In today’s engaging 45-minute Coffee Break webinar, we had the distinct pleasure of hosting Pete Nowicki from PhaseStor, a pioneering company in the realm of innovative thermal energy storage solutions. Pete’s insightful presentation delved deep into the advanced technologies offered by PhaseStor, highlighting their substantial benefits and transformative potential for energy efficiency. A highlight of the webinar was Pete’s live demonstration of the eStor® (domestic hot water) system. He walked the audience through the setup and operation, showcasing the system’s efficiency and effectiveness in real-time. This demonstration illustrated how the eStor® system can generate immediate savings and shield against rising energy costs, emphasizing the practical benefits of PhaseStor’s technology. This 140CC tank has a capacity of 125 latent ton-hours, with dimensions of eight feet in width, seven feet in height, and approximately eight feet in length. In comparison, the 100 ton-hour eSTOR modular tank measures six feet by six feet by four feet. The modular tanks can be stacked up to three high, reaching a total height of around fifteen feet when the necessary braces and bracketing are added.

PhaseStor’s Game-Changing Technologies

Pete highlighted three core technologies that PhaseStor offers, each designed to optimize energy usage and reduce costs significantly.

1. eSTOR™ – Domestic Hot Water Storage Unit: The eSTOR unit is a groundbreaking solution for providing hot water in residential and commercial buildings. This system is compatible with air-water heat pumps, boilers, and even solar thermal systems. One of the standout features of the eSTOR is its use of bio-based phase change materials (PCMs). Unlike traditional salt-based PCMs, bio-based PCMs maintain their latent heat capacity over thousands of freeze-thaw cycles, ensuring long-term reliability and efficiency.During the webinar, Pete showcased the eSTOR’s efficiency, comparing it to traditional hot water heaters. eSTOR uses about half the electricity to produce over 100 gallons of hot water daily, thanks to its superior thermal conductivity and the latent capacity of its PCMs. This unit is not only highly efficient but also certified for the European market and soon to be UL certified in the US and Canada.
2. IceStor®: Ideal for applications with large thermal loads, such as schools, hospitals, and corporate buildings, the I-Store technology has been around since the 1970s. Acquired from Phase Change Energy Solutions, the IceStor tanks offer significant advantages over competitors like Calmac, including greater storage capacity per square foot and lower glycol usage.Pete detailed a successful implementation at the Chicago Field Museum, where the IceStor system has helped save over $2 million in HVAC electricity costs over the next decade. This system, comprising 24 tanks with a latent capacity of 500 ton-hours each, demonstrates the long-term cost savings and durability of PhaseStor’s solutions.
3. eSTOR™ Mod – Modular Tanks: Designed for both heating and cooling applications, the eSTOR modular tanks offer flexibility and efficiency. These tanks can be tuned to specific temperatures, making them suitable for a wide range of applications from data centers to apartments to hotels. The modular design allows for easy installation and scalability, with tank sizes ranging from 25 to 250 ton-hours.One notable project involved installing these tanks at a hotel in San Francisco, resulting in $12,000 monthly savings. This system effectively reduced peak kWh costs by shifting the load to off-peak hours, highlighting the significant financial benefits of using PhaseStor’s technology.

Inflation Reduction Act and Energy Efficiency

A key topic of discussion was the Inflation Reduction Act, which has made thermal energy storage even more appealing to end users. The act includes provisions for standalone energy storage, offering investment tax credits ranging from 6% to 30%. This makes PhaseStor’s solutions not only environmentally friendly but also financially attractive.

The Future of Energy Storage

Pete emphasized that PhaseStor’s technology acts as both a vitamin and a painkiller for end users. It reduces operating costs, prolongs equipment life, and offers substantial energy savings. With the added benefits of government incentives, PhaseStor’s solutions are poised to become integral components of sustainable building designs.

Conclusion

As we strive for a future with reduced carbon emissions and more efficient energy usage, technologies like those offered by PhaseStor are essential. The insights during the webinar underscored the importance of innovative thermal energy storage solutions in achieving these goals. If you’re looking to optimize your energy usage and take advantage of the latest advancements in TES technology, PhaseStor is the partner you need.

If you want to learn more about the latest technologies in HVAC, register for our next Coffee Break webinar. Reach out to your SVL Sales Engineer for an invite to our future sessions.

Harness the Future by Storing Today!

