Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) first made its way into the world of venting systems in the residential market. Recently, CPVC has been used to vent Category IV high-efficiency boilers. While it can cost up to 20 percent less than stainless steel, those specifying venting systems should consider other differences that may impact boiler efficiency and present potential safety hazards.
The newest product innovation in the ventilation industry - the modular/field-adjustable (M/FA) fabric duct/diffuser system - promises air distribution installation time reductions of as much as 40 to 80 percent and 15 to 50 percent less material costs, depending on marketplace geography.
Thermography uses an infrared camera (thermal imager) to capture two-dimensional representations of the surface temperatures of parts of buildings. Often, those images reveal temperatures or temperature differences that indicate conditions contributing to the waste of heated or cooled air and, as a result, needlessly excessive energy costs.
Desiccant dehumidification is a cost-effective and energy efficient option to reduce a supermarkets’ moisture load to lower energy costs, ensure food safety and customer comfort, and provide the proper amount of fresh outdoor air at the precise temperature and humidity necessary for the space.
A basic HVAC system shows the application of the Second Law of Thermodynamics. The compressor adds energy to the refrigerant, and it becomes hot, just the way a hand operated tire pump does. Since the compressed refrigerant is hotter than the air blowing across the condenser, the heat will flow to the cooler air. This is a transfer of heat energy out of the refrigerant.
Thermodynamics, as with most concepts in science and physics, is most accurately described using mathematical equations. However, simple explanations, although not perfectly accurate, are sufficient to convey the information needed to understand everyday experiences. This article is an attempt to simplify these concepts.
Transpired solar air collector technology, developed at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) back in the 1990s, recently found its way back home and is now an integral part of the comfort heating system of the new Research Support Facility (RSF).
People sometimes ask if there are wear differences due to the raw edge design of the notched V-belt vs. the fabric all over design of the classical wrapped V-belt. The fact is many factors can contribute to sheave wear. However, notched V-belts and wrapped V-belts have virtually identical sheave wear characteristics.
Could the shift to better filters mean that they could cause problems with inadequate airflow or greater fan energy use? Are all high-MERV filters equal, or do some have less pressure drop than others? How much better are 2- and 4-inch-thick pleated filters than 1-inch filters? Some tests were run to answer these questions.
It is possible to ensure high-quality brazing connections in a safe and environmentally friendly way? Yes it is, with mixed oxyhydrogen gas generators. This technology works only with water and electricity. Gas is generated through a particular electrolytic cell, able to get H2-O2 from the water.