Could the shift to better filters mean that they could cause problems with inadequate airflow or greater fan energy use? Are all high-MERV filters equal, or do some have less pressure drop than others? How much better are 2- and 4-inch-thick pleated filters than 1-inch filters? Some tests were run to answer these questions.
It is possible to ensure high-quality brazing connections in a safe and environmentally friendly way? Yes it is, with mixed oxyhydrogen gas generators. This technology works only with water and electricity. Gas is generated through a particular electrolytic cell, able to get H2-O2 from the water.
Ongoing
economic and indoor environmental concerns require HVAC innovation. New liquid desiccant air conditioning systems offer
substantial energy savings and greatly improved humidity control in
applications where latent loads (moisture) are very high relative to sensible
loads.
Moisture in building envelopes can have serious consequences. For example, moisture in insulation reduces its insulating capability, causing heating and/or cooling losses and wasting energy. Moisture can also cause structural deterioration and foster mold growth. Thermal imaging is well suited to identifying wet spots.
Smart HVAC equipment that recognizes when it is failing or has failed, or when conditions have drifted outside its optimum range, could save substantial amounts of energy if the equipment sent useful information to the building owner or contractor. This is referred to as automated fault detection and diagnostics (FDD).
While synchronous drives do have many industrial applications, they are generally not accepted as the best option for HVAC equipment. Virtually no OEM uses or recommends synchronous drives due to cost, noise and vibration, structural design concerns, and reliable availability of replacement components.
Energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems exchange heat (often both sensible heat and water vapor) between the outgoing exhaust air and the ventilation air being brought in. Under appropriate conditions, this allows reducing the capacity of the HVAC system and saves energy.
Conventional wisdom would have you concentrate thermal imaging on windows and doors. However, windows and doors contribute very little to total air leakage in most dwellings. In fact, the most serious leaks occur at the top and bottom of the conditioned building envelope - in attics and basements.
Advanced packaged rooftop units (RTUs) are emerging with higher efficiencies and additional features designed to save energy off-peak and improve reliability. Features include improved fans and economizers; better controls for the fan, refrigerant cycle, and economizer; and advanced monitoring and diagnostics.
V-belt drive misalignment exists when the driver and driven sheaves are not properly aligned. Misalignment can take either the form of angular or parallel (offset) misalignment, or a combination of both. Ideally, you want to have both parallel and angular harmony.