Catch the replay of our latest Coffee Break Webinar, exploring enVerid’s innovative HVAC load-reduction modules and the updated Indoor Air Quality Procedure (IAQP) from ASHRAE and IMC. This comprehensive session examined the driving market forces, IAQP compliance with building codes, and the wide-ranging benefits and applications of this cutting-edge approach. Participants gained invaluable insights into the latest ASHRAE updates that simplify IAQP implementation and discovered how enVerid’s Sorbent Ventilation Technology enhances the process. The seminar was further enriched with a detailed real-world case study and an engaging interactive Q&A session, providing a wealth of knowledge and practical examples.

Ask your SVL sales engineer for an invite to our upcoming Coffee Breaks. In these 45-minute sessions, a subject-matter expert will explain all the nuances of a particular HVAC challenge or technology. Stay up to date and earn PDH credits in the process!

Updated Ventilation Procedure: Enhancing Efficiency and Wellness

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving world, building efficiency and occupant wellness are paramount. During our recent coffee break, Matt from enVerid shed light on an updated ventilation procedure designed to achieve these very goals. Here’s a comprehensive look at this innovative approach.

The Updated Ventilation Procedure

The new indoor air quality procedure, approved by ASHRAE and the International Mechanical Code (IMC), focuses on maximizing savings, minimizing emissions, and enhancing wellness for building occupants. This procedure stands out as a triple-win solution, tackling financial, environmental, and health aspects simultaneously.

Market Drivers and Customer Behavior

Several market dynamics drive the need for this updated approach. Customers are increasingly looking to move beyond traditional, conservative designs to capture more value. Kevin, a key market observer, noted that the buzzwords today include decarbonization and electrification. As society strives for a better future, achieving these goals presents significant challenges. This is where the updated procedure comes into play, offering a viable path to address these issues.

Benefits and Case Studies

Diving deeper into the procedure, the detailed benefits become apparent through various case studies and the use of advanced technology. The key is to reduce the building load, particularly the HVAC load, right from the project’s inception. This not only mitigates design and implementation challenges but also aligns with financial prudence by reducing both first costs and operational expenses.

Practical Implications

The practical implications of this updated approach are manifold. For instance, reducing the HVAC load can significantly decrease equipment costs and utility expenses. Given the current trend of rising equipment prices and labor costs, this method presents a smart financial decision for both tenants and owners.

Compliance and Flexibility

One might wonder about the compliance aspect. The procedure adheres to the Minnesota State Mechanical Code, which references the IMC. Specifically, the 2020 Minnesota State Code allows for this alternative outdoor air ventilation design, ensuring full compliance. This flexibility is crucial as it means the procedure can be tailored to specific building needs without compromising on regulatory standards.

Enhancing Indoor Air Quality

The primary goal remains to enhance indoor air quality. This is achieved by directly controlling contaminants within the building while reducing the intake of potentially polluted outside air. The approach is not only compliant but also aligns with initiatives for greener and more sustainable buildings.

Supporting Sustainability Goals

Furthermore, this method supports broader sustainability goals. It enables buildings to achieve points under green building certification programs like LEED and WELL. This alignment with sustainability standards ensures that the buildings are future-proof and environmentally friendly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ASHRAE’s updated ventilation procedure matched with enVerid products offer a significant step forward in building design and management. It offers a comprehensive solution to maximize savings, minimize emissions, and enhance occupant wellness. As market trends continue to evolve, adopting such innovative approaches will be crucial for staying ahead and achieving long-term sustainability goals.

For those interested in exploring this procedure further, the full presentation by Matt provides an in-depth look at the methodology, case studies, and practical applications. Reach out to enVerid for more information and to see how this approach can be tailored to your specific project needs.

SVL and Flow had a 45-minute live streamed session featuring an engaging conversation with Sean Jarvie, a leading expert from Flow, where we delved into the transformative potential of CO2 heat pumps. We explored their impressive energy efficiency, delivering year-round comfort and quiet operation while significantly reducing the environmental impact. He closed by bringing the future of climate control to life, Sean presented a live demonstration of the Answr Heat Pump unit.

How Does a Flow Heat Pump Work?

Flow heat pumps operate on the principle of heat transfer. They act like a reverse air conditioner, absorbing heat from a cool source (air or ground) and transferring it to your home for warmth. In the summer, the process reverses, extracting heat from your home and releasing it outdoors. Unlike traditional systems that rely on burning fossil fuels to generate heat, flow heat pumps utilize electricity to move existing thermal energy.

There are two main types of flow heat pumps:

• Air-source heat pumps: These systems extract and release heat from the outside air. They’re a good choice for moderate climates.
• Ground-source heat pumps (geothermal): These systems utilize the constant temperature of the earth below the frost line as a heat source or sink. They offer higher efficiency but require more upfront investment for installation.

