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CONTENTS O F
78COVER STORY Top Chef Canada’s head judge, Mark McEwan knows the way around his kitchen and supermarket, and the mechanicals can make all the difference. Adam Freill
SUSTAINFEATURES 41A celebration of green 42Solar thermal: Drain ’em back Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr
46Road Warrior: Kitchener’s Steve Hamoen 48Plumbing for efficiency Jason Boyd
52Heat pumps: Targeting Net Zero Tom Loughran
56Global trends in refrigerants and
Looking beyond efficiency 22COOLING REPORT Questions abound on rebates, R-22 condensing units and residential top-ups. David Janzen
technologies Phil Boudreau
62Going geothermal pays off for Walmart Canada Nuno Duarte
64HVAC: Pushing the envelope on performance Gord Cooke
SIZING PROPERLY FOR
COMMERCIAL KITCHENS 28What to measure, and how, when it comes to properly sizing a commercial or industrial kitchen drain, waste and vent system. Sam Steele
68/74Products 69The three Ps of sustainable marketing Doug MacMillan
70Biogas: Garbage in – Gas out Denise Deveau
76Greywater and what we make of it Kevin Wong
On the cover: Toronto-based professional chef Mark McEwan is head judge on the Food Network’s Top Chef Canada. Off air, he is a dedicated chef, restaurateur and grocery store owner.
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TA B L E M O R E F E AT U R E S 34HYDRONICS Embracing snowmelt technology John Vastyan
38HVAC/R Less humidity, greater efficiency Carol Fey
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CONTENTS O F
S P E C I A L I S T S 42
HYDRONICS Addicted to solar thermal Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr Part of the solar thermal plan: Employing drainback to countermand low-load conditions.
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REFRIGERATION Global refrigeration trends Phil Boudreau Even with lower energy costs, North America is headed down a cool road to higher efficiency. What’s ahead? Natural refrigerants, continued HFC phase-out, and the carbon dioxide versus ammonia refrigerant debate.
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HIGH PERFORMANCE HVAC Pushing the envelope on performance Gord Cooke HVAC contractors have a very important role to play in the development of high-performance homes.
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MARKETING How to best convey the green message Doug MacMillan Commitment to the planet is no longer something worth bragging about, it is an expectation.
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ASK ROGER Boosting team morale Roger Grochmal How engaged are your people? A five-point checklist to create a more positive work environment.
80MCEE Event in Pictures
82PVF REPORT Consistent price fluctuations Adam Freill
86PREVIEW COHA’s Cleaner Heat Symposium
90OIL HEAT Tank handling best practices Stephen Hazell
92CONDENSING TANKLESS Installer-friendly venting spurs demand Jason Corey
112 WORLD VIEW Dispatch: ISH 2011 Jeff Patchell Still not convinced the sustainable route is the best to take? Well, the numbers don’t lie.
96FIND THE FIX 100CONTROLS Targeting boiler efficiency Steve Lamoureux
102DECOMMISSIONING Out with the old Denise Deveau
104HVAC Heating and cooling in temporary structures Denise Deveau
D E PA R T M E N T S 08From the editor’s desk . 10News 20Profile: Rick Olmstead 85Tool Tip 110The Info Page 111Calendar 114By the numbers
P R O D U C T S 22Cooling 32,108Plumbing 68,74Sustainables 88Oil Heat 105HVAC/R 107Hydronics 109Stuff you need CHECK US OUT ONLINE
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FROM Content Media Group Inc. 19 – 1525 Cornwall Road Oakville, ON L6J 0B2 CANADA Tel: 905.465.2919 Fax: 905.465.2913 www.mechanicalbusiness.com May/June 2011 Issue Published 6 times per year. Editor: Adam Freill, ext. 224 adam.freill@mechanicalbusiness.com Assistant Editor: David Janzen, ext. 225 david.janzen@mechanicalbusiness.com National Accounts Manager: Laura Goodwin, ext. 221 laura.goodwin@mechanicalbusiness.com Controller: Liz Mills liz.mills@mechanicalbusiness.com Art Direction: JJM Graphic Ltd. davem@jjmgraphic.com Circulation Manager: Shila Naik (905) 272-4175 shila.naik@mechanicalbusiness.com Publisher: Bruce Meacock, ext. 222 bruce.meacock@mechanicalbusiness.com PM:41536047 ISSN 1916-0674 MB (Print) ISSN 1906-0682 MB (Online)
Postmaster – Please send all address changes or undeliverable copies to: Mechanical Business, 19 – 1525 Cornwall Road, Oakville, ON L6J 0B2 We wish to acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.
Today that slogan would look decidedly out of place, given our movement to sustainability, conservation and efficiency. “Dealing responsibly with water is one of the most important global aims of the 21st century,” states the opening page of the Blue Responsibility website, a sustainability campaign launched in Germany (see World View, page 112).
Need a good journeyman? More and more companies are posting open positions on the Mechanical Business Careers site, and you can too. Are you looking for a few good employees? Why not advertise your open positions on the industry’s careers job board. It’s online. It’s free to browse the ads. And best of all, it targets our industry – you won’t find “Make money from home” ads here, nor will your prospective employees. Check it out at our home on the web, mechanicalbusiness.com/Careers.asp.
In today’s world, efficiency is the name of the game, whether you play in plumbing, hydronics, forced air, refrigeration, or media. It is the reason why we’ve decided to put a spotlight on the topic with our Sustain supplement that starts on page 41 of this very edition of Mechanical Business which, incidentally, is printed on FSC certified paper.
While it can feel good to do something that’s right for the planet, bringing sustainable products and technology to market requires much more than a feelgood story. The most effective way to lead the environmental charge is to make a financial link, and to show that beyond being the right thing to do, it can also make good business sense. Take, for example, Walmart’s geothermal project in Burlington, Ont., (see page 62). Not only is this build a fantastic showcase of creative engineering, but it is also a project that will pay for itself in less than 10 years. Until next time,
Adam Freill, Editor
From time to time, Content Media Group Inc. makes subscribers’ names available to reputable companies whose products or services may be of interest to readers. If you would like your name excluded from these mailings, please notify the publisher. © Copyright 2011. The contents of this magazine may not be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission of the publisher. Proud members of:
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Not too many readers will have likely come across Sarnia Hydro-Electric Commission's slogan from the 1930s, “Use hydro, it's yours,” but it is an excellent illustration of how our collective mindsets have changed over the years.
Notice: Mechanical Business is published for owners, managers and decision makers with mechanical contracting firms and the sector's supply chain partners in Canada. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information, Mechanical Business, Content Media Group Inc., its staff, directors, officers and shareholders (‘The Publisher’) assume no liability, obligation or responsibility for advertised claims, for errors and/or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. Manufacturers’ instructions take precedence over published editorial. The publisher reserves the right to publish a printed correction in a subsequent issue for editorial errors, omissions and oversights. Subscriptions are available for $90 plus taxes in Canada and the U.S. Single copies are $15.00. Outside Canada and the U.S., the rates are $150.00 (annual) and $25.00 (single copy).
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Driving sustainability
Submissions: Copyright in material submitted to the magazine and accepted for publication remains with the author, but Mechanical Business and its licensees may freely reproduce it in print, electronic or other forms. Mechanical Business also reserves the right to edit said submitted materials to suit the editorial needs and mandate of the publication.
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“I can’t take a leak.” “That’s why I only use Dahl valves.” Nothing makes my blood boil like going back on a job to replace a leaky valve that’s caused water damage. I just can’t stand it, and now I don’t have to because I’m using Dahl valves, covered by a 25-year warranty. With Dahl on our trucks, I sleep better at night. Want to know more? Call toll-free 1-855-423-4862. Josh, Gaylen or Thomas will answer your questions. Or visit us at www.dahlvalve.com
Made in Canada. Really.
06.11
News www.mechanicalbusiness.com
One name says it all
Celebrating a decade in business
Almacorp and its divisions Airco, QueMar and DenBec have rebranded and the entire entity is now operating as Descair. Existing contacts and service locations have not changed. The company’s customer service centre can be reached by phone at 800-4405201 or 514-744-3599. Suppliers can reach Descair’s administrative service by calling 514-744-6752.
Redmond/Williams, an Ontario-head-quartered plumbing and HVAC wholesaler, celebrated its 10th anniversary in early May by inviting its customers and industry friends to an open house. The company unveiled its new 50,000 sq. ft. distribution centre, training room and fireplace showroom to the 450 guests who attended. “In some ways, it’s hard to believe that we have been in business for 10 years already,” stated Chris Redmond, company president (in photo, cutting the cake with Donna Smith, the company’s marketing co-ordinator). “We are very excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead, and we would especially like to thank our key business partners who have been long-time supporters and contributors to our success.””
descair.ca
redmondwilliams.com Barry Raycroft, vice-president and general manager of Bardon Supplies Limited, cuts the red pipe to officially open the company’s flagship distribution centre.
Maximizing energy savings
Wholesaler hosts grand opening gala
Proper installation is crucial in order to optimize energy-saving benefits when working with a VRF system, says John Molnar of LG Canada (pictured), a presenter at this year’s ORAC conference. “Good brazing is very important for system efficiency, as is taking into account about a 1.2-inch expansion of the lines per 100 feet,” he explained during his session. Almost 200 guests attended this year’s conference in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., in April. ORAC’s next event is its golf tournament fundraiser, swinging into action July 7 at the Richmond Hill Golf and Country Club.
In April, Bardon Supplies Limited welcomed more than 1,000 customers, guests and vendors to its grand opening of its flagship distribution centre in Belleville, Ont. The 125,000 sq. ft. facility is also the site of the company’s corporate head office and houses both a Bardon wholesale branch and a 4,500 sq. ft. bathworks showroom. The new centre is located at 405 College Street East. Contact numbers are: Tel 613-966-5643, Fax 613-966-2026. bardonsupplies.com
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CIPH ABC addresses sustainability This year’s CIPH ABC conference is running with the theme Building Sustainability from Sea to Sea to Sea, and will explore how to remain productive and sustainable in business. The event will take place June 26 to 29 in Victoria, B.C. at the Fairmont Victoria Empress hotel. Guest speakers include Jeff Vasey of the B.C. Ministry of Housing and Social Development, Alan Beaulieu from the Institute for Trend Research, and Canadian astronaut Dave Williams.
From left, Tom Bisek, distribution manager; Nik Ljiljanic, sales manager, central region; Greg Lawler, vice-president, supply chain and operations; Dan Hughes, real estate manager; and Cary Hartley, warehouse supervisor.
Uponor unveils larger distribution space
ciph.com
Green designs sprout in Toronto In April, the Canadian Green Building Council hosted a symposium with education sessions addressing such topics as green retrofits and Mel Hughes of Halsall Associates hosts the Leading improving building Approaches to Greening performance. More than Existing Buildings seminar. 375 delegates attended the conference, which aimed to discuss and promote sustainability in Canada. The next CaGBC national event is Greenbuild 2011, scheduled for October 4 to 7 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. cagbc.org
Uponor recently opened its newest distribution centre in Brampton, Ont. The 24,000 sq. ft. facility will accommodate the company’s future growth potential and is located at 5 Resolution Drive, Unit 2. Contact numbers are Tel 905-458-4698 and Fax 905-458-5615. uponor.ca
Identifying energy-saving products Taco has launched its e-Smart campaign, a program to make it clearer to identify its resource-saving products. E-smart tags were created to help identify products that are designed to reduce water consumption, save energy and increase system efficiency.
Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH / Jochen Günther
taco-hvac.com
Mechanicals flock to Frankfurt ISH, the five-day trade fair in Frankfurt, Germany, attracted more than 200,000 visitors from all over the globe in March. The world’s largest heating, plumbing and air conditioning conference, the event showcased the latest products and innovations in conservation, efficiency and renewable energy. “Thanks to its economic efficiency and ability to offer the best possible solutions for using water and energy in buildings, the sector holds an excellent position,” said Wolfgang Marzin, chairman of the board of management of Messe Frankfurt, organizers of the fair. The next edition of ISH will take place in Frankfurt in March of 2013. ish.messefrankfurt.com
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Watching our productivity “We are in pretty good shape in Canada. We’ve bounced back better than other places,” proclaimed Amanda Lang, senior business correspondent for CBC News and co-host of The Lang and O'Leary Exchange, during the most recent CIPH Ontario Region business meeting, held in Mississauga in May. She expressed optimism for how the Canadian economy has reacted to the challenges faced on a global scale, but warned that there are things that could cause a return to recession, chief among them being productivity challenges. “Our strong currency will force us to look at what we are doing, and why, and [improving productivity] is a challenge that we all need to rise to.”
Jeff House (right) discusses Taco’s Bumblebee with Stephen McLinchey of Jess-Don Dunford during the Desco Parade of Products.
ciph.com
Product parade hits Kitchener
Fundraiser date changed
Desco held its biennial Parade of Products Show at Bingemans Park in Kitchener, Ont., in early May. Held every second year since 1973, this year’s show attracted 1,300 contractor customers, who were treated to product displays and demonstrations, as well as dinner and prizes.
Attention all motorcyclists! The 2011 Ride for Habitat presented by CIPH and HRAI in Ontario has changed date and now has four separate routes planned. The ride is scheduled for Saturday, August 20 with four routes, including Kingston/Belleville/Peterborough, Vaughan, Hamilton, and Waterloo. Each route leads to Barrie, where the groups will meet and lunch will be provided.
desco.ca
rideforhabitat.com
Refrigerant information on the fly Refrigeration technicians have yet another mobile tool to add to their kit. Refrigerant Services Inc. and Refrigerant Solutions Ltd. have launched a free refrigerant app. It provides such reference information as refrigerant replacement guides, pressure and temperature figures, and retrofit guidelines. To download the app, head to the Apple App Store and search “refrigerants,” Google’s Android Market and search “RSL,” or visit www.rscool.com. rscool.com
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Grundfos gears up for a long haul A mobile pump education centre will be wheeling into a city near you this summer. Grundfos is launching its nine-week Pumps on Tour campaign with its 53-foot tractor trailer, which has been custom built to include product displays and a 30-seat training theater. Travelling east from Vancouver in May, the big rig will make stops at cities across Canada, eventually wrapping up the tour in Halifax in August. Seating is limited for all training sessions, and registration and further tour details are available online. pumpsontour.com grundfos.ca
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06.11
News www.mechanicalbusiness.com
Noble launches more centres Products take the spotlight Rheem Canada recently opened the doors to its new 5,000 sq. ft. product showroom and 2,000 sq. ft. training facility in Brampton, Ont. Paul Gharghoury (pictured), took the Mechanical Business team on a tour of the new digs. In addition to residential and commercial water heaters, the showroom houses the company’s array of HVAC and IAQ equipment, pool heaters and boilers. rheem.com
In Ontario, plumbing, hydronic and HVAC supplier Noble has opened two new branch locations, as well as two new plumbing counters at existing Don Park locations. In April, the Newmarket branch opened, and more recently, a facility in Milton. Rexdale and North York branches in the GTA are now combined centres, offering Don Park and Noble counters under one roof. Addresses and contact information are as follows: • Newmarket, 1188 Gorham Road, Unit B, Tel 905-830-6900/Fax 905-830-4316 • Milton, 8699 Escarpment Way, Unit 7, Tel 905-693-6300/Fax 905-693-9307 • Rexdale, 51A Belfield Road, Tel 416-240-9400/Fax 416-240-9497 • North York, 16 Lesmill Road, Tel 416-443-1300/Fax 416-443-1841 noble.ca
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RSES Canada meets in Moncton RSES Canada past president John Blackie received the society’s Honorary Member Award at the RSES Canada educational weekend and AGM in Moncton, N.B., in early May. Only 10 members have ever received this award, which recognizes individuals who have contributed much of their time and efforts to the organization. Also at the event, Mechanical Business contributor and refrigeration specialist Phil Boudreau, of Bitzer Canada, was named the society’s Speaker of the Year. rsescanada.com
Ensuring the HVAC/R future Former Toronto Argonaut head coach, and Grey Cup winner, Mike “Pinball” Clemons will speak at the HRAI AGM in August. The theme for this year’s conference, which takes place August 25 to 27 at the White Oaks Conference Resort and Spa in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., is “Planning for the Next Generation.” Additional event details and registration forms are available online. hrai.ca
Looking to hire? Check out MB’s online career section, home of the latest industry job postings. mechanicalbusiness.com
UP TO
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In manufactured home communities across Canada, those heroes are contractors installing Coleman appliances. Nobody takes home comfort more seriously than Coleman dealers. And nobody knows heating and cooling like Coleman. Take the MG9S Series gas furnace for example. For homeowners, its 95.5% efficiency and comfort-minded 4-speed direct-drive PSC motor makes it a winner. For installers, features like its ideal 33” tall cabinet, 1/4 turn door knobs and no knockouts to deal with make it the professionals choice. Add in that it has been specifically engineered to make natural gas to propane conversion a snap and you’ll understand why Coleman leads where others simply follow. Talk to us today about becoming a hero in your community.
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People in the news www.mechanicalbusiness.com
Moen Incorporated has promoted TIM MCDONOUGH to vice-president, global brand marketing. McDonough has been with Moen for more than 13 years, most recently serving as vicepresident of wholesale marketing and brand development for Moen Canada. Tim will be returning to the U.S. in this new role.
Carrier Corporation has appointed ABBAS KHAN president and general manager of Carrier sales and distribution Canada. He brings 17 years of marketing, finance, logistics and distribution experience with him to his new role.
MEL CAMPBELL has joined GTW Sales as partner and territory sales representative for Southwestern Ontario. He brings 11 years of HVAC industry experience with him to his new role. Emco has hired TOM NEWELL as regional vicepresident for Ontario. He brings 17 years of contractor service experience with him to his position, and will work from the company’s Oakville office.
RON VANHEVEL has joined GeoSmart Energy as Southwestern Ontario territory manager. He has more than 20 years of geothermal and HVAC experience, and will oversee area sales in the company’s dealer network. Ceralux Industries, an OS&B partner company, has appointed BRAD CORNELISSEN as sales manager for Ceralux. He has several years of marketing experience and will initially focus on Eastern Canada.
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Victaulic Company has appointed three hydronic balancing specialists, DAVID BOUTIN (left), JAMIE DUDLEY and ARPAD TOTH. Boutin will be responsible for the Quebec and Atlantic Canada region, Dudley will work within Ontario, and Toth will oversee B.C. and Western Canada.
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Mitsubishi Electric Sales Canada Inc. has promoted DERMOT MCMORROW to national manager, application engineering of the company’s HVAC division. He joined the company in 2008 and has more than 15 years of HVAC industry experience.
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Carlo Gavazzi has appointed JASON BELLAR to the position of account manager. He will be responsible for sales in the Western Greater Toronto Area, and has 15 years of automation and controls experience. Anvil International, has promoted SYLVAIN PERREAULT to national sales manager for Anvil International Canada. He has been with the company for more than 30 years and will be responsible for the company’s sales strategies in the Canadian market. Novo Water Conditioning has named STEVE JACKSON as sales manager to support the company’s growth in Western Canada. He is a past CIPH Manitoba president and brings 19 years of water conditioning experience with him to his new role. Emerson Climte Technologies has hired ALAIN MONGRAIN as contractor business development manager, which is a new position for the company. He has 25 years of industry experience, and among his responsibilities will be to educate contractors about the company’s digital technology.
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The All-New 2012 NV Lineup INNOVATION THAT WORKS
Your business card may say contractor, plumber, landscaper or electrician, but we know that’s only half of the story. You’re also the accountant, customer service department and CEO. And that’s why the Nissan NV is so much more than a van. With a built-in filing cabinet,* and expanded desktop surface,* it’s your entire office on wheels – perfect for all your jobs. You’ll have a hard time finding any other van than can do the same.
Starting from $30,998 For more information, visit ncv.nissan.ca *Available features. MSRP for 2012 NV 1500 (X41A72 AA00) is $30,998. Freight and PDE charges ($1,630), license, registration, insurance, duties and applicable taxes (including excise tax, fuel conservation tax, tire recycling tax and duties on new tires, where applicable) are extra. All prices are subject to change without notice. TMThe Nissan Commercial Vehicles names, logos, product names, feature names, and slogans are trademark owned by or licensed to Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., and/or its North American subsidiaries.
06.11
Movers and Shakers www.mechanicalbusiness.com
Provision Solar purchases EnerWorks Solar thermal company Provision Solar, operating under the name Proterra Solar, has signed a binding purchase agreement with EnerWorks. After the sale to Proterra, EnerWorks will keep its company name. In the meantime EnerWorks has moved its operations to Woodstock, Ont. Email addresses remain unchanged and the company, located at 969 Juliana Drive in Woodstock, can be reached by phone at 519-268-6500. enerworks.com
Novanni names B.C. rep Novanni Stainless Inc., a stainless steel sink manufacturer based in Oakville, Ont., will be represented in the province of B.C. by G.S. Equipco Ltd. Equipco will represent Novanni’s residential and commercial product lines, as well as its Elkay brand. novanni.ca
Mech Tech to rep HPS Hydronic Panel Systems Inc. is now represented in Ontario by Mech Tech Marketing Inc. Mech Tech can be reached by phone at 416-597-8663. mechtech.ca hydronicpanels.com
Coleman gains western brand rep Cross Country Parts Distributors Ltd., headquartered in Calgary, has been appointed key strategic distributor status for Coleman mobile home furnaces in Western Canada. The distributor will handle all aspects of the brand’s mobile home products sales, service, warranty and merchandising. colemanac.com crosscountryparts.com
Watts acquires Danfoss Socla In April, Watts Water Technologies Inc. acquired Danfoss Socla S.A.S. Through its purchase, Watts chose the option to also purchase Danfoss Socla’s water controls business in China. wattscanada.ca
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THE BEST VALUE IN A
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06.11
Profile A career of efficient air exchange One of the forefathers of the HRV industry in Canada, Rick Olmstead is a highly respected member of the ventilation community both in Canada and abroad. Currently the chair of the marketing committee with The Home Ventilating Institute (HVI) in the U.S., Rick, who lives in Saskatoon, Sask., is a recipient of the HVI Distinguished Service Award, and continues to be active in the trade. We caught up with him to talk conditioned air.
Q A
Tell me about your connection to HRV technology. I started Conservation Energy Systems Inc. in 1980 to develop some of the first commercial HRVs available in Canada. We developed our own test facilities and as a small company everyone was involved in product development. CES was sold to Venmar in the mid 1990s.
Q
How has knowledge and expectation of the ventilation sector changed over the years?
A
BIO
Photo: Jerry Humeny
Name: Rick Olmstead Titles: President Company: Interlink Research Inc. Age: 59 Born/raised/resides in: Saskatoon, SK Family: Married to Silvia Martini; two daughters Nicole and Alison Joined the industry in: 1980 Education: University of Saskatchewan Association involvement: HRAI, HVI, CSA F439, F326, UL, Energy Star for Homes, CHBA, R2000, NRCan...
Q
WORDS OF ADVICE “Change is the only constant.”
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Unfortunately consumers still know too little about the benefits of mechanical ventilation and the variety of products that are available to fit every ventilation need. Consumers are most interested in what they can see, such as kitchen range hoods. But consumers are online and looking for more information.
