HPAC March 2019

HEAT PUMP WATER HEATERS

RESIDENTIAL FAUCETS & FIXTURES

MCEE PREVIEW

MARCH 2019

MAKING THE CASE FOR MODULAR CHILLERS THE RISE OF WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY

HEAT METERING

“PAY FOR WHAT YOU USE” TECHNOLOGY GAINS TRACTION

AUGMENTED REALITY AND VIRTUAL REALITY: REALIZING THE POTENTIAL HYBRID HVAC GOES MAINSTREAM Follow Us On

Follow Us On

@hpacmag @hpacmag

CONTENTS

MARCH 2019 / VOL. 93 NO. 2

HEAT METERING: “Pay for what you Use” technology gains traction

20

FEATURES

28

40 HPACMAG.COM

20

34

EMERGING MARKETS “PAY FOR WHAT YOU USE” TECHNOLOGY GAINS TRACTION Niche is ideally suited to those working with hydronic heating and cooling systems.

By John Siegenthaler

PLUMBING HPWH POTENTIAL REMAINS UNREALIZED “Old habits die hard’ may be the main reason we fail to embrace promising technology.

By Steve Goldie

28

40

REFRIGERATION MAKING THE CASE FOR MODULAR CHILLERS Approach makes sense in many different ways.

By Dave Demma

HVAC HYBRID SYSTEMS: HERE COMES THE FUTURE The promise to deliver the necessary and very comforting Btus to where they are needed in a timely fashion.

By Ian McTeer CONTINUED ON P5

MARCH 2019 | HPAC

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THE

QUIET WAY TO ZONE

FIXED-SPEED SYSTEMS DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE BY-PASS VALVE • Eliminates noise in a zoned hydronic system with fixed-speed primary circulator pump • Protects system components • Maintains system efficiency • Prevents over-pumping of zones • Installs between the boiler supply and return lines, or between zone legs in larger systems • Installs in any orientation • Press, FIP, MIP, and SWT connections • Compatible with optional G1 Union accessories

ZONE 2 (ACTIVE)

ZONE 1 (INACTIVE)

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CONTENTS 50

98

CONTROLS WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY ON THE RISE Reliability is such that seasoned technicians can confidently drop the wires.

By Mike Miller

FAUCETS & FIXTURES A TAILORED SPACE The latest products facilitate flexibility and individuality in kitchens and bathrooms.

By Jillian Morgan

58 TECHNOLOGY DIVING IN Augmented reality and virtual reality could be a game changer if the industry can get on board.

By Jillian Morgan

76 SHOW PREVIEW MCEE KICKS OFF 2019 SHOW

102

MARCH 2019 / VOL. 93 NO. 2

50

HEATING SYSTEM STANDS THE TEST OF TIME What we did and what we might do differently today.

By Robert Waters

98 DEPARTMENTS 8 UPFRONT 10 NEWS FEATURE Low-carbon building skills gap costing Ontario billions 11 INDUSTRY NEWS 65 HVAC PRODUCTS 94 MECHANICAL SUPPLY NEWS 95 PEOPLE 106 PLUMBING PRODUCTS 109 TRAINING 109 THE SOURCE 110 CALENDAR

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MARCH 2019 | HPAC

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NAVIEN

PRESENTED BY

NAVIEN NFC SERIES – THE ULTIMATE SPACE HEATING AND DHW COMFORT PACKAGE Navien, the leader in high-efficiency condensing technology, introduces the new NFC series stainless steel fire tube combi-boilers. This innovative product is available in two sizes, NFC-175 (175,000 BTU/H) and NFC-200 (199,900 BTU/H), with enough heating input for larger homes and continuous domestic hot water supply for up to three bathrooms. Best applications include retrofits and new installations in single-family homes, multi-family houses, and light commercial buildings.

The new Navien NFC combi-boiler package comes with a patented in-house designed and manufactured heat exchanger, Low Profile Burner for ease of service, advanced controls offering intuitive user navigation, an advanced built-in DHW module (pump, flat plate heat exchanger, 3-way valve, mixing valve, water adjustment valve and auto water fill valve), common venting capability up to 8 units (1 NFC and 7 NPEs), cascading capability up to 16 units (1 NFC and 15 NPEs), and builtin hardware to connect up to 3 zone pumps without a need for additional external controllers. Plus, each unit ships with 16 accessories including a NaviClean™ magnetic filter, an isolation valve kit and an NFC primary loop manifold for easier installation.

To learn more about the Navien NFC series fire tube boilers, visit NavienInc.com.

Other NFC combi-boiler features include: • 5 modes of external domestic recirculation control built-in (Always on, Intelligent, Scheduling, HotButton, Aquastat) • 95% AFUE for energy savings – Energy Star Most Efficient 2019 • 11:1 turndown ratio delivering wide operating range without cycling • Low NOx < 20 ppm SCAQMD certification PVC, CPVC, polypropylene and stainlesssteel venting materials up to 150 ft.

• Easy field convertibility from natural gas (NG) to propane (LP), conversion kit included • High altitude approval for up to 10,100 ft.

• Modern space-saving design • Easy access to all serviceable components • Industry leading residential and commercial warranties

www.NavienInc.com

< UPFRONT OUT WITH THE OLD: EMBRACE THE NEW AND NOT SO NEW IN THIS ISSUE OF HPAC, THE RUNNING THEME IS NEW TECHNOLOGY AND WHY SOME TECHNOLOGY has been slow to catch on. Readers may be left wondering what it would be like if we were early adopters of technology. Would our HVAC systems be more efficient, would our customers be left with more money in their pockets, and finally, would our jobs as mechanical engineers, plumbers and HVAC technicians be easier.

At times the regulatory environment can be the reason for a slow uptake, as is the case with heat metering. Industry Canada-Measurement Canada is expected to issue its first approvals of thermal energy meters by the end of this year. After many years of talking about this technology, and even installing it, heat metering will finally find its stride in Canada.

On the equipment and design side, when there is choice involved, knowledge and openness play a huge part in just how efficient the system ultimately is. Steve Goldie floats the idea that promising technology may languish because of a tendency to stick with what we know.

This is certainly the case with wireless, a technology that has evolved to the point where tradesmen can confidently go with wireless controls. Mike Miller explains why that is on p.50.

It is great to have our contributors look at many aspects of the adoption dilemma; it is also an eye opener when one considers just how advanced all aspects of this industry have become.

As Dave Demma says “How wonderful to live in an age where for any given set of design conditions, there are multiple equipment options of varying cost and efficiency available.”

Editor

Be sure to visit hpacmag.com where you can search products, manufacturers and wholesalers through the online buyer's guide.

You can also access the current issue of HPAC magazine and archived editions. Click on digital archives from the top menu to access this valuable resource.

Are you a contractor with an installation or troubleshooting question? Chances are you will find the answer in a past issue of HPAC. If not, send us a note (kturner@hpacmag.com) and we will look at covering the topic in an upcoming issue.

Follow us on Twitter @hpacmag; connect with us on LinkedIn.

8

HPAC | MARCH 2019

HPAC MAGAZINE 111 Gordon Baker Road, Suite 400, Toronto, ON M2H 3R1 TEL: 416.442.5600 FAX: 416.510.5140 www.hpacmag.com EDITOR Kerry Turner (416) 510-5218 KTurner@hpacmag.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Jillian Morgan (416) 510-5201 JMorgan@hpacmag.com ASSOCIATE David Skene (416) 510-6884 PUBLISHER DSkene@hpacmag.com ACCOUNT Vince Naccarato (416) 510-5118 MANAGER VNaccarato@hpacmag.com MEDIA DESIGNER Emily Sun esun@annexweb.com ACCOUNT Kim Rossiter (416) 510-6794 COORDINATOR krossiter@hpacmag.com CIRCULATION MANAGER Urszula Grzyb (416) 442-5600 ext. 3537 ugrzyb@annexbusinessmedia.com

PUBLISHER Peter Leonard (416) 510-6847 PLeonard@hpacmag.com VICE PRESIDENT Tim Dimopoulos (416) 510-5100 t dimopoulos@annexbusinessmedia.com PRESIDENT & CEO Mike Fredericks

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by Annex Publishing & Printing Inc. HPAC Magazine is the leading Canadian business publication for the owner/manager of mechanical contracting businesses and their supply partners.

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NOTICE: HPAC Magazine, Annex Publishing & Printing Inc., their staff, officers, directors and shareholders (hence known as the “Publisher”) assume no liability, obligations, or responsibility for claims arising from advertised products. The Publisher also reserves the right to limit liability for editorial errors, omissions and oversights to a printed correction in a subsequent issue. HPAC Magazine’s editorial is written for management level mechanical industry personnel who have documented training in the mechanical fields in which they work. Manufacturers’ printed instructions, datasheets and notices always take precedence to published editorial statements.

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NEWS FEATURE SEE THE LATEST NEWS @ HPACMAG.COM

LOW-CARBON BUILDING SKILLS CAP COSTING ONTARIO BILLIONS: REPORT The skills to build green are in high demand.

In a newly-released report, the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) unveiled a proposed plan to “close the low-carbon building skills gap” in Ontario–where the council estimates the gap represents $24.3 billion in lost GDP. Key recommendations include training, incentives and processes geared toward the construction and retrofit of green buildings.

Tradespeople need to be trained on how to construct efficient building envelopes, CaGBC said, including installing mechanical systems and maintaining energy-efficient furnaces, boilers, water heaters, solar panels and geo-exchange systems.

“Training the labour force with the skills necessary for designing, constructing and operating high performing, low carbon buildings is critical in supporting a clean growth economy and meeting Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions targets,” Thomas Mueller,

Tradespeople need to be trained on how to construct efficient building envelopes says CaGBC.

president and CEO of CaGBC, said.

The report explores different delivery modes for training, ranging from full-time in-class courses to short online courses and on the job training. It also proposes a low-carbon building skills certification.

CaGBC has also called on govern-

ments to create “supportive public policies and incentivize workforce education and training programs.”

Funded in part by the Government of Ontario, the council said the recommendations can be applied across the country. www.cagbc.org/tradingup

HRAI to tackle low-carbon economy challenges at symposium The challenges and opportunities presented by Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy is the focus of an upcoming Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI) symposium.

Designed for HVAC/R industry stakeholders, the symposium will include a series of presentations and networking opportunities.

Attendees will also take part in a “walk-through” of the award-winning net-zero Joyce Centre for Partnership and Innovation building at Mohawk College in Hamilton, ON, where the event will be held.

David Miller, North American director of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group will host a presentation on urban challenges and solutions.

Joyce Henry, director general at the NRCan Office of Energy Efficiency, will lead a talk titled “Laying the foundation for a 10

HPAC | MARCH 2019

low carbon economy through energy efficiency policy.”

Lastly, Alice Rosenberg, senior program manager at the Consortium for Energy Efficiency, will discuss the evolving dynamics and objectives of the “energy efficiency program landscape.”

The event will be held April 23, 2019 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. www.hrai.ca HPACMAG.COM

INDUSTRY NEWS PHOTO PUBLIC SERVICES AND PROCUREMENT CANADA

SEE THE LATEST NEWS @ HPACMAG.COM

A rendering of the heating and cooling plant.

FEDS AWARD $53.6M CONTRACT TO UPGRADE MECHANICAL SYSTEMS AT COAST GUARD COLLEGE The Canadian Coast Guard College is about to undergo a major facelift.

Ottawa awarded a $53.6 million contract to Sydney, NSbased Joneljim Concrete Construction (1994) Limited to replace the school’s mechanical and sprinkler systems.

The work includes the installation of heat pump technology that will use ocean water from Sydney Harbour to provide heating and cooling to the campus. Dry sprinkler systems in the residence complex and boathouse will also be replaced.

This multi-year project is slated to wrap up in 2023.

As part of the project to upgrade the mechanical systems, two other construction contracts were awarded in August 2018 to Joneljim Concrete Construction.

The contract to install the seawater pumping system and related infrastructure totals $1.6 million, and the contract to upgrade the mechanical systems at the Louis S. St-Laurent Building totals $2 million.

The college, built in 1981, sits on 44.5 hectares and has more than 36,000 square metres of mixed space, including an academic complex, simulator areas, residential wings, a waterfront training complex and a marine engineering complex. www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/College-and-Careers/college A-GAS IS HEADING NORTH Refrigerant company A-Gas Americas has announced its expansion in the Canadian market in February, along with new leadership in the region.

Louise McCann, managing director of A-Gas, said the company has “strong relationships within Canada, having participated in the reclaim R22 market for several years.” Jim Flowers will take over as business director of A-Gas Canada.

Prior to this role, Flowers was the manager of market development for packaged chemicals and refrigerants at Linde Canada.

“The recent implementation of the HFC allowance system in HPACMAG.COM

Canada will bring new challenges and opportunities in the Canadian market for real change,” Flowers said. “I am excited about the opportunity with A-Gas to make instrumental changes to support this developing market.”

A-Gas Americas is a subsidiary of A-Gas International, headquartered in Bristol, UK. The company’s core offering includes environmental solutions and lifecycle management services for ozone depleting substances and global warming agents. www.agasamericas.com BOILER MANUFACTURER ISSUES PRODUCT NOTIFICATION Navien, Inc. has recalled the propane conversion kit for two of its condensing tankless water heater models (NPE-180A and NPE-180S) and the NCB-180E condensing combination boiler.

The company identified a non-conforming specification in the natural gas to propane gas conversion kit that is supplied as an accessory with each unit. If the kit is installed in order to use propane gas rather than natural gas to fuel the unit, and if not properly vented, it could pose a risk of exposure to carbon monoxide.

Approximately 717 units of the affected products were sold in Canada between August and October 2018. www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hcsc/2018/68362r-eng.php HONEYWELL, JOHNSON CONTROLS AND ACUITY AMONG CONTROLTRENDS AWARD WINNERS The 2018 ControlTrends award winners were once again unveiled at a ceremony held during the AHR Expo in Atlanta, GA. A number of awards were presented to companies and professionals in the HVAC and building automation industries.

The 2018 Hall of Fame inductees were announced, along with the Marc Petock Award and ControlTrends Young Guns winners. Those recognized include Honeywell Spyder for Building Automation VAV Controller of the Year. Lou Jones, quality assurance engineer at Honeywell, was also awarded for Best Technical Support Person of the Year.

Johnson Controls took home the award for Smart Building Automation Control System of the Year, in addition to Smart Thermostat or Smart Room Controller of the year for its Glas technology.

Other winners included Belimo for Best Technical Support Company of the Year in the large manufacturer category.

Acuity Brands, Inc. was recognized for its nLight Air wireless lighting control system, winning the Vendor of the Year award in the large manufacturer category. www.controltrends.org Continued on p14 MARCH 2019 | HPAC

11

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INDUSTRY NEWS PHOTO USASK

SEE THE LATEST NEWS @ HPACMAG.COM

Carey Simonson (left) and Soheil Akbari.

USASK RESEARCH TEAM DEVELOPS INNOVATIVE ENERGY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM A research team at the University of Saskatchewan is hoping to solve an ageold dilemma in home heating and cooling with the help of a novel technology.

Uctupus, an intelligent multi-zone energy distribution system, aims to distribute air to maintain room temperature without requiring any modifications to a home’s ducting system or replacing the furnace.

The project to develop the technology is led by USask post-doctoral fellow Farid Bahiraei, mechanical engineering professor Carey Simonson and industry partner Soheil Akbari of SenergyK Innovative Creations (SIC).

“To keep costs low, current forced air HVAC systems in homes are designed to treat the house as a single zone, distributing air through ducts to all rooms through a furnace that is controlled by a single thermostat,” Simonson said. “With this system, you cannot actively and independently control the temperature in each room.”

To enable temperature control in each zone, the team is developing remotely controllable vents that can adjust airflow to each room at the command of a central controlling device (CCD) that follow instructions from the home occupant.

A sensor plugged into an electrical outlet in each room or zone will report temperature, humidity, motion, sound and light to the CCD A every few seconds. The central device optimizes the furnace airflow distribution by adjusting vents as needed to maintain the desired room climate.

The central control system is de14

HPAC | MARCH 2019

signed to “learn” the thermal characteristics of the home and operate the vents as needed to maintain the temperature of specific zones.

Akbari said he hopes the technology will find applications in HVAC retrofits of commercial and industrial buildings, as well as in net zero energy buildings.

While the team will be working out some technical and hardware challenges over the next few months, they hope to finalize a beta version to install in a few buildings for testing. www.usask.ca www.uctupus.ca SERVICE FEES INCREASE IN ONTARIO Building Code related service fee increases are now in effect in Ontario.

Building practitioner registration, Building Code Commission and Minister’s Rulings have jumped 2.4 per cent.

There will be no fee increase in 2019 for the Building Materials Evaluation Commission Applications.

Provisions in the Code require fees for: Registration of building practitioners, Building Code Commission applications, minister’s ruling applications for authorizing the use of innovative products and Building Materials Evaluation Commission applications.

Service fees are calculated annually based on the Consumer Price Index. www.ontario.ca ALBERTA ADOPTS NEW BUILDING, FIRE CODES New codes have come into effect in Alberta.

The province has adopted the National Building Code–2019 Alberta Edition and National Energy Code for Buildings–2018 Edition to its Building Code Regulation.

The Fire Code Regulation has adopted the National Fire Code–2019 Alberta Edition. municipalaffairs.alberta.ca

CONCERN HEIGHTENED OVER U.S. PROTECTIONISM Canadian manufacturers are optimistic about their prospects in 2019, despite mounting concerns around U.S. protectionism in the Trump era, according to a survey of senior manufacturing executives.

Plant Magazine’s Manufacturers’ Outlook 2019 study shows that 39 per cent of senior company executives are “very optimistic” about the coming year, compared to 44 per cent last year.

U.S. protectionism policies are “very worrying” to 65 per cent of executives compared to 54 per cent last year. Concerns around changes resulting from the NAFTA renegotiation were shared among 56 per cent of respondents.

Despite their concerns, manufacturers are demonstrating their confidence with plans to make significant investments in their businesses.

Their mood going into 2019 was generally upbeat.

“I’m an entrepreneur, so I’m cautiously optimistic all the time,” said Kevin Merritt, president of Superior Radiant Products (SRP), based in Stoney Creek, ON. “We’re always looking for new markets. We did engage a UK partner this year, so we’re exporting there.”

Download a copy of the report to see more of Merritt’s take on the year ahead at www.plant.ca.

HPACMAG.COM

REFRIGERATION INSTITUTE TO HOST 25TH CONGRESS IN MONTREAL, QC Refrigeration industry professionals are set to converge at the Montreal Convention Centre this August.

The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) is will host its 25th International Congress of Refrigeration in Montreal, QC from August 24 to 30, 2019.

Plenary speaker Gaétan Lantagne, director of strategic and cross-functional projects at the Hydro-Québec Research Institute, will kick-off the technical program.

The program will include 16 keynote presentations, 10 work-

shops, 10 IIR working group meetings, four IIR collaborative-commission meetings and four technical tours – as well as various social events.

Backers for the congress include the Canada GeoExchange Coalition, Fonds de recherche du Québec and Hydro-Québec Research Institute.

ASHRAE, Honeywell, IEA Heat Pump Centre, Cemafroid, Frascold, Rehva and Shecco have also confirmed support, according to IIR. Calls for sponsors and exhibitors are open. www.icr2019.org

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CIPH PRESIDENT, GENERAL MANAGER NAMED CHAIR OF NAW COUNCIL The National Association of WholesalerDistributors (NAW), headquartered in Washington, DC, has tapped CIPH President and General Manager Ralph Suppa to take over as chair of its Association Executive Council (AEC).

“I am thrilled and honoured to be standing here as your 2019 chair,” Ralph Suppa, president and general Suppa said in a speech during his apmanager of CIPH. pointment, which took place during the association’s Winter Planning Committee. “I have been participating in the NAW AEC meetings for about 20 years and I am proud to call you all colleagues and friends.”

In his speech, Suppa expressed what NAW means to him– namely its efforts to offer career development opportunities, its research, and its advocacy at the local and national level.

NAW is composed of wholesaler-distributors and a federation of international, national, regional, state and local associations and their member firms, which total more than 30,000. www.ciph.com www.naw.org CCA LAUNCHES MENTORSHIP PILOT PROGRAM FOR INDUSTRY ENTREPRENEURS The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is calling on the industry’s aspiring entrepreneurs.

The association is launching a mentorship pilot program, with support from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program and Canadian Construction Innovations (CCI).

“Aspiring entrepreneurs” in the construction sector will be matched with experienced industry professionals, with the goal of helping “hone the ideas or roll out plans.”

“One of the challenges for businesses developing new solutions is gaining access to executives in the industry to get feedback on their solution and to gain adoption,” Mary Van Buren, CCA president, said.

“Likewise, it can be difficult for the industry to learn about leading-edge technology, innovations or solutions that can dramatically improve their businesses.”

An advisory committee comprising nine CCA and CCI board members from across Canada is assisting with identifying and matching mentors.

The program is in a pilot phase until March 31, 2019. Firms interested in participating in the mentorship program can email mvanburen@cca-acc.com. www.cca-acc.com 16

HPAC | MARCH 2019

NECB 2017 SECTION OF NBC 2015 IN EFFECT FOR SASKATCHEWAN The 2017 edition of the National Energy Code for Buildings and Section 9.36 of the National Building Code 2015 are in effect for Saskatchewan. The requirements for NECB 2017 and Section 9.36 apply to any building permits issued on or after January 1, 2019.

Section 9.36 prescribed energy efficiency requirements for housing and small buildings, including air tightness and thermal insulation for the building envelope, as well as minimum efficiency requirements for HVAC and service water heating equipment.

NECB 2017 described energy efficiency requirements for large buildings. www.saskatchewan.ca

MCAC TO HOST INNOVATION CONFERENCE IN DOWNTOWN TORONTO The 2019 Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada (MCAC) Innovation Conference is set to kick off April 15 to 16 at the Beanfield Centre in Toronto, ON. Themed “The Innovation Mindset: Converting Opportunities into Realities,” the conference includes a number of educational sessions and networking opportunities on April 16th.

Attendees can join MCAC for a cocktail and networking reception from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on April 15th.

The second, full day begins with a continental breakfast and registration at 7:30 a.m., followed by opening remarks from MCAC president Jack Bavis. The remaining sessions will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Presentations focus on innovation and technology in construction, covering job growth, artificial intelligence, modular construction and BIM, among other topics.

The keynote address, presented by Corey Diamond of Efficiency Canada, discusses the future of energy efficiency, and how the mechanical contractors can become an “industry of choice” to address future challenges.

Conference exhibitors will showcase products from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., following by a “15 Ideas in 15 Minutes” presentation and closing remarks from 5:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. A final cocktail and networking reception will be held that evening following closing remarks until 6:30 p.m.

Registration is now open for members and non-members. www.mcac.ca

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COMMERC IA L D R A IN AG E

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MARCH 2019 | HPAC

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2018-08-07 11:04 AM

LIBERTY PUMPS

PRESENTED BY

PROVORE® GRINDER PUMPS Grinder technology is advancing and Liberty Pumps is at the forefront of evolving sewage pump performance. The new ProVore® grinder from Liberty Pumps is designed for use in residential applications where an addition of a bathroom or other fixtures below sewer lines requires pumping. It features Liberty’s patented V-Slice® cutter technology utilized in its popular Omnivore® series of 2 hp. grinder pumps. This proven cutter design easily shreds solids - such as feminine products, rags and other unwanted debris. The new ProVore® brings this advanced technology down to a more cost effective residential level. Powered by a 1 hp. motor, this smaller grinder is designed to operate on a standard 115 or 230 volt circuit – requiring only a 20 amp breaker. No special wiring, as is necessary with larger hp. grinder pumps, is needed.