Benefits of Flow Heat Pumps:

Energy Efficiency: Compared to traditional systems, flow heat pumps can significantly lower your energy consumption. By transferring existing heat instead of generating it, they require less electricity to maintain your desired temperature. This translates to lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.

Year-Round Comfort: Flow heat pumps offer both heating and cooling capabilities in one system, eliminating the need for separate furnace and air conditioning units. They provide consistent and comfortable temperatures all year long.

Quiet Operation: Flow heat pumps generally operate much quieter than traditional systems, creating a more peaceful living environment.

Environmental Benefits: By relying on electricity and utilizing renewable energy sources like solar panels, flow heat pumps can significantly reduce your home’s reliance on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions.

Long Lifespan: With proper maintenance, flow heat pumps can have a lifespan of up to 15-20 years, potentially exceeding traditional heating and cooling systems.

Government Incentives: In many regions, government incentives are available to encourage homeowners to switch to energy-efficient technologies like flow heat pumps. These incentives can help offset the initial cost of installation.

Things to Consider Before Installing a Flow Heat Pump:

Climate: Flow heat pumps perform best in moderate climates. While air-source models can operate in colder areas, their efficiency can decrease significantly. Ground-source systems offer more consistent efficiency but require a higher upfront investment.

Initial Cost: The installation of a flow heat pump system can be more expensive than traditional systems. However, the long-term savings on energy bills and potential government incentives can make it a worthwhile investment.

Home Size and Insulation: Flow heat pumps are most effective in well-insulated homes. They may not be suitable for very large houses, as their capacity might be insufficient.

Maintenance: While generally low-maintenance, regular cleaning and professional service are crucial to maintain efficiency and lifespan.

Availability of Qualified Installers: Ensure you find a qualified and experienced HVAC contractor familiar with flow heat pump technology for proper installation and maintenance.

Conclusion

Flow heat pumps offer a compelling solution for those seeking an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly way to achieve year-round comfort. While some upfront costs and considerations exist, the long-term benefits in terms of energy savings, environmental impact, and comfort make flow heat pumps an attractive option. If you’re looking for a sustainable and innovative way to heat and cool, consider exploring Flow Heat Pumps.

Embrace the future of HVAC&R. Discover how Flow Heat Pumps can ensure long-lasting comfort and sustainability.

Our latest Coffee Break Webinar, a 45-minute session titled “Reducing Emissions & Operating Costs by Unlocking the Power of Clean Steam” featured a conversation with Joe Singerling from Fulton Boilers. We discussed the critical role of steam quality and explored Fulton’s clean steam systems, their diverse applications, and the factors influencing their efficiency.

What is Clean Steam?

Clean steam is steam with low moisture content and minimal contaminants. Traditional steam, also known as “plant steam,” is sufficient for many applications where the steam doesn’t directly contact the product. However, in industries like food processing and pharmaceuticals, stricter standards are necessary. Clean steam offers several advantages:

• Reduced Risk of Contamination: Lower moisture content translates to less carryover of impurities and minerals that could contaminate the product.
• Improved Process Control: Consistent steam quality ensures predictable and repeatable results in processes.

Levels of Clean Steam

The requirements for clean steam vary depending on the industry and application. Here’s a breakdown of the different levels of clean steam discussed in the seminar:

• Plant Steam: This is the most basic level of steam quality. It is used in applications where steam does not come into direct contact with the product, such as heating buildings or powering turbines.
• Culinary Steam: Used in food processing applications, culinary steam requires filtration to remove particles larger than 2 microns. It may also involve the use of FDA-approved chemicals for sanitation.
• Clean Steam (Generic): This is a general term for steam that is free of chemicals. It typically uses softened water, reverse osmosis, or deionized water to achieve minimal contaminants. Clean steam systems may utilize a dedicated boiler or a secondary steam generator.
• Pure Steam: This is the highest level of clean steam, with virtually no impurities. It is used in critical applications within the pharmaceutical industry. Pure steam systems require stringent standards, including 316 stainless steel piping and all-welded connections to minimize contamination risks.

