates from 130,000 to 300,000 Btuh. The 300,000-Btuh model can deliver up to 391 gallons of hot water in one hour, and can recover its contents in 14 minutes. According to the manufacturer, the SPIDERfire Series is ideal for commercial settings that need an efficient way to heat a high volume of water throughout the day. Rheem plans on launching this product in the spring.

Tate Access Floors Inc.
www.tateaccessfloors.com
The Tate® In-floor Active Chilled Beams are an energy-efficient perimeter heating and cooling solution that combines the benefits of underfloor air distribution with the efficiencies of water heating and cooling, said the company. The beams bring chilled water under the floor to cool air directly at the perimeter of a building, where heat loss and heat gain can significantly impact energy use. Located directly under the perimeter windows, the beam catches cold air as it falls, heats it and supplies the heated air to the space, saving energy and providing maximum heating performance. Use of beams allows furniture and partitions to be placed freely in the building without concern for maintenance access to equipment. Three product options are available.

Titus HVAC
www.titus-hvac.com
The Titus Plexicon line of displacement ventilation systems includes solar capabilities. The Titus solar Plexicon uses a wireless, energy harvesting process to power the unit. It heats as well as cools. The Titus Plexicon line heats and cools using one displacement ventilation unit. The energy harvesting process is achieved using solar light energy, including sun and ambient room light. The solar Plexicon is designed to operate with all types of HVAC systems in the market, including single duct, dual duct, fan-powered, DX, etc. To achieve this, the solar Plexicon features a narrow temperature band for the cooling and heating changeover actuation.

Trane
www.trane.com
The ice enhanced, air-cooled chiller plant, the latest EarthWise™ system from Trane, allows building owners, mechanical system designers, and operators to take advantage of less expensive off-peak energy by making ice during those periods which will be stored and used for cooling during expensive peak periods. Trane developed this thermal storage solution in collaboration with CALMAC. According to Trane, while the system itself is not new, this solution provides a pre-designed package that streamlines the process of creating and deploying a cooling system that’s ideally suited for reducing operating costs and supporting the smart grid. Standard system configurations include details like customizable control logic, dashboards, wiring diagrams, and supporting drawings that are ready to use.

US Energy Group
www.use-group.com
US Energy Group launched the USE Controller — AC, providing precise monitoring and ultimate control of steam-driven chiller functions. Utilizing the functionality of US Energy Group’s Building Energy Management System (BEMS) and drawing upon both indoor and outdoor temperatures, the USE Controller — AC controls the central chiller plant, increasing efficiency and reducing the fuel needed to provide air conditioning throughout the building. Central to USE Controller — AC is a network of proprietary algorithms that integrate information from indoor and outdoor sensors, sending a parameter change feedback to the chiller about cooling load. “USE Controller — AC harnesses advanced technology and fully integrates with the USE Manager online building management system,” said David Unger, COO of US Energy Group. “It provides all of the monitoring and enhanced control as our heating controls, including specialized alerts for chilled-water temperature.”

Publishing date: 03/19/2012