The pump comes with a 2" vertical style discharge (common on solids-handling pumps) and a standard leg pattern matching Liberty’s LE-Series. This allows for an easy retro-fit into already existing systems. Engineered with flow rates to 46 GPM – the ProVore® provides adequate scouring in 2" discharge lines with lower pumping heads commonly found in residential basement installations.

Compact factory assembled systems are available in both simplex and duplex versions. The ProVore®380 uses Liberty’s very popular PRO380 basin. This system features Liberty’s QuickTree® technology for easy field service of the floats without removing the cover or disconnecting the plumbing.

A quick-removal access cover and heavy-duty integrally molded gaskets are also features found on this system. In addition, Liberty has just launched the new ProVore®680 – a compact duplex version of the 380. Standing only 24" tall, this small profile duplex system utilizes two ProVore® pumps for uninterrupted service. An advanced pump controller is included with the system to alternate pump operation and provide an alarm to the homeowner in the event of a failure.

Whether it’s a traditional solids-handling pump or a newer style grinder, Liberty’s broad offering of products can satisfy a variety of pump applications, and with its aggressive product development strategy, you can be assured Liberty will continue to meet the needs of today’s rapidly evolving market.

WWW.LIBERTYPUMPS.COM

Copyright © Liberty Pumps, Inc. 2019 All rights reserved.

< EMERGING MARKETS

“PAY FOR WHAT YOU USE” TECHNOLOGY GAINS TRACTION Niche is ideally suited to those working with hydronic heating and cooling systems. BY JOHN SIEGENTHALER

B

uildings such as apartments and condominiums are home to families with different comfort preferences or attitudes on energy use. Similarly, many commercial buildings are divided into spaces where tenants have different temperature requirements or usage schedules.

In some buildings, the thermal energy required to heat or cool each adjoining space is supplied by the building owner at a fixed monthly cost, irrespective of usage. In other cases each space is equipped with its own heating and cooling system, along with the associated meters for electrical and natural gas usage. The cost of heating and cooling is paid directly to a utility by the owner or tenant. Those that use their systems conservatively enjoy lower bills and vice versa. It is a “pay for what you use” concept.

flow meter

supply temperature sensor

return temperature sensor

heat source

thermal load heat calculator

Figure 1 Basic heat metering concept

Yet another drawback is access and scheduling for service.

Depending on the equipment used and what has to be done, servicing may cause odours, noise, spillage, restrictions on use of space, or other inconveniences.

DRAWBACKS Buildings where each divided space has its own self-contained mechanical system are more equitable from an energy usage standpoint, especially for spaces where thermostat settings are lower, or occupants are not using the space for extended periods due to vacations, frequent travel, and so on. Still, there are several reasons why use of individual mechanical systems is not the best technical or economic option for such buildings.

One common disadvantage of individual heating systems is that each building space will be assessed a monthly basic service charge for the natural gas meter.

Another drawback is a very limited selection for combustion-type heat sources intended for small spaces with low design heating loads. This often leads to use of heat sources that are excessively oversized for the load. The result will be short cycling, reducing service life and lowered efficiency.

Each combustion-type mechanical system also requires its own fuel supply and venting system. This requires gas distribution piping throughout the building and several penetrations of the building envelope for combustion air and exhaust piping. If those penetrations are through the roof, the likelihood of future maintenance to prevent leaks increases.

Separate mechanical systems also take up floor or wall space within each unit. This decreases useable living space or space that would otherwise be available for commercial purposes.

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HPAC | MARCH 2019

THINK DIFFERENTLY An alternative to this business-as-usual of individual mechanical systems in each building unit is to centralize heating and cooling production and combine it with a distribution system that carries heated or chilled water to each unit.

This is hardly a new concept. Central heating and cooling plants have been used in many North American buildings for decades. But until recently most of these systems lacked the ability to accurately measure the thermal energy usage of each space served by the central system. Without such measurements, it is not possible to accurately know where all the heating or cooling energy goes and to follow up with “pay for what you use” invoices.

That situation is changing in North America. Modern hardware for accurately measuring the thermal energy transferred from a central plant to each building space is now available. It is called “heat metering” and presents a growing opportunity for those involved with hydronic heating or cooling systems.

Heat metering, which is extensively used in Europe, requires accurate and continuous measurement of the fluid flow rate passing through each building space, along with the temperature change of the fluid as it passes through the heat emitters or cooling terminal units in that space.

Figure 1 shows the basic concept for how this is done using an electronic flow meter and precision temperature sensors located between a heat source and a load. The HPACMAG.COM

motorized valves stainless steel heat exchanger anti-scald mixing valve

satellite station

flow balancing valves flow switch

mixing valve

heat metering sub-system

"3-pipe" riser system

DCW out

flexible CSST connectors

DHW out

communication cable

meter

isolation valves

non-potable hot supply water non-potable warm return water potable cold water

Figure 2 Satellite station configuration

electronics needed for calculating heat transfer rate and total heat transferred are contained in the heat calculator unit . The two temperature sensors are supplied as a matched pair and with a specific length of cable attached to both the sensor element and the meter body. The electrical resistance of these cables is accounted for in the meter’s calibration.

These cables should never be cut, spliced, or detached from the meter. Any extra length of sensor cable supplied with the meter should be neatly coiled, secured with zip ties and mounted where it will not be disturbed.

Several types of flow meters are used for heat metering, including turbine, vortex, electromagnetic, and ultrasonic. They all have their advantages and limitations. In general, a heat metering system is supplied from its manufacturer as a fully matched group of components including the flow meter, temperature sensors, heat calculator unit, and even some fine stainless steel cable with lead seals. The latter are used to discourage tampering with any hardware that could affect the meter’s reading. Once the seals are set, breaking or tampering with them could have serious legal consequences, depending on the specific agreement between the energy provider and the clients of the system.

Most heat meters are configured, by default, to operate based on the assumption that the system fluid is 100 per cent water. The firmware within the meter contains code that accurately calculates the density and specific heat of water, and uses these temperature-dependent fluid properties to maintain accurate calculations for rate of heat transfer and total heat transferred over time. However, not every hydronic system is filled with 100 per cent water. One example would HPACMAG.COM

be solar thermal system operating with a 40 per cent solution of propylene glycol. The density and specific heat of glycol-based antifreeze solutions depends on temperature, as well as the glycol concentration. Fortunately, most modern heat metering systems can be configured to base their internal calculations on the type and concentration of glycolbased antifreeze being used.

SATELLITE STATIONS Modern heat metering eliminates the previously described limitations of individual mechanical systems in each building space, while also allowing the “pay for what you use” approach.

Heat metering is an ideal complement to a centralized multiple boiler system that provides heat for space heating and domestic hot water in multi-occupancy buildings. Hot water from the central boiler system is circulated through mains piping that connects to a “satellite station” in each building unit.

One possible satellite station configuration is shown in Figure 2 Satellite stations provide the piping and controls needed to regulate space heating to individual preferences. Some also provide prioritized “on demand” domestic hot water through use of a stainless steel brazed plate heat exchanger. Hot (non-potable) water from the building mains passes through the heat exchanger whenever a flow switch in the satellite unit detects a demand for hot water of 0.6 gallons per minute or higher. This operating mode takes temporary precedence over space heating. It stops as soon as the demand for DHW ends. This eliminates the need for a domestic hot water storage tank and its associated standby heat loss. It also eliminates the need for hot domestic water piping and an associated recirculation system within the building. What would otherwise have to be a five-pipe system throughout the building is reduced to a three-pipe system.

GREATER OUTREACH Heat metering is also ideal for district heating applications, where heat and in some cases chilled water, is supplied to each of several buildings from a central plant system. Figure 3 shows the concept of such a heating system where the central heating plant consists of three staged pellet boilers.

The pellet boilers are staged on and off to maintain the thermal storage tank within a specific temperature range.

Hot water from the tank is routed by a variable speed circulator through underground insulated piping to a plate and frame heat exchanger in each “client” building. These isolation heat exchangers prevent any cross flow between the central system and the balance of system within the building.

Any leaks or other service issues within one building are not going to impact central heat delivery to the remaining clients. Each client system is also shown with an auxiliary boiler

Continued on p24 MARCH 2019 | HPAC

21

CALEFFI

PRESENTED BY

LEADERS IN MAGNETIC SEPARATION

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< EMERGING MARKETS motorized mixing valve (anti-condensation protection) Pellet boiler staging controller

short low ∆P header

independently controlled variable-speed circulators

MRHL

MRHL

LWCO

LWCO

MRHL

LWCO

upper tank temperature sensor

variable speed drives lower tank temperature sensor

pellet boiler

pellet boiler

short low ∆P header

purging valves

thermal storage tank

pellet boiler

meter #1 cummunication cable

building #1 auxiliary boiler

other buildings

meter #2

data logger meter #3

LWCO

computer

temperature sensor

service bypass

building HX

to/from building distribution system

MRHL

flow meter supply temperature sensor

insulated underground piping

return temperature sensor

Figure 3 Central heating plant dirt separator

and valving that could sustain the building if there is a service issue with the district system.

PLAYING BY THE RULES In the U.S., an ASTM standard titled Standard Specification for Heat Meter Instrumentation (ASTM E3137/ E3137M-17) was issued in February 2018. It covers the accuracy requirements for several categories of heatmetering equipment. This standard was developed over several years. It refers to several previous heat-metering standards, such as EN1434, which is extensively recognized in Europe. This new standard is expected to be frequently cited by engineers specifying heat metering systems.

In Canada, the government agency Measurement Canada is currently conducting a pilot program to evaluate different types of heat meters in several 24

HPAC | MARCH 2019

categories depending on flow capacity (see HPAC February 2019, MH10). The eventual goal, expected to be in place by January 1, 2021, is a listing of approved meters in each category. Heat meters installed prior to the eventual requirement for an approved meter can remain in service until 2026, after which they must be replaced with an approved meter. More information on Measurement Canada’s plans for heat meter approval can be found at www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/mc-mc. nsf/eng/lm04882.html.

PAY ATTENTION Heat metering represents a significant and broad emerging market in North America. It is a niche that is ideally suited to those working with hydronic heating and cooling systems. It is a technology that provides performance verification, assists in diagnosing system problems, promotes energy conserva-

tion and allows equitable sharing of energy costs. This article is but an overview of what is possible. If you are involved with hydronics you need to follow this developing market. <> John Siegenthaler, P.E., is a mechanical engineering graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a licensed professional engineer. He has over 35 years experience in designing modern hydronic heating systems. Siegenthaler’s latest book is Heating with Renewable Energy (see www.hydronicpros.com for more information).

SEE JOHN AT THE MODERN HYDRONICS SUMMIT 2019. CHECK MODERNHYDRONICSSUMMIT.COM FOR UPDATES.

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TESTO INC.

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< REFRIGERATION

MAKING THE CASE FOR MODULAR CHILLERS Approach makes sense in many different ways. BY DAVE DEMMA

In an era when there are many modular options, it makes sense to review the benefits of modular chillers.

mod•u•lar Dictionary result for modular /'mäj l r/ adjective: modular 1. employing or involving a module or modules as the basis of design or construction “modular housing units”

M

odular, in terms of manufacturing, is not a new concept.

There is a certain logic to it: manufacturing cataloged production models rather than custom models is certainly more cost effective, and building and/or assembling in a manufacturing plant versus onsite is more cost effective and provides more consistent quality.

It is not uncommon to see an 18wheeler with a flatbed trailer transporting a portion of a residential home down the freeway on its way to a building site.

Nor is it uncommon to see other modular structures, such as fences or walls.

So, why not modular chillers? Indeed... why not.

The individual chiller modules are not particularly different than a standard chiller. You would have the same four basic components: compressor, condenser, expansion device, and evaporator (brazed plate heat exchanger, or conventional shell in tube heat exchanger).

It is not uncommon for the modules to be equipped with two separate circuits, two compressors, a single two-circuit condenser, two expansion devices, and a two-circuit evaporator (heat exchanger). In addition, one (or both) cir-

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HPAC | MARCH 2019

cuits could be equipped with hot gas bypass valve. This would allow for a wide range of capacity control. For example, a 30-ton module would be comprised of two 15-ton circuits, which would cycle based on leaving water temperature.

With the utilization of hot gas bypass, this would allow the module to provide anywhere from 7.5 tons of cooling capacity to the rated 30 tons of capacity.

Now, what sets the modular approach apart from a standard chiller is this: two or more these relatively smaller capacity chillers modules can be paralleled together, to provide a very wide range of cooling capacity.

The modules are controlled in a typical master/slave control relationship, with the master module containing the main microprocessor controller, which would be linked via communication cable to the slave controller located in each slave module.

As stated above, each module is equipped with its own evaporator/heat

exchanger. The chilled water supply and chilled water return from each module’s heat exchanger are piped respectively to the main chilled water supply header and main chilled water return header. This allows each module to provide cooling capacity to the chilled water return as needed, and sequenced by the main microprocessor.

Air cooled models would typically employ their own air cooled condenser, whereas water cooled models could employ their own water cooled condenser.

In water cooled models, the condensing water inlet and condensing water outlet would respectively be connected to the cooling tower water supply header and cooling tower water return header.

In addition to providing cooling capacity, modular chillers are available in heat pump configurations, and heat recovery configurations (where one or more modules would provide cooling capacity, and one or more modules would provide heating capacity).

HPACMAG.COM

BENEFITS OF MODULAR CHILLERS:

GRAPHIC COURTESY HAIER

Size: When retrofitting equipment in existing buildings it can sometimes be challenging to get the new equipment into the allocated machine room “after” the building has already been built.

This is one area where a modular design really offers a benefit, as the modules are substantially smaller than a single piece of equipment.

Capacity Control: While most large chillers offer some measure of capacity reduction (unloading), there is always an efficiency loss in operating a large compressor in an unloaded state. For example, a single 12 cylinder reciprocating compressor driven by a 120 HP motor, when operating 50 per cent unloaded, will realize an amp draw greater than 50 per cent of the full load amp draw. Now, imagine a modular chiller, employing three modules equipped with dual two cylinder compressors. Operating at a 50 per cent unloaded condition is achieved by de-energizing three of the compressors. This provides a 50 per cent reduction cooling capacity with a corresponding 50 per cent reduction in compressor motor amp draw, as 50 per cent of the compressors are no longer in operation.

Redundancy: This means there will be no significant downtime in a modular chiller application. Each module would have its own dedicated power. This allows for each unit to undergo maintenance without interrupting the ability of the remaining modules to provide cooling capacity.

In addition, using the above single

Water System Installation Sketch HPACMAG.COM

compressor chiller application, consider what would happen when any one of the following conditions occur: • Drive motor failure; • Compressor failure; • Refrigerant loss; • Tripped main breaker; • Blown control fuses; • Condenser fan motor failure; • Tripped breaker; • TEV failure; • Solenoid valve failure; • and the list goes on.

With the single compressor chiller, experiencing any of the issues listed above would result in the entire system being offline and no cooling capacity.

With a modular chiller, experiencing one of the issues above to a single compressor circuit in one of the modules would result in losing 16.67 per cent (1⁄6) of the system cooling capacity. Even in the middle of summer, this is much more palatable outcome than losing the entire system cooling capacity.

Mr Spock… what are the odds that all six chiller modules would experience simultaneous problems? “Captain, the odds are precisely, 2028.7 to 1 against that happening.”

Flexibility and Efficiency: As opposed to providing cooling only, modular chillers can come in heat pump configurations or heat recovery configurations (simultaneous cooling and heating). In addition, some modules can be configured for water source use, or to provide capacity to heat domestic water. Not only does this

allow extreme flexibility in providing various comfort solutions, it also provides much great efficiency than separate heating/cooling equipment.

Expandability: Traditional chillers are not good candidates for capacity increases, barring major a major expense. So, when faced with a renovation or a building addition, a modular chiller offers the ability for simple and easy capacity expansion. For example, if the existing modular capacity is 120 tons, and the new building expansion requires an additional 20 tons of cooling capacity, the simple addition of a 20-ton module will satisfy the increased capacity requirement Of course, piping into the chilled water supply header and chilled water return header (along with the cooling tower water supply header and cooling tower water return header if water cooled), providing the required electrical supply, and connecting the communication wiring to the slave controller, and you are set.

Environmental Concerns: There is no escaping the world of regulations and standards that we live in. While perhaps not a major driver in the decision as to what type of equipment to utilize, modular chillers can much easier comply with ASHRAE Standard 15 mechanical ventilation standards. This is due to the smaller refrigerant charge inherent in modular chiller systems. This potentially eliminates the need for additional and/ or costly installation of ventilation, refrigerant monitoring, etc., which can lower the total cost of ownership.

How wonderful to live in an age where, for any given set of design conditions, there are multiple equipment options of varying cost and efficiency available. <> Dave Demma holds a degree in refrigeration engineering and worked as a journeyman refrigeration technician before moving into the manufacturing sector where he regularly trains contractor and engineering groups. He can be reached at ddemma@uri.com.

MARCH 2019 | HPAC

29

IPEX

PRESENTED BY

AQUARISE SAVINGS WITHOUT COMPROMISING PERFORMANCE

AquaRise® is a hot and cold potable water distribution system for commercial, industrial and high buildings. Based on over 15 years experience designing and manufacturing industryleading CPVC systems, AquaRise offers numerous benefits over metal with a system that’s fullyapproved for noncombustible applications. AquaRise also comes with technical support and jobsite trouble-shooting – all from one reliable supplier.

A SOLID ALTERNATIVE TO METAL

Compare AquaRise to traditional metal systems, and AquaRise proves itself a strong, highlyengineered and affordable improvement over copper. Manufactured tough and robust, AquaRise performs as well as — and in many cases, better than — metal, offering a rugged system that meets all required standards. At the same time, AquaRise costs less than copper, yielding significant project savings. Thanks to its superior durability, these cost savings will pay off even more in years to come.

AquaRise’s corrosion resistance ensures a longer, maintenance-free life and better performance over the long-term.

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IPEX created AquaRise to be a system that saves valuable time and money on the jobsite. Its simple solvent cement system makes AquaRise fast and easy to assemble. No expensive certified training is needed, and no flames or torches are required during installation, reducing job site safety risks. In addition, AquaRise sweats less than metal pipe due to its excellent insulating properties. As a result, it can reduce the need for insulation, lowering overall job costs. AquaRise also represents a lower risk of job site theft.

ENGINEERED SYSTEM PERFORMANCE NNBetter Long-Term

Performance

NNFully-Certified Compliance NNFull Flame & Smoke Listings NNPermanent Joining System NNCorrosion Resistant NNOne-Step and Two-Step

Cement Kits NNLower thermal conductivity of plastic can reduce the need for insulation NNSDR-11 pipe wall is on average twice as thick as copper for toughness and strength NNRobust fittings are on average 16% thicker than competing plastic fittings for strength and durability

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MOVE OVER METAL From parking garages to hospitals to high buildings, more and more mechanical contractors and engineers are switching to a long-lasting DWV solution

Why are DWV systems from IPEX becoming the new standard? As an integrated solution, System XFR® and System 15® meet all code requirements for noncombustible buildings.

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14", 16", 18"

Contact us to learn more about our complete DWV product line. ipexna.com 1-866-473-9462

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®

TM

TM

PLUMBING & MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

SANIFLO CANADA

PRESENTED BY

SANIFLO SHOWCASES WORKING SANIBEST® PRO DISPLAY AT MCEE

Installation of Sanibest® Pro behind the wall.

Installation of Sanibest® Pro behind the toilet.

Saniflo Canada, the worldwide leader in macerating and grinding toilets as well as drain-water pumps, is exhibiting at the MCEE show in Montreal, April 24 & 25, 2019.

Visit SANIFLO at booth #700 where members of the Saniflo team will be on hand to demonstrate how macerating, grinding and drain-water pump systems offer easy and affordable plumbing solutions. Visitors will also have the opportunity to see the inner workings of a Saniflo grinder pump up close and personal with Saniflo’s new Sanibest Pro functioning display. Additionally, a working display of a Sanicubic 1 lifting station will be exhibited.

THE SANIBEST PRO is one of Saniflo’s most advanced grinder systems designed for both home and commercial use. The heavy-duty unit’s powerful motor is reliable, efficient and can accept the flushing of sanitary products, baby wipes and more.

The unit is designed to work with Saniflo's rear discharge toilet and can accommodate a full bathroom including toilet, sink, shower, bathtub and even a washing machine (indirectly). It discharges waste up to 25 feet vertically and 150 feet horizontally.

Saniflo Canada offers a complete line of macerating toilet systems and drain-water pumps for residential and commercial applications. Saniflo markets across Canada, and is currently available through most major plumbing wholesalers and hardware retailers. For more information or installation videos, please visit www.saniflo.ca or call Saniflo Canada at 1-800-363-5874.

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< PLUMBING

HPWH POTENTIAL REMAINS UNREALIZED “Old habits die hard" may be the main reason we fail to embrace promising technology.

BY STEVE GOLDIE

I

first wrote about heat pump water heaters (HPWH) almost a decade ago. At the time I was looking to highlight newer, innovative technologies and the HPWH seemed to qualify.

After researching and writing that article I was impressed with the products available at the time. Even though I had never sold one I was hopeful that it would be just a matter of time before we would see demand begin to grow.

In fact, I wrote this in the conclusion: “With its impressive efficiency numbers and considering the growing appetite for all things green and efficient, HPWHs may just be an idea whose

Distribution of residential energy use by end-use (per cent).

time has come. They have certainly opened my eyes to the potential of heat pump technology in general.”

In the years since that first article the already impressive efficiencies have improved significantly, with the typical Energy Factor (EF) rating rising from

INDEXES OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY The HPWH industry relies on two indexes of energy efficiency: coefficient of performance (COP), and energy factor (EF). In both cases, a higher value indicates greater efficiency.

COP is a measure of the energy output of a system in comparison with its electrical energy input. Standby losses and the interaction of changing water and air temperatures are not reflected in measurements of COP. Accordingly, the COP of a standard electric hot water heater is close to 1 and the COP of a typical HPWH heater may be 3 to 4. COPs quoted by manufacturers may reflect the combination of the production of cold air and hot water in relation to energy input. Energy factor (EF) is a more useful measure because it more accurately mimics real life or field conditions. The test to determine EF is conducted over a 24-hour period with temperatures of incoming water and input air held constant. A measured amount of water is drawn from the system every other hour for the first 12 hours and no water is drawn for the final 12 hours. Because this test reflects standby losses, the EF of a typical electric hot water system is 0.90 and the EF of a typical HPWH heater may be 3.50. This represents an efficiency improvement of more than 300 per cent.

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HPAC | MARCH 2019

2.5 to 3.5. (see sidebar) The appetite for all things green and efficient has indeed continued to grow, as has the market for techie gizmos and gadgets.

The newest generation of HPWHs have incorporated this also as many models now come with lots of cool bells and whistles such as Wifi connectivity and automatic leak detection.

Considering all of this you might be surprised to hear that I have still never sold a single one in the past decade. In speaking to some of the manufacturers I understand the HPWH market has seen some growth, and yet it is still it is a niche market at best, with most units being installed in net zero, or near net zero custom homes.