Key Factors for Clean Steam Systems

Several factors influence the effectiveness of clean steam systems:

• Moisture Content: As mentioned earlier, lower moisture content is essential for minimizing contaminant carryover.
• Boiler Pressure: operating at Lower steam  pressures can generate larger steam bubbles, which can increase moisture content.
• Water Treatment: Proper water treatment is crucial to prevent scale buildup in the boiler and pipes, which can not only reduce efficiency but also lead to contamination.
• System Design: Careful consideration needs to be given to system design aspects like appropriate pipe sizing and maintaining proper water levels in the boiler to ensure optimal clean steam generation.

Challenges of Clean Steam Systems

While clean steam offers significant benefits, there are also challenges to consider:

• Cost: Higher levels of clean steam require more expensive materials and components for boilers, piping, and filtration systems.
• Boiler Life: Running a boiler without the use of certain chemicals can potentially reduce its lifespan. Implementing proper boiler maintenance practices becomes even more critical in clean steam systems.
• Large Instantaneous Loads: Sudden spikes in steam demand can overwhelm the boiler’s capacity, potentially compromising steam quality. Proper system design and boiler sizing are essential to handle anticipated fluctuations in demand.

Fulton Boilers and Clean Steam Solutions

Fulton Boilers has extensive experience in designing and manufacturing boilers for various clean steam applications. The seminar provided a deeper understanding of the intricacies of clean steam systems and the various factors that influence their performance. By carefully assessing these factors and selecting the appropriate equipment and water treatment solutions, facilities can ensure they achieve the desired level of clean steam quality for their specific needs.

In Conclusion

Clean steam systems play a vital role in various applications, ensuring product quality and process consistency. Understanding the different levels of clean steam, the factors that influence their effectiveness, and the challenges involved is crucial for selecting the right system for your application. If you’re considering implementing a clean steam system, consulting with a reputable boiler manufacturer like Fulton Boilers can be extremely beneficial. Their expertise can help you navigate the various considerations and design a system that meets your specific requirements.

In our latest Coffee Break Webinar, we had the privilege of conversing with Matt Whittington from Hurst Boilers. He updated us on Hurst’s class-leading efficiency by optimizing heat transfer in their hot water and steam boilers. Spotlighting their different Scotch Marine offerings. These 45-minute webinars add to your professional development, are worth 1 PDH, and offer exclusive insights from top-tier professionals within the HVAC industry. To secure your place in the upcoming session, contact your SVL Sales Engineer for an invitation.

Harnessing Superior Efficiency: A Guide to Custom Hot Water and Steam Boilers from Hurst

In today’s ever-evolving industrial landscape, optimizing energy consumption remains paramount. Businesses constantly seek solutions to elevate efficiency and reduce their environmental footprint. Hurst Boiler, a leader in boiler manufacturing since 1967, offers a compelling answer with its premium series boilers.

A Legacy of Innovation: Hurst Boilers

Founded by Gene Hurst in 1967; Hurst Boiler’s roots lie in exceptional boiler service. Their focus on quality and customer satisfaction propelled them into boiler manufacturing in the mid-1970s. Today, Hurst Boiler stands tall as one of the nation’s leading fire-tube boiler manufacturers, delivering dependable and efficient boiler solutions.

The Scotch Marine Series: A Benchmark for Efficiency

The webinar sheds light on Hurst Boiler’s crown jewel – the Scotch Marine series. This series boasts a variety of boiler options, each designed to cater to specific needs while prioritizing efficiency.

• Series 500: The flagship, the Series 500, is a four-pass, water backed boiler that embodies superior efficiency. This premium boiler is ideal for those seeking top-of-the-line performance.
• Series 400: A worthy contender, the Series 400 is a three-pass, water backed boiler delivering efficiency comparable to the Series 500. It offers an excellent balance between performance and footprint.
• Series 250: Designed for space-conscious applications, the Series 250 is a two-pass, water backed   boiler that utilizes XID tubes to achieve impressive efficiency levels.
• Euro Series: This space-saving champion is a three-pass, water backed boiler featuring a larger Morrison tube. The Euro Series is cleverly designed to fit within a shipping container, making it ideal for scenarios with limited space.

Beyond Efficiency: The Advantages of Water Backed Boilers

The webinar delves deeper into the merits of water backed boilers over the dry back counterparts. Water backed boilers offer a clear advantage in terms of:

• Enhanced Heat Transfer: water backed boilers facilitate superior heat transfer, resulting in increased efficiency and lower fuel consumption.
• Simplified Maintenance and Reduced Costs: water backed boilers feature a more straightforward design that translates to easier maintenance and lower lifetime ownership costs.
• Improved Durability: The separate rear tube sheets in water backed boilers alleviate stress on the Boiler tube sheet, enhancing its durability.