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What’s the most unusual or unique ventilation project that you’ve been a part of?
Funeral home preparation rooms with Stuart Todd, who was the leading architect in American funeral home design.
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What’s been the most significant change in HRV technology over the years? Reliable defrost, sophisticated controls and, recently, ECMs. In the early years, when it got cold in the fall, we used to ask who wants to answer the phone, because the defrost systems simply were not adequate. Fan defrost might have worked fine in some places, but not in the cold climates of Canada. Our first reliable defrost was a dampered defrost system. What’s the one thing that most consumers misunderstand about ventilation? The value and need for mechanical ventilation, and the difference between continuous and intermittent. You need a base rate of continuous ventilation – 24/7 at a lower rate; but what you need on top of that is intermittent ventilation – activity-based ventilation – it could be to address a shower or cooking. There are two distinct needs.
Q A
Same question, but with regard to contractors.
Q
Tell me about the HVI Distinguished Service Award. How much of an honour was that to receive? And what does it mean to you?
. The value of good installation practice, and with HRVs and ERVs, the critical need to make sure things are balanced.
A
. I was very honoured to be recognized by my peers. One does not put in the effort thinking about an award, but the award is recognition of the years of continuous effort. I have a great deal of respect for others who have received this award and it is a real honour to be part of that group. A couple of years earlier, EEBA recognized my work with heat recovery ventilation as one of the top 25 influences in the last 25 years in energy efficient building industry.
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THE COOLING REPORT
by David Janzen
WEBSTOPS Looking for Grants? oee.nrcan.gc.ca saveonenergy.ca saskenergy.com
Looking beyond efficiency hether it’s a traditional split-system, ductless mini-split option, or a heat pump install, Canadians have more energyefficient air conditioning choices than ever. While government incentives may have chilled for the time being, warmer weather and rising energy costs are among the driving factors that will have homeowners on the phone looking for cooling solutions.
W
Should the government decide to reinstate the ecoENERGY Retrofit - Homes program — or a similar program under a different banner — it will certainly have a positive impact on “fence-sitters” when it comes to choosing high-efficiency models. But many customers will not wait for the policy makers to make up their minds about incentives, nor should your company. Energy efficiency, environmental friendliness and long-term cost savings combine to provide a message that all Canadians can benefit from, and are suitable messages to add to your sales presentation.
Rebates on ice At least for the interim, the implementation of federal energy-minded incentives in Canada remains unclear. Yet despite what programs may, or may not, be on offer, Goodman Canada president Steve Saunders says energy costs are continuing to rise, making efficiency an important consideration. “To help offset rising energy costs, dealers can provide homeowners with many reasons why a higher efficiency unit is better for lowering or maintaining energy costs over the life of the HVAC unit or system,” he says. “The primary trigger for entering the marketplace in the HVAC world is the failure of the current system. Historically, homeowners repaired or replaced a failed unit quickly. They did not wait for the promise of a rebate or additional incentive.”
Multi-split heat pump
Residential air conditioners
Mitsubishi Electric’s four-ton MXZ-8B ductless heat pump is rated up to 15 SEER and can connect with up to eight indoor units. It provides air flow up to 3,530 cfm and uses R-410A refrigerant. A number of styles of indoor units are available, including wall-mounted, floor-standing and ceiling-cassette models.
Coleman’s Echelon AC6B series of air conditioners are rated up to 16 SEER efficient and offer cooling capacities between 24,000 and 60,000 BTUH. Units weigh between 159 lb. and 235 lb., and use R-410A refrigerant. The coil is protected by a slotted guard and mesh.
mrslim.ca
colemanac.com
High-efficiency air conditioners The Prestige series of split system air conditioners from Rheem offer two-stage cooling and 18 SEER efficiency. The compressor and fan are controlled independently in the two to five ton units, which reduces the electrical load during start-up.
rheem.com
• Rebates on ice • Shipping without a charge Confronted with an uncertain future of the ecoENERGY Retrofit - Homes program, Rick Little of Johnson Controls Inc. suggests, “Why not start achieving energy savings and investment payback on your replacement today, instead of waiting for a federal rebate program that may never resurface?” John Molnar of LG Canada agrees, but says these incentive programs are important in encouraging owners to replace inefficient equipment that has not yet failed. “These have been instrumental in the last two years for this reason. Not only does it benefit the end user, collectively we are improving the environment.” Keep in mind the ecoENERGY Retrofit program was not the only game in town; there are still grant and rebate offers available, depending on where your customers reside (see sidebar, Heating and Cooling Incentives).
reducing the impact of old, outdated refrigerants on the environment,” says Rick Little. At this point in time, Environment Canada has not moved to disallow the shipment of individual dry-charged R-22 components, so some manufacturers are providing a dry-charged option to their customers. “R-22 condensing units shipped today are very similar to the charged R-22 refrigerant units that were the standard a few years ago,” says Goodman’s Steve Saunders. “We suggest that installing dealers and contractors follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding the purging of the holding charge to ensure a quality installation. Homeowners now have the option of two refrigerants, R-22 and chlorine-free R-410A.”
Shipping without a charge In Canada, the shipment of an entire dry-charged R-22 central air system is not permitted. Dry-charged, individual components, such as a condensing unit, are permitted to be shipped. Opinions on their sale vary. “Dry-charged R-22 condensing units may have a place in the market, primarily due to economic reasons; however, they fly in the face of everything the industry has been promoting in recent years with respect to efficiency gains and
The Cooling Report continues on page 24
Ductless mini-split system Wall mounted ductless system Providing nominal cooling capacities between 9,000 and 22,000 BTUH, Fujitsu’s single-zone series of Halcyon HFI variable speed heat pumps are rated up to 23 SEER and are designed to operate with wallmounted indoor units. The system offers air circulation up to 677 cfm and the outdoor units function with four-speed fans running at up to 870 rpm during cooling mode.
fujitsugeneral.com
Operating at outdoor noise levels between 54 and 60 dBA, Napoleon’s ductless air conditioners offer 13 to 17 SEER efficiency. Available in single- or multi-zone models, they include a wireless remote to adjust temperature and function settings. All units use R-410A refrigerant and are sized from 9,000 to 24,000 BTUH.
napoleonheatingandcooling.com
Multi-zone cooling Offering cooling capacities from 18,000 to 36,000 BTUH, LG’s Flex series of ductless mini-split systems function with up to four indoor units. The outdoor unit is designed to provide cooling in ambient temperatures from 14˚F to 115˚F (-10˚C to 46˚C). Each indoor unit comes with a remote control.
lg.com/ca
THE COOLING REPORT CON’T continued from page 23
One of the challenges with the sale of R-22 units is the available supply of R-22, which is in decline due to its phase-out schedule. “With the volume of R22 that’s used in North America, we’re going to have a concern about having enough as time goes on because supply is dwindling,” says Warren Heeley, HRAI president.
“Manufacturers, went through the process of moving their customers away from an R-22 base. Now because of a glitch in the U.S. regulations, suddenly R-22 is resurrected and the supply chain is having to change horses and run the other way.” HRAI has voiced opposition to the sale of dry-charged units, but unless the regulations are altered, the marketplace will dictate their acceptance.
Ducane’s 4AC16LT series of split system air conditioners are rated up to 16 SEER. Featuring a two-stage compressor, the units are designed to operate in ambient temperatures up to 125˚F (52˚C), and offer cooling capacities up to 57,000 BTUH.
ducanehvac.com
Split-system air conditioners
Troubling top-ups As resourceful and independent as homeowners can be, health and safety should never be cast aside to save a buck. Top-up and drop-in refrigerant products sold at retail present homeowners a chance to save money, but potentially at what cost? HRAI recently launched its “Some Jobs are Best Left to the Experts” consumer safety campaign, aiming to raise awareness about the potential hazards do-ityourself hydrocarbon replacement kits pose. “Canadians need to know that flammable refrigerants used in home or business air conditioning systems can create the potential for a serious explosion and fire,
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Offering cooling capacities from 34,000 to 56,000 BTUH, Amana’s ASXC18 series of split-system air conditioners are rated up to 18 SEER. The fully charged units use R-410A refrigerant, have a two-speed condenser fan motor and are compatible with the company’s ComfortNet communications system.
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• Troubling top-ups • Heating and cooling incentives
which could result in injury or death,” warns HRAI president Warren Heeley.
Heating and cooling incentives
“Some of these mixtures are alkanes and can contain propane, ethane or butane which are excellent refrigerants, but they are Class III substances, so they are definitely combustible, and in the right mixture, explosive,” says John Molnar of LG Canada.
The ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program may be gone, but that doesn’t mean that incentives have disappeared. The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) and SaskEnergy in Saskatchewan are both offering grants that can be applied to HVAC equipment.
The Cooling Report continues on page 26
Some of the resulting gases caused by this type of drop-in product may be difficult to vent out of a structure, which could potentially endanger people if it encounters an ignition source, he says. “I am always curious how many contractors have actually told their customers about the flammability issue.”
Optimizing the system On the technology front, one way some manufacturers have pushed efficiency in a similar-sized box is by using smallerdiameter tubing in their condensing coils and/or moving to microchannel heat exchangers. This, says Steve Saunders of Goodman Canada, means a lower refrigerant charge per unit and allows manufacturers to provide higher efficiency equipment with a similar footprint to their 10 SEER predecessors. Multi-zone control with ductless systems is another energy-efficient option, with some companies now offering 20+ SEER models. They offer customers “a whole house approach by using variable refrigerant flow to provide exact zone control in each area or room of the home,” says Anton Wolmarans of Mitsubishi Electric Canada.
When it comes to refrigerants, Arkema has everything you need. Need R-22? We have it—and the EPA allocation rights to supply it. Need R-22 retrofits? We have great retrofits for AC and refrigeration. Need to reclaim R-22? We have a comprehensive, easy-to-use reclaim program through our network of distributors. Need to source product globally? We produce on a global scale. Have a complicated technical challenge or a question from the field? Our Technical Services staff is ready to help. So make Arkema’s Forane® “shop” a must stop the next time you need refrigerant. It’s the only stop you’ll need to make!
For more information call 416-614-3610 or 1-800-567-5726 or visit us on the web at www.forane-us.com
Explore the possibilities. Arkema Canada Inc. 1100 Burloak Drive, Suite 107 Burlington, ON L7L 6B2 www.arkema.ca
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THE COOLING REPORT CON’T continued from page 25
The OPA is offering Ontario residents up to $650 to replace less-efficient residential cooling and heating equipment. The new equipment must be installed by December 31, 2011 to qualify for the program. Contractors are required to file an online submission by January 8, 2012 and proof of purchase must be sent to the OPA by February 1, 2012.
Horizontal discharge units Sized from 2.5 to five tons, three-phase Affinity horizontal-discharge condensing units from York feature microchannel aluminum coils and use R-410A refrigerant. When coupled with a variable-speed blower motor, the units can achieve up to a 15.6 SEER efficiency rating. The condensers weigh between 195 to 250 lb.
To become a certified contractor for the program, register online at www.saveonenergy.ca. Residents of Saskatchewan can qualify for a $300 EnerGuide for Houses grant when replacing less-efficient central air conditioning systems with Energy Star products (minimum 14.5 SEER). Preretrofit evaluations must be completed by June 30, 2013, and post-retrofit evaluations must be completed by October, 31, 2013 (or within 18 months from the date of the pre-retrofit report) to qualify for the program.
For details about other federal and provincial energy rebates visit the Office of Energy Efficiency’s website at www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca.
york.com
Mini-split system Daikin’s Quaternity ductless air conditioners feature humidity control and offer up to 26.1 SEER efficiency. Units are available with cooling capacities between 9,000 and 15,000 BTUH. The condensing unit in each model has a cooling operation range of ambient temperatures between 14˚F and 109˚F (-10˚C and 43˚C).