Most studies show that DHW production accounts for about 18 per cent of the average home’s energy usage. A HPWH could save a homeowner in the range of 10 per cent of their total energy bill. ENERGY STAR estimates that if every household in the US were to install a HPWH the savings would top $8.2 billion annually; these are numbers that should not be ignored.

HPACMAG.COM

THE SCIENCE OF HPWHS A heat pump water heater is much like a refrigerator turned on its head.

The fridge is an insulated box where the heat is pumped from inside of the box and dumped outside the box, making the inside cold. With a HPWH we have an insulated tank full of water and the process is reversed. Heat is pumped from outside the tank inside the tank, thereby making the water inside warmer.

This â&#x20AC;&#x153;pumpingâ&#x20AC;? of heat is achieved by taking advantage of a few basic laws of nature. First of all, heat always moves to cold. Secondly, temperature and pressure are related.

Pressurizing an element will result in an increase in temperature and conversely, depressurizing results in a corresponding decrease in temperature. Picture the can of compressed (pressurized) air we use to clean computer keyboards.

Notice how the can gets colder as we release the air, decompressing the contents. Pressure also affects the boiling point and condensing point of elements. This is what happens to the refrigerant that is cycled through the heat pump cycle. In the heat pump cycle a compressor pumps the refrigerant between two heat exchanger coils. On one side, the refrigerant is decompressed causing cooling and evaporation.

This cold side heat exchanger coil is called an evaporator and since it is colder than its surroundings, it absorbs heat. The refrigerant is then compressed enroute to the other coil, called the condenser because it raises temperature and condenses. At this point because it is hotter than its surroundings it releases the heat it absorbed earlier in the cycle. In an HPWH the hot coil, or condenser would of course be on the inside of the tank where we want to transfer the heat in order to make hot water.

HPACMAG.COM

The closer I look at the newer generation HPWHs the more convinced I become that they should be a viable option, so why do we not see more of a demand? I think there are many reasons for this, many markets, including my own, are dominated by natural gas fired options. Gas fired tanks and tankless units offer much greater recovery rates than electric so I would not expect HPWHs to make inroads in these markets. Where electric tanks are dominant the biggest hurdle is cost, electric tanks are relatively inexpensive so the up charge to a HPWH is not insignificant. Still, using ENERGY STAR estimates, the payback should be three to five years and total lifespan savings would be $3,500 or better.

Another obstacle is the lack of any rebate incentives that are often needed to stimulate sales of this type of energy saving product. As far as I can see there are virtually no rebate incentives

,%33 '2)0%

anywhere in Canada for HPWHs. Rebates or no rebates, I still believe HPWHs have great potential, however it is a potential that may remain unrealized. Unfortunately, the saying â&#x20AC;&#x153;old habits die hardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; may be the main reason we fail to embrace changes such as this, even if they do have merit.

Hopefully someone out there can seize the opportunity and prove me wrong and next time I revisit this topic I can report how HPWHs have taken over the electric water heating market. <> Steve Goldie learned his trade from his father while working as plumber in the family business.

After 21 years in the field, he joined the wholesale side of the business in 2002. His expertise is frequently called on to troubleshoot systems and advise contractors. He can be reached at sgoldie@nextsupply.ca.

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MARCH 2019 | HPAC

35

WATTS WATER TECHNOLOGIES

PRESENTED BY

HVAC Solutions from Watts Water Technologies Designed to Facilitate Occupant Comfort and Energy Efficiency See us at booth #427 at MCEE 2019.

The Powers™ IntelliStation™ Smart Mixing and Recirculation System is used for domestic hot water in commercial and institutional facilities. It can be integrated with a building automation system (BAS).

The IntelliStation provides: • A smart controller with 3.5" full-colour touchscreen interface • Digital temperature regulation within +/-2°F to ASSE 1017 • Field configurability, without the need for a laptop or special software

PowersControls.com

tekmar® WiFi Thermostats 564 – With the Invita™ WiFi Thermostat there is no need to run new wire from the living space, repair walls or rely on batteries to offer customers a full featured, connected system. This low profile touchscreen thermostat uses the existing 2-wires from the living space to support a range of air and radiant HVAC system configurations.

• Adjust thermostat settings from anywhere with the Invita Connect app • Receive alerts from optional Watts FloodSafe® water detector shutoff

• Display weather icons, 2 temperatures, time and equipment status • Choose display colors, languages and white (564) or black finish (564B)

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Watts Radiant ThermalPro™ Boiler Stations are simple, pre-piped, insulated pumping stations for mechanical rooms.

• Available in a variety of non-mixed and mixed configurations • Come with supply and return connections, check stop, isolation valves • Multiple units can be assembled efficiently (in minutes) • Installable individually or on header for up to five units

www.wattscanada.ca

WattsRadiant.com

Upgrade to a Smarter Solution Introducing a smarter, safer digital mixing valve

New to the IntelliStation® family, the IntelliStation® Jr. is the smart mixing valve that keeps you covered and connected through the native BACnet and Modbus protocols.

Features: • Programmable set point range 60°F to 180°F • Control water temperature +/- 2°F in accordance with ASSE 1017 • High temperature sanitization mode mitigates the risk of waterborne bacteria • In case of power failure, flows full cold for enhanced safety • Manual override in the event of prolonged power loss • Large, intuitive, touch screen display allows valve configuration in minutes.

Does not require factory pre-programming, lap top or special software.

• Wi-Fi enabled for software upgrades

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Scan to learn more

AMVIC

PRESENTED BY

AMVIC INSULATED PEX PANEL; HYDRONIC RADIANT FLOOR HEATING SYSTEMS

DESIGN Amvicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s insulated PEX panel combines a number of unique elements making it one of the best panels on the market. The panel consists of expanded polystyrene insulation, moulded to high impact polystyrene film. This combination makes for a stronger, more resilient interlocking PEX panel. Additionally, the panel nubs form a mushroom shape, locking the PEX piping firmly in place.

Once inserted, it guarantees that the pipe is properly positioned and seated in the panel.

The innovative panel design with bridging and cavities ensures that the PEX tubing will be completely surrounded with concrete and not pushed to the bottom of the panel. This feature will allow for better heat distribution from the radiant tubing and a more efficient energy transfer.

CONTRACTOR SAVINGS The design of the Amvic PEX insulation panel makes for a very durable and simple install on the job site. Because of its strength and stability, contractors can handle the material with ease eliminating breakage, replacement and additional labour. The film on the panel along with the nubs, allows the PEX tubing to be walked in and locked into place, rather than constant bending to wire-tie or staple the tubing firmly into place cutting labour time and material costs. The oversized four sided tongue and groove interlock system makes installation quick, easy and secure. The size of the panels also increase productivity and precision when placing the panels on the floor. The 2x4 panels become easier to maneuver, easier to place and easier to identify leveling inconsistencies.

APPLICATIONS Hydronic heating can solve winter season problems by implementing a snow and ice melt system by circulating warm liquid through PEX tubing which is concealed in the concrete. These systems can be easily installed in residential, commercial or industrial applications such as driveways, sidewalks, stairs, entrances, parking lots, ramps, helipads and much more.

Homeowners can choose to have hydronic heating throughout their entire home which can eliminate the need for forced air units and reduce utility bills. Common living areas for floor heating include the bathroom, the family room, the garage/driveway, entrances and even the kitchen.

www.amvic.com

< HVAC

HYBRID SYSTEMS: Here comes the future Hybrid systems promise to deliver the necessary and very comforting Btus to where they are needed in a timely fashion. BY IAN MCTEER

I

hadn’t much to do with the concept of a hybrid anything before landing in the HVAC industry many decades ago. After a few years of learning about disparate topics stretching from gas heating to residential cooling, it was my wife, a green-thumb gardener, who introduced me to hybrid plants in a “by the way” point of interest fashion. She had planted some Hollyhocks next to a Rose of Sharon shrub in our tiny backyard garden. Mother Nature worked her magic giving us a wonderful hybrid Rose of Sharon shrub incorporating its own gentle mauve colored flowers surrounded by gorgeous red hybrid hollyhock blooms the following growing season. Although the hybrid shrub did not exactly appear on her garden plan that year, the end result made my wife the envy of the neighbourhood.

Thus, a dictionary defines “hybrid” as something “related to or produced from parents of different species, varieties or breeds” such as our Rose of Sharon/Hollyhock shrub. A further definition states a hybrid has “two different types of components performing essentially the same function” such as a hybrid vehicle.

Today, the term is widely used in many fields (perhaps overused), to describe a myriad of technological wonders, here are a few examples from Wikipedia: “Hybrid market, a system allowing stock trades to be completed either electronically or manually” “Hybrid power, the combination of a power producer and the means to store that power in an energy storage medium” “Hybrid computer, a computer com40

HPAC | MARCH 2019

Hybrids go beyond the reach of Mother Nature.

bining analog and digital features” “Three-way hybrid, a device to converge content delivered via three different video transport networks” “Hybrid (golf), a golf club that has the characteristics between a wood and an iron”

CONVENTIONAL RESIDENTIAL HEAT PUMP Thanks to the oil embargo put in place against the United States by OPEC in 1973, devices that promised to save on heating and cooling costs for residential consumers proliferated on a HPACMAG.COM

grand scale. By the time the AHRI (then known as ARI) had defined the North American climate zones, air source heat pumps started to appear in Canada. That is when, in the early 1980s, I was introduced to the concept of a hybrid heat pump (HHP) sometimes called a dual fuel heat pump. Ideally, an HHP would save energy by utilizing its ability to generate considerably more useful heating watts-out than the watts input required to run the system.

However, as I have said before, HHPs and the companion all-electric heat pumps did not perform well in Climate Region V. I have discussed these issues in previous articles: sizing mistakes, siting errors, ineffective defrost controls and low temperature rise among others. In a hybrid application, there are two control strategies that often get confused: 1. Unrestricted mode: in which the indoor thermostat fully controls both the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. Such a method in cold climates is not realistic because at the start of every cycle the thermostat will start the outdoor unit even if it is no longer capable of providing 100 per cent of the heat required. The system will run and run blowing cool air until the thermostat differential is overcome allowing the gas or oil furnace to then take over. The fossil-fuel furnace runs until the thermostat is satisfied only to have the next cycle operate the same way. Only the return of milder weather will allow the system to work at full benefit. Unrestricted mode was not meant for HHPs in cold climates.

2. Restricted mode: in which a separate control kit (now typically part of the specialized indoor heat pump thermostat) works in conjunction with an outdoor thermostat to prevent outdoor unit operation below balance point. This control strategy required the contractor to ascertain the heat loss of the building and to plot the performance of his selected equipment on a balance point chart to determine when outdoor unit operation would no longer be viable. The outdoor thermostat would then be set at that temperature. Too often, this temperature was set arbitrarily. Too low a setting causes the customer to experience a situation similar to unrestricted mode–the unit runs long after its full heating capacity has been utilized leaving the customer shivering before a welcome blast of second stage heat finally occurs. Setting the outdoor thermostat too high means the outdoor unit shuts off early leaving the customer to pay for more fossil fuel than expected.

This relay panel allows a digital thermostat to communicate with 24 volt equipment and accessories.

set at 70F (21C), the algorithm will select 69F (20.5C) and 71F (21.6C) as control points constantly checking for temperature swings between the set point and the control points.

Also, the algorithm will monitor how long the room takes to increase or decrease its temperature. By monitoring temperature swings in real time, the controller then makes decisions about which heating or cooling unit should be started, in what stage and for how long.

Another critical component of hybrid control is the outdoor temperature sensor (ODS). Long known on the hydronic side of the HVAC industry as an outdoor reset control, an ODS helps the smart thermostat to adjust the output of a modulating or multi-stage heating device to more closely match building heat loss. Outdoor sensors are very accurate providing temperature data within a +/- 1 per cent variance. Thus, the sensor must not be influenced by direct sunlight or other sources of heat. Depending on the manufacturer, a failed ODS might simply generate a non-critical error alert (similar to the automotive “service engine soon” light) or possibly force the system into an emergency heat mode. Thus, the ODS has become a very important hybrid component.

HYBRID CONTROLS HAVE IMPROVED

HYBRID IS THE NEW CONVENTIONAL

The days of electro-mechanical HHP controls have long since passed. Modern hybrids utilize electronic comfort controls consisting of a smart room thermostat driven by feedback loops that constantly update room temperature information.

Some thermostat algorithms will create control points slightly above and below the desired room temperature set point.

Room temperature fluctuations are then monitored between those points. For example, should the room temperature be

When I first started in HVAC, a conventional residential forced warm air system (FWA) or boiler did one thing: heat. Many of the older oil-fired FWAs I encountered worked very well.

Typically consisting of an easily accessible centrally located furnace, beautifully laid-out and properly sized ductwork, these single zone systems provide quiet, even-heating. As the post-war housing boom expanded exponentially, FWA

HPACMAG.COM

Continued on p44 MARCH 2019 | HPAC

41

DANFOSS

PRESENTED BY

DANFOSS VLT® HVAC DRIVE FC 102

VLT® HVAC Drive is designed to bring optimized control to all heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) applications. Easy to use and with built-in intelligence, the drive is fast and cost-effective to commission. It features a wide range of functions specifically developed for use with pumps, fans, and compressors to save energy, meet environmental regulations, and reduce costs in modern buildings.

Now available for the VLT® HVAC Drive is the optional VLT® Wireless Communication Panel LCP 103. The wireless LCP, which communicates with the Danfoss MyDrive® Connect app, offers full access to your VLT® drive making it easier to perform commissioning, operation, monitoring, and maintenance tasks. Utilizing the active point-to-point wireless connection, maintenance personnel can receive real-time error messages via the app to ensure a quick response to potential issues and reduce downtime.

For more information please visit www.danfoss.ca.

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63%

energy saving potential in today’s buildings and industrial processes

is realizing a more energy efficient city infrastructure Canadian infrastructure investments are on the rise, and with ambitious climate and energy targets in place, Danfoss has been helping make Canadian cities more efficient and sustainable for 65 years. Heating and cooling consume as much as 40 percent of a building’s total energy use. Danfoss solutions like AC drives, variable speed compressors and hydronic control valves help cut energy consumption and improve comfort and control. City-wide, Danfoss’ innovative district heating solutions amplify efficiencies — cost-effectively boosting energy productivity, minimizing environmental impacts and helping cities plan for a sustainable future. With Danfoss, our cities can get more out of less without sacrificing performance or reliability.

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< HVAC

Conceptual drawing from John Siegenthaler’s “Hydronic Basics” illustrates one potential residential hybridization.

heating became more of a nuisance for builders having to accommodate duct systems and provide chimney chases. FWA systems occupied too much space in the “unfinished recreation room.” Efficient, comfortable HVAC became the exception rather than the rule.

One could argue that the first act of residential hybridization saw the addition of central air conditioning to FWAs meant strictly for heating. Then, the first iteration air source heat pumps (ASHP), totally unprepared for cold climates as it turned out, introduced the concept of hybrid HVAC allegedly under the guise of saving energy. As I’ve mentioned before, far too many FWA’s struggled to simply provide decent heating never mind saving extra energy. Lost in the early hybrid ASHP invasion was the notion of comfort. The glossy brochures showed mom and dad and the kids happily frolicking in the family room, yet there was an entirely different comfort story going on upstairs in January and July.

Therefore, by my definition, a hybrid HVAC system uses one or more sources of heat (or cooling) to provide independent space comfort conditioning and can be combined with accessory heating capabilities. Here are but a few examples: 1. A condensing boiler supplying a priority indirect domestic hot water tank and two zoned air handlers. Add some in44

HPAC | MARCH 2019

“Efficient, comfortable HVAC became the exception rather than the rule.” jection mixing to supply lower temperature radiant heating and maybe include some other accessories like panel heaters or even garage floor warming. Better yet, send the heated water to a hot water coil incorporated into a small duct high velocity system. Utilizing the principle of aspiration, rooms so serviced will have superior air mixing throughout the year providing ideal comfort.

2. Provide a zoned FWA system consisting of proprietary zone dampers and controls. Use a matching VRF or two-stage air source heat pump (ASHP) linked to a variable speed modulating gas furnace or air handler with electric heat. Design the system for new construction or a major house renovation using the methods outlined in the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Manual Zr. Test, adjust and balance the system for best results.

3. A multi zone, cold climate air source heat pump (ccASHP) HPACMAG.COM

A multi-function VS air handler with a hot water coil and heat pump coil installed.

for retrofit applications in which an existing, underperforming FWA system cannot be easily renovated. Hybridize an existing viable furnace for back-up and emergency heating only.

Houses heated primarily with baseboard electric heaters can utilize ductless system hybrids capable of controlling baseboard operation when necessary.

4. With the focus now on tighter house construction (0.5 ACH) and Net Zero energy consumption, the ccASHP hybrid system seems ready to dominate the residential new construction market. With the ability to provide simultaneous heating and cooling combined with many air handling options like high wall fan coils, recessed ceiling units, low static ducted air handlers, exposed and concealed low-wall units and a more conventional vertical fan coil, heating contractors have nearly unlimited ways of providing comfort and efficiency.

For several decades prior to 1973, energy was fairly inexpensive and relatively abundant. When energy became expensive, seemingly overnight, counter remedies seemed too often to be hit or miss in so many ways: • Smaller, lighter cars, allegedly more fuel efficient, rustedout quickly when exposed to salted roadways • Emission controls mandated for all cars caused many to guzzle even more fuel • Early so-called high efficiency gas furnaces did not have secondary heat exchangers. Too much heat extraction (some ran at 88 per cent AFUE) caused condensation in the primary heat exchanger or in the vent connector leading to equipment failures.

• Initial attempts to produce 90 per cent AFUE condensing HPACMAG.COM

gas furnaces revealed gaps in metallurgical knowledge.

Secondary heat exchangers made out of mild stainless steel rotted-out in the presence of acidic condensate, typically in less than five years. Metallic draft inducer housings, even those with epoxy coatings failed routinely.

• Far too many hybrid ASHPs rarely worked properly having never been designed for a northern climate. Many ASHPs were simply converted to cooling-only operation allowing the primary heating source to do all the heating heavy lifting.

Decades of technological innovation has solved many such problems. While house builders could have sealed-up and better insulated their products back in the ’80s, the technology needed to deal with excess moisture has only really been available and put to good use in the last decade or so. All those old cars and all those clunky old furnaces are gone now; however, the houses still exist. Many, many of them have been retrofitted or renovated, perhaps more than once.

The fact remains that unless the heating system fell into the hands of a qualified heating contractor, the comfort and efficiency equation is still unbalanced in so many Canadian houses. A hybrid system, in my opinion, promises to deliver the necessary and very comforting Btus to where they are needed in a timely fashion. Again, hybrid is the new conventional. <> Ian McTeer is an HVAC consultant with 35 years experience in the industry. He was most recently a field rep for Trane Canada DSO. McTeer is a refrigeration mechanic and Class 1 Gas technician.

MARCH 2019 | HPAC

45

BELANGER

PRESENTED BY

Visit us at MCEE Booth #707

HPAC_Product & Advertorial_v190225.indd 2 HPAC_March_Belanger2.indd 1

HPAC_Product & Advertorial_v190225.indd 2

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www.belanger-upt.com

2019-02-27 12:37 PM 2019-03-05 11:13 AM

2019-02-27 12:37 PM

12:37 PM 2019-03-05 2019-02-27 11:13 AM

VIESSMANN

PRESENTED BY

VITOTRANS 300, S3HA / D3HA High-Output Commercial DHW Heating Station

The new Vitotrans 300 commercial DHW heating station is the ideal DHW heating solution for commercial applications requiring large volumes of instantaneous hot water, such as apartment buildings, hotels, resorts and recreation complexes, hospitals and industrial facilities.

Designed to work with any new or existing hydronic heating system, the indirect-fired Vitotrans 300 employs up to 3 brazed plate heat exchangers, delivering flow rates of up to 180 GPM to quickly and efficiently heat the required amount of water. Single Vitotrans units can be connected directly to systems with long, steady draws of water, such as car wash facilities.

When combined with a buffer tank, the unit provides consistent flow rates of up to 180 GPM all day long, even in applications with widely fluctuating DHW demand like hotels or multi-unit apartment buildings.

Economical The Vitotrans 300, in conjunction with a buffer tank effectively replaces the need for systems relying on a dedicated DHW boiler, batteries of direct or indirectfired DHW tanks, or cascades of tankless water heaters for maximum cost savings. For example, a single Vitotrans 300 unit could replace the need for fourteen 119 USG (450 L) DHW tanks.

Easy installation and service The Vitotrans 300 is also quick and easy to install and service. It can be installed into any existing hydronic heating system, requiring minimal piping or wall penetrations. All field connections are made at the rear and all enclosure panels can be easily removed for direct access to the entire unit for fast and easy service.

In multi-heat exchanger models, each heat exchanger can be individually isolated and serviced without interrupting system operation.

Space-saving design The versatile, compact (approx. 14 ft2) and preassembled unit is the ideal choice for limited-space installations, preserving valuable real estate for other purposes.

Maximum life expectancy The burner-less design of the Vitotrans 300, combined with an integrated de-scaling pump, result in low thermal stress and sediment build-up within the heat exchanger(s), ensuring maximum operational longevity.

Maximum efficiency The Vitotrans 300 is capable of producing DHW at over 96% efficiency. Furthermore, Vitotrans eliminates the need for a separate system dedicated to DHW production, thus lowering total energy requirements of the facility, resulting in a long-term increase in overall system efficiency.

Completely hygienic The on-demand design of the Vitotrans 300 avoids lengthy DHW storage, thus maximizes water quality and mitigates the risk of legionella. The unitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heat exchangers are certified for lead free plumbing products.

Total control The integrated system control, featuring a colour touchscreen, interfaces with the Building Management System (BMS) using BACnet (IP) protocol. It keeps and displays data on several points within the system. An integrated programmable logic controller, monitors settings and performs adjustments, checks and diagnoses.

Vitotrans 300 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; another powerful heating solution from Viessmann

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Works seamlessly with any new or existing hydronic heat source to provide a reliable and consistent supply of endless hot water at flow rates of up to 180 GPM. Eliminates the need for dedicated DHW heating boilers, batteries of direct or indirect-fired DHW tanks, or cascades of tankless water heaters for maximum cost savings.

Multi-heat exchanger design provides built-in redundancy and eliminates costly downtime during service and maintenance.

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Montreal, April 24-25 â&#x20AC;˘ Booth #127

< CONTROLS

WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY ON THE RISE Reliability is such that seasoned technicians can confidently drop the wires.

BY MIKE MILLER

W

ireless technology has been around in our businesses for at least three decades, or perhaps even longer. The first wireless devices I recall were thermostats that eliminated the wiring between the thermostat location and the mechanical equipment it controlled.

Using radio frequency, the thermostat would communicate with a base unit that had all of the relay switches within to turn a device on or off with some control logic. The intent was labour savings and flexibility.

In these early stages, some of these wireless systems might have had some challenges with its communication being spotty or inconsistent throughout all the different building materials used.

But just like any technology, a lot of advances have been made since then.

In more recent history, wireless technology has come a long was and is now pretty solid and can be found in all of

50

HPAC | MARCH 2019

our homes in one form or another.

Some examples include wireless Wifi, wireless telephones, appliance remote controls, security, and HVAC control systems and components.

