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Coffee Break with Chance Brofft of Oilon Heat Pumps

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What Separates Oilon ChillHeat Heat Pumps From Others In The Marketplace?

We asked Chance Brofft from Oilon to explain the new ChillHeat series at our latest Coffee Break webinar. These bimonthly sessions earn attendees 1 PDH and give them up-to-the-minute information on the most exciting technologies in the HVAC market. Be sure to ask your SVL sales engineer for an invite to future Coffee Breaks.

Give us a refresher on the basics of heat pump operation.

Oilon ChillHeat heat pumps operate in the same basic manner as most heat pumps. Liquid refrigerant enters the evaporator, where incoming cold water transfers heat to the refrigerant and exits as chilled water. The refrigerant evaporates, becoming a low-temperature/low-pressure gas, and enters the compressor, where it’s compressed into high-temperature/high-pressure gas. It enters the condenser, where it transfers heat to warm water (which becomes hot water) and condenses back down into liquid refrigerant and goes through the expansion valve to begin the process again.

Typical coefficient of performance (COP) values on ChillHeat heat pumps are between 2 and up to 7 in some cases. This is key for the electrification of HVAC systems because customers looking into electric boilers should note that their COP is never over 1 (meaning that for every 1 kW of energy going into an electric boiler to power it, you’ll never get more than 1 kW of energy out). In contrast, Oilon ChillHeat heat pumps can achieve 6–7 kW of energy going out the condenser side for heating capacity for every 1 kW they consume.

What kinds of heat pumps are in the ChillHeat product family?

  • Oilon-p30-p450-ChillHeat-Industrial-Heat-PumpsRE Series: heat pumps with scroll compressors, reaching up to 145 °F on the condenser side.
  • P Series: piston or reciprocating heat pumps. This high-temperature series achieves up to 248 °F hot water.
  • S Series: screw compressor heat pumps. This is Oilon’s high-capacity series, which delivers up to 190 °F hot water. The S2000 has 2000 kW of heating capacity.

What has Oilon attempted to achieve with this series of heat pumps?

Demand for heat pumps is rising for many reasons. The cost and supply of natural gas have become imperiled by international conflict. Municipalities are setting emissions regulations for buildings, and so is the federal government. The Council on Environmental Quality’s (CEQ) Federal Building Performance Standard requires agencies to cut energy use and electrify equipment, meaning that agencies will be buying products such as heat pumps, electric water heaters, and other energy-efficient building system technologies supported by the Inflation Reduction Act.
Oilon is headquartered in Finland, where the extreme temperatures have led them to design heat pumps that deliver the highest possible exiting hot water temperatures. Their R&D team researched liquid injection, oil cooling, and refrigerants with various global warming potential (GWP) values.

The result is the ChillHeat P Series, which delivers hot water temperatures that no other manufacturer in North America can match.

Could you give us some more specs?

Their compact and easy-to-maintain design is perfect for retrofits. They have the flexibility to integrate into BAS systems, can work with multiple refrigerant options, and feature a soundproofing enclosure for low noise and low vibration.

The S and P series can come with optional VFDs and an energy measurement system with real-time monitoring. The Oilon Global Monitor sends real-time information about the heat pump and displays key performance indicators in the user interface, making it easier to monitor the system. It improves their products’ UX, reliability, efficiency, durability, and safety.

What are some likely applications?

Though they apply to many installations, there are a few sectors that have seen several hundred installations of ChillHeat heat pumps in Europe and beyond:

  • Heat recovery from cooling towers, wastewater treatment plants, refrigeration waste heat, biogas processes and flue gas.
  • Simultaneous heating and cooling: Hospitals have a constant load of heating and cooling year-round. Data centers are the same — constant simultaneous demand, and heat recovery possibilities from the heat generated by the servers. The P-series can produce water temperatures for simultaneous heating and cooling. The evaporator side is used for comfort cooling, and the condenser side goes out to a heating loop like a geothermal installation (and the process can be reversed in winter).

What does the future hold for Oilon heat pumps?

Their most significant focus with R&D is dealing with extreme temperatures and producing the hottest possible hot water temperatures. The company hopes to create steam on the condenser side of the heat pumps in the near future.

Be sure to check out an Oilon P-75 unit up close at the ASHRAE conference in Atlanta this February.

Interested in More?

Learn More About Oilon
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                      Jim Lubratt

                      President & Chief Executive Officer

                      Jim Lubratt has been president of SVL since 2006. He first joined the company as a sales engineer in 1992 and was made a partner in 2000. He holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Southern Methodist University and first entered the HVAC industry as a marketing engineer for a heat pump manufacturer in Texas.

                      In addition to his role at SVL, Jim is vice president of AQC Industries, LLC, a manufacturer of specialized underground ductwork systems. He is also an investor and board member for Hydromx, Inc., a manufacturer of heat transfer nanofluids, and Crotega, Inc., creators of personal and building security solutions.

                      Jim and his wife, Tracy, met in college and married in 1993. They have three children, two of whom have graduated college in Texas, while their youngest is attending Grand Canyon University in Arizona.

                      Outside of work, Jim places a priority on his faith, family, friends, and fitness. He enjoys helping people-supporting charities, time with his wife and kids, road-biking with friends and efforts to stay physically fit.