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PLUMBING
By Sam Steele
SIZING PROPERLY FOR
COMMERCIAL KITCHENS N
ot all commercial and industrial kitchens are created equal. To properly size a commercial or industrial kitchen drain waste and vent system, many different factors must be known. For example you need to know the size of the facility, the number of patrons, the kitchen appliances that the kitchen will require, as well as the number and types of fixtures included. It must be noted that most kitchens will have down times; times when no waste is discharging, but busy times will mean that all, or most, fixtures and appliances will be discharging through the drainage system, so the system needs to be able to handle everything that’s thrown its way. Drain, waste and vent (DWV) systems are sized according to fixture units and, in the case of vents, length is taken into account. Not all fixtures
WHAT’S AN AIR BREAK?
Air break means the unobstructed vertical distance through free atmosphere between the fixture drain and the flood level rim of the fixture to which it discharges into. This distance must be at least 25 mm.
are calculated the same though, and we cannot mistake fixture units for the number of fixtures. Those are two different figures. To ensure the underground drainage is sized appropriately we must understand drainage fixture units. A drainage fixture unit is a unit of measure based on the rate of discharge, time of operation and frequency of use. The sum total of fixture unit discharge is termed hydraulic load. Tables in the plumbing codes state the minimum size of a fixture outlet pipe and the fixture unit (Table 4.9.3. in the NPC). If a fixture is not listed, use the unlisted table (Table 4.10.2. in the NPC).
Grease and the dishwasher
[ 28
There is much debate on whether commercial and industrial dishwashers should discharge through a grease interceptor. Many kitchens have a pre-wash sink along with the commercial type dishwasher which adds a de-greaser chemical. These chemicals have been proven to liquefy the grease which free flows through the grease interceptors, allowing the grease to solidify – usually in the municipal drainage system – thus rendering the grease interceptor useless. Before installing drains in a commercial kitchen it is very important to check with the local municipality. M e c h a n i c a l
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By Definition Fixture Unit: A drainage fixture unit is based on 6.25 Imperial gallons (13.77L) of water to be discharged through an 1-1/4” (32mm) trap arm/fixture drain within 60 seconds throughout a maximum length of 1.5 metres.
]
There are a variety of different fixtures and appliances in a commercial kitchen, including hand wash sinks, pot sinks, dishwashing sinks, food preparation sinks, dishwashers, as well as floor drains, hub drains, grease interceptors and possibly exhaust ranges that collect and discharge grease. All this liquid waste has to be calculated before the drains may be installed. There may also be condensate drains from freezers or walk-in coolers. While in the design stage, it is very important to locate your fixtures and appliances in the appropriate areas. Once the drains are installed and the concrete is poured it is very difficult to change their locations. continued on page 30
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PLUMBING continued from page 28 All commercial kitchen waste must discharge indirectly or directly connected through an interceptor. Hand sinks may discharge directly to the sanitary drainage system, whereas a walk-in freezer must discharge indirectly connected through an air break. According to code, every fixture shall be directly connected to a sanitary drainage system, except a device for the display, storage, preparation or processing of food or drink. Fixtures and appliances that could be used for the discharge of fats, oils or grease need to discharge through a grease interceptor. Most of the drainage in a commercial or industrial kitchen will have grease or oily food deposits, so they will have to drain into a grease interceptor. We could size the incoming waste using fixture units as set out in Table 4.9.3., but we have to size the grease interceptor by the volume of the fixtures discharging through it.
[
Avoid the trip and slip Every cleanout and floor drain must be installed to not constitute a trip hazard, and be as slip resistant as possible.
Fixture Volume in Litres 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Grease Interceptor Flow Rate in litres with a 60 second drain down time - Table 1 Column A Column B Column C Column Ax10 Column Ax100 0.0125 0.125 1.25 0.025 0.25 2.5 0.0375 0.375 3.75 0.05 0.5 5 0.0625 0.625 6.25 0.075 0.75 7.5 0.0875 0.875 8.75 0.1 1 10 0.1125 1.125 11.25 0.125 1.25 12.5
Column D Column Ax1000 12.5 25 37.5 50 62.5 75 87.5 100 112.5 125
SMALL KITCHEN CALCULATIONS A small kitchen, for example, may have a triple-compartment sink, a dishwasher and an exhaust hood discharging through a grease interceptor. To size the grease interceptor we have to summarize all the fixtures’ volume and add the pumped discharge in litres per second. Depending on manufacturers’ recommendations, the drain-down time may be one or even two minutes. The longer the drain-down time, the smaller the grease interceptor might be. Take, for example, a three compartment kitchen sink with bowls that measure 350mm x 350mm x 350mm, an exhaust hood that discharges 40 litres per minute and a small commercial dishwasher with a pumped discharge of 46 litres per minute. First, calculate the capacity of each bowl in cubic mm’s and convert to litres. 350mm x 350m x 350mm = 42,875,000 cubic mm’s per bowl, or about 42.8 litres per bowl. At three bowls, that’s around 128.4 litres. Using Table 1, we convert the total capacity of the sink into litres per second flow. This table takes into account that the fixtures are not operating at 100 per cent full capacity and has already performed the 0.75 multiplication factor, so 128.4 litres converts to 1.25 litres per second. The exhaust hood has a discharge rate of 40 litres per minute. That 40 litres per minute converts to 0.667 litres per second of discharge. Note the exhaust hood discharges through a standing waste with an air break. The dishwasher has a pumped discharge of 46 litres per minute, or 0.76 litres per second.
]
To size the grease interceptor, the total flow in litres per second must be added together, giving us a total of 3.026 litres per second flow. Converting the litres per second flow to gallons per minute, and then to fixture units, will allow us to size the interceptor and the drainage system. 3.026 x 60 = 181.56 litres per minute flow 181.56 divided by 4.5 = 40.3 Imperial gallon grease interceptor. To size the drainage system downstream of the interceptor, convert the litres per second flow to fixture units. Our 3.026 litres per second flow converts to 180 fixture units, as per Table 7.4.10.3 in the Ontario Plumbing Code, or Table 2.4.10.12 in the National Plumbing Code. This gives us a four-inch drain. A drainage system sized too small could result in the drains failing, clogging and backing up. This is a costly nuisance as well as a public health issue. Sam Steele is a professor of plumbing at Humber College in Toronto, he is also a member of the Metro Area Plumbing Advisory Committee as well as an executive member of the Ontario Plumbing Inspectors Association.
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PLUMBING
Aerco’s SmartPlate double wall, indirect-fired heater features adjustable DHW temperature control up to 180˚F at a maximum operating pressure of 150 psig with a high-limit control up to 200˚F. Its maximum boiler water inlet temperature is 220˚F at 150 psig. Designed for use in commercial or institutional applications, the packaged unit features a three-way electronic control valve and can maintain a maximum continuous flow rate of 90 gpm.
Available in chrome or stainless steel finishes, Delta’s Vero single-handle lavatory faucet offers flow rates of 1.5 gpm. Designed for single-hole or three-hole installation, an optional six-inch escutcheon can be ordered. Featuring brass construction, it has 3/8” copper supply tubes and a pop-up metal drain with a plated flange and stopper.
aerco.com
deltafaucet.com
Available in cabinet or twin tank models, the NovoSoft 465 series of water softeners from Novo feature a rotating LCD display that shows the capacity and volume remaining. Salt storage for the units ranges from 250 lb. to 400 lb., and service flow rates are available between eight gallons per minute and 15 gpm. They also include a 120 V to 12 V wall-mount transformer.
Making use of a one-inch discharge pipe, Saniflo’s Sanistar wall-mounted macerating toilet is designed to pump effluent upwards to nine feet or, depending on application, 100 feet horizontally. Its 0.4 hp motor runs at 3,600 rpm and discharges material at seven psi. The unit comes with a wall-mounting bracket.
novowater.com
saniflo.ca
Zurn’s Z1173 Ejecto-Matic Greaseptor grease interceptor is available in sizes from five to 65 gal. The units are rated for flow rates between seven and 75 gpm and feature a manual draw-off valve designed to reduce the frequency of having to take its cover off during cleaning. Grease capacities range between 56 and 316 lb., depending on the model.
zurn.ca 32
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HYDRONICS
By John Vastyan
WARMING
SNOWMELT TECHNOLOGY
UP TO
T
he sun is shining, the grass is green and we’ve finally been released from Old Man Winter’s cold, icy grip. Gladly, the next appearance of sleet, snow and ice is half a year away, but now is the time to prepare for the next go-round. Most of us in the trade readily see the value of snowmelt systems, yet many building and facility owners have yet to embrace it. Frequently, a key obstacle to winning their interest is the up-front cost for snow melt system installation. Well, it’s not inexpensive. But there are benefits that balance out the equation. These include convenience, environmental factors (no salts, cinder and chemical de-icers), and the greatly reduced labour and hardware costs that are otherwise needed to do the job. One of the key obstacles is neutralized if a facility has waste heat that can be exchanged. If excess heat is available, or if all that’s needed is an additional geothermal or water-sourced heat pump during the design phase, an upgrade may be feasible. With snow-melting, the method of snow and ice removal employs tubing buried outside in a mass to gently melt-off winter precipitation to keep pathways, driveways, and other areas dry and clear. For commercial applications, especially those deemed critical areas – hospital and senior housing entry areas, helicopter pads, delivery and handicap access ramps, etc. – radiant heat performs a valuable, perhaps life-saving function. According to Leo Vaillancourt of Watts Water Technologies (Canada), another advantage is the proactive heading-off of liability claims and added safety overall. “Given today’s litigious society, snowmelts don’t cost money – they can save it,” said Vaillancourt. “The cost of the system is more than returned with one avoided lawsuit. And, some insurers recognize the value of these systems, rewarding building owners with reduced insurance rates.”
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Ice-melt chemicals can kill nearby plants, increase building cleanup as they’re tracked inside and, over time, degrade concrete and asphalt.
LOAD FACTORS It takes a lot of energy to melt snow, about five- to six-times the load required to heat a building of similar size. For example, it generally takes 25 to 40 BTUH per square foot to radiantly heat a structure. But a snowmelt system may require up to 150 BTUH per square foot, or more. Why so much energy? There are five basic factors that contribute to the load faced by a snow/ice melt system. SENSIBLE HEAT: QS The first load factor is the sensible heat required to raise the snow or ice from ambient temperatures to the melting point (32°F). The colder the ambient conditions are when precipitation is detected, the higher the sensible load will be. continued on page 36
HYDRONICS
continued from page 34
HEAT OF FUSION: QM Once the mass has reached 32°F the second phase of the snowmelt process can begin. This phase is called the Heat of Fusion, which is the amount of energy required to change states from a solid to a liquid. This phase of the snow/ice melt system generally requires the most energy. HEAT OF EVAPORATION: QE As the mass temperature increases natural evaporation will begin to take place directly from the snow to the atmosphere. This phase is generally a small part of the overall process.
SNOWMELT CLASSIFICATIONS
For the sake of easy reference, snowmelt system uses are grouped into classifications. These allow us to quantify the level of snowmelting a system is designed to perform. There are two essential systems of classification — old ASHRAE and new ASHRAE. The old ASHRAE classifications split snowmelting systems into three groups: Class I, Class II and Class III. These classes split systems into the amount of snow actually melted at design conditions:
• Class I – Systems designed not to melt snow while it is falling, but afterwards. • Class II – Half the snow is melted during snowfall, the rest afterwards. • Class III – All snow and ice is melted continuously. The key to these classifications are the design conditions. If a system were designed as a Class I for 36 inches of snow per day, it could act as a Class III system with a minor snowfall of eight inches. Conversely, a Class III system designed for around six inches of snow per day would act as a Class I system with 36 inches of snowfall. So, to guide your decisions, know your snowfall. Watch for Part 2 of this article – The applications of snowmelt – in the next edition of Mechanical Business.