The future of our industry will become more and more wireless and the number of increased wireless controls and sensors now available show a strong upwards trend. But despite this change, many of the seasoned tradesmen and women are still somewhat unsure about the reliability of the technology and continue to run wires where wireless technology could now easily take its place. It is time that we comfortably move forward with this technology, just like we have done with many others in the past.

Many of our industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading controls manufacturers offer their version of wireless communication and networks from single thermostat controls to complete control system solutions with wireless sensor technologies.

There are far too many to name them all, but for your interest, here are a few for you to look into. All of them have stellar solutions that are worth your

time investigating.

Those companies include, but again are not limited to, the following: Watts/ tekmar, Salus North America, HBX Control Systems, Uponor, Taco Comfort Solutions, Delta Control, Reliable Controls, KMC Controls, and so on.

Apart from those traditional control systems, there are some mechanical components available today that allow for wireless access points in order to provide real-time control, diagnostics and reporting of history and performance, and setup/programming capabilities.

Those devices became the exception rather than the rule and include boilers, pumps, process devices and similar products. This is commonly done through Bluetooth connectivity of a mobile device such as phones or tablets.

Now back to control systems. What wireless control system technologies are available? Not limited to these, but most commonly you will find WiFi, ZigBee or EnOcean.

WiFi operates in the industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) frequency bands and is capable of data rates around 300 MB/sec. The data rates of HPACMAG.COM

“…many of the seasoned tradesmen and women are still somewhat unsure about the reliability of the technology and continue to run wires where wireless technology could now easily take its place.” a WiFi network are easy enough to support a very large Building Automation System. Because this technology is so widely used, it is easily managed and maintained by most IT personnel. The disadvantage of WiFi is it is a more expensive technology to deploy and it consumes considerably more power than other systems.

ZigBee is a widely accepted wireless protocol used in the building automation industry. This level of acceptance typically keeps development and deployment costs lower than other protocols. The ZigBee standard specifies a maximum data rate of 250 kB/sec across a self-forming meshed network.

Since Zigbee uses low data rates, the corresponding power consumption is also low and results in a long battery life.

ZigBee operates in the same frequency bands as WiFi but can co-exist with WiFi networks when properly configured.

Most wireless controllers, repeaters, and sensors require some sort of power.

HPACMAG.COM

The power is typically wired for Wifi and batteries for ZigBee devices. Most battery-operated wireless sensor devices have a battery life between four to five years. Battery life can vary based on the distance the information needs to be communicated, how much of it is being transmitted or received, and how often the communication occurs.

EnOcean devices use self-powered sensors that transmit data at a rate of 120 kB/sec in a mesh network at a lowfrequency range. EnOcean devices utilize very low data and frequency rates. This allows EnOcean devices to have extremely low power consumption. This allows the sensors to harvest energy from the environment to power them.

DESIGN AND RELIABILITY Wireless systems are required to have the same level of reliability as wired systems. These networks need to send and receive data continuously with minimal communication error. With

proper planning and implementation wireless networks can be as reliable and secure as a wired network.

A mesh network is a scalable network architecture where any device in the network can communicate to other devices by “hopping” over multiple access points. This allows the system to provide coverage over a much larger area, avoid single points of failure, and deliver high capacity communication when needed. The network can be considerably less susceptible to interference and environmental conditions than a single access point can provide.

Of course, the building’s construction characteristics must be considered during the design and layout of a wireless network. Construction materials and obstructions can have an impact on wireless performance. These factors determine the allowable distances between transmitters, receivers, and the number of repeaters that may be re-

Continued on p54 MARCH 2019 | HPAC

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AERCO’s Benchmark® Platinum Optimize Your Hydronic System In an ideal world, high efficiency, commercial condensing boilers would operate as designed – condensing as you expect and delivering the highest efficiency possible. However, in the real world, external variables arise (such as fluctuations in combustion O2 levels, air temperature, occupancy/loads, gas pressure) causing faults and problems that lead to system inefficiency, increased utility costs, unit downtime and costly unscheduled maintenance.

AERCO’s Benchmark Platinum is the “Smart Boiler” optimizing your system for the real world by self-correcting these problems. Benchmark Platinum delivers maximum efficiency and precise combustion through its patented AERtrim O2 Trim technology, Dual Returns, and onAER predictive maintenance ensuring your system operates optimally as it was designed and as you expected. You’ll get maximum efficiency, reduce unscheduled maintenance and receive big energy savings – all with an industry-best warranty.

AERtrim Advanced combustion control systems in high efficiency boilers need to maintain precise air/fuel ratios in order to work properly and maximize efficiency. However, environmental variations (such as humidity, atmospheric pressure, filter dust loading, delivered gas energy content and other factors) can often wreak havoc on gas and oil-fired boilers causing them to deviate from the ideal oxygen-fuel ratio. AERtrim, AERCO’s advanced, patented O2 Trim technology, monitors actual site conditions and self-adjusts its combustion process to ensure the boiler is operating at optimal O2 levels and peak system efficiency. Proper O2 levels provide greater uptime reliability, increased energy savings, fewer emissions, lower operational and maintenance costs, as well as an additional 1%-2% seasonal efficiency gain.

Dual Returns Benchmark Platinum’s Dual Returns allow engineers to take full advantage of diverse load demands specific to a site in order to design the most efficient system possible. Most traditional boilers offer a single return that forces the blending of hot and cold water temperatures. However, Benchmark Platinum’s Dual Returns keep cold water separate, creating a larger condensing zone in the heat exchanger that improves boiler efficiency up to 7%. Dual Returns are ideal for applications that feature combination systems including multi-zone space heating, space heating with domestic hot water, radiant floor heating, snow melt, and pool heating, or as the system’s by-pass to the high temperature connection.

onAER Predictive Maintenance AERCO’s onAER is a predictive maintenance tool that continuously monitors the overall health of the system helping customers properly maintain and protect their investment. onAER provides a convenient site that offers an instant, intuitive overview of the system including unit performance, plant efficiency, upcoming maintenance required, detailed technical data and more. onAER allows for quick resolution of issues and prevents more serious problems from developing that can result in inefficient operation and increased expenses. Monthly reports and instant email alerts notify customers and facility managers of any faults or decline in equipment to prevent unnecessary wear-and-tear as well as premature failure.

With its combination of innovative technologies and features, Benchmark Platinum optimizes system performance and provides maximum efficiency for bigger savings and greater Return on Investment.

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Benchmark® Platinum Optimize Your Hydronic System for Maximum Efficiency and Savings AERtrim Peak Performance

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Enables design and application flexibility — increases efficiency up to an additional 7%.

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< CONTROLS quired throughout larger buildings. Drywall and wood are excellent media for wireless communication. Signal loss through concrete can depend on its thickness and rebar spacing.

Signal loss also can be impacted by the quantity and type of steel superstructure, elevator shafts, and other metals used in construction and building geometry. All of these factors need to be considered and accounted for in project design specifications and construction drawings. Typically, the number of repeaters and transmitters will increase if there is more concrete and steel in a building.

APPLICATIONS More and more manufacturers seem to be partnering with wireless technologies within their devices in order to allow for easy and automatic meshing utilizing devices in the building as repeaters for another. Figure 1 shows an example based on a building I was in recently.

In this particular building a wireless mesh network was established using devices from a water metering supplier and then wireless thermostats from another supplier. There, the multifamily building utilized wireless water meters for each suite, as well as a wireless communicating single thermostat for each.

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Figure 1 Partnering with wireless technologies

The water meters and thermostats throughout the building create a wireless mesh network, which uses each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s devices as repeaters so in the end all thermostats can communicate with one another as do the water meters. Both of these different use/purpose control systems now talk to a main building computer platform that can schedule, monitor, maintain and centrally manage the access to each of those devices throughout the building. It may also even make that available to the outside world via remote access capabilities through a Local or Wide Area Network (LAN or WAN).

Red boxes represent wireless hot water meters, blue boxes represent wireless cold water meters and the green boxes represent wireless thermostats. All devices mesh together into a single network that all feeds back into a local computer platform to allow monitoring and data logging for all three devices per suite, as well as remote adjustment to comfort settings in the thermostats.

This is a very small example of what wireless controls could mean for your business moving forward. Other appliance manufacturers are also looking to the future with wireless communication in mind. Before we know it, buildings will automatically have a communication mesh established through those.

Dropping in additional wireless HVAC devices will just become a part of the existing network. We might still be six to eight years away from that, but considering what I see being promoted for the upcoming ISH Trade Fair in Frankfurt, Germany, it might not be that long at all. <> Mike Miller is director of sales, commercial building services, Canada with Taco Inc. and a past chair of the Canadian Hydronics Council (CHC). He can be reached at hydronicsmike@ tacocomfort.com.

www.Roth-America.com Call 800-969-7684 54

HPAC | MARCH 2019

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HPACMAG.COM 2018-07-17 3:06 PM

UEI TEST INSTRUMENTS

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The UEi HUB App shows a system’s Liquid and Suction measurements, superheat, subcool, temperature split and psychrometric calculations in an intuitive easy-to-read display. Users can also easily select refrigerants and adding or subtracting them to a favorites list. The HUB6 is backed by a 1-year warranty.

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MARCH 2019 | HPAC

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2019-02-15 9:37 AM

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Visit Grundfos at MCEE, booth #142 for a look at our NEW TPE3 circulator â&#x20AC;&#x201C; arriving this spring.

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CMBE & CMBE TWIN The CMBE & CMBE Twin are fully integrated booster systems ideal for residential and commercial applications. Featuring a highefficiency ECM motor and built-in dry-run protection, these boosters deliver reliable operation in a wide range of applications.

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< TECHNOLOGY

DIVING IN Augmented reality and virtual reality could be a game changer if the industry can get on board.

D

espite being largely relegated to the classroom, augmented reality and virtual reality offer mechanical contractors a number of benefits in the field.

Troubleshooting equipment with a smart phone and viewing the layout of a system on a construction site in realtime are just two key advantages for the trades. Though, while some sectors such as manufacturing have adopted the technology, the mechanical industry–with some exceptions–has yet to fully embrace AR and VR. The barriers that have long left smaller contractor shops on the sidelines are being increasingly dismantled thanks to the unstoppable rise of AR and VR, which has given way to reduced costs and improved accessibil-

ity. With the potential to propel a traditional industry into the future, this may be the best time for a mechanical business to dip its toes in the water.

PHOTO VICTAULIC

BY JILLIAN MORGAN

Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies in the mechanical sector are designed to offer contractors a leg up, namely saving time in the field.

Edmonton, AB-based ScopeAR has developed AR technology that lends itself to the mechanical industry–though, the company’s clientele is primarily in manufacturing and aerospace, according to Scott Montgomerie, the founder, CEO and chief technology officer.

Despite the benefits, he said the HVAC industry has been less receptive.

“Businesses that don’t adapt to new

technologies are going to get left behind by a company that is,” he added.

Since 2011, ScopeAR has rolled out two augmented reality products in the space: Remote AR and WorkLink. The former has the ability to connect remote workers, such as a contractor in the field troubleshooting a piece of HVAC equipment, with an expert through a digital app.

“With our tool, you would be able to circle [a] red wire with a line in 3D space [for example],” Montgomerie explained. That circle is then visible to the expert in real-time.

“It enhances that ability to communi-

that hopes to predict and combat cyber sickness.

Cyber sickness can last for an hour after using virtual reality, affecting balance, retention of information and fine motor control. Contractors using the technology may opt to terminate the experience or take breaks in the middle of a task.

“Not only can it be an unpleasant experience for the person experiencing it but it can also be catastrophic for their ability to perform especially in highstress situations like doing an installation,” he said. “When you’re experiencing cyber-sickness you’re much less stable than you would normally be. This could

be quite a serious problem if an individual is in a situation where they need to maintain stability in order to be safe.”

Not all is lost, though. The study offers insight into how cyber sickness can be predicted and counteracted, so users can access the slew of benefits offered by virtual reality through a more tailored experience.

“The upside of the immersive virtual reality experience [is that] you can more naturally interact with your environment… You get better memory for the layout of a system, the parts of a system, and your learning will likely transfer well to the real world,” Weech said.

ADOPTION

CYBER SICKNESS Motion sickness is poised to throw a wrench into the seemingly unstoppable rise of virtual reality, including its use among mechanical contractors.

Cyber sickness, or virtual reality motion sickness, can induce nausea and discomfort in individuals after they have participated in immersive virtual reality.

The ailment’s debilitating effects raise health and safety concerns for contractors who use virtual reality in the field or for training.

Séamas Weech, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Waterloo Department of Kinesiology, is co-author of a recent study out of the university

58

HPAC | MARCH 2019

HPACMAG.COM

PHOTO SCOPEAR

The use of scanning technology with augmented reality to overlay piping systems into a scanned room.

RemoteAR offers annotation tools that allow users to draw, highlight, place arrows and share text bubbles on top of real world objects.

cate between that person with knowledge and technicians,” he added.

WorkLink, on the other hand, allows the user to create “smart instructions,” as opposed to paper instructions, in augmented reality “What that means is essentially overlaying rich 3D models on top of a piece of equipment to show you step by step how to do something,” Montgomerie said. “If you’re looking at a wiring panel on a furnace, you can actually see a 3D illustration of the circuit board with 3D representations of the wires, the layout. It’s really intuitive.”

In a 2016 study out of the University of Connecticut, former PhD candidate Rajeev Ghimire–now an electrical engineer–found that augmented-reality based troubleshooting of HVAC systems allowed technicians to improve efficiency on the job.

At the time, he said the school had difficulties troubleshooting equipment, with technicians often unable to determine the cause of malfunction or failure.

For the study, technicians performed tests and repairs on equipment while wearing the Epson Moverio BT-200 and Google Smart Glass AR glasses.

“The idea was to use augmented reality-based smart glasses to help the repair technicians collectively do the guided troubleshooting first,” Ghimire

said, with the second component of the study being the repair process.

The technology allowed technicians to be more efficient, ultimately minimizing the system’s downtime and eliminating the need for manuals and other paperwork.

“There is a lot of attention on this one in repair and maintenance industry, whether it be HVAC system or any other complex cyber-physical system, complex engineering system,” Ghimire said. “I hope to see this one come to industry sooner than later. This is a very promising technology.”

HPACMAG.COM

IN THE FIELD VR goggles and AR apps might not be present in the majority of mechanical contracting businesses just yet, but there are a few companies taking the technology to a new level. At Victaulic, VR allows the manufacturer–and its customers–to better visualize a space.

“We adopted it into our workflow as a visualization tool. We take our Revit models, we put them into VR, and then our teams can actually walk through their models,” Melissa Lampi, marketing communications specialist at Victaulic, said.

“Then we actually started allowing our customers to visualize with it.”

According to Lampi, visualizing a space allows the user to better under-

stand how a system will need to be maintained.

“When you’re not really seeing it spatially in that regard, it is more difficult to have a whole understanding of how it is actually going to be serviced,” she said.

Though, Victaulic isn’t the only company leveraging the technology in the field. Trimble, a construction software company headquartered in California, has planted its flag at the crossroads of AR and VR: Mixed-Reality.

Trimble Connect, its cloud-based platform for the construction industry–offered not only to general contractors but the sub-trades, architects, engineers and owners on a project–is “a repository for putting all the documentation, the 3D models… in one central location,” David Burczyk, segment manager of the field technology group for Trimble Buildings, said.

The 3D models generated for the project are combined into a composite construction model in Connect, which can then be viewed in the field with the Connect for HoloLens application, which uses Microsoft HoloLens technology.

“You go to the job site, you download the models that you created in Trimble Connect and then you can then blow out the modules full-scale and align it to the job site to be able to interact with

Continued on p64 MARCH 2019 | HPAC

59

HARDCAST

PRESENTED BY

HARDCAST INTRODUCES HVAC SYSTEM RESTORATION SOLUTION

Pan-Grip and Pan-Grip Flex are multicomponent Novolac based epoxy products that are ideal for residential, commercial and industrial applications. They are designed to seal and repair corroded and leaking drain pans and repair corroded surfaces in all HVAC systems.

The products can be used on horizontal and vertical surfaces. The coating is impervious to water, non-rusting, chemical resistant, and can be applied directly to a properly cleaned and prepared surface without a primer. Pan-Grip can be applied and will cure under water.

Pan-Grip Flex is designed for high traffic areas and for applications where vibration and movement will be of concern.

The Pan-Grip product is supplied as a kit with a gallon and a quart of resin and hardener respectively. When mixing – pour the hardener (quart container) into the resin (gallon container). Make sure to empty the entire contents of the hardener. Pan-Grip Flex, intended for larger commercial and industrial applications, is delivered in a 2 gallon kit and comes with a 5 gallon empty bucket for easy mixing and pouring.

Once mixed you have approximately 30 minutes of working life to apply the product (at 75 F – reference the TDS for working life changes with temperature).

Simply pour into the pan and use a chip brush or roller to cover the horizontal surface.

The Pan-Grip products can be applied on horizontal and vertical surfaces. So simply use the brush or roller to move the Pan-Grip up the vertical sides of the pan.

The Pan-Grip products will self-level to give a smooth final surface.

For cleaner edges you may use tape or similar methods to mask off areas where you do not want the product to adhere. Just make sure to remove your cap or plug on the drain and any additional taping or masking done prior to the product curing.

Hardcast now offers a contractor tested solution for restoring ductwork, air-handlers and HVAC system components by combining it’s RS-100 interior duct sealant and coating with the Pan-Grip product line.

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WHY • Combined with Hardcast line of sealants we are the solution provider for Airflow Distribution supplies • All products are tested for real world installation • Superior support from the factory • Enhanced emphasis for Hardcast and Carlisle in 2019

USA: 900 Hensley Lane, Wylie, TX 75098 • (877) 495-4822 Canada: 205 Brunswick Boulevard, Suite 300, Pointe-Claire, QC H9R 1A5 • (800) 544-5535 www.hardcast.com Carlisle is a trademark of Carlisle. Hardcast is a trademark of Hardcast. © 2018 Carlisle.

RELIANCE WORLDWIDE CORPORATION

PRESENTED BY

IN THE EVOLUTION OF FIRE PROTECTION… THE NEXT STEP IS HERE They just don’t build things like they used to! Words we have all heard throughout the years. When that comment is made regarding the construction of a building what might come to mind is that today’s buildings often appear to lack the lavish architectural majesty of years gone by. Some of today’s buildings simply look plain and functional, but don’t have the attractive aesthetic features that many historic buildings possess. Though this may be true, today’s buildings are built to much higher standards, with regards to life-safety elements and critical systems. You may never see these elements, but they are there, behind walls and above ceilings, protecting the lives of the building’s occupants.

One example of a difference between old buildings and newer ones involves fire protection systems. An older ornate building might look fancy, but probably lacks what are considered critical elements in today’s construction. Fire Protection is one of those elements.

Critical Fire Protection elements are typically grouped into three categories; 1) Detection, such as Smoke Detectors, 2) Fire Suppression Systems, such as Fire Sprinklers, and 3) Compartmentation, typically addressed by Fire Stopping. Many older buildings had little, if any, fire stopping installed during construction. The main function of fire stopping is to contain or compartmentalize a fire, should one start. This is to allow building occupants adequate time to safely exit the building. There have been significant advancements in fire stop methodology and materials over the past several years. For instance, poured-in-place sleeves that do much more than simply create a pathway through a concrete floor for pipe conduits and other utilities to pass, but have fire stopping elements factory-installed within the sleeve devices themselves. These devices are tested to appropriate standards, such as CAN/ULC S115, ASTM E814 and UL 1479.

These devices automatically react to the heat of a fire in a way that closes off the floor opening (compartmentalizing), to choke-off smoke, fire and poisonous gasses from passing from one floor to another. This is accomplished by what are referred to as intumescent materials.

Some of these devices take fire stopping to another level beyond simply protecting metallic, plastic, and insulated penetrants through floors, but are rigorously tested and UL(c) Listed to even stop water from travelling from one floor to another. This is beneficial both for weather related events during construction, as well as throughout the life of a building, such as when a plumbing fixture overflows or a sprinkler head goes off. Some of these advanced devices have achieved a status of “UL W-Rated”. Many of these fire stop devices are also engineered to ideally handle the installations of unique penetrations, such as toilet drains, floor drains, bathtub drains, shower drains, as well as bundled pipes or conduits. (Some of these engineered fire stop devices are shown on the opposite page).

In addition to these cast-in fire stop sleeves, a wide variety of other advanced fire stop materials are available on the market for protecting against the spread of fire through walls made of sheetrock, concrete and other materials as well as for penetrations through both wood floors and concrete floors. Many of these materials, such as fire caulking, putty pads, fire wrap strip and pipe collars contain various levels of intumescent qualities and can address pipe penetrations, outlet boxes, and a wide variety of other applications. (Some of these other advanced products and accessories are also shown on the opposite page). In the evolution of fire protection today, innovative and highly engineered fire stop products and installation methods may not make buildings look fancier or more esthetically pleasing to the eye, but they certainly make them safer for occupants and make the installation of fire stop systems quicker, easier, and overall more affordable than the manually applied and problematic methods back in the old days.

For more information on these types of innovative fire protection solutions, and to receive assistance with your next project’s Submittals, Installation Instructions, Product Spec Sheets, CAD/BIM drawings, Material Take-offs and cost Estimating, please contact RWC/HoldRite at 800-820-0120, or at www. holdrite.com. A proud member of the International Firestop Council. Contributing writer - Chip O’Neil.

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< TECHNOLOGY both the digital and the physical environment at the same time,” Burczyk said. “It’s a Mixed Reality application.”

For mechanical contractors, viewing the models at full-scale make quality control checks, troubleshooting activities and safety training more efficient.

The technology also aims to smooth the pre-planning process.

“A lot of what we’ve been doing for developing the product itself stems from conversations I’ve had with mechanical contractors,” he said. “They can go out, get the model lined up, have the craft workers on the team place the devices on their head and they can see exactly what they’re going to be building before they actually build it.”

LOOKING AHEAD

AUGMENTED REALITY VS VIRTUAL REALITY While often used interchangeably, augmented reality and virtual reality refer to two different experiences.

VR is fully immersive. Users don a head-mounted display and other electronic equipment, such as gloves fitted with sensors, in order to be “transported” to a computergenerated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment.

AR, on the other hand, involves the use of technology–such as a smartphone or tablet app–to superimpose a computer-generated image over the natural environment.

Mixed reality–a term gaining more traction–sits somewhere in the middle. It allows the user to experience virtual objects in the real world.

DX3L SERIES Premier, Single-Stage, Low Intensity Tube Heater Product Features: • Pre- and post-purge controls • Self-diagnostic LED, microprocessor based circuitry • 24 volt controls and power cord are standard.

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For Lampi, the next big trend in AR and VR will be 3D scanning, particularly in

retrofit projects or projects with special restraints.

“You can walk a room in VR with augmented spaces in there, meaning that your piping system is laid out over your scan, and now you just have a whole new realm of what your realistic room is going to look like,” she said of 3D scanning. While exciting, the rapid evolution of AR and VR can make it difficult for contractors to keep the pace.

Lampi said the barrier to entry for the trades used to be cost, but now the software is increasingly less expensive. Today, the biggest barrier is that the technology might seem intimidating to the industry–but key to accessing the benefits is to just get started.

“The early adopters of the technology are going to drive those that are a little bit more hesitant to try it,” she said. “It’s just about getting everyone to dive in.” <>

DX3L Infrared Radiant Heater

Brant Radiant Heaters Limited, manufacturer of Re-Verber-Ray infrared heaters is pleased to introduce a new heater to our line-up. The DX3L Series tube heater has all the features of the DX3 with 24V controls as standard.