                      A message from Jim on the achievements of SVL

                      SVL started in February 1967 by Charlie Schwab and Craig Vollhaber. Schwab-Vollhaber, Inc. (as it was named at the time) steadily grew and, in 1985, welcomed Paul Lubratt as another partner, becoming Schwab-Vollhaber-Lubratt, Inc. SVL’s founders had the determination to build the most talented, customer-focused HVAC representative in the Midwest. Our original drive and passion still shape the company and culture to this day. The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined efforts of every individual. From humble beginnings, SVL founders paved the way to industry success with hard work and determination. “Today, SVL is strongly organized with great people to lead our industry forward as we are challenged with fast-paced changes to reduce our environmental impact,” says Jim. Now, 55+ years later, SVL is under the leadership of two new principals who share the same vision and drive that has propelled SVL throughout the years. Built on a foundation of integrity, Jim Lubratt, and Charlie Vollhaber strive to ensure opportunities for personal growth, improved work environment, and shared life enrichment. The achievements of our organization are the results of the combined efforts of every individual.

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                      Charlie Vollhaber

                      Executive Vice President & Officer

                      Charlie Vollhaber is a third-generation employee at SVL, as a grandson of company co-founder Craig Vollhaber and son of former CEO Todd Vollhaber. Charlie holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and an MBA, both from the University of Minnesota. He became an outside salesman for SVL in 2013, was made a partner in 2019, and then executive vice president and officer in 2022.

                      He grew up playing sports, including football, basketball, golf, and track, and enjoys the competitive nature of the HVAC industry. “I like that no two days are ever the same as there are always questions to answer and problems to solve,” he says. “Most of all, I enjoy working with great people and coordinating together on challenging projects to achieve positive results together.”

                      Outside of work, Charlie enjoys spending time with his wife, Lesley, and their three boys. He’s also fond of golfing, traveling, and attending concerts and sporting events. One of his favorite quotes is from the book of Philippians: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count other more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Because HVAC and construction is such a team effort, he says, “this mindset helps to create positive results in a vast majority of situations.”

                      A message from Charlie on the culture of SVL

                      “At SVL, we strive to cultivate a unique culture that revolves around finding and empowering exceptional individuals. We believe in equipping our team members with the right tools and resources to succeed.

                      As we’ve grown the business, we have deliberately maintained a small firm culture, fostering an environment where collaboration thrives. We encourage open dialogue and promote a sense of comfort among our employees, allowing anyone to ask questions and seek guidance from anyone else, regardless of their level within the organization.

                      We foster a workshop-like atmosphere where everyone’s contribution is valued. Presenting your work to another individual or a group of teammates provides a platform for collaboration, where ideas are shared, dissected, and improved collectively. We firmly believe in the power of mentoring and provide various avenues for both formal and informal guidance. Whether it’s through structured training programs or casual conversations, we encourage team members to discuss a wide range of topics, from work-related successes or issues to everyday personal life topics.

                      In summary, our culture is built on the foundation of attracting exceptional individuals, empowering them with the necessary tools, and fostering a collaborative environment where mentorship and growth thrive. We are committed to creating an atmosphere where every team member feels supported, valued, and encouraged to reach their fullest potential.”

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                      Al Gramse

                      Vice President of SVL Service Corporation

                      Al Gramse has been in the HVAC industry for over 30 years. He began as a service technician.  Then over his career worked in technical support, building automation, then service manager prior to his current role.

                      How did Al end up in the HVAC industry?  “After high school, I took a couple years to figure out what I wanted to do.   Where I was working at the time, a grumpy old coworker, who I didn’t get along with, walked up to me and said ‘What are you doing here?  Go back to school.’”  I said, “For what?”  He said “There’s a tech school down the street.  Go down there and pick something that interests you”. Then he walked away.  That weird interaction, with someone I didn’t get along with, sent me down a 30-year path in the HVAC industry.   Never underestimate the potential of a little encouragement.   Even if it is from a strange source.

                      Al has been with SVL for 15 years and is the head of our SVL Service division. “The people here are some of the best in the industry,” Al says. “A bunch of team-oriented, knowledgeable, go-getters.” His personal mantra is “figure it out,” “Do a little fact-finding on your own. Use your own brain before you use someone else’s. But know when to ask for help.” he prescribes. “It’s amazing what you can accomplish on your own if you dig in a little bit.”

                      Outside of work, Al has lots of outdoor hobbies, including hunting, fishing, and motorcycling, though his favorite pastime is simply hanging out with family.

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                      Jennifer Roach

                      Director of Creative Services

                      Jen Roach brings 30 years of marketing and leadership experience to her work directing the creative team at SVL. A graduate of South St. Paul High School, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in visual communication and design from Brown College.

                      She began her career in graphic design before moving into an art director role with Dayton Hudson Corporation. Later, she became creative director at an advertising agency working on recreational vehicle accounts, before taking in-house creative director positions first at Gander Mountain and then at HOM Furniture.

                      Jen joined SVL in 2021, during a time of major growth for its marketing team. “My style is ‘servant-leadership’, putting my team’s needs before my own, doing whatever I can to make them feel valued and secure,” she says. “I think it drives stronger working relationships, builds trust, and produces higher quality work. I want the team to care about the company, the work, and each other.”

                      Outside of work, Jen enjoys spending time with her husband, Scott, and son, Crew. Together they love weekend getaways, being outside, riding bikes, gardening, baking, and traveling to wrestling tournaments to cheer on Simley High School. She recently constructed her forever home in Cottage Grove and now spends her free time as a weekend reno warrior.

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