New ASHRAE standards still keep Class I, II and III, but ASHRAE now calls them 0, 0.5 and 1, based on the ratio of snow melted. However, they also add a new twist – a percentage to quantify how often the maximum amount of snow occurs. Some professionals tend to over-design a system to handle worst-case scenarios. ASHRAE snowmelt percentages are essentially classified into 75%, 90% 95%, 98%, 99% and 100%, with 100% being the maximum snowfall foreseeable for an area.
John Vastyan owns Common Ground, a trade communications firm based in Manheim, PA. He has researched and written about plumbing and mechanical, HVAC, solar, geothermal and radiant heat systems for decades.
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HEAT LOSS TO THE ATMOSPHERE: QH Atmospheric losses are the fourth phase of the snowmelt process. Once we start melting snow, we will begin to have voids in the snow cover – areas that may not have initially contained as much snow as other areas due to drifting or solar gain. These areas clear faster in patches, allowing for greater losses to the atmosphere. The cold atmosphere will literally “suck” the heat from the slab – energy that must be continually replaced. BACK AND EDGE LOSSES: QB Back and edge losses refer to losses not directly associated with snow- and ice-melting. This includes the ground below the mass as well as to the side. Energy in a snowmelt system is such that heat moves from a warm source (tubing) to a cold source (the mass). When a snowmelt system first starts, energy moves in all directions equally since the surrounding mass is of equal temperature. Conditions change the longer the system runs. Since the ground is not an exposed surface it will begin to retain energy, thus allowing its temperature to rise. Conversely, the exposed surface of the mass continuously loses energy to the snow and atmosphere.
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HVAC/R
By Carol Fey
RH AND DEW POINT Relative humidity (RH) is the percentage of water vapour in the air compared to what it could hold. That number varies by the air temperature. If you have 37 per cent humidity at 25°C, dropping that same air to 20°C increases the RH to 50 per cent. When air cools enough that it’s at 100 per cent humidity, moisture must come out of the air. This is called “dew point.” If a cold surface cools the air around it to dew point, moisture condenses from the air onto the surface. Thus the air is coincidentally dehumidified as it is cooled. This is what happens with an air conditioning coil. ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA standard 62-2001 states that 30 to 60 per cent RH is optimal for human comfort, and to minimize the growth of mould and pathogens.
DEHUMIDIFYING FOR EFFICIENCY
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o one can control the weather, but since the HVAC industry is in charge of controlling the indoor climate, perhaps it’s time to look at building dehumidification as part of the endeavour to be more “green.”
Excessive moisture in buildings has long been identified as a source of discomfort and a potential breeding ground for mould and pathogens. However moisture also contributes to HVAC energy expenditures. Whenever air is cooled beyond its dew point, energy goes to dehumidifying it as well. It’s just a law of nature. This coincidental dehumidification is fortunate, but also costly. A significant portion of the cooling load is moisture removal. Less moisture would cost less energy. But air just comes with whatever moisture is in it, right? The weather report tells us what the outdoor relative humidity is – it is not something we can control. Or can we? There are many sources of moisture in addition to natural humidity. The building structure itself can be a source of unwanted moisture. Before considering methods of dehumidification, let’s look at unnecessary, and often unthought-of, sources of moisture within a building. Though these are not traditional HVAC problems, HVAC contractors can identify and communicate to building management about these moisture sources that lead to unnecessary cooling expenditures continued on page 40
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MECHANICAL DEHUMIDIFICATION Moisture can be mechanically removed from the air by either condensation or absorption. Cold-coils are how moisture is removed by condensation. A portable room dehumidifier is essentially a cold coil and a bucket. As air moves across the coil, its moisture is condensed on the coil, and the resulting water drips into the bucket. A commercial air conditioning coil does the same thing, as long as the coil surface is colder than the dew point of the air (see RH and dew point). There are two challenges to this method in the commercial environment. An air conditioning coil almost always dehumidifies when it operates at full load, but commercial systems sometimes operate at partial load. In those cases, the systems can inadequately dehumidify, allowing cool to remain moist. This is a comfort problem and health hazard. Another dehumidification challenge is removal of the condensed water from the air conditioning system. If it is not drained, it results in a breeding ground for microbial growth, and can be a source of odours. Absorption is another way to dehumidify. Absorption dehumidification uses a desiccant, or drying material. Its porous surface retains water molecules. The most common method is the use of a desiccant wheel, which rotates between two air streams. Molecules are collected from the indoors and released outdoors. This is often contained in an air-to-air heat exchange device called an energy recovery ventilator. Dehumidifying by absorption can save energy by reducing the moisture portion of the cooling load. Besides reducing energy expenditure, it can also enable downsizing HVAC equipment.
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HVAC/R continued from page 38
ECONOMIZING An economizer offsets energy costs by using outdoor air to supplement mechanical cooling. The key is proper damper control and adjustment. When outside temperature and humidity are favourable, the damper should move to full-open position, delivering maximum outside air. If outdoor air is too warm or humid, the damper must close to only the minimal position required for ventilation.
because of the added dehumidification load. Excess building moisture can be created by structural problems. The building foundation can be a source of ground moisture seepage, as can be improper landscaping and drainage. Leaky pipes within the building envelope are another moisture source, one that is often difficult to find, and just as difficult to fix. Another structural moisture source is roof leakage, especially in buildings with a wide expanse of flat roofs. At least the fix for this is relatively easy to get at. Leaky construction that allows excessive infiltration of outside air is another moisture source. This is a combination of structural and HVAC. No matter how efficient the HVAC
system is, a leaky building allows the conditioned air to leave and unconditioned air to enter. Sealing the building is one fix. So is controlling building pressure (see Handling unoccupied periods). Human activities are another often uncontrolled building moisture source. Prime among these are cooking and cleaning. Although these are necessary activities, proper exhaust and ventilation can control whether the resultant humidity is directed outdoors or if it becomes an additional load on the HVAC system.
HANDLING
UNOCCUPIED PERIODS
Although it may seem to make sense to minimize ventilation during unoccupied periods, that practice can increase humidity levels because of building pressurization. If exhaust fans operate without make-up air, negative building pressure can be created. This leads to uncontrolled infiltration of outside air. And without continual controlled ventilation, wind and the stack effect of multi-storey buildings can create negative or positive building pressure.
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For example mopping and carpet cleaning are usually done in buildingunoccupied mode, when ventilation is intentionally minimal. Excess building humidity can be controlled, not only by mechanical dehumidification but also by limiting its source. Sources include not just the outside air, but also the building structure and the activity of its occupants. Removing humidity has traditionally happened coincidentally along with air conditioning, which works well so long as the air conditioning operates at full load. Additional or alternative dehumidification can be done by absorption using a desiccant material. This method can reduce both energy costs and the size – and cost – of the HVAC equipment.
Carol Fey is a technical trainer who has been in the HVAC and hydronics industries for more than 20 years. In addition to her work as a trainer, she has also been a heating technician in Antarctica. Catch up with her on her blog at http://carolfey.blogspot.com.
A celebration of green elcome to the first edition of Sustain, a special Mechanical Business supplement that focuses on the renewability, efficiency and environmental alternatives at play in the mechanical contracting sector.
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Our industries, the plumbing, hydronic, HVAC and refrigeration trades, are full of opportunities to promote the leading edge of environmentallyconscious products. One only needs to crack open any edition of Mechanical Business to see the inroads that geothermal, solar and waterconservation have made in the sector. Every issue you’ll see products that could fit under the banner of Sustain. Why? Well, because saving energy and resources are good business.
And while every issue features a number of emerging technologies, it still makes sense to cast a bit of a green spotlight to help reinforce the fact that every day, literally thousands of times a day, someone in the mechanical trade is making an environmental difference. Whether that’s figuring out a unique geothermal solution for Walmart (see page 62), or installing a solar array (see page 42), or specifying high-efficiency toilets (see page 48), our industry is full of sustainable stories, and we proudly present them on FSC-certified paper. Enjoy the read,
Adam Freill, Editor
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AVOIDING THE DREADED
OVER-TEMP
■HYDRONICS
Drain ’em back By Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr
’m thinking more and more about solar thermals (ST) these days. Everywhere I travel contractors are starting to realize the unlimited potential for ST.
I
and that’s full speed ahead. Without a means of turning the collector from the sun, or perhaps covering them at low load conditions, you need to have a plan.
The current solar ball started rolling and picking up momentum back around 2007. And while the residential market seemed to flourish for a few years and then taper off, the past two years have seen an explosion in the commercial solar thermal market.
One concept worth considering is drainback (DB). This method allows the collectors to drain back when the load is satisfied. That leaves the collector empty of fluid, and not absorbing heat that could end up damaging the fluids.
Solar thermal can be addictive. If a little is good, a lot must be better.
Considering that most collectors are mainly copper tube within an aluminum frame, they can withstand conditions of no flow or fluid, but confirm that with the manufacturer before putting their product into a drainback configuration.
Buildings or projects with a large, consistent load pencil out fairly well when considering return on investment (ROI). But there are times when the solar thermal application might have a period of light or no load. For the most part, solar arrays have only one speed,
continued on page 44
HANDLING EXTREMES A nice feature of a DB installation is that it includes built-in freeze protection. The array drains back when the load is satisfied, or when freezing conditions exist. And this can be accomplished with plain water in the loop. No need to use antifreeze products. A DB is a good method to use on residential systems, especially those with low summertime load conditions. We see this condition when larger arrays are installed to cover not only DHW but also a portion of the heating load. Consider using at least six collectors if you plan on covering a residential DHW load and having some energy left to contribute towards the heating load. An array this size will present overheating conditions during the no-heat season, so it needs to have some sort of system or be engineered to address this extra heat. With a closed-loop glycol system, the options would be to over-charge the storage temperature, and re-cool the fluid at night, if you have flat plate collectors. The other option would be a dump zone. A drainback system eliminates the need for either of these design options.
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With a closed loop glycol type of system you really need to “use it or lose it.” Solar fluids can take periods of stagnation conditions when there is no flow through the array. It is hard to predict exactly how frequent the array may stagnate. Not to mention conditions outside of the owner’s control. Power outages, component failure, operator error can all contribute to un-wanted, no-flow conditions. True, most glycols are designed to handle some over-temperature conditions, but it would be better to have the fluid not undergo thermal stress.
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• Single-wall heat exchanger provides fast and efficient water heating from the solar collector • Available with single or dual electric element for backup • Dual element models can provide a full tank of hot water when solar heating is not available
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EcoStor2™ SC Solar Indirect System Double-Wall Single Coil Power Vent Gas Backup Models • Same design features as atmospheric vent models but with a powerful, quiet blower motor for venting flexibility
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Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr has been a plumbing, radiant heat and solar contractor and installer for 30 years. A long-time RPA member and columnist, he is manager of training and education with Caleffi North America. You can reach Hot Rod at bob.rohr@caleffi.com.
continued from page 42
SYSTEM OPTIONS AND DESIGNS Installing a DB system does take some additional care. The collectors must be mounted so they can drain back to the warm space when the pump shuts down. Any piping exposed to freezing temperatures must also be sloped to drain back. And there are a few choices for installing DB system. Some installers prefer a two-tank system. A small, properly-sized tank provides the drainback space. Or a large tank can be filled to a point that allows for drainback space at the top of the tank. Yet another method is to install a large capacity coil within the solar storage tank to provide the drainback space. There are a few residentially-sized DB packaged systems on the market. If you want to simplify your install, look for a package that includes the collectors, piping and tank, all matched to be a plug-and-play installation. Solar control manufacturers have not overlooked the DB market. Most of the latest versions of controls have a DB function in the program database. Take some time to learn the finer points of DB. You might need some experience sizing the piping and pump to ensure that the system performs as intended, but start with a solar simulation and a load calculation, and play with some “what if” scenarios with different size arrays and storage tank sizes to get your feet wet. Research a few of the options and you will be well armed to present good choices to your customers. You too can become the local “Sunshine Superman” for your market.