With this addition the end user will have the option to control the DX3L with 120v or 24v. Our DX3L series will continue the size offerings with lengths from 20 ft. to 80 ft. and inputs from 50,000 to 200,000 BTU/h.

The DX3L Series will build on Re-Verber-Ray’s reputation for superior quality, performance, and longevity.

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www.brantradiant.com 64

HPAC | MARCH 2019

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2019-03-06 11:48 AM

HVAC/R PRODUCTS LG Electronics has added V 5 to its Multi V VRF line. Sizes range from 6- to 42tons, including single frame 16-, 18- and 20-ton units. Its heat operating range From Sensaphone, the IMS-1000 monitoring solution supports up to 8

reaches -30C. V 5 features a biomimetic

sensors to monitor critical environmental conditions such as humidity,

fan design, four-sided heat exchanger,

water leakage, power outages and temperature. It is intended for cold-

dual sensing control, and an inverter

storage applications. The IMS-1000 device can monitor up to 8 cold stor-

compressor with an operational range of

age units. When the system identifies a potential problem, it sends alerts

10 Hz to 165 Hz. www.lg.com

through Ethernet and telephone connections. www.sensaphone.com The York Affinity series YZT heat pump from Johnson Controls offers 19 SEER, 10.0 HSPF efficiency. It features a two-stage compressor and automotive-grade powder coat finish rates at 1,000 hours of salt spray. Auto configuration

Modine Manufacturing Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BMS offers communications over

and auto system updates via

BACnet and Modbus protocols. It runs on a traditional thermostat input

Wi-Fi are available when in-

signal and the board can control three outputs. Signals allow the unit to:

stalled as a communicating

be switched between summer/winter operations; change the heating/

system. The heat pump is equipped with the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s QuietDrive and

fan-only set point and set point band; change the energy saver function

ClimaTrak technology. www.york.com

temperature set point; and turn the unit on/off. www.modinehvac.com Greenheck SSNM-10 and SSNM30

stainless

steel

backdraft

dampers are rated for pressure differential up to 2 in. wg. and velocities up to 2,500 fpm. The SSNM-10 is horizontally mounted, while the SSNM-30 is vertiThe Vitler Manufacturing suite of products from Emerson includes a mod-

cally mounted. Both models are

ular refrigeration unit (MRU), a micro controller and a 143-mm single

opened by air pressure differen-

screw compressor. The MRU has several configurations, including cas-

tial and closed by gravity. Three

cade, pumped secondary and direct expansion. The compressor is the

types of frame construction are

high stage component of the MRU CO2/NH3 cascade systems. It is de-

available: no flange, flange on discharge and flange on intake.

signed for use with efficient variable-speed controls. www.emerson.com

www.greenheck.com Airmaster fogging fan is offered in three

Ruskin has added Swartwout Series

series: Hydro SS 700, GT500 and HRSM.

industrial fibreglass damper and louvre

Hydro SS 700 is available in three configu-

lines to its product offering. The lines

rations. The fans are nozzle-free with ad-

are constructed of vinyl ester resins

justable output and particles averaging 50

and are designed for corrosive environ-

microns. Fogging capacity can reach 3.5

ments. Round isolation/control damp-

gallons/hr. The GT500 operates at 70 dBA

er models, 912 and 914, range in size

at 10 ft. with fogging rates of up to 15 gal-

from 4 in. to 72 in. System pressure for

lons/hr. It operates with water supply pres-

the models ranges from 10 in. w.g. to

sures as low as 10 psi.

30 in. w.g. www.ruskin.com

www.airmasterfan.com

Continued on p68 HPACMAG.COM

MARCH 2019 | HPAC

65

ROSENBERG FANS CANADA

PRESENTED BY

UNOBOXES: ROSENBERG’S MODULAR EC FAN ASSEMBLIES. Rosenberg’s Unoboxes are fully assembled blower modules. They are ideally suited for use in renovations or energy efficiency upgrade projects. They can be used as duct boosters or exhaust blowers. Using very efficient EC motor technology they save energy and money.

The modular design allows for fast easy installation. You can easily adjust the fan’s speed using an external potentiometer or fully automate the fan’s speed with external sensors. Sensors that output 0-10VDC signals can be wired directly into the fan’s built-in power supply. You may configure the Unobox to control temperature, pressure, humidity, or setup for constant airflow or constant pressure. Several sizes are available and many accessories like backdraft dampers, flexible duct boots, and rain hoods can be supplied upon request.

Rosenberg’s EC-Unoboxes are designed to move from 500 CFM to 11,000 CFM and can be used as supply or exhaust air fans. Typical applications are in apartments, shops, supermarkets, repair shops, warehouses, garages etc.

Uno-G EC Unobox

They are designed to be installed in any orientation and may be configured for straight-through or 90⁰ airflow discharge. The insulated double skin galvanized steel panels reduce sound levels and temperature. The housing frame is made with double chamber aluminum profiles that make them rigid and durable.

The Unoboxes are supplied with high-efficiency EC motors (ECM) that are easy to connect and control via 0-10VDC control signals or Modbus via a BMS. Airflow output can also be automated using pressure and airflow sensors instead of speed regulation.

Uno-ME EC Unobox

Rosenberg’s EC-Unobox-ME is designed to handle airflows at higher temperatures. Typical applications are kitchen exhausts, production shops and areas where contaminated or hot air needs to be extracted. The “ME” model features EC motors located outside of the air stream, a removable maintenance door, an integrated drip pan, multiple airflow discharge configurations and more.

Please, contact Rosenberg Canada's sales team for more details.

Installation example Rosenberg Fans Canada Ltd., located in Mississauga, Ontario, has been the sales office and warehouse of the Rosenberg Group in Canada. We provide sales, stock, local assembly, engineering and after-sales solutions to our customers in the Greater Toronto area and nationwide.

EC

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Energy-efficient Redundancy increases reliability Easy to handle and install One-stop-source for all components 100% speed-control Smaller footprint

HVAC/R PRODUCTS

Fujitsu General America Infinite Comfort Pro

The 7710AU gas ignition control lockout alarm

app allows contractors and distributors to view

module from Beckett is an optional accessory designed for use with the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 7586 and

The WWB water-to-water heat pump from Aer-

product details. Users may save system infor-

7598 GeniSys gas ignition controls. The mod-

mec is available for hot water heating and re-

mation to a job profile. Information can be e-

ule provides an interface between ignition con-

heating applications. It features scroll com-

mailed to the user or others involved in the proj-

trol and an existing alarm panel or alarm de-

pressors and a removable slid-out electrical

ect. Under the Projects tab, a contractor can

vice. It closes relay contacts when control locks

panel with RH LH options. The unit can be in-

create a matched single- or multi-zone system.

out, and can be used for AC or DC voltage ap-

stalled indoors and offers a heating capacity

The app also features a built-in lineset length

plications (5V to 120V). www.beckett.com

from 56 kW to 263 kW. www.aermec.com

function. www.fujitsugeneral.com

Application Note 28

Vapor Pressure Deficit and HVAC System Design I

NTRODUCTION

There exists a communication gap between different players in the grow room industry that at times complicates the ability for all parties to get on the same page. One of the largest gaps exists when growers and their botany consultants talk to HVAC engineers about the environmental control side of the cultivation business.

Each group has its own glossary of terms and, more importantly, has a different frame of reference on what is the most critical design element. One of the design elements most often at the center of misunderstandings and debates is Vapor Pressure Deficit (or Differential), commonly referred to as VPD. This application note views the discussion from both perspectives by properly defining what is Vapor Pressure Deficit. We will also discuss the impact VPD has on plant yields, protecting crops, the sizing of environmental control equipment and associated costs.

P LANT GROWTH PROCESS Plants obtain their water and nutrients from their root systems through a process known as osmosis. The plants use these elements, along with the photosynthesis process, to help convert light energy to create glucose. The glucose is used during cellular metabolism in plant tissues to create energy for immediate use or to create complex sugars â&#x20AC;&#x201C; starches â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for later use.

As byproducts of plant processes that include photosynthesis, plants release from their stomata oxygen and water vapor. This cycle requires the absorption of energy (see Figure 1) and is known as transpiration. Evaporation is the water that is converted from grow room soil or crop trays from a liquid state to vapor in the air. The total moisture release is known as Evapotranspiration. Refer to Desert Aire Application Note 25 â&#x20AC;?

Grow Room Load Determination for a more detailed discussion of this topic.

Heat of Vaporization Summary The amount of energy required to convert liquid water into vapor is approximately 1,060 Btuh per pound of liquid water. In grow room terms 2,600 watts of heat are needed to vaporize each gallon of water. The process requires approximately 50% of grow room light heat output to complete the conversion. This means that 5,200 watts of lighting would vaporize one gallon/hour.

Growers can estimate the maximum watering rate their plants can accommodate through use of the formulas below. The formulas calculate the volume of water that can be vaporized each day through the evapotranspiration process in grow rooms.

Gallons Per Day (GPD) watering rate estimate:

Figure 1- Heat of Vaporization Summary

Table 1 provides a summary of watering rates and corresponding dehumidification moisture removal capacities at various lighting loads.

GPD Watts

12 hr 31

10,000

77

25,000

MRC lb/hr

18 hr 38 96

12 hr 16 40 80

18 hr 13

Regal Beloit Corporation has integrated

resource related to the role of vapour

its Genteq electronically com-

pressure deficits (VPDs) in cannabis

mutated motors for the re-

grow room operations. Documents in

frigeration industry. The

the series include: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Application Note

companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s line of motors

27 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; HVAC-Systems and Grow-Room

includes GlacAir, which

Energy Usage,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Application Note 26

uses an axial flux ECM

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Grow Room Environmental Control,â&#x20AC;?

design. Additional prod-

and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Application Note 25 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Grow

uct offerings include the

Room Load Determination.â&#x20AC;? The lat-

ARKTIC 59and ICE 59 ECMs

est, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Application Note 28 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Vapor

designed for use in the evapora-

32

154

192

75,000

231

288

120

96

100,000

308

385

160

128

125,000

385

481

200

160

150,000

462

577

240

192

175,000

538

673

280

224

50,000

Desert Aire has released a technical

64

Table 1 - Watering Rates and Moisture Removal Capacities at various Lighting Loads

Pressure Deficit and HVAC System Design,â&#x20AC;? is available for download as

tors of large commercial refrigeration walk-in coolers and freezers.

a PDF document. www.desert-aire.com

www.regalbeloit.com

From Danfoss, the Turbocor TTH/THG high-lift

From Bitzer, the Spot App offers product docu-

compressors feature oil-free, variable speed

mentation and a directory for service points and

magnetic bearing operation. The compressors

certified dealers. It also enables users to verify the authenticity of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s products by

offer full and part load efficiencies, and can support operation at high ambient tempera-

From Schneider Electric, the Wiser Energy sys-

scanning a QR code on the product. When the

tures with pressure ratios up to 6.2. TTH/THG

tem provides real-time data on energy use for

QR code is scanned, the app automatically

are available in two versions: a nominal 325-

residential properties. The technology was de-

shows the documentation for the product. The

kW model using R-134a or R-513A (TTH325)

veloped in partnership with Sense. Users can

company also recently published an update of

and a nominal 250-kW model using low-GWP

see energy data via the Square D edition of the

its Electronics Service Tool to include a new

HFO-1234ze (TGH250). www.danfoss.com

Sense app. www.schneider-electric.ca

documentation tab. www.bitzer.de

68

HPAC | MARCH 2019

HPACMAG.COM

EFFICIENCY >

CLOSING THE GAP IN BUILDING STRATEGY A gap has formed between what is possible and the actual buildings being delivered. BY JOHN SHEFF

P

owerful trends in today’s marketplace demand new approaches to buildings–including calls for greater energy efficiency, health, comfort, and performance reliability. But the call for new approaches is also controversial, first and foremost because of cost. The marketplace is neither structured nor incentivized to pay more for buildings, so a gap has formed between what is possible and the actual buildings being delivered.

One important idea being advanced to close that gap by industry and policy advocates alike is the concept of lifecycle analysis. The true cost of a building, it is argued, is determined by assessing the cost of delivering, managing, and retiring a building–that is, the total cost of owning it over its lifetime. Viewed through that lens, better buildings, that is buildings that perform better on a select basket of criteria– should cost no more if not less than traditional ones.

Uncertainty, tight profit margins, risk aversion, ownership strategies, tax policy, and financial practices are among the fac-

tors preventing a shift to lifecycle analysis. To overcome such obstacles, new delivery and management strategies have emerged, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), holistic and integrative design, and linking buildings into the Internet of Things. The overarching goal is to simultaneously advance building quality, cut cost, and add certainty, all with a view to reducing the risks and expanding the rewards of better buildings.

Investment is the key to market transformation. Despite ongoing efforts to whittle down the risks of a shift to high-performance buildings, investment decision makers remain troubled by a few key problems: • The disparity between designed efficiency and actual installed efficiency.

• Degradation of efficiency over time.

• System unreliability that leads to increased or deferred maintenance costs.

• Occupant comfort complaints.

Continued on p70

Studies attribute significant losses to lost productivity due to workplace comfort issues.

HPACMAG.COM

MARCH 2019 | HPAC

69

< EFFICIENCY These are often symptoms of an unbalanced system, and until the “magic” of sustained balance is delivered with certainty, investors are likely to remain skeptical. Creating that magic depends on locating the sources of imbalance and engineering them out.

DESIGNED EFFICIENCY VERSUS INSTALLED EFFICIENCY In HVAC, components are typically sized and balanced according to full capacity and flow, with devices added for fine tuning. But fine tuning at each step changes the system, creating an unfolding, dynamic imbalance instead of a static balance. ASHRAE recommends in some cases as many as three resets to reach technical balance. But even then, the system is balanced only while in full flow position, and changes in the pressure or flow will again throw the system into imbalance.

Achieving stable balance in performance will require both an integrated design at the front end and a mechanical capacity for ongoing rebalance– which means a steady stream of performance data, ongoing data analysis in real time, and constant adjustment as load, pressure, and flow conditions shift under actual operation.

DEGRADATION OF EFFICIENCY Even if a system is continuously balanced, its efficiency can still degrade over a short period of time. Efficiency losses can rise as high as 20 to 30 per cent as the system achieves equilibrium at the lowered levels. The source of degradation is typically not defective components, but rather components that inadvertently introduce a degrading force–a substance, pressure, or some other force not part of the system’s equation–into the system.

Averting degradation requires an inventory of such forces and component design that engineers them out; holistic building design, and the high performance it prom70

HPAC | MARCH 2019

“The question, then, is how to maintain reliability in system efficiency when the hands-on managers are focused elsewhere.” ises, requires components designed specifically for their role in a system.

SYSTEM UNRELIABILITY In applications such as data centres or hospital operating rooms, where building performance failures may cost millions of dollars or even lives, system efficiency is never the first priority in system management. The question, then, is how to maintain reliability in system efficiency when the hands-on managers are focused elsewhere.

Sustained performance depends on data and data analytics in real time. It is necessary to know in the moment if a building system is falling out of balance.

It is common for traditional systems to frequently generate data on performance, but they do not typically communicate it for analysis.

Ensuring system reliability requires integration of sub-systems that can effectively predict maintenance needs and diagnose problems. Data needs to be put through a rapid analytics process and performance adjustments made in the moment to prevent unexpected problems from spinning out of control. If onsite management does not provide the analysis and response, then the system will require data transmission and off-site analysis and response capabilities. It will require integration into the Internet of Things.

An important thread running through many system balance challenges that impact comfort is the initially small variations in performance that accumulate into system failures. A vital innovation for addressing such small variations is variable speed technology that can maintain tight and precise control over performance, including, for example, the discharge air temperature, so the temperature is constantly maintained within the comfort zone.

SUMMING UP When the relationships between components are well controlled, the benefits of integrated building design can be secured. However, when the relationships between components are compromised, operating efficiency, reliability, and comfort are likewise compromised.

Thus, data, data analytics, and real-time minutely-calibrated response together form the nerve system of sustained high performance.

If reliable high performance is the key to investor confidence, then integration of data-response systems into buildings–and integration of buildings into the Internet of Things–is imperative.

How to accomplish those two tasks and maintain the lifecycle cost savings that can drive building market transformation is the question that stands at the threshold of the future of buildings. <>

OCCUPANT COMFORT Studies attribute annual losses of $3 to $7 billion to lost productivity due to workplace comfort issues. Inefficient control strategies are often the first culprit, compounded by human interference and system balance failures. When combined, they produce massive swings in temperature.

John Sheff is a business development manager focused on utility programs and end user strategy at Danfoss. Previously, he worked as an energy and sustainability policy analyst in the office of Maryland’s governor.

HPACMAG.COM

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The flexible linermaximum can also beflue used combustion of air230°F/110°C, intake which minimizes be done in rigid Polyflue’s gasfortemperature 0° clearance the amount of pipe joints otherwise needed to be done in rigid pipe.

Polyflue’s to combustibles and 10 year warranty makes it the safest venting choice for condensing gas maximum fluewhen gas temperature 0° clearance to combustibles fired heating appliances compared of to 230°F/110°C, PVC/CPVC. Polyflue can be sourced through a and 10 year warranty makes it the safest venting choice for condensing gas fired wide array of HVAC or plumbing wholesale distribution channels. heating appliances when compared to PVC/CPVC. canappliance be sourcedventing. through Polyflue – your easy, economical and safe approach to highPolyflue efficiency a wide HVAC or plumbing wholesaleventing distribution channels.on CSA Certified Now approved forarray directofreplacement for PVC/CPVC components Polyflue—your easy, economical and safe approach to high efficiency appliance gas burning appliances. venting. Now approved for direct replacement for PVC/CPVC venting components 2019 Selkirk is a registered trademark of Johnson Controls, Inc. in the United States and on CSA Certified gas burning appliances. other Countries.

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HPAC_March_Selkirk.indd 1

MARCH 2018 MARCH 2019| |HPAC HPAC 141 71 2018-02-12 11:09 AM

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The Rheem® TRITON™ High-Efficiency Commercial Gas Water Heater has built in intelligence to detect leaks and reduce downtime with the ability to detect and prevent water heater problems. It has patented triple pass heat exchanger constructed of ASME grade steel and universal retrofit features to make it easy to replace similar piped water heaters

SS Exclusive Features

LeakGuard™ - An all inclusive leak detection and prevention system with auto shut off valve limits water leakage outside the tank Integrated BMS Connectivity Via BACnet (MS/TP) – Built-in BACnet port easily connects to building management systems (BMS) Energy & Water Usage Reports – Through the Rheem EcoNet app, track usage trends, manage energy and water consumption

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LeakSense™ - An intelligent leak detection system which can detect leaks as small as a grain of sand and provides real-time notifications helping to prevent failure.

EcoNet® Smart Monitoring Technology with Integrated Wi-Fi -providing performance updates and alerts via both mobile device and full-color LCD display.

Systematic Health Checks – Ongoing self-monitoring of Triton’s most vital components and alerts of potential issues Preventive Maintenance Alerts – Maintenance reminders help to extend life of the tank

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Advanced Power Anodes – Self-adjusting, non-sacrificial power anodes provide systematic monitoring of anode health and remaining life on full-color LCD unit display.

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Walk Up to Wake Up Automatically wakes the thermostat as you approach

Zoning Providing independent control over heating, cooling and humidity in up to six zones for ideal comfort

To learn more cool features about Rheem’s EcoNet® Smart Thermostat or to try a live demo, visit Rheem.com

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< SHOW PREVIEW

SHOW DAYS & HOURS Wednesday, April 24 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursday, April 25 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Place Bonaventure, Montreal, QC

MCEE KICKS OFF 2019 SHOW T he plumbing, HVAC/R, hydronics, electricity and lighting industries are set to converge in Montreal this spring.

MCEE returns to Place Bonaventure in Montreal, QC from April 24 to 25 for it’s 2019 show.

The show is expected to feature more than 400 exhibitors from Quebec and the rest of Canada and the United States– drawing a crowd of more than 6,000 attendees.

This year, MCEE is launching a new product competition and showcase featuring more than 100 contestants. Two iPad Pros and two Bose Home Speaker 500s will be awarded.

A series of technical and business seminars–all presented in French–will also be held on both days. Admission is free for all sessions, and some may satisfy continuing education credits.

MCEE is produced by the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH), the Corporation of Master Pipe Mechanics of Quebec (CMMTQ), the Corporation of Master Electricians of Quebec (CMEQ) and the Corporation des entreprises en traitement de l'air et du froid (CETAF).

Free advance registration is available before April 23, 2019. www.mcee.ca

SEMINARS PRESENTED BY CMMTQ AND CIPH; CETAF (IN FRENCH): WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24 The ASHRAE 55 Standard and occupant comfort Time: 10:30 a.m.

Speaker: Gilles Legault, CB Supplies Ltd. Air duct leaks: Impacts on systems and an innovative way to fix them Time: 11 a.m.

Speaker: Mario Canuel, ventilation expert and trainer in building science Sanitation of ventilation systems… do you know?

Time: 1p.m.

Speaker: Pierre Tremblay, Environ/ Air Group Inc. 76

HPAC | MARCH 2019

Plumbing 101 Time: 2 p.m.

Speaker: Éric Fournier, GBI and Daniel Marchand, Bouthillette Parizea Artificial intelligence: Valuing big data Time: 2:15 p.m.

Speaker: François Dépelteau, chairman and co-founder of Ai Outcome Design and consideration when using biogas in a boiler room Time: 3:30 p.m.

Speaker: Francis Lacharité and Michel Rhéaume, Services Énergétiques R.L.

Selecting an air collection system according to the application Time: 3:30 p.m.

Speaker: Richard Boivin, Enviroair Industries HVAC Design for the cannabis industry Time: 4:30 p.m.

Speaker: Paul Pieper, The Master Group, and Austin Shain, Data Air Differential pressure control: Mechanical controllers and multiple probes Time: 5 p.m.

Speaker: Antti Valikangas, Victaulic HPACMAG.COM

SEMINARS PRESENTED BY CMMTQ AND CIPH; CETAF (IN FRENCH THURSDAY, APRIL 25 Plumbing: Various subjects Time: 10:30 a.m.

Speaker: Éric Gagnier, Régie du bâtiment du Québec and Henri Bouchard, CMMTQ New regulations on the use of synthetic refrigerants and propane (R-290) Time: 10:30 a.m.

Speaker: Alain Mongrain, Emerson Climate Technologies

CO2 –Possible uses Time: 11:30 a.m.

Speaker: Pierre Lévesque, Ceptek Technologies The benefits of modulation in residential heating Time: 12:30 p.m.

Speaker: Mario Bouchard, Granby Industries For details on seminars presented by CMEQ, see www.mcee.ca.