StackMaster Economizer: An Innovation for Efficiency Enhancement

Hurst Boiler’s commitment to efficiency extends beyond the boiler itself. The webinar introduces the StackMaster economizer, an ingenious solution pre-packaged and integrated into the boiler’s smokebox. This clever design captures waste heat from flue gases, boosting boiler efficiency by 1.5% to 4%. Additionally, the easily replaceable coil design minimizes downtime in case of maintenance requirements.

A Commitment to Versatility and Support

Hurst Boiler recognizes the diverse needs of the boiler market. Their Scotch Marine boilers are available in both hot water and steam configurations, ensuring a perfect match for various applications. Furthermore, they provide a comprehensive line of aftermarket parts to guarantee long-term performance.

Investing in Efficiency with Hurst Boilers

By opting for Hurst Boiler’s Scotch Marine series, businesses can significantly increase efficiency, reliability, and productivity With Hurst’s commitment to innovation, quality, and customer support, Hurst Boiler empowers businesses to achieve their energy optimization goals.

Contact Hurst Boiler today to explore how their custom hot water and steam boiler solutions can elevate the efficiency of your operations.

New technologies are being deployed in facets of HVAC that would have been nearly unimaginable 20 years ago. We sat down with Victor Cincola from Accutrol, LLC at our latest Coffee Break webinar for an overview of how AccuValve is changing airflow systems.

SVL Coffee Breaks are 45-minute presentations from the leading innovators in the HVAC community. To stay up to speed on the latest developments in the industry, contact your SVL Sales Engineer for an invite to our upcoming sessions.

What are the traditional methods for airflow control?

There have historically been two basic technologies that are used to control the airflow to a space. Both have their pros and cons and applications to which they are best suited.

The first and most basic one of these technologies is a box with a single-blade damper and differential pressure airflow measurement. This is the basic setup you’ll find in VAV boxes. It is still a good choice for office environments because it’s economical and the space usually doesn’t experience large swings in airflow demand. That’s important because one of the significant limitations is that boxes like these are not linear devices, meaning they perform best at the high end of their specified airflow range.

The second technology is a mechanical Venturi valve. This was a preferred solution from the 1980s to the 2000s. It contains no airflow measurement because the airflow going through it is metered. As static pressure changes, the valve mechanically compensates to maintain the design cfm.

Are these technologies out of date?

No. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution in airflow and both technologies continue to be used successfully today. However, there have been technological advancements in this facet of HVAC that allow, for example, for greater control at lower static pressures and greater flexibility of placement and orientation.

Accutrol has seen the desire for energy efficiency and flexibility in airflow control. Owners want to run their systems at lower pressure, with less fan horsepower, while accurately measuring airflow in the system.

Accutrol’s AccuValve® with VorTek™ airflow measurement is the new alternative. What makes it different?

AccuValve is designed to deliver accurate airflow at a low pressure drop. This has a cascading effect — lower pressure means lower energy usage, not having to run fans so hard means less fan maintenance and longer service life, and ultimately, smaller fans and improved acoustics.

The valve also delivers precise, true airflow measurements without the need for a straight run. To measure airflow, you need a developed, repeatable airflow profile over the range you want to operate in. Straight runs are commonly used to accomplish this, but there are other ways. Compression is another.

No matter how the airflow comes into the AccuValve, the airflow is compressed into two sections and the airflow is fully developed at the flow sensor locations. It doesn’t matter how the valve is mounted or oriented, or if airflow is greater in one section. The measurements are measured in the two chambers separately and added together.

Then a set of control blades in one or both sections can restrict the amount of airflow going through the valve. Finally, a regain section at the end of the valve allows the airflow to decompress in an organized fashion, making the valve much more efficient.

Are the control blades on AccuValve any different than those of a single-blade damper?

The control blades on the AccuValve open and close at a different rate. This is why the airflow is measured in two chambers, because there may be times when the control blades create greater flow through one side and less through the other. The mechanical reason for this is to create a much more linear control in terms of flow through the valve and its position.

The idea is similar, although not entirely the same, to a two-thirds/one-third liquid valve that linearizes the flow through the valve.

AccuValve’s airflow sensing and the offset blades give the valve a large turndown, at least 10:1, sometimes even more, of excellent, linear airflow control. This means you don’t have to know the exact range in which you apply the valve. This is especially nice if you’re retrofitting a building and replacing mechanical Venturi valves. When you finally dial back the static pressure in the system, you won’t have to go back and recalibrate all the valves to compensate for the change in pressure.