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UNIQUE APPLICATIONS
ABOUND
With every seminar I present I learn of unique applications. I recently heard about ice rinks installing solar thermal. Ice cleaning machines need to be filled with hot water to produce the best results, and this amounts to about 275 gallons per fill. That is a nice dump load for solar, even if the solar is just a pre-heat in winter months. This is an application worth looking into. Horse riding arenas may be another good load profile. Horses need to be washed down after riding hard, and a solar thermal application could be a very good fit. I have heard of many agricultural applications for solar, from dairy operations to cranberry processing, so don’t overlook the nontraditional applications, and don’t forget about hotels and fast food restaurants as well – these are a few other obvious loads.
An avid outdoor enthusiast, rugby player and geothermal guru, Steve Hamoen of Zonelife Inc. likes to snowboard in the winter and sail in the summer. For one of his geothermal installs, his thirst for outdoor adventure was put to the test. Asked to install and service a water-sourced geothermal system on a private island in Temagami, Ont., his client doubled as his pilot.
ROAD WARRIOR
Photo: Dave Chidley
By David Janzen
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Name: Steve Hamoen Company: Zonelife Inc. Title: President. Steve founded the company in 2007 Resides in: Kitchener, Ont. Age: 35 Time behind the wheel per day: Three to five hours Kilometres logged per day: 300 km Types of service vehicles: GMC 3500, Ford 150 vans, and Dodge Caravans Certification: GeoSmart CGC Installer certification, GTI Manitoba Hydronic Designer course and HRAI Heat Loss Duct Design certification Service area: West to London Ont., east to Peterborough and as far north as Elliot Lake
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When did you join the mechanical industry? “I have been working in the trade since I was 15 on and off, with a stint of business consulting work in between.” What brought you to the trades? “My father worked in the industry for 30 years, so it’s a bit of succession planning. Previously I was working with software, and I now know my preference is to work in a more tangible environment.” Favourite thing about the job: “I’ve always enjoyed building things and I enjoy tackling and solving complex problems that others weren’t able to. I get a lot of satisfaction from that.” Any area you like to get dispatched to? “I enjoy being in Caledon, the natural surroundings are beautiful in that area.” How often are you called upon to fly into a jobsite? “I wish it were more often, but the Temagami project has been the only time.” How did the in-flight meal compare to a major airline’s? “It consisted of a juice box and a granola bar, but it got the job done. Previously, I was travelling to Japan a lot for business, and the sushi they serve on Singapore Airlines is much better.” Have you travelled further than your Temagami fly-in for a job before? “Yes, I have been up to Elliot Lake for an indoor pool/geothermal install.” How did you end up getting the equipment to Temagami? “It was a battle, because it was late in the fall and we had to transport the equipment to the client’s island via barge. I recall chipping the barge out of ice. I think we had the last boat out of Lake Temagami that year. Oh, and let’s not forget that there was no dock. So we had to transfer the 600 lb. heat pump to shore using planks.”
Favourite local spot for lunch: Ye’s in Waterloo, Ont., for sushi
Current jobsite: “We are installing an indoor pool dehumidification-toground loop geothermal system into a 3,000 sq.ft. house in Milton, Ont. With the pool space it is closer to 5,000 square feet. By using spray foam to properly insulate, we are able to heat the home and the pool with a five-ton heat pump.” Any funny or embarrassing stories? “We were on a job in Peterborough and we went out for dinner at the end of the day. The restaurant was having trouble with its HVAC system, so I was able to negotiate a free meal after fixing it for them.”
Favourite sport: “Rugby, of course. And I don’t have a favourite in particular, but I’ve always liked to cheer for the Spring Boks or England.”
Favourite band: U2 Favourite movie: Braveheart
What is something often overlooked in geothermal design? “It’s all about the loop and proper sizing. I’ve had to change out three loops this year [other people’s] because they weren’t big enough.”
Favourite magazine: Sail magazine
Do you have a geothermal system at your house? “Currently I’m in a condo, so there’s no geothermal there. But my dream bungalow would definitely have geothermal with radiant floor heating. Of course, there’d also be a walk-out lower level to a rugby field.”
S u s t a i n
Last book read: Sales Automation Done Right, by Keith Thompson
Favourite car: Tesla Roadster
Describe a handy tip to make geothermal installs go smoother: “I recommend always going for longer or deeper loops. Secondly, make sure to review the sheet metal duct work. With cooler air delivery it can almost double your cfm requirements.”
Favourite tool: “My adjustable wrench that I’ve had for more than a decade. I can’t complete any job without it.”
What do you like to do in your spare time? “I enjoy snowboarding, sailing my 24-foot Shark and mountain biking, as well as playing with my son and travelling when I get the chance.”
Biggest pet peeve: “People who lack patience.” When I was a kid, I wanted to be a... “business owner.” If I had a super power it would be... “the ability to fly.” If I had a million dollars... “I’d buy a bigger boat.”
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■LEED
Plumbing for efficiency
By Jason Boyd
Q
uick, a special prize to anyone who can tell me what LEED stands for? Most people know what it stands for in theory, but what about the actual acronym? Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, notice that there is no “s” on the end of LEED, Leeds is a city in the U.K.! Ok, now that we know about the acronym, how does this rating system impact water efficiency in the world of the commercial plumbing contractor? First we need to understand what LEED is and where it comes from. There are many different LEED rating systems, such as core and shell, existing buildings, commercial interiors, and so forth. It is important that contractors are aware of the specific category that their project is being rated on. Every LEED project will have a designated LEED co-ordinator who will advise the correct rating system and category requirements. The LEED Canada
New Construction 2009 rating system was released last June, and is the one we will focus on here. The water efficiency section can contribute up to 10 points towards the overall LEED certification. To put this in perspective, the total rating system consists of 100 base points, with six points available for innovative design and four regional priority points. The project must achieve at least 40 points to become certified, with a sliding scale through silver, gold levels, and finally platinum at over 80 points. LEED places a higher priority on things like “energy and atmosphere” (35 possible points) and “indoor environmental quality” (15 points) meaning that HVAC contractors have a pivotal role in the process. That being said,
continued on page 50
WHAT IS LEED? LEED is a third party certification program, administered in Canada by the Canada Green Building Council. The purpose of LEED is to benchmark, via an internationally accepted rating system, the design, construction and operation of high performance buildings. LEED promotes a whole building approach to sustainability by focusing on five key areas: • Sustainable site development • Water efficiency • Energy efficiency • Materials selection • Indoor environmental quality
THE GREAT OUTDOORS Credit 1 outlines water efficient landscaping, which can contribute up to four points. This section focuses on high efficiency irrigation products and the use of appropriate plant material in the overall landscape design of a building. Recycled rainwater and the use of grey water systems are FINDING MORE POINTS common practices Other than the Water Efficiency section, how else to improve the can plumbing design contribute to LEED? The overall efficiency LEED rating system contains a section for of any landscape “Innovation in Design” which can contribute up to design system. five points to the overall project count. Points can
WEB STOP A great resource is the Canada Green Building Council and its website, www.cagbc.org.
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be achieved by significantly exceeding the performance outlined in any other LEED category. Additionally, points can be achieved for identifying an area of building efficiency not currently outlined in the LEED rating system. This is an area where savvy plumbing contractors can shine and bring true value to any LEED project.
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CERTIFYING THE BUILDING Simple things like product selection can make a major impact on the overall rating process and the “water footprint” any commercial building makes. It is important to remember that products and people cannot be LEED certified; only buildings can. People can be LEED accredited and products can help to achieve points as part of the certification process.
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WATER INNOVATION
when budgets and the green design process collide, every possible point is critical – meaning water efficiency is never overlooked, and can often be easier and less costly to achieve.
Grey water use leads into Credit 2, innovative waste water technologies for up to two points. To achieve these points the building design must reduce potable water use for building sewage conveyance by 50 per cent through the use of water-conserving fixtures (e.g., water closets, urinals) or non-potable water (e.g., captured rainwater, recycled greywater, and on-site or municipally treated wastewater). A second option would be to treat 50 per cent of wastewater on-site to tertiary standards. Treated water must be infiltrated or used on-site. In the realm of readily available and promoted commercial products, this area lags behind the use of HETs and HEUs to achieve water use reduction points in Credit 3. It is a rapidly growing area though and as more and more greywater systems become approved for sale in the Canadian market we will see an increase in execution on this credit area.
Here is how the water efficiency section is broken down: PREREQUISITE 1 – water use reduction of 20% vs. Baseline CREDIT 1 – water efficient landscaping: Up to 4 points CREDIT 2 - innovative wastewater technologies: Up to 2 points CREDIT 3 – water use reduction: Up to 4 points All of the requirements outlined in the water efficiency section of the LEED rating system really should come down to sensible plumbing practices with an eye to preserving this valuable resource.
And water preservation really should be a core value for any build, whether it is a LEED project or not. There is no more work or cost associated with installing a 6.0 litre per flush fixture and flush valve versus a 4.8 lpf version. Same goes for a 3.8 lpf
urinal versus the 0.47 version. All it takes is a little bit of awareness about the products that are available and a desire to preserve water for the future.
"From the time dad joined right through until now, CWQA has been our best resource for water treatment industry information and most importantly our voice with legislators.“
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Jason Boyd is the LEED-accredited marketing manager for Dobbins Sales. He can be reached at jboyd@dobbinsales.com.
REDUCING WATER USE The water use reduction prerequisite of LEED is based on a simple formula showing approximate usage in a building on an annual basis, calculated against a standard baseline performance. The baseline for commercial toilets is 6 litres per flush; commercial urinals is 3.8 litres per flush; private lavatory applications (hotel/motel or hospital patient rooms) is 8.3 litres per minute; other commercial lavatory faucets is 1.9 litres per minute; 0.95 litres per cycle for metering faucets; 9.5 litres per minute for commercial showerheads; and, finally, a flow rate equal to or less than 6.0 litres per minute for food service pre-rinse appliances. Things like commercial clothes or dish washers are excluded from the water efficiency calculations.
By installing High Efficiency Toilets (HETs) and High Efficiency Urinals (HEUs) it becomes very easy to achieve the required percentage of water savings and gain the maximum number of points available in credit 3, (see page 50) water use reduction. Most manufacturers now offer things like 4.8 litre per flush commercial toilets, dual flush commercial toilet packages and HEUs that can deliver as little as 0.47 litres per flush. Another option to help achieve water use reduction points are water-free urinals, which have become more common over the past several years. Low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, metering faucets and low consumption pre-rinse units all factor into the calculations, and can contribute to the overall water savings in any building. This is sometimes where people can confuse the fact that all of these high efficiency products are not LEED certified but merely assist in lowering overall potable water usage.
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■HVAC/R
NET ZERO BUILDINGS
By Tom Loughran
Targeting Net Zero
Tapping heat pump innovation and other green initiatives to achieve the net-zero dream.
Buildings which, on an annual basis, use no more energy than is provided by on-site renewable energy sources.
Victor Kam is an information technology professional who “has always had a green bent.” Always on the cutting edge of technology, Kam is the type of person who enjoys the challenge of “building a better mouse trap.”