MCEE 2019 EXHIBITORS LIST 3M Canada....................................................461

A A.M.T.S. Ltd. �������������������������������������������������613 A.O. Smith Enterprises Ltd. ������������������������ 206 ABB Produits d’installation ltée (Thomas & Betts) ��������������������������������������467 ACCEO Solutions pour ACCEO Estimation ����������������������������375 Accès location d’équipement inc. ������������� 935 Acquaer Pumps (Hometech Development) �������������������������817 Acuity Brands Lighting ��������������������������������478 AD-Waters ����������������������������������������������������218 Aeroseal Global ����������������������������������������� 3004 Agence Manufacture Vistaqua �������������������619 Agence W. Pelletier (1980) Inc./Inolec ����� 280 Agencies Rafales ���������������������������������������� 234 Aimco International �������������������������������������779 Air Technovac Inc. ����������������������������������������819 Allpriser �������������������������������������������������������� 140 Alltemp Products Co. Ltd. ������������������������ 1022 Altec Industries Ltd. ������������������������������������651 Andre HVAC International Inc. ��������������������101 Anvil International Canada ������������������������ 309 Armacell Insuguard ����������������������������������� 1026 Armco Agencies Inc. ����������������������������������� 509 Armstrong Fluid Technology ���������������������� 344 ASHRAE-Montréal ��������������������������������������� 603 ASPE Montréal ���������������������������������������������601 Association de la Construction du Québec ��������������������������������������������������451 Atmosphere Inc. ������������������������������������������ 866 Axent Led ������������������������������������������������������250 Axiom Industries Ltd. ��������������������������������� 334

B Bacharach of Canada Inc. ������������������������� 446 Baril Design ��������������������������������������������������812 Baulne Inc. ���������������������������������������������������737 BBP Energies - Strato ��������������������������������� 536 Beghelli Canada Inc. �����������������������������������181 Belanger-UPT ��������������������������������������707 Belimo Aircontrols Canada ������������������������ 904 Bemis Manufacturing Company �����������������619

HPACMAG.COM

Best H Flow Control Ltd. �����������������������������818 Bibby-Ste-Croix �����������������������������������907 Big Bill (Codet) ��������������������������������������������� 459 Biograde ������������������������������������������������������ 986 Blanco Canada Inc ��������������������������������������619 Blauberg Group ��������������������������������������������872 Boîtiers STA Inc ������������������������������������������� 485 Boshart Industries Inc. ��������������������������������319 Bow Group de Plomberie Inc. �������������������� 902 Bradford White Canada Inc. ����������������701 Brady �������������������������������������������������������������472 BRK Canada �������������������������������������������������179 Bucan Electric Devices Inc. ��������������������� 3014 Bureau des soumissions déposées du Québec (BSDQ) ����������������������������������� 608

C Calefactio ���������������������������������������������������� 119 Caleffi North America ������������������������� 200 Calorek ���������������������������������������������������������746 Camatec/Swep/Tranter ������������������������������103 Canada Controls ����������������������������������������� 938 Canadian Hydronics Council (CHC) /Conseil canadien de l'hydronique ��������� 138 Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating (CIPH)/ L'Institut canadien de plomberie et de chauffage ��������������������������������������������� 132 Can-Aqua International �������������������������������217 Canplas Industries ��������������������������������������912 Capteurs GR Inc. ����������������������������������������� 506 Carlisle HVAC (DynAir) �������������������������������� 883 Carlo Gavazzi (Canada) Inc. ������������������������744 CB Supplies ������������������������������������������������� 504 Cellcom Communications ������������������������ 3052 Centrotherm �������������������������������������������������972 Cheminée Lining ����������������������������������������� 837 Chemline Plastics Ltd. ������������������������������ 3016 Chevrier Instruments Inc. �������������������������� 940 CisoLift Distribution inc. �����������������������������783 CMEQ ������������������������������������������������������������367 CMP Products ����������������������������������������������577 CMS Air Filters Inc. ��������������������������������������870 Conbraco Industries, Canada ���������������������313 Concept Illumination �����������������������������������778 Condor Industriel Inc. ����������������������������������419

How to improve your efficiency during refrigeration service calls and reduce unnecessary trips Time: 1:30 p.m.

Speaker: Serge Tremblay, Ke2 Therm Solutions Evolution of variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems and new hybrid technology Time: 2 p.m.

Speaker: Jocelyn Léger, Mitsubishi Electric

*As available at press time *Highlighted companies are advertisers in this issue

Connectall Ltée ������������������������������������������� 620 Contact Delage ����������������������������152-159,167 Contrôles Laurentide ���������������������������������� 741 Contrôles R.D.M. Inc. ��������������������������������� 332 Convectair ��������������������������������������������������� 360 Cooper Industries Electrical (Inc.) ������������� 359 Corporation des entreprises de traitement de l'air et du froid (CETAF) ����������������������� 844 Corporation des maîtres mécaniciens en tuyauterie du Québec (CMMTQ) ���������������607 Cree Canada ����������������������������������������������� 283

D Dafco Filtration Group ���������������������������������542 Dahl Valve Limited ���������������������������������������321 Deflecto Air Distribution Products �������������312 Delta Electronics (Americas) Ltd ����������������816 Descair Inc. ������������������������������������������������� 343 Deschênes & Fils ���������������������������������������� 343 Desdowd �������������������������������������������������������567 Direct Coil Inc. ��������������������������������������������� 113 Distribution Jean Blanchard Inc. /Groupe DJB ����������������������������������������������774 Distribution Maxi Vent ���������������������������������932 Distribution Protec Inc. ������������������������������ 804 Diverse Electronics ����������������������������������� 1061 DiversiTech Inc. ����������������������������������������� 1018 Dobbin Sales Limited ��������������������������������� 445 Douglas Lighting Controls ���������������������������371 Drexma Industries Inc. ��������������������������������661 Drumco Énergie Inc. ������������������������������������784 Duro Dyne Canada Inc. ������������������������������ 544 Dyson Canada Limited ��������������������������������517

E E.S. Gallagher Sales Ltd. �������������������� 867,871 Eastern Foundry & Fittings Inc. ����������������� 204 Eaton B-Line �������������������������������������������������567 Eaton's Crouse-Hinds Business �����������������567 ebm-papst Inc. ���������������������������������������������773 Eclairage Axis �����������������������������������������������275 Eclairage Contraste �������������������������������������257 Éclairage Delux ��������������������������������������������376 Éclairage Hitech Inc. ��������������������271,273,279

Continued on p82 MARCH 2019 | HPAC

77

LYNCAR

PRESENTED BY

KORKY

– WE KNOW TOILETS SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO

It is hard to imagine that an item we use several times a day without the slightest thought can be so technologically advanced.

From the early beginning in 1954 with the original design of the flapper to the modern day ultra low flush design, Korky has been in the forefront. Korky has been a leading supplier to major OEM manufactures for decades. Manufactured locally in Wisconsin they have grown to be the number one choice for OEM and replacement parts nationally.

Did you know that chlorine is slowly being replaced with chloramine in our drinking water? Old technology rubber and chloramine do not mix. It breaks down the rubber and causes older flappers to warp and bend which causes your toilet to continually leak. That is why Korky changed their manufacturing process with chloramine resistant material Chlorazone® to ensure longevity.

With dozens of different flappers to choose from, Korky has the right product for the right toilet brand. We have you covered from American Standard toilets to Vortens toilets and everyone in between. Whether your existing toilet is from the 70’s or you purchased one yesterday, Korky is guaranteed to have the parts you need.

Professionals agree, Korky is the brand they trust.

www.lyncar.com

QuietFILL® Fill Valve

­ ­

PRO GRADE® Fill Valve

­ ­

™

­

STANDARD 2"

LARGE 3"

® ® ®

®

®

® ® ® ®

­ ­

< SHOW PREVIEW Continued from p77

Eclairage Philips du Canada Ltée �������������� 356 Ecotherm Inc. �����������������������������������������������971 Eiko Canada Ltd. ����������������������������������������� 183 ELECTRICAL BUSINESS MAGAZINE �����������675 Electrical Line Magazine �����������������������������557 Électricité Plus ���������������������������������������������471 EMCO ����������������������������������������������������������� 533 Energir, s.e.c. ������������������������������������������������617 Enertrak ������������������������������������������������������� 545 Enviroair Industries Inc. ������������������������������841 Équipement National Énergie Inc. ���������� 1060 Équipements Brossard �������������������������������754 Erico/ Nvent �������������������������������������������������567 Ericson Manufacturing ������������������������������� 656 ESAB Welding and Cutting Products-TurboTorch ������������733 ETI �����������������������������������������������������������������771 Eurnortech Lighting Inc. ����������������������������� 690

F Fantech �������������������������������������������������������� 633 Federal Signal ����������������������������������������������567 Fernco Connectors Ltd. ������������������������������ 435 Financeit �������������������������������������������������������951 Flexco ����������������������������������������������������������� 805 Flexcon Industries ���������������������������������������217 Flexmaster Canada Limited ������������������������513 Flir Systems ��������������������������������������������������561 Fluidmaster Inc. �������������������������������������������240 Fluke Electronics Canada LP ����������������������259 Fonds de solidarité FTQ ������������������������������770 Foremost International Ltd. (Contrac) �������713 Forest Energie et Air Solutions ���������������� 3050 Formadrain Inc. ��������������������������������������������107 Foss National Leasing ������������������������������ 1012 Franke Kindred Canada Limited ����������������520 Franklin Electric ������������������������������������������ 308 Franklin Empire ��������������������������������������������261 Fraternité Inter-Provinciale des Ouvriers en Électricité (FIPOE) (syndicat des electriciens de la FTQ) ���������������������������������������������������470 Functional Devices ������������������������������������� 150 Fusetek �������������������������������������������������������� 588

G G. Mitchell Co. Limited ��������������������������������716 G.F. Thompson Co. Ltd. ������������������������������ 532 GE Lighting Canada �������������������������������������171 General Wire Spring Company ������������ 243 Gestion Minute ����������������������������������������� 1015 GF-Urecon Ltd ����������������������������������������������342 Glen Dimplex Americas �������������������������������251 Goodman Manufacturing ��������������������������� 806 Goodway Technologies ��������������������������������813 80

HPAC | MARCH 2019

GPR Import �������������������������������������������������� 982 Great Lakes Copper Ltd. �����������������������������769 Greenlee ������������������������������������������������������ 254 Greentek �������������������������������������������������������878 Griswold Controls ����������������������������������������417 Grundfos �������������������������������������������� 142

H,I Heat-Line ����������������������������������������������������� 236 Heatcraft Refrigeration Products ���������������975 Hebdraulique Inc. �������������������������������������3000 Holophane ��������������������������������������������������� 258 Honco Bâtiments �����������������������������������������767 Honeywell (Commercial) ���������������������������� 936 Honeywell (Residential) ������������������������������873 HPAC MAGAZINE ����������������������������������������� 134 Hubbell Canada �������������������������� 378,578,580 Hubbell Water Heater ������������������������������� 3018 Hydronic Systems Canada Inc. ������������������ 836 Hydro-Québec Distribution �������������������������370 IBC Technologies Inc. ��������������������������������� 336 Ideal Industries (Canada) Inc. ��������� 157,2012 I-GARD Corporation �������������������������������������572 Imperial Manufacturing Group................... 885 Industries Dettson �������������������������������������� 840 Industries Granby ��������������������������������������� 538 InSinkErator Canada �����������������������������������437 Intermatic Canada �������������������������������������� 159 Intertek Testing Services NA Ltd. ���������������915 IPEX Electrique Inc. ������������������������������������ 660 IPEX Inc. ��������������������������������������������807 IPS Corporation ��������������������������������������������441 ITC Technologies Montreal Inc. ������������������827 ITM Instruments Inc. ���������������������������������� 556 Izo-Box ����������������������������������������������������������475

J,K Jacmar Automatisation �������������������������������780 Jalo Robinetterie ������������������������������������������814 Jessar Industries Inc. ����������������������������������270 John Guest USA, Inc. �����������������������������������705 Jumo Canada Inc �����������������������������������������671 Keeprite Refrigeration ���������������������������������967 Kidde Canada ��������������������������������������������� 155 Klein Tools ����������������������������������������������������567

L L.G. Énergie Inc. �������������������������������������������618 La Companie Jess ���������������������������������������821 La Manufacture Leviton Du Canada Ltée �372 Lawson Products �������������������������������������� 3044 Le Centre des Reparations Hydrauliques Uptown Ltée ��������������������� 1020 Le Groupe Master �������������������������������727

Le Groupe Roger Faguy inc. ����������������������� 582 LEDCO ���������������������������������������������������������� 488 Ledsion Canada �������������������������������������������177 Legrand Canada ������������������������������������������551 Lennox Industries (Canada) Ltd. ����������������921 Leonard Valve Company �����������������������������207 Leotek Electronics USA LLC. �����������������������567 Les Entreprises Roland Lajoie Inc. ����519,521 Les Équipements Twin Inc. �������������������������677 Les Fourgons Rive-Sud Inc. ������������������������759 Les Produits Water Protec ��������������������������714 Les Spécialistes AVA Inc. ��������������������������� 984 Les Ventes Mectra Inc. �������������������������������201 Liberty Pumps Inc. ����������������������������� 405 Liteline ����������������������������������������������������������151 Lixil Canada Inc. �������������������������������������������627 Loue-Froid ����������������������������������������������������857 Lovato Electric Corp. �����������������������������������479 Lumen ���������������������������������������������������������� 350 Lumisolution Inc. �����������������������������������������274 LynCar Inc. ����������������������������������������� 121

M M.A. Stewart & Sons Ltd. ������������������������� 1036 M2S Électronique Ltée ��������������������������������641 Maax Baths inc. ������������������������������������������ 800 Mainline Backflow Products Inc. ������������� 3044 Malco Products ��������������������������������������������871 Manuflow Inc. �������������������������������������������� 1032 Maple Armor Fire Alarm Device Co. Ltd. ��� 554 Masco Canada Limited �������������������������������420 Master Plumber ������������������������������������������ 436 MCM Intégration Inc. ���������������������������������� 185 Mechanical Business Magazine ����������������141 Mersen Canada Toronto Inc. ����������������������567 Métal Action ������������������������������������������������ 406 Midbec Ltée �������������������������������������������������337 Mifab, Inc. �����������������������������������������������������740 Milwaukee Electric Tool �������������������������������541 Mircom ����������������������������������������������������������776 Mirolin Industries Corp. �������������������������������416 Miura Canada ����������������������������������������������941 Moen Inc. ����������������������������������������������������� 130 Molex ������������������������������������������������������������567 Montquip inc. �������������������������������������������� 3008 Morris/Lee ���������������������������������������������������512 Moteurs Électriques Laval Ltée ����������������,574 MSK Canada ����������������������������������������������� 880 MTE Corporation ������������������������������������������657 MTL Electric ��������������������������������������������������691 Multicam Québec ������������������������������������� 1040

Continued on p82 HPACMAG.COM

NOW THE OFFICIAL CANADIAN SUPPLIER OF

HVAC EQUIPMENT FROM COAST TO COAST

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT US AT

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< SHOW PREVIEW Continued from p80

N NAD Klima.....................................................735 NAVAC, Inc. ���������������������������������������������������879 Navien, Inc. ���������������������������������������� 436 NCI Canada Inc. ������������������������������������������ 442 NDS, Inc. �������������������������������������������������������976 Newmac ������������������������������������������������������� 920 NIBCO Inc. ����������������������������������������� 946 Niedax Canada ��������������������������������������������187 Noark Electric ����������������������������������������������457 Noble Quebec ������������������������������������������� 3040 Noritz ������������������������������������������������������������867 Northern Cables Inc. ���������������������������������� 658 Northstar Industries ����������������������������������� 306 Novanni Stainless ����������������������������������������219 NRGY Inc. ������������������������������������������������������570 nVent ������������������������������������������������������������ 238

O,P Oasis Corporation ����������������������������������������619 Ode Valve Canada ���������������������������������������919 Omegaflex Inc. (Tracpipe) ����������������������������314 Ontor Limited ���������������������������������������������� 444 Opera Detectors ������������������������������������������981 Opermax �������������������������������������������������������420 Ordre Des Ingénieurs Du Québec ��������������373 Ortech Industries Inc. ����������������������������������377 OS&B ������������������������������������������������������������214 Ouellet Canada Inc. ������������������������������������ 560 Panasonic Canada Inc. �������������������������������875 Parker Hannifin, Sporlan Division ������������� 959 Pascalex �������������������������������������������������������781 Pentair Canada Inc. �������������������������������������317 Plumbing & HVAC ���������������������������������������� 233 Power Q. Inc. ������������������������������������������������276 Powerline Products Inc ������������������������������� 474 Powrmatic du Canada Ltée ������������������������ 945 Praxedo Logiciel inc. �����������������������������������917 Premise LED Inc. ����������������������������������������� 380 Pro Ballast Genilux ������������������������������������� 260 Pro Kontrol �������������������������������������������������� 145 Produits Neptune �����������������������������������������301 ProgressionLIVE ���������������������������������������� 3046 Protection Incendie Viking Inc.................... 483 Pur Climat Contrôles �������������������������������� 3020

Q,R QAI Laboratories, Ltd. �������������������������������� 683 Quote Soft ����������������������������������������������������421 RAB Design Lighting Inc. �����������������������������567 Rack-A-Tiers Mfg. ���������������������������������������� 654 Rectorseal ����������������������������������������������������637 Reed Manufacturing Co. �����������������������������316 RefPlus Inc. ��������������������������������������������������745 Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) ������� ,605 82

HPAC | MARCH 2019

Régulvar inc. ������������������������������������������������ 550 REHAU Industries Inc. �������������������������������� 439 Reliance Worldwide Corp.

(Canada) Inc. ������������������������������������717 RG Technilab ����������������������������������������������� 846 Rheem Canada Ltd./Ltée ��������������������527 RIDGID ������������������������������������������������������� 1017 Rinnai ������������������������������������������������������������970 Riobel Inc. ����������������������������������������� 244 Rodwick Inc. �������������������������������������������������327 Rosenberg Fans Canada Ltd. �������������� 832 Roth Industries, Inc. �������������������������� 801 Royal Building Products ����������������������������� 154 Royal Produits de Bâtiment - Contact Delage ��������������������������������������� 154 RV Lighting inc. ��������������������������������������������255 RVE-Recharge Véhicule Électrique �������������673

S Salus Controls North America ������������������� 340 Schier Products �������������������������������������������415 Sèche-Mains Comac Hand Dryers ������������ 458 Security Chimneys International ����������������105 Selkirk Canada Corporation ���������������� 961 Services Energétiques R.L. inc. �����������������861 Services Flo Inc. �������������������������������������������567 SFA Saniflo ���������������������������������������� 700 Silver Star Montréal ������������������������������������ 966 Sinopé Technologies ���������������������������������� 555 Sioux Chief Manufacturing Co. �������������������213 SJE Rhombus �����������������������������������������������401 Slant/Fin Ltd./Ltée ��������������������������������������117 Solaira Infrarouge-Inforesight Consumer Products Inc. �������������������������� 558 Solutions Well Green �����������������������������������175 SOS Location ����������������������������������������������� 955 Southwest Energy Control Systems of Canada Ltd. �������������������������������������������657 Southwire Canada Company ����������������������161 Spartan Peripheral Devices...................... 3034 Spectrum Brands �����������������������������������������927 Speed Clean �������������������������������������������������813 Standard Products Inc. �������������������������������267 Stanley Black & Decker................................237 Stelpro ����������������������������������������������������������351 Stiebel Eltron ���������������������������������������������� 236 Sunrise Tradex Corp. �����������������������������������927 Sylvania (LEDVANCE) ���������������������������������� 366

T Taco (Canada) Ltd. ���������������������������������������227 Techspan Industries Inc. ���������������������������� 589 Tecnico Chauffage Lteé ����������������������������� 133 Tecoustics ��������������������������������������������������� 139 Testo ������������������������������������������������� 867 The Mee Group ��������������������������������������������916

The StressCrete Group /King Luminaire Co. Inc. �������������������������� 354 The Whalen Company ������������������������� 645 Thermo 2000 Inc. ��������������������������������������� 820 Thomas & Betts �������������������������������������������467 TopSupports..................................................734 Trans Continental Equipment ������������������ 1050 Transformateurs DELTA �������������������������������567 Trelec/Meltric ���������������������������������������������� 563 Trilex Inc. �������������������������������������������������������751 Trovac Industries ���������������������������������������� 559 TTI Climatisation Chauffage Inc. ������������� 1066

U,V UEi Canada �����������������������������������������750 Unimanix ���������������������������������������������������� 1029 Universal Lighting Technologies �����������������275 Uponor Ltd. ���������������������������������������������������320 Usines Giant Factories Inc. ���������������� 721 Vertikal Equipements inc. ���������������������������667 Vesta, DS ��������������������������������������������������� 3010 VFC Inc. �������������������������������������������������������� 659 Victaulic Ltd. �������������������������������������������������612 Viega LLC ����������������������������������������������������� 333 Viessmann Manufacturing Company Inc. ����������������������������������� 127 Viqua �������������������������������������������������������������307 Viscor Inc. ���������������������������������������������������� 153 Voltech International Inc. ��������������������������� 286 Vortex Industries Inc. ��������������������������������� 148

W,X,Y,Z Ward Mfg. Canada ���������������������������������������704 Warmup Inc. ������������������������������������������������ 685 Watts Water Technologies Inc. ����������� 427 WattStopper (Legrand Canada) �����������������277 Webstone Company ����������������������������������� 946 Weil-McLain Canada Sales Inc. ������������������412 Weishaupt Corporation �������������������������������979 Wera Tools NA Inc ����������������������������������������766 Westburne ����������������������������������������������������477 Western Enterprises ������������������������������������867 Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment.................................................. 455 WILO Canada Inc. ����������������������������������������616 Winters Instruments ������������������������������������818 Wolseley Canada ���������������������������������������� 833 Xylem AWS ����������������������������������������������������851 YogaPipe �������������������������������������������������������867 Zanotti Canada ��������������������������������������������942 Zip Cable Tray Systems (A division of RangeRack) ������������������������ 156 Zitta Inc. ������������������������������������������������������ 500 Zoeller Canada Inc. �������������������������������������516 Zurn Industries Ltd. ��������������������������� 221

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BIBBY-STE-CROIX

PRESENTED BY

BIBBY-STE-CROIX EARNS INTERNATIONAL LIVING FUTURE INSTITUTE’S DECLARE LABEL FOR CAST IRON SOIL PIPE AND FITTINGS Bibby-Ste-Croix realizes that consumers and product specifiers are increasingly looking to use safe building products, whether it is to verify point of origin, to understand environmental impacts, or because they want to eliminate exposure to toxic ingredients. That’s why the International Living Future Institute (ILFI) created Declare, a ‘nutrition-label’ for products that provides a clear, elegant, and informative method to disclose a product’s ingredients. Declare provides product manufacturers the option for an additional level of confidence – 3rd-party validation from trusted 3rd-party verifiers.

“Transparency is an important ingredient to all of Bibby's products,” said Tom Leonard, president of Bibby-Ste-Croix. “The IFLI’s Declare program offers an important opportunity for us to share our company’s industry leadership in products that contribute to healthy and environmentally-safe design. Declare is designed to transform the way buildings are designed and built making them safer for occupants and first responders. It’s through this kind of transparency that change for the better will occur,” said Leonard.

The manufacturing atmosphere is changing and there are many progressive forward thinking companies that feel strongly about embracing thoughtful sustainability manufacturing practices.

Bibby is a manufacturer of cast iron soil pipe and fittings for storm and sanitary plumbing systems.