Photos: Courtesy of Daikin AC
And while he had considered building “a better green home” for years, it wasn’t until the Ontario Power Authority provided a significant financial incentive that he actually embarked upon the mission. Moreover, his discovery of a single system that delivers cost effective, comfortable heating; domestic hot water; and space cooling; steered the project toward a net-zero goal.
CONSTRUCTION
NOTES
Construction began in November 2009 and wrapped up earlier this year. The home has a 30kW solar panel system that is expected to generate 54kWh to 60kWh annually.
A FINANCIALLY FIT TASK In April 2009, following the announcement of the Ontario Power Authority's feed-in tariff (FIT) Program, Kam set about building an extremely energy efficient home in the north end of Toronto. He initially envisioned the project as an environmentally responsible build, but it quickly evolved to the point where LEED Gold certification became a minimum goal, with LEED Platinum within reach. “Ultimately we are trying to achieve net-zero, which would make it the largest net-zero house in the country that we are aware of,” says Kam. He sought to prove that it is possible to construct a 4,350-square-foot (plus 2,000 square feet in the basement), net-zero home with energy efficient materials and a reasonable payback timeframe. His goal was to be cash flow neutral or positive in each phase of the home’s infrastructure over the typical 25-year Canadian mortgage. “But there were
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The home’s soffit overhang depths were designed to block the sun in the summer but allow the sun to warm the house in the winter. A 1,585-gallon rain storage system for irrigation, which while not part of net zero, gains the home LEED points. The home’s heat loss per the building permit at design temperature is 80,000 BTUH
continued on page 54
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Tom Loughran is an HVAC industry veteran and president of Comfort Connections, a specialty HVAC distributor. The company is the exclusive Daikin distributor for Ontario. He can be reached at tom@comfortconnections.com.
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some choices that were made where payback might be somewhat longer, and I could justify that if the energy and environmental benefits were large enough,” he admits. Helping him towards the net-zero target is the Ontario Power Authority’s FIT program, which will pay him for any surplus electricity that his home generates through its PV panels. “Basically, via the feed-in program, I can end up getting in excess of a $25,000 rebate annually,” says Kam.
HEAT PUMP
INNOVATION
To get started, Kam began an intensive research process, learning as much as he could about new building technologies. “I started talking to a lot of people about energy efficient homes, and Google and I became good friends.”
He originally planned to use a geothermal heating system or a natural gas furnace, but those methods presented roadblocks. “With natural gas, we would not have had a chance to get to netzero; with geothermal, our payback calculations were toward 40 to 50 years.” Kam realized a net-zero home was within reach after consulting with Comfort Connections, a Markham, Ontario-based specialty HVAC distributor. Comfort Connections recommended a Daikin Altherma system, an air-to-water heat pump system.
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The entire project was driven by cost recovery. “The whole philosophy was to be as cash flow neutral as possible so anything that had a payback was open game,” says Kam. So while he favoured the energy efficient in-floor radiant heating system in the basement, Kam could not justify the added expense of using it on the first and second floors.
The system also supplies the home’s domestic hot water, and Kam plans to integrate solar water panels at a later date. In fact, he left two open spaces on the roof for a solar kit. Nick D’Orazio, president of Home Comfort Systems Ltd., the company that installed the system, had never worked with one like it prior to this installation, so there was some learning involved with the project, but he’s pleased with the results.
Kam estimates the air-to-water heat pump cost about $10,000 more than a traditional natural gas, forced air system (without radiant), but with the in-floor radiant included in the equation that number drops to about $6,000, and the system also provides domestic hot water and air conditioning.
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BALANCING COST AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Working with Comfort Connections and HVAC designer Richard Melless, the team designed a system in which the heat pump feeds the basement in-floor radiant heating system, as well as a Lifebreath Clean Air Furnace with a built-in HRV, which handles the heating and cooling of the first and second floors.
The heat pump uses inverter compressor technology to match heating output to the required capacity and delivers comfort heating, space cooling and domestic hot water, while achieving seasonal efficiency comparable to ground-source heat pumps.
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From left: Tom Loughran, president of Comfort Connections, Nick D'Orazio, president of Home Comfort Systems, and homeowner Victor Kam show off the mechanicals.
“I personally like the idea of the air-to-water heat pump,” he says, adding that the system has been running very smoothly to date.
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■REFRIGERATION
Global trends in refrigerants and technologies By Phil J. Boudreau
GOING NATURAL
were phased out in North America due to their ozone depleting properties. In fact, CFCs have been phased out in all industrialized countries. During the phase-out period, HCFCs were commonly used as alternatives in existing equipment while HFCs were entering the marketplace as a solution for new equipment.
In order to phase-out high GWP refrigerants, equipment that uses so called “natural” refrigerants are under further development. Natural refrigerants primarily consist of ammonia, hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide. The use of ammonia and hydrocarbons raises flammability concerns. As a result, restrictions are typically placed on these refrigerants. These restrictions may prevent the use of these types of refrigerants in some applications, but it is important to realize that some of these restrictions are now being reduced in order to allow these refrigerants to replace HFCs. As a result, hydrocarbons such as R-290 (propane) are used in some smaller systems in some parts of the world, and hydrocarbons are now being tried in the United States. Closer to home, in 2009 the Canadian Standards Association released a standard permitting the use of hydrocarbons in domestic refrigerators. According to the Environmental Investigation Agency, which has offices in the United States and the U.K., natural refrigerant use has increased substantially over the past few years. For example, 239 supermarket stores in the UK are now using natural refrigerants. This compares to only 14 stores back in February of 2009. In North America, the use of natural refrigerants is not as widespread, with
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ince the beginning of the 1990s, much has changed in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. Let’s take a look at some of these changes and identify some of the new trends that are taking place.
HCFCs are now being phased out in a number of countries. For example, in North America, HCFC refrigerants, including R-22, were banned from use in new equipment at the beginning of last year. All R-22 that is used in North America at present must only be used for service, or in equipment built prior to January 1, 2010.
At the end of 1995, CFC refrigerants
At this point in time, it is difficult to
By Phil J. Boudreau
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continued on page 61
an estimated 30 to 40 supermarket installations that run on CO2 refrigerant. These installations are primarily subcritical. Perhaps the most active region is the province of Quebec where Hydro Quebec, along with government legislators, is providing programs to support the use of low GWP refrigerants and high efficiency technologies. In Australia, similar programs were established and this led to the proliferation of CO2 equipment, especially in supermarket equipment.
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As an odourless gas, CO2 leaks are not easily detected by the human senses, so while CO2 is a very good candidate for our future, there are some technical and safety issues that must be properly addressed before it is used. In areas where CO2 is used successfully, leak detection equipment is considered standard.
A NEW TARGET Until recently, HFCs were considered the long-term solution for new refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. But HFCs are now being targeted for phase-out due to the high global warming potential (GWP) of these refrigerants. Ninety-one countries, including Canada, are working on a proposal to phase out HFC’s, starting in 2015. continued from page 56
determine with any certainty what the future holds for HFCs in North America. However, there is one thing that can be said with absolute certainty: Refrigerants, compression technologies, components and control schemes as we know them are constantly changing. Even in North America where energy costs are still comparatively low and HFCs are still widely used, equipment owners are learning about the various refrigerant and equipment options. Proactive equipment owners are even investing in equipment that will reduce their overall carbon footprint. These owners are also becoming aware that the answer to sustainability lies not only in natural refrigerants, but also with higher compressor and cycle efficiencies, better control schemes, part-load matching and effective maintenance programs. The most proactive manufacturers are already developing new technologies to meet current and future needs for highefficiency equipment that reduces energy consumption, direct refrigerant emissions, refrigerant charge, etc. Additionally, contractors are learning about these new technologies and how these technologies will enable them to keep ahead of the competition.
CO2 VERSUS AMMONIA Why use CO2 instead of ammonia? Ammonia is a very common refrigerant which has been in use for many years. It is used quite regularly in large industrial applications, such as large food processing and storage facilities, and is also used in many ice rink systems. It provides much higher refrigerating capacities on a per pound basis than all commonly used HFCs. In fact, it even has a higher refrigerating effect than CO2. The main factor that tends to limit the use of ammonia in supermarkets and other commercial applications is its toxicity and flammability characteristics. The renewal of CO2 use in vapour compression systems effectively achieves two important goals of reducing the total environmental impact of the system when optimized for the highest possible efficiency. It is important to note that the use of CO2 itself does not necessarily provide any increase in efficiency, but its direct effect on the environment is substantially lower than with halocarbon refrigerant types. Due to some favourable physical properties, CO2 brings some nice advantages. It has a high volumetric refrigerating capacity and high thermal conductivity. On the other hand, CO2 pressures are much higher; it is odourless; and has a higher density than air. Due to its higher density than air at atmospheric pressure, it will also displace oxygen – a safety hazard. Also, components such as oil management controls, relief valves, heat exchangers, compressors and pressure vessels must be designed specifically for use with CO2. This has already taken place in Europe and Australia; it is now beginning to take place here at home.
EUROPE AHEAD ON PHASE-OUT In Denmark and Germany, R-22 has been prohibited from use in new equipment since the year 2000. Other European countries put similar restrictions in place in 2001. Sweden was the first to ban R-22 from use in new equipment, a move it made in 1998. In Europe, R-22 will be banned as a service refrigerant from January of 2015 onward. In North America, this will take place in 2020.
Phil Boudreau, is the Ontario sales manager for Bitzer Canada Inc. and also provides training and technical support for Bitzer’s clientele. Phil is also a refrigeration instructor at Humber College in Toronto, Ontario. Phil may be contacted at pboudreau@bitzer.ca
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This project represents the first known global geo-exchange installation using SpiderPlow technology.
Going Geothermal Walmart Canada By Nuno Duarte
Pays Off for
THE SYSTEM,
BY THE NUMBERS: • Glycol in the system: 5,800 gallons • Type of glycol: Bio-Green 1,3 Propanediol (25% concentration) • Grocery refrigeration system total heat rejection: 900,000 BTUH • Radiant floor system volume: 7,000 gallons • Building peak heating load: 2 million BTUH • Building peak cooling load: 200-tons • 15 km of horizontal HDPE piping • Over 100,000 SF of PEX radiant piping • 60% energy savings • Eight-year payback • Reduction of GHG emissions: More than 350 tons
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hen it comes to making a case for a sustainable system, having a sound financial argument to back up the sales pitch for an environmentally-conscious option makes the sell that much easier. When the estimated payback on a conventional borehole geothermal install for Walmart Canada’s 135,000 square foot sustainable supercentre in Burlington, Ontario started to approach 40 years, the merchandiser asked engineering firm Stantec to explore ways to make the environmental commitment more financially viable.
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Stantec’s solution, the use of SpiderPlow technology, was inspired by the oil and gas industry where this type of pipeline installation is more commonly used as an alternative to traditional open trench options. Going this route helped drop the payback for the entire HVAC system down from 40 years to eight – well within the client’s expectations and comfort zone. The geothermal system at the south Burlington Walmart location involves a horizontal arrangement of pipe beneath the store’s parking lot, drawing heat from the earth in the winter and
HOW IT WORKS
THE SPIDERPLOW SYSTEM
The narrow slot in the earth created by the plow can then be quickly closed and is easily compacted with minimal impact on the environment.
The SpiderPlow system employed in the installation of the pipes for the geo-exchange field is anchored in place and uses a mobile winch vehicle to pull the plow forward by cable.
At the Walmart store, 15 kilometres of pipe was laid using the SpiderPlow in just six days. An installation of this size would be expected to take about three months with a more conventional bore-hole system.
The tip of the plow blade forms and clears the laying bed at specific depths to over eight feet. Using a guidance system, a pipe insertion unit is dragged along the bed and the pipe is inserted into the cavity with minimal risk of damage.
Additionally, it reduced ground disturbance, allowed for digging at a consistent depth in undulating terrain, allowed for the installation of piping in a single pass, and ultimately, the technology reduced the geothermal construction costs by about 70 per cent.
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Nuno Duarte, MASc., P.E., P.Eng., LEED AP, is an associate with Stantec, a firm that provides professional consulting services in planning, engineering and project management. He can be reached at nuno.duarte@stantec.com.
MODELLING AND CONTROLS A highly-accurate computer model was developed for the entire building system (roof, slab, walls, windows, and skylights) to analyze the rate of heat transfer to and from the ground over several years of heating and cooling the building. This extensive energy model using TRNSYS software, a transient thermal analysis software tool, was used to measure the performance of the mechanical system and the geoexchange field, and to provide a tool to further improve performance. An extensive control sequence to optimize and integrate all the system components was developed, using a Novar control system.
HARVESTING HEAT To further energy savings and push efficiency, the HVAC system at Walmart’s south Burlington location harnesses the heat rejected from the refrigerator cases and uses it to aid the hydronic heating system in the store. During the warm months, the rejected heat is stored in the geo-exchange field. The carbon dioxide-based refrigeration systems use a non-traditional heat transfer fluid that is 90 per cent more environmentally-friendly than conventional refrigerants. Bio-Green 1,3-Propane-diol (25 per cent mixture) has improved environmental and heat transfer properties compared to propylene glycol.
pumping it back in the summer. The system and unique installation will generate a 60 per cent energy savings compared to Walmart’s buildings constructed prior to 2007, and represented a 70 per cent reduction in geothermal construction costs. In addition to the geothermal system, Stantec developed strategies and innovations to further reduce the capital cost and make geothermal a more attractive option on future projects for the company. A radiant slab system was introduced to the project where, in another first for Walmart, the radiant system provides both heating and cooling functions. Working with Uponor, Stantec developed a PEX roll-out mat system where the piping was installed with little to no interruption to the schedule. Process refrigeration systems account for approximately one-third of the energy use at a typical Walmart store, so the ability to harvest part of this energy was another avenue to further reduce energy costs. A water-cooled condensing section was developed where the heat is harnessed in the building heating system in the winter and rejected to the geothermal field in the summer.
A single three-man SpiderPlow crew can install as much as four kilometres of pipe in a single day.
ROLL OUT THE RADIANT
THE BOILER ROOM
Walmart had previously experimented with radiant cooling in the U.S. using HDPE piping, but the Burlington store was the first application of both heating and cooling via a radiant slab. The engineering firm worked with the radiant system manufacturer to develop a PEX piping “roll-out” radiant mat for the hydronic floor heating and cooling system inside the store. The roll-out mats allowed for the extensive installation of PEX piping while not affecting the concrete pouring sequence of the large slab, meaning no impact to the construction schedule and curing of the concrete. Because proper humidity control was critical for the Burlington store, the dehumidification equipment manufacturer developed air handlers using heat pump technology specifically for this project. The system includes temperature and humidity control, CO2 demand ventilation control, and building pressurization.
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A total of 14 pumps, two heat recovery chillers, a small boiler, VFDs, control panel, geothermal header system, glycol feed system, piping and piping accessories all fit into a 20’ x 20’ x 24’ space. In addition, this space was planned by the general contractor towards the end of construction which provided its own time challenge for the installation of all the mechanical equipment.
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Builders who are currently building under such programs as Energy Star, BuiltGreen, R-2000 and LEED for Homes, are being challenged, and they are looking for enlightened HVAC contractors to help them climb the steps towards higher performance, cost effective, net-zero homes.
■HIGH-PERFORMANCE HVAC
Pushing the envelope on performance By Gord Cooke
s I travel across North America and see the continuing and encouraging trends towards energy efficiency and green products and buildings, I find that the conversation about new technologies is changing. It is no longer a question about if a builder will adopt a specific high performance technology or strategy, but when.
A
That is, as individual builders, and the industry, work their way along a path of continual improvement described by new “green” housing programs, and towards a goal of houses with “netzero” energy use, the challenge is to decide which technologies are to be adopted now, and which ones will wait until the next code or building improvement cycle.
To meet the ever increasing expectations of homeowners for comfort, convenience and control of their living environment, along with the ever increasing energy efficiency expectations of building codes, change will come. At some point in the next 10 to 15 years much thicker walls, triple glazed or advanced windows, under slab insulation in basements, ultra high efficiency furnaces and water heaters, and heat recovery ventilators will all become standard features in new homes across Canada. There is general recognition that by approximately 2030 we should be able to build net-zero energy homes; homes that only use as much energy as they are able to generate themselves on-site. continued on page 66
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top performer
Industry-leading Genetron® Performax™ LT refrigerant is the clear leader in its field. If your bottom line is a better bottom line, no other supermarket refrigerant comes close. From keeping fresh food fresher longer to energy savings to eco-friendly performance, the list of reasons to choose Genetron® Performax™ LT over R-438A or R-407A refrigerants goes on and on. Genetron Performax LT offers industry-leading capacity, industry-leading efficiency and low GWP values versus other popular supermarket refrigerants. This saves money in new installations and in R-22 retrofit projects. Plus, a mass flow that identically matches R-22, eliminates expensive expansion valve changes and adjustments in retrofit applications while maintaining superheat performance which protects costly compressors. So go with the gold standard. Go with Genetron Performax LT.
Maximize Performance with Performax LT.
Brenntag Canada Inc. Exclusive distributor of Genetron® refrigerants in Canada Ontario & Western Canada: Tel. No. (416) 243-9615 Fax: (416) 243-9731 Quebec & Maritime Provinces: Tel. No. (514) 636-9230 Fax: (514) 636-8229 To learn more, call 800-631-8138 or visit www.genetronperformaxlt.com. © 2010 Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved.
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To reach this goal, green programs and building codes only need to encourage builders to increase the energy efficiency of their homes by 20 to 25 per cent every three to five years. This looks to be quite achievable with current and emerging technologies.
To achieve these targets, builders will be deciding the order of implementation of technologies so as to remain cost competitive and to have minimal effect on building cycle times and warranty risks. Mechanical contractors who understand the relative merits of not just HVAC and mechanical systems, but all of the other components of high performance homes, will be well positioned to help new home builders make those decisions.
HEALTH & SAFETY FIRST Along the path of continual improvement and in making the decisions for high performance mechanical systems, the mechanical trades need to be reminded of the essential metrics for performance in buildings; the need for homes to be simultaneously ever safer, healthier, more comfortable, more energy efficient and more durable. This means never compromising health or safety for energy efficiency.
EFFICIENCY UP; SYSTEM SIZE DOWN So what will be the impact of HVAC sizing in a high performance home? The chart below shows the implications on the sizing of HVAC systems for a typical 2,300 sq. ft, two-storey home in a central Canadian location as the energy performance improves from current typical code levels, up two steps on the high performance path. A common metric used is the EnerGuide Rating System (EGR). This is a scale of zero to 100, with 100 representing a house that is effectively net-zero.
EnerGuide Rating EGR 80 Code in most jurisdictions by 2012
EGR 83 Next generation Energy Star levels
EGR 86 Next generation R-2000 home
Heat Loss (BTUH)
45,000 BTUH
35,000 BTUH
22,000 BTUH
Heat Gain (BTUH/Tons)
28,500 BTUH (2.5 Ton)
23,000 BTUH (2.0 Ton)
12,000 BTUH (1 Ton)
1100 CFM
750 CFM
400 CFM
8” x 30” 5” – 6”
8” x 18” 5”
8” x 10” 3”- 4”
Air Flow Possible Duct sizes • Mains • Branch
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Gord Cooke is a professional engineer who has spent 20 years helping builders and HVAC contractors implement innovative technologies into high-performance homes. He has particular expertise in IAQ and air flow management in houses, and can be contacted at gcooke@airsolutions.ca.
LOOKING BEYOND THE “DESIGN DAY” As buildings get more efficient, comprehensive load calculations will reveal a new issue, dealing with varying part loads. Load calculations and equipment sizing is always done for the “design day” in a particular geographical area. However, through most of the summer or winter in any city, outside conditions are far less extreme than the design day, so the need for heating or cooling is just a small part of the installed equipment capacity. In traditional HVAC design, a simple strategy of cycling the system on and off with a thermostat was employed. However, it gets trickier in high performance buildings. Imagine two rooms in a very energy efficient home; one facing east, one facing west, each with large windows. The heating system for this house would be designed for the coldest night of the winter, but on a bright, sunny, but cold morning, the room on the east side may overheat, whereas the room on the west side continues to need heat. By afternoon the situation is reversed. It takes a sophisticated heating system to respond to these smaller, but highly variable, loads.
Design notepad Passive solar gain is very desirable to offset heating needs in high performance homes, but managing the loads requires careful consideration of shading strategies, window glazing options and HVAC technologies that can respond to these varying loads.
In older homes with less insulation in walls and ceilings, the intermittent solar gains through windows made up a much smaller portion of the energy balance of individual rooms.
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Offering variable-speed circulation, Taco’s Solar Trilogy offers flow rates up to 7.5 gpm and has a maximum working pressure of 125 psi. The system can support one or two storage tanks and includes temperature and pressure gauges, a flow meter, and an air eliminator.
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Available in chrome and nickel finishes, Moen’s Nurture EcoPerformance showerhead offers a maximum flow rate of 1.75 gpm. Featuring three spray settings, it is available in fixed and handheld models, and meets the EPA’s WaterSense criteria for water conservation. Unit configurations for WaterFurnace’s Envision series of geothermal heat pumps include horizontal, vertical top or vertical bottom discharge. Cooling capacities are offered from threequarters to six tons, and units are available in seven single-speed sizes and five dual-capacity sizes. Efficiency ratings range up to 6 COP, depending on configuration.
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The pre-wired SolarDivicon-HX pumping and heat transfer station from Viessmann features a double-walled heat exchanger and a control with four sensors and two relay outputs. The system includes a three-speed solar loop pump and a threespeed DHW pump, and is designed for closed-loop solar circuits. It also includes an airscoop for manual bleeding of the heat transfer medium.
Standing 27-1/2” tall with a 15-inch-wide vitreous china bowl, the Cosby high-efficiency toilet from Contrac is rated at 4.8 lpf. Offering a two-inch, fully-glazed ball pass trapway and threeinch flapper, it has a MaP score rating of 800g.
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Marketing
THE 3 P’S
with DOUG MACMILLAN
Planet
Triple bottom line sustainability mart advertisers rely in part on our core values and those of our customers to guide our marketing decisions. Nowhere has this been more evident than in the groundswell of environmentthemed messages and campaigns that have dominated marketing over the past decade.
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This industry is no exception. Few HVAC marketers have not emphasized the green theme. We’ve observed some heating contractors change the colour and tagline of their company logo to literally be seen as green. Many promote the global advantage of ultra-efficient products, while others emphasize their commitment to a low carbon footprint. However, every marketing trend has its life cycle, and we’re most certainly cresting the green wave. Sound environmental practice has become a point of parity – a basic expectation, rather than a differentiation. Commitment to the planet is no longer something worth bragging about, it’s just something we do (or should be doing). For this reason, many businesses have taken the concept of sustainability from an exclusively environmental theme to a broader concept of “triple bottom line” sustainability – an expanded spectrum of values and criteria for measuring organizational success.
WHAT IS THE TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE? Triple bottom line sustainability is most commonly known as a companywide commitment to the 3Ps: Planet, People and Profit. By focusing on this level of accountability in a business, rich marketing and brand development opportunities emerge. Doug MacMillan is president of MacMillan Marketing Group in