Their products are non-combustible, strong and durable. It’s important that specifiers understand the importance of specifying building products that do not off-gas toxins or generate dangerous gases when burned like plastic PVC piping that may cause harm to occupants and first responders. Bibby is pleased to be part of the certification program, advocacy tool and philosophy that defines the most advanced measure of sustainability in the built environment.

www.Bibby-Ste-Croix.com

LOCHINVAR

PRESENTED BY

LOCHINVAR® INTRODUCES FLOOR-STANDING KNIGHT® FIRE TUBE BOILERS Lochinvar is introducing a new line of floor-standing KNIGHT® Fire Tube Residential Boilers. The advanced KHN KNIGHT Boiler features a stainless steel firetube heat exchanger and offers AFUE of 95 percent across all models, which range from 55,000 to 285,000 Btu/hr. With up to 10:1 turndown, the firing rate modulates based on demand to eliminate on/off cycling and optimize efficiency and heating comfort.

The KHN KNIGHT Boiler – like all other KNIGHT models – is equipped with the SMART SYSTEM™ control and offers Lochinvar’s exclusive CON·X·US® remote connectivity option that allows the contractor or homeowner to monitor and manage the boiler from an internet-capable device. The CON·X·US platform sends alerts via text or email notifying the user of changes in system status and allows for the modification of boiler settings from almost anywhere.

In addition, the new KNIGHT Boiler’s footprint, as well as the placement of connections and vents, is strategically designed to easily allow for drop-in replacement of old, inefficient boilers.

“We designed the KHN KNIGHT Boiler to deliver highefficiency and advanced technology for a wide range of applications, including energy retrofit installations where cast iron boilers were previously installed,” said Dan Rettig, product manager. “The new KHN models, which are significantly lighter and more compact than cast iron boilers, streamline the replacement process by simplifying connections and reducing the need for re-piping.”

www.Lochinvar.com

EVERY HOME DESERVES THE BEST KNIGHT EVER

Meeting the water heating needs of every homeowner calls for industry-leading efficiency and specification flexibility. That’s why the world’s top contractors carry the new and improved KNIGHT® Residential Boiler by Lochinvar. With 6 floor-mount and 7 wall-mount models available, the KNIGHT boiler now ranges from 55,000 to 399,999 BTUs and features an energy-saving ECM variable pump as standard equipment—all while operating at up to 95% thermal efficiency.

That’s one more reason no one brings it all together like Lochinvar.

Visit Lochinvar.com to heat the water in any home with KNIGHT Residential Boilers.

MECHANICAL SUPPLY NEWS MANUFACTURERS • DISTRIBUTORS • WHOLESALERS

SFA GROUP AIMS TO GROW GERMAN PRESENCE WITH ACQUISITION SFA Group, parent company of Saniflo Canada, has acquired German pump manufacturer Zehnder Pumpen GmbH. According to SFA Group, the acquisition allows the company to strengthen its position in the sanitary technology market.

“The acquisition provides an excellent opportunity for SFA to enhance their geographical footprint and increase sales of the SFA Group in Germany,” the company stated in a release. “Zehnder Pumpen too will benefit from leveraging SFA’s 25 subsidiaries and 60 distributors worldwide to rapidly grow their product sales.”

Zehnder Pumpen’s portfolio encompasses more than 1,000 pumps and pump systems for fresh water supply and sewage and wastewater disposal within two brands: ZEHNDER and blueZPring.

Zehnder Pumpen will become a wholly owned subsidiary of SFA Group, remaining a separate legal entity with its own brand. Employees will experience no significant change, SFA Group stated. www.saniflo.ca

WILO TO CONSOLIDATE GEORGIA FACILITIES Wilo will consolidate its Thomasville, GA facilities into existing Cedarburg, WI locations.

The company said in a statement that the decision was based on “current market conditions” and bolstering efficiencies.

Jeff Plaster, CEO and managing director of Wilo USA LLC, and Daniel Podgorny, chief financial officer, made the announcement in Thomasville.

"The consolidation process is underway, and is targeting completion by the end of Q3/2019,” Plaster said.

Plans include integrating all machining, product lines and operations from Thomasville into Cedarburg. Thomasville employees will also be reassigned or transferred.

Wilo stated it plans to retain “certain positions” at Thomasville, which will become a centre of excellence.

The decision comes on the heels of the company’s 2017 acquisitions of Weil Pump and Scot Pump. www.wilo-usa.com

EMERSON OPENS UP RIDGID TRADE TRIP CONTEST TO CANADIANS For the first time, Canadian contractors can enter to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Ridgid world headquarters in St. Louis, MO, as part of the company’s third annual “Trade Trip of a Lifetime” contest.

A total of six winners will be selected for the trip, which will take place from July 31 to August 2, 2019.

The prize package includes a tour of the company’s headquarters, a custom Ridgid pipe wrench, suite seats to see the Cleveland Indians and a fishing excursion on Lake Erie.

Winners will also get one-on-one time with product, engineering and research and development managers.

To enter, contractors must visit the company’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/RidgidTools), fill out the entry form, and upload a photo or video of themselves with their “favourite Ridgid tool.”

The deadline to enter is April 26, 2019. Winners will be announced in May. www.emerson.com

Pictured is the International Oil Heating Co. circa 1931.

NORTEK CELEBRATES LANDMARK 100-YEAR ANNIVERSARY Nortek Global HVAC kicked off its year of anniversary celebrations at the AHR Expo, held in Atlanta, GA from January 14 to 16, 2019. The company willcmark its 100th year with events and celebrations throughout 2019.

Founded in 1919 as the International Oil Heating Co., Nortek gained early success by manufacturing coal-to-oil conversion furnace burners, followed by gas-fired burner conversions.

Renamed Nordyne in 1987, the company kept that name until becoming Nortek Global HVAC in 2015. During that time period, Nortek continued to expand its offering, including the residential condensing gas/electric packaged system–the R8HE. “Nortek Global HVAC’s success is due in part to its partnership with independent contractors and distributors,” the company stated in a release.

In other Nortek news, the company has been granted a U.S. patent for a method of controlling and stabilizing hot gas reheat circuits in air conditioning systems.

The method eliminates hot gas reheat circuit instability and the risk potential of freezing experienced by some current air conditioning reheat technology, especially on dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS) when operating during cold and high humidity ambient conditions. www.nortekhvac.com

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HPACMAG.COM

RIELLO

PRESENTED BY

R-SERIES BURNERS

THE ROAD TO PEACE OF MIND

Riello has been producing burners for over 90 years and has been present in the North American market for over 30. Thousands of R-Series burners are sold every year all around the World. The North American versions contain the same innovative reliable technology renowned Worldwide, enhanced to accommodate the various unique code and customer requirements in the North American market.

An unmistakable design and style, high technology solutions and high levels of industrialization, distinguish the R-Series product from the competition in today’s market. R-series burners are characterized by a monobloc design incorporating all components and features in a single package, making installation easier, faster and, above all, more flexible.

Advantages at a Glance

• Suitable for hot water & steam boilers, thermal fluid and process applications • Easy installation and service regardless of capacity thanks to the monobloc configuration • Emission reduction options; Flue gas recirculation (FGR) based, Non-FGR based and Pre-Mix • Ultra-low noise levels • Camnetic and parallel positioning fuel-air ratio control systems available to ensure high modulation, efficiency and repeatability

• New air atomizing system to reach the best achievable combustion performance on oil firing • Dedicated oil pump motor for energy savings and pump longevity • Available variable speed drive technology for maximum energy savings.

• Multiple protocol BAS communication gateways available • Available Multi-Boiler Control System for complete boiler room control

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

Riello Burners experience in combustion technology is evident in the combustion head design of the R-series burners and assures smooth ignition, safe operation, and environmentally friendly emissions.

Riello excels in producing burners which perform well with minimal excess air, enhancing system efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions such as CO2.

With oxygen levels of only 3% in the products of combustion and turndown ratios of up to 10-1 on natural gas, system efficiencies are truly maximized.

Available Low NOx models using Advanced Combustion Technology to reach NOx values of less than 30 ppm on natural gas without Flue Gas Recirculation. These models enhance system efficiency compared to traditional FGR systems and reduce overall costs.

www.riello.com

THE ROAD TO PEACE OF MIND

www.riello.com

• • • • •

BASED ON 90 YEARS OF GLOBAL R+D CUSTOMIZABLE TO MEET SPECIFIC END-USER NEEDS WIDE RANGE OF COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS RELIABLE, EFFICIENT COMBUSTION SOLUTIONS DESIGNED FOR SUPERIOR OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE

Riello is a recognized market leader in delivering the most powerful, reliable and cost-effective combustion heating solutions for over 40 years in North America. Riello’s high-performance platform of gas, oil, dual-fuel and low NOx burners deliver energy savings through increased fuel efficiencies that yield return on investment. Riello burner capacities range up to over 120 million+ BTUs to meet the most demanding heating applications.

BRADFORD WHITE

PRESENTED BY

DISCOVER THE INFINITI™ K SERIES FROM BRADFORD WHITE: THE SMARTER WAY TO GO TANKLESS.

Tankless water heaters offer a lot of advantages to your customers, but some have drawbacks that can create specific challenges for you.

The Infiniti™ K Series of tankless water heaters from Bradford White is the smarter way to go tankless – maximizing all the advantages while minimizing the drawbacks for you and your customer.

Most tankless water heaters use an internal buffer tank to deal with the “cold water sandwich” that can occur when water is shut off for a short period of time. This buffer tank is old technology and can be a source of maintenance headaches down the road. The Infiniti™ K uses innovative STEADISET™ Technology to keep water temperature consistent and virtually eliminate “cold water sandwich” with NO internal buffer tank needed.

You’ve probably already experienced the hassle of venting limitations on tankless water heater installs. The Infiniti™ K features best-in-class venting lengths so you can vent with 2" PVC or polypropylene up to a maximum length of 60 feet, or 3" PVC or polypropylene up to a maximum length of 280 feet.

provides best-in-class scale reduction. SRT™ Scale Reduction Technology provides improved performance, longer life and lower maintenance costs when compared to conventional tankless.

The Infiniti™ K also features best-in-class modulation (22:1 turndown) and an outstanding warranty (15 years heat exchanger). The Infiniti K works efficiently even at low flow rates and activates at just 0.45gpm.

Because it comes from Bradford White, the Infiniti™ K is built For the Pro®. We’ve made it easy to install with convenient top connections, built-in flush ports, and ½" gas pipe capabilities up to 24’. No combustion analyzer is needed to install.

The series delivers efficiency up to .96 UEF, which helps maximize the financial benefits of choosing tankless for your customer.

Learn More at www.bradfordwhite.com/ infinitikseries

Scale buildup is always a challenge with tankless water heaters, but the Infiniti™ K

www.bradfordwhite.com

When you need to bring the heat

We’ve Got You Covered.

Your customers demand water and space heating solutions that can deliver long life and outstanding performance – and stand up to Canada’s toughest winters. Count on Bradford White Canada to bring them.

Bradford White Water Heaters, Laars Heating Systems, and Niles Steel Tanks have the water heaters, boilers and custom tanks and vessels that are up to that challenge. We offer a full-line of hydronic solutions, all built with quality from top to bottom and designed to deliver the reliability, performance and efficiency your customers need. With Bradford White, your customers will always be warm and comfortable.

We’re here For The Pro®

so you’ll always get 24/7 support from our entire team to make sure our products work perfectly for you and your customers.

Learn more at bwforthepro.com

© 2019, Bradford White Corporation. All rights reserved.

BWHPAC0319

< MSN

STELPRO EARNS GOOD DESIGN AWARDS IN ELECTRONICS, HOUSEHOLD CATEGORIES Stelpro smart thermostats and fan heaters have been recog-

EASY. SAFE. FREE. THERMOSTAT RECYCLING

We recycle all elements of the thermostat; plastic, metal, electronics and mercury (which is particularly hazardous).

Do your part and join the more than 1,500 contractors already participating in the program.

FOR MORE INFORMATION www.hrai.ca/trp 1(800) 267-2231, x 224

94

Administered & delivered by:

THE MASTER GROUP TO BECOME EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR OF YORK PRODUCT LINES The Master Group will become the exclusive distributor for Johnson Controls’ York brand residential ducted systems and

THERMOSTAT RECOVERY PROGRAM

BÉLANGER UPT HOLDS OPEN HOUSE AT NEW SHOWROOM On January 31st, 2019, faucet manufacturer Bélanger-UPT unveiled a new grand showroom in the Montreal borough of Ville Saint-Laurent at 6520 Abrams Street.

Bélanger-UPT has three manufacturing plants in North America and Asia. www.belanger-upt.com

PRESENTED BY

Belanger UPT celebrates showroom opening.

nized in the Good Design Awards, an annual design competition.

The company’s Maestro smart thermostat range was awarded in the electronics category, while the Orléans and Oasis fan heaters were recognized in the household category.

Good Design is organized by The Orléans and Oasis fan The Chicago Athenaeum heaters were also recognized at Museum of Architecture and the 11th edition of the Grands Design, in collaboration with the Prix du Design, an annual contest held in Quebec.

European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design and Urban Studies.

“We’re honoured that our efforts have been recognized by the industry and consumers alike,” said Étienne Guay, vice-president of marketing and product innovation. www.stelpro.com

Recycling with the Thermostat Recovery Program is safer for you and the environment.

Mercury is a potent neurotoxin. It only takes one gram to contaminate an eight hectare lake (about the size of 1.5 Olympic sized swimming pools) to the point where the fish are inedible for an entire year.

Each mercury thermostat can contain 2.5 – 10 grams of mercury!

LET US TAKE CARE OF THEM FOR YOU IN 3 EASY STEPS! 1. Sign up 2. Collect stats in the pail 3. Send the pail back (and we will send you a free replacement pail and return shipping waybill)

Supported by:

www.hrai.ca/trp

HPAC | MARCH 2019

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HPACMAG.COM 2019-02-26 ShowAndTells_FullPage_Mar19_TRP.indd 11:27 AM 1

2019-03-05 11:24 AM

MSN > Less than two weeks after the acquisition of three branches in Saskatchewan and Alberta, The Master Group opened a 16,000 square foot branch in Winnipeg, MB (pictured) in May 2018.

commercial rooftop products this spring.

The two companies will enter a multiyear contractual agreement May 13, 2019, which will grant The Master Group exclusive distribution rights.

Until then, The Master Group–currently the exclusive distributor of the brand’s line of rooftop products in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada–is a non-exclusive distributor of ducted system products for Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. www.master.ca/west www.johnsoncontrols.com

PEOPLE > Caleffi has appointed Theresa Weyker as its North American controller. Weyker, responsible for the company’s financial and benefit activites, previously served as controller for Wisconsinbased Vesta Inc. She has more than 30 years of Weyker financial and management experience.

Ontor Limited has appointed Jean-Sebastien Loriot to the position of technical sales representative for Montreal west and east, as well as Ontario and Ottawa. Loriot has more than 17 years of HVAC sales experience with more than 13 years Loriot experience as a contractor development specialist and trainer.

Bill Davis has taken over as director of sales branch operations at Ecco Supply. The comLocke Yu pany also appointed Davis Bobby Yu to the position of sales manager, succeeding nowretired Norm Grusnick. Kevin Locke has been tapped as director of procurement at Ecco Group, parent company to Ecco Supply. He will work out of the company’s corporate headquarters in Langley, BC. Duravit USA has hired Russ Kinney to the position of vice president of sales–business development. Kinney will be responsible for the developRudd ment of contract, specification and e- Kinney commerce growth for North America. He was most recently the director of consumer sales at Watts Water Technologies.

The company also appointed Kerry Rudd, formerly vice president of sales–business development, to the position of vice president of sales–wholesale. In his new role, Rudd will lead Duravit’s North American sales team.

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Jeremy Morse has joined Aquatherm’s fabrication estimation department. Morse has experience in both the mechanical and plumbing industries, starting his career as an industrial pipefitter. He then worked in heavy industrial construction for Morse 18 years. Morse has also held positions in quality control and project supervision.

Uponor North America has appointed John Schleiter to the position of vice president of legal and business affairs. Schleiter served as outside counsel for the company for more than a Schleiter decade.

Friedrich Air Conditioning Co. has named Adrian Stasiuk vice president of sales. Prior to joining Friedrich, Stasiuk held similar sales and marketing leadership roles with Danfoss and Trane/ Ingersoll Rand. He has more than 20 years of ex- Stasiuk perience in the HVAC, design and construction industry.

Prier Products has promoted Sydney Manning to the position of marketing specialist. She started with the company in 2017 and is currently completing a business marketing major.

Manning Fortune Brands Global Plumbing Group (GPG) has announced the retirement of Mike Dennis, president of the Canadian and Latin subsidiaries.

Phyfer Cheri Phyfer, current president of Dennis Moen U.S., will take on an expanded role as president of the GPG Americas. The company also promoted Peter Fealy, current vice president and general manager of Moen Canada, to the position of vice president and general manager of the GPG Canada.

MARCH 2019 | HPAC

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PVI

PRESENTED BY

INTRODUCING PVI CONQUEST® 900 AND 1000 PVI’s Conquest is a high-efficiency, gasfired, semi-instantaneous water heater that combines an advanced fuel-saving design with extended product life. Now available in two additional sizes, the Conquest 900 and 1000 MBH provides more BTUs in a smaller space and the ability to be installed through a 36inch doorway with minimal floor space requirements.

95-97%-efficient Conquest features a submerged combustion chamber and a heat exchanger with a helical array of firetubes fabricated entirely from durable, corrosion-resistant AquaPLEX® duplex stainless steel alloy.

Conquest’s AquaPLEX tank is inherently immune to aqueous corrosion and entirely eliminates the need for a tank lining or anode rods. It’s also immune to chloride stress corrosion cracking, a known failure mode of 316L in hot potable water. Built from the best material, Conquest provides superior payback with 3-5 times the warranty of competitors. Available sizes include 199 to 1000 MBH in 100 to 130 gallon tanks.

ENGINEERED WATER HEATING SOLUTIONS

800-784-8326

www.pvi.com

Replacing Your Water Heater Every Few Years is Not Our Business Plan

Conquest® is a 95-97% efficient, gas-fired, instantaneous water heater that combines advanced fuel-saving design with extended product life. Fabricated entirely from corrosion-resistant AquaPLEX® duplex stainless steel, Conquest eliminates the need for a tank lining or anode rods. Now available in 199-1000 MBH, Conquest can be installed through a 36-inch doorway and provides more BTUs in small spaces.

800.784.8326 | pvi.com

Engineered Water Heating Solutions®

< FAUCETS & FIXTURES

The Union widespread basin faucet in polished chrome with red levers from Crosswater London.

A TAILORED SPACE The latest products facilitate flexibility and individuality in kitchens and bathrooms. BY JILLIAN MORGAN

F

or homeowners, customization is key.

In the residential space, individual flare takes precedence over the latest trends. Whether it’s for the kitchen or the bathroom, brands are increasingly offering products that allow the end-user to create a tailored space.

“Combining high-end specification with beautiful aesthetics

in fixtures and bath furniture also allow the consumer and designer more options to create a bath space that is unique to the user,” David Hance, founder of Crosswater London, said.

The trends and technologies that guide faucets and fixtures offer homeowners with a place to start–though the latest product designs and innovations focus on flexibility.

The Elemental collection from Stone Forest includes vanities and integrated sinks. The vanities are comprised of brass legs with knurled fittings supporting a combination of stone, wood and steel components. The legs and fittings are available in either aged brass or polished nickel. The collection is available as a single or double vanity with a choice of two of the company’s sinks: Ventus and Terra.

The MPRO single-flush toilet from Crosswater London is made of white vitreous china and coated in nanoglaze. It is 14 ½ in. wide and features a 12 in. rough-in. The toilet offers 1.28 gpf and a chromeplated side-mount flush lever. The smart SoftClose, quick release seat is removable. The company added matte black and brushed brass finishes across its MPRO collection.

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The Pivotal collection by Delta features kitchen faucets, soap dispensers, and functionality with Touch 2.0 technology. It is available in chrome, arctic stainless, polished nickel and black stainless finishes.

THE LOOK

From Newport Brass, the Priya (pictured) and Secant tub fillers are now available in all 27 of the company’s finishes, including antique brass, polished gold and satin bronze.

The tub fillers feature ADA-compliant lever handles and integrated hand shower.

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Unsurprisingly, black and gold finishes continue to dominate in the residential sector–offering a welcome change of pace, according to Elle H-Millard, industry relations manager at the National Kitchen and Bath Association.

H-Millard is a Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) and Certified Living in Place Professional (CLIPP).

“The matte black is showing up in black and white bathrooms and kitchens, a striking new color scheme that is turning the white/natural kitchens and baths upside down,” H-Millard said.

“The natural gold–or raw gold–is quite popular now, too, as this metal will naturally age over time and patina, revealing green, blue and copper hues.”

Now, manufacturers are now taking these two staple finishes even further.

“We’re seeing this trend extend its variations–including black stainless and matte black faucets,” Brad Campeau, business development manager of Masco Canada’s showroom, said. “Mixed finishes in both kitchen and bathrooms are also becoming more prominent–it naturally elevates textures and adds elements of creativity throughout the home.”

The reason for the colour’s increased

popularity is that it allows for its design flexibility, according to David Emmons, marketing director for Brasstech, Inc., parent company of Newport Brass and Ginger.

“Matte black has grown exceedingly popular as a finish in the bath and it’s still going strong in 2019,” Emmons said. “More than a trend, this finish has the essence of an instant classic. It has staying power due to its design flexibility–a matte black faucet is equally at home accenting a white or neutral bath as it is subtly receding into a dark and sultry bath. And it can work on both traditional and contemporary styles.”

In 2019, H-Millard said the industry should expect to see more matte black, matte metals and natural, raw gold finishes in fixtures and faucets. Finishes aside, Emmons adds that open-concept baths are also gaining popularity.

“At Newport Brass we are seeing a growth in demand for freestanding tub fillers versus wall-mounted versions,” he said. “They allow for greater design flexibility–an ability to float a tub in the room, as opposed to having to dock it at the wall. And to add to that, freestanding tub fillers can lend a sculptural, architectural element to the space.”

MARCH 2019 | HPAC

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< FAUCETS & FIXTURES EMBRACING NEW TECHNOLOGY Flexible design in residential faucets and fixtures is supported by new technologies, such as 3D printing, touchless faucets and showers, and “smart homes” According to H-Millard, 3D printing technology allows for “true customization” in faucets and fixtures. She added that this trend is particularly evident in the kitchen.

“Consumers want to stand out and the 3D printing technology today allows for a range of personal expression in the most occupied room in the house– the kitchen,” she said.

For Emmons, the kitchen demands ease of use. At Newport Brass, pull-down kitchen faucets include a magnetic docking system that secures the pull-out spray head to the spout when not in use.

A two-function toggle control spray engine with a pivot ball fitting enhances directional control within the sink.

“These engineered details are subtle, but it’s what you don’t see that allows for such a highly functional design–and ultimately, that’s across any style or finish you’re personally drawn to,” he said.

At Masco, Campeau said the company’s H2Okinetic and Touch2O technologies answer a call for convenience and environmentally friendly alternatives in

From Riobel, the Mythic sink faucet features a two-jet spray and flexible spout that comes in three different finishes: chrome, black and stainless steel.

The faucets offer a 3⁄8 in. speedway compression and ceramic cartridge.

Moen Canada is adding Moentrol trim for two collections: Weymouth and Arris. It is also expanding style and finish choices for transfer valve trims with eight new options. Moentrol allows users to adjust the amount of water that flows through the tub or shower.

the residential sector.

“Touch2O technology allows users to touch anywhere on the spout or faucet handle to start and stop water flow,” he said. “H2Okinetic technology controls the speed, movement and droplet size of the water creating the feeling of more water without using more water.”

Aquatica Bath has rolled out its Fusion Cube spa, Tessera spa and Wave Spa Pro. The Fusion Cube features air-assist hydromassage and integrated Bluetooth audio.

Tessera combines various hydro massage circuits and four LED spotlights. Optional features include a Bluetooth surround sound system. Designed for indoor and outdoor applications, the Wave Spa Pro (pictured) offers a hydrotherapy system delivered by micro jets and air jets. The spa also features underwater lighting.

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HPAC | MARCH 2019

For mechanical contractors, the new technologies quickly arriving on the scene offer new opportunities on the job.

“It is imperative to understand and embrace the emerging ‘intelligently built kitchens and baths.’ This is an area of the industry that is growing in leaps and bounds,” H-Millard said.

“Consumers are being bombarded with offerings of smart appliances, voice-activated showerheads and faucets, and such, but they are not aware of how all of these bells and whistles come together. The professional plumber will do very well to understand, and embrace, this emerging smart kitchen and bath movement, and to stay ahead of the consumer requests to learn more about this technology space.

Specializing in this area, and working with technology integrators when remodelling/redesigning kitchens and bath, will become a differentiator in a plumber’s business.” <>

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March 2019

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< BANNER

SYSTEM STANDS THE TEST OF TIME What we did and what we might do differently today.

BY ROBERT WATERS

T

wenty-two years ago, my wife and I built a house in the north end of Guelph, ON. At the time we had been married for almost five years, had one child with another soon to arrive and we wanted to build a home to raise our family in. I had been working in the hydronic heating business for over eight years and I was a total wet-head.

I had worked for Wirsbo for six years designing and teaching people how to use radiant floor heating, and at the time of my house build, I was working for Viessmann as its Academy Instructor. These European companies had exposed me to the benefits of radiant floor heating, low temperature boilers and hydronic controls. All of these products were relatively new to North America in the early 90s, but had been used extensively in Europe for many years prior to this. When we were planning our new house, I managed to convince my wife to let me design a totally hydronic heated house, with radiant floor heating on all levels.

I am not sure exactly how I did this, as this was something that almost no one else was doing at the time and it was going to be a much higher upfront cost for the mechanical system than what the builder was proposing. I give my wife a lot of credit…she took a leap of faith with me and agreed to have me design the mechanical system my way.

And here we are 22 years later, still living in our family home, having enjoyed many years of warm, comfortable radiant living. I want to take a look back at 102

HPAC | MARCH 2019

the challenges we encountered, the details of the mechanical system we installed, and the lessons learned.

Overall, we have loved living in a hydronic radiant heated house for all these years and have no regrets about the choice we made many years ago.

The benefits that I preached about radiant heating in many classrooms turned out to be bang on. The house is always a warm comfortable environment no matter where you are in it. I do not ever wear slippers or thick socks.

When I get up in the morning I am greeted by a warm bathroom floor. All the floor surfaces, ceramic tile, hardwood and carpet are always warm and comfortable. The house is very quiet… I never hear the noise of the heating system coming on and off. There is very little dust in the house and nothing to blow it around.

Is the mechanical system perfect? I don’t think so, as there are some things I have learned and some things I would probably do differently if I were to start over.

THE MECHANICAL SYSTEM WE INSTALLED When we built the house, we were dealing with a custom home builder. We told them upfront of our mechanical plans, but it was still a challenge as it was all so new to them. It was going to change their standard building procedure and scheduling. I think they thought we were a bit nuts with our mechanical plans, but they humored us as we were the cli-

ents. They certainly were not very generous when it came to backing out the cost of the traditional mechanical system, which would have been a forced air system. But we forged ahead with radiant heating, and I acted as the mechanical system designer and subcontractor.

The system I designed incorporated the following items: • High mass radiant floor heating on three levels.

• Low temperature hot water boiler with a stainless steel indirect DHW tank.

• High velocity air conditioning system with air handler in the attic.

• Central heat recovery ventilator with separate intakes and exhausts.

• Pex potable water plumbing system (also very new at the time).

The high mass radiant floor system consisted of two different floor construction techniques. It was fairly straight forward for the basement with tubing installed into the 4 in. poured HPACMAG.COM

ALL IMAGES ROB WATERS, SOLAR WATER SERVICE INC.

The radiant floor tubing is all ½ in. hePex.

concrete slab. The only additional item required out of the ordinary was for 6 in. x 6 in. steel wire welded mesh to be laid down so that the tubing could be tied down in the correct pattern.

We also added additional foam insulation to slow the downward heat loss. Since the upper two floors used standard wood frame construction adding high mass radiant heating was much more challenging. The technique we chose was to have the tubing stapled to the top of the wood subfloor and embedded in 1½-in. gypsum overpour.

We had the builder add an additional 2 in. x 6 in. wood plate under all the walls when he framed the first and second floors.

By doing this the finished wall and door heights ended up all being standard heights after the 1½ in. gypsum was poured on top of the floor. This later simplified the work of the drywallers and trim carpenters. The self-leveling lightweight gypsum turned out to be great to work with, as it dried quickly and allowed the rest of the construction process to proceed easily.

There was certainly a sigh of relief on my part after the gypHPACMAG.COM

Tubing was stapled to the top of the wood subfloor and embedded in 1½-in. gypsum overpour.

sum was poured, all the tubing was encased, and the rest of construction could proceed without me being blamed for any more delays.

I designed the tubing loop layout drawing with manifold locations on each level of the house, with all the upper floor manifolds located inside closets. The radiant floor tubing is all ½ in. hePex with loop lengths generally 250 to 280 ft. The manifolds are connected to the mechanical room with ¾ in. hePex supply and return piping.

Since all three levels of the radiant system were high mass construction it simplified the hydronic design. I was able to use only one pump for the entire heating system, and all levels of the house are fed with the same supply water temperature.

One of the benefits I taught about radiant heating was how easy it was to have individual room zones by mounting zone valves on the radiant manifolds to control individual loops. I took

Continued on p104 MARCH 2019 | HPAC

103

this to heart and went a bit zone crazy, with a total of 10 zone thermostats planned for the house. I never actually ended up installing all those thermostats, as I left a couple of areas as wild loops with continuous circulation. These areas only get variable water temperature from the outdoor reset control.

AC AND VENTILATION The design of the radiant heating system was the easy part for me, as this was what I had been doing and teaching for the prior eight years. The house had requirements for air conditioning and ventilation and since I was heating the house entirely with radiant, there was no central forced air ducting.

This forced me to look at alternative methods for AC and ventilation. I chose to have separate self-contained systems for these two loads.

The ventilation system is a self-contained heat recovery ventilator, ducted with air returns located in the kitchen and all the bathrooms. The fresh supply air is ducted to two central locations on the first and second floors. Each bathroom and the kitchen have a control with timer to activate the ventilation system.

The air conditioning system installed is a high velocity system that incorporates an attic mounted air handler. The return air for the whole house is located just under the air handler, at the highest point of the house in the ceiling of the second floor. The cool air is supplied through 2 in. diameter flexible insulated ducts. The ducts are snaked from the attic air handler and were roughed in down through interior 2 in. x 4 in. walls to feed the first floor. All of the air outlets are located in the ceilings with small round 2 in. openings.

We have been very happy with the way this air conditioning system has performed over the years. Since the thermostat is located on the second floor, this keeps the bedrooms cool and comfortable all the time. I believe we have the best heating and the best cooling system. Heat comes from below, and cooling comes from above.

Unlike a forced air system we are not trying to push heat down into the basement, or trying to push cool air up to the second floor. The basement is always warm in the winter and the upper floor bedrooms are always cool in the summer. Hot air rises, cool air falls, this is just physics.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I took this to heart and went a bit zone crazy, with a total of 10 zone thermostats planned for the house.â&#x20AC;?

104

HPAC | MARCH 2019

The upper floor manifolds are located inside closets.

LESSONS LEARNED What have I learned from living with radiant for the last 20 plus years? I have learned that there are some unique characteristics of a high mass radiant heated house. One of the big things is overheating of the indoor space temperature is inevitable at certain times when you live with high mass radiant.

Overheating happens primarily when there is solar gain from the south facing windows and during the shoulder seasons when there is a cold night followed by a warm day. I tried several different techniques to minimize overheating, and some helped, and some did not.

One thing I found that did help was to move the outdoor temperature sensor for the boiler control system from the north wall where the manufacturer recommends it be installed, onto to the south facing wall. I found that this really helped to knock back some of the overheating on sunny days, as it would ramp the boiler temperature down considerably. There were a few other minor adjustments, but primarily I have just learned that warmer temperatures in the house during sunny spring days are not that big of a deal. If necessary, I just open a window and let some of the free solar radiation energy back outside.

Another lesson learned is how uniquely suited a properlysized modulating condensing boiler is to a high mass radiant system. I sized my boiler very close to the actual heat loss and did not add any extra capacity for DHW. I have found that the boiler runs almost continuously during cold winter weather, perfectly matching the heat requirements of the building.

The boiler I installed has a burner run hour counter built into the control system and I have kept track of the run hours for many years. I have found that the boiler runs on average almost 5,200 hours/year. When you subtract summer operation, when the boiler is only heating DHW, I found that the HPACMAG.COM

boiler runs almost 85 per cent of the time during the heating system (typically end of September to end of June).

The boiler just does its thing to match the load, constantly modulating the burner from 30 to 100 per cent input, and changing the output water temperature based on the outdoor temperature. Most trips to the mechanical room in the winter find the boiler quietly running at a low firing rate, with output water temperatures in the range of 90 to 110F. This certainly enhances the boiler operation by almost eliminating burner short cycling and the burner start and stops associated with poor combustion.

THINGS TO CHANGE There are a few things I would do a bit differently with the design if I was starting today. There are many new innovative products available today that were not when we built. One of the first things I would look at is a different way of integrating the air loadsâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;air conditioning, ventilation and humidificationâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;into one air handling system. This would simplify the installation and maintenance of all the equipment required to do these functions.

Next, I would consider using low mass radiant on the second floor of the house. This would likely simplify the house construction process and reduce the cost a bit. I believe that low mass radiant would be better suited for the second floor as this area gets the brunt of overheating on sunny days. Also, with all bedrooms and bathrooms on that level, it would be easier to regulate the temperatures lower in this area.

Radiant manufacturers have developed many different techniques I would now consider to integrate low mass radiant into wood joist floors. Finally, I would look at rationalizing my zoning. I would use less thermostats and break the house into bigger zones. Due to the southern orientation of the house, I would likely break the house into northside and southside zones to help alleviate some of the overheating.

HPACMAG.COM

Cool air is supplied through 2 in. diameter flexible insulated ducts.

Two decades plus of radiant living has been everything I hoped for. I will often be at friendsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; houses with forced air heating and think to myself, these floors are cold. Fortunately, I do not have to experience cold floors in my own home. Warm comfortable floors are something everyone should have. If I was ever to start building again, I would not hesitate to install hydronic radiant heating. <> Robert Waters is president of Solar Water Services Inc., which provides training, education and support services to the hydronic industry. He has over 30 years experience in hydronic and solar water heating. He can be reached at solwatservices@gmail.com.

MARCH 2019 | HPAC

105

PLUMBING PRODUCTS

From Water-Right, the Wripli Wi-Fi-enabled wa-

The Hot-LinkPlus-e by Taco Comfort Solutions

ter treatment platform includes dealer and

offers domestic hot water recirculation for ret-

From Infinity Drain, the clamping floor drain

homeowner apps for mobile devices as well as

rofit applications. The package combines a

measures 3 ¼ in. in diameter at its narrowest

an online dealer portal. The platform is avail-

006e3 ECM hot water circulator with the com-

part. It is available in three materials, including

able on select models in the Water-Care and

pany’s Hot-Link valve and smart plug instant

cast iron, PVC and ABS. The compact design

Evolve product lines. www.water-rightgroup.

hot water control. Multiple connection options

aims to allow for easier installation of a linear

com

are available. A temperature sensor is includ-

drain against the shower wall. www.infinityd-

ed. www.tacocomfort.com

rain.com

From Weil Pump, the 1600 and 2500 series pumps are now offered in 575 V. The pumps are available in high-density cast iron or cast 316 stainless steel and include the motor, case and impeller. The pumps come standard with moisture sensor, temperature limiter, flame arrestor, welded motor chamber plugs, The TD-300 elevator channel drains from Watts are designed to evacuate 100 gpm of water. The stainless steel channel drain aims to keep water

welded cable nut fittings and stainless steel

from draining through the elevator shaft while fire fighters are extinguish-

UL/cUL

nameplates.

www.weilpump.com

ing a fire and evacuating the building. It is available in 36 in., 42 in., 48 in., 60 in. and 96 in. sizes. www.watts.com

Rigid K-6P and K-6P XL toilet augers can be REHAU PlumbingCAD 2018 takeoff software is

used manually or while connected to a battery-

From Bradley Corp., the Navigator tepid water

available for the company’s PEXa plumbing

powered drill. Both include a quick lock adjust-

skid systems are designed for emergency show-

system. Offered through Avenir Software Inc.,

ment feature to extend the cable from 3 ft. to 6

ers and eyewash applications. Each system is

the CAD-based software is pre-loaded with RE-

ft., as well as zinc-plated steel tubing and

equipped with a Navigator Thermostatic Mixing

HAU’s plumbing system components. The soft-

heavy-duty tri-wrap cable. The vinyl cover aims

Valve, hot water storage tank with an immersion

ware allows users to import PDF and AutoCAD

to provide protection for toilet porcelain. Bat-

heater, expansion tank and electrical control

drawings, trace the plumbing system and gen-

tery-powered drills with a maximum 500-RPM

panel. The system components are mounted on

erate a materials list and quotation. Reports

can be used with each auger. K-6P XL comes

12-gauge stainless steel bolted skid assembly

and drawings provide the contractor with shop

with a storage bag and two interchangeable

with forklift slots. Models include: NTS1 and

drawings and a bill of materials.

heads: the Bulb Auger head and C-Cutter head.

NTS2. www.bradleycorp.com

www.na.rehau.com/plumbingcad

www.rigid.com

106

HPAC | MARCH 2019

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2019-03-05 1:43 PM

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Place Bonaventure, Montréal

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TRAINING

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS CANADA HRAI Training

The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) offers a variety of residential and commercial courses. The Small Commercial Air System Design course builds on the Small Commercial Heat Gain & Heat Loss Calculations course. The three-day program includes how to design commercial air distribution systems for applications of up to 3 stories and 600 sq. metres per storey. Up to 2/3 of the cost of educational programs can be reimbursed under the Canada Job Grant Fund Program. For more information and scheduling opportunities, tel.

800.267.2231 ext. 237, or e-mail amantei@hrai.ca. www.hrai.ca

Dollars to $ense Energy Management Workshops

Construction Education Council

Under agreement with AGSHP, HRAI will be providing IGSHPA training courses for geothermal heat pump system designers and installers in Ontario. The courses are in support of the recently established GreenON Low Carbon Technologies Incentive Program requirements, using IGSHPA certified trainers. The IGSPHA Accredited Geothermal Installer course covers ground-source heat pumps systems, while IGSPHA Certified Residential Geothermal Designer course will train attendees on how to properly design a residential geothermal heat pump. For details contact Angie Mantei at 800.267.2231, ext. 237 or e-mail amantei@hrai.ca. www.

CEC’s Gold Seal Accredited Advanced Project Management course, offered in partnership with the University of Waterloo, is a four-day program focus on improving leadership, management and advanced project management skills. It is designed for experienced project managers and senior project managers. To register, contact Tania Johnston at tania@

mcac.ca.

Hydronics Training

The Canadian Hydronics Council (CHC) has partnered with NAIT and British Columbia Institute of Technology to provide course blocks toward CHC certification for hydronic system designers and installers. At NAIT students can register for online or paper-based learning and have nine months to complete each block. www.ciph.com

TECA Quality First Training

TECA’s Quality First training programs are developed by the industry, for the industry, setting minimum standards for the residential and light commercial heating, ventilating and cooling trade in BC. Courses provide contractors with the information they need to install equipment that operates safely and comfortably at rated efficiencies. www.teca.ca

Since 1997, over 30,000 representatives of industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) organizations have enrolled in the Dollars to $ense energy management workshops. In 2016, the material was completely remodeled and updated; it is now presented in 30 modules, which can easily be used as building blocks for organizations that have limited resources or that wish to focus on specific topics. www.cietcanada.com

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GPRO Fundamentals of Building Green

Canada Green Building Council is offering this four-hour course as part of its Green Professional Skills Training (GPRO) program. It teaches the basics of sustainability and provides an overview of the essential strategies and work practices that make buildings more efficient. GPRO covers the “green gap” between standard trade skills and the new awareness required to successfully implement sustainable building practices. It is the prerequisite for all GPRO trade-specific courses.

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THE SOURCE

ADVERTISERS IN THIS ISSUE

Adrian Steel........................... AdrianSteel.com...................................35 AERCO.................................... aerco.com.............................................52 Amvic...................................... amvicsystem.com.................................38 Arkema................................... R22retrofits.com.................................... 9 Belanger................................. belanger-upt.com.................................46 Bibby Ste-Croix..................... Bibby-Ste-Croix.com.............................84 Bradford White...................... bwforthepro.com..................................92 Brant Radiant Heaters........ brantradiant.com.................................64 Caleffi..................................... caleffi.com............................................22 Danfoss.................................. danfoss.com.........................................42 General Pipe.......................... drainbrain.com/geneye................... 2,83 Giant Industries.................... giantinc.com.......................................107 Glysomed............................... glysomed.ca..........................................89 Grundfos................................. ca.grundfos.com...................................56 Hardcast................................ hardcast.com........................................60 IPEX........................................ ipexna.com...........................................30 Liberty Pumps....................... libertypumps.com.................................18 Lochinvar............................... lochinvar.com.......................................86 Lyncar..................................... korky.com..............................................78 Master Group........................ master.ca..............................................81 HPACMAG.COM

MCEE...................................... mcee.ca............................................. 108 Navien..................................... navieninc.com........................................ 6 NIBCO/Webstone................. webstonevalves.com..................... 4, 111 PVI.......................................... pvi.com..................................................96 Reliance Worldwide............. holdrite.com/firestops-sealants/........62 Rheem.................................... rheem.com............................................72 Riello...................................... riello.com..............................................90 Riobel..................................... riobel.ca................................................ 74 Rosenberg Fans.................... rosenbergcanada.com.........................66 Roth........................................ Roth-America.com................................54 Saniflo.................................... saniflo.ca...............................................32 Selkirk.................................... selkirkcorp.ca....................................... 71 Spectronics........................... spectroline.com....................................15 Testo....................................... testo.com..............................................26 The Whalen Company.......... WhalenCompany.com/Maximize........12 Thermostat Recovery Program................ hrai.ca/trp.............................................94 UEi Test Instruments........... ueitest.com...........................................55 Viessmann............................. viessmann.ca.......................................48 Watts...................................... wattscanada.ca...........................36, 112 Zurn........................................ zurn.ca..................................................17 MARCH 2019 | HPAC

109

CALENDAR 2019

FOR THE LATEST EVENT NEWS, SEE HPAC'S NEWSLETTER @ HPACMAG.COM Ontario Geothermal Association Conference April 3-4 The conference will be held at the Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale hotel in Mississauga, ON.

www.ontariogeothermal.ca

MCEE April 24-25 Industry professionals will gather at Place Bonaventure in Montreal, QC for the Mécanex/ Climatex/Expolectriq/Éclairage (MCEE) 2019 trade show.

MCAC Innovation Conference April 15-16 The Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada will host its first-ever innovation conference at the Beanfield Centre in Toronto, ON.

www.mcac.ca/2019-mcac-innovationconference

Solar Canada Conference and Exposition May 8-9 The event will be held at the BMO Centre in Calgary, AB.

www.solarcanadaconference.ca

www.mcee.ca

ASHRAE Annual Conference June 22-26 The 2019 conference will take place in Kansas City, MO.

www.ashrae.org

HRAI Symposium–Transitioning to a Low Carbon Economy April 23 Join the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute (HRAI) at the net-zero Joyce Centre for Partnership and Innovation building at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ont.

www.hrai.ca

CIPH ABC June 16-18 The Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating Annual Business Conference will take place at the Delta Prince Edward Hotel in Charlottetown, PEI.

www.ciph.com

NAPHN Annual Conference and Expo June 27-28

International Congress of Refrigeration August 24-30

Themed “Build the World We Want: Implementing Low Carbon Solutions,” the North American Passive House Network event will take place at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York, NY.

The 25th annual ICR of the International Institute of Refrigeration will be held at the Montreal Convention Centre in Montreal, QC.

www.icr2019.org

www.naphnetwork.org/conference

HRAI Annual Meeting and Conference August 25-27 The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute event will hold it’s meeting at the Sheraton on the Falls Hotel in Niagara Falls, ON.

SUMMIT 2019 MODERN HYDRONICS SUMMIT

Canadian Hydronics Council Conference September 24-25 The conference will be held at the Ottawa Conference & Event Centre in Ottawa, ON.

www.hrai.ca

This highly successful trade show and conference will take place September 19, 2019. Stay tuned for more details.

Getting to Zero National Forum October 9-11

SMACNA Annual Convention October 20-23

ASPE Technical Symposium October 24-27

The global event will be held in Oakland, CA.

The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association will hold the convention at the JW Marriott Austin in Austin, TX.

The American Society of Plumbing Engineers symposium will be held at the Wyndham Grand Pittburgh Downtown in Pittsburgh, PA.

www.gettingtozeroforum.org

www.ciph.com

www.aspe.org

Greenbuild International Conference and Expo November 20-22 Designed for the green building industry, the 2019 event will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA.

2020

www.smacna.org

MEET 2020 May 6-7

CIPHEX West 2020 November 4-5–NEW LOCATION

The Mechanical Electrical Electronic Technology Show will be held at the Moncton Coliseum, Moncton, NB.

The Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating Exhibition West will take place at the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver, BC.

www.meetshow.ca

www.ciphexwest.ca

www.greenbuildexpo.com

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HPAC | MARCH 2019

HPACMAG.COM

WEBSTONE EXCLUSIVES FOR F1807 & F1960 PEX

INNOVATION FOR ANY PEX CONNECTION

NEW PRESS × PEX TRANSITION FITTINGS • Compatible with popular press tools

PRESS P RESS × PEX TRANSITION TR A AN NSIITTIO ON N BALL BA VALVES Ava vailable in sizes 1/2" to 2" • Available Proro-Pal al® Ball B Drain™ includes • Pro-Pal® integrated integrat grated ed hi-flow hose drain

NOW IN SIZES UP TO 2" F1807 CRIMP OR CLAMP

F1960 COLD EXPANSION

VALVE I N N OVATION V VA PEX SOLUTIONS

webstonevalves.com/PEX WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Two Wires? No Problem.

Upgrading to a WiFi Thermostat just got easier

564

WiFi Thermostat 564 The new Invita™ WiFi Thermostat uses the two existing wires to connect to the mechanical room, eliminating: • Pulling new wires • Patching and repainting walls • Batteries • Unreliable power stealing • Unreliable wireless signals Offer customers a sleek, customizable upgrade in less time with reduced effort Scan for more info

Download the Invita Connect App Or visit our website at tekmarControls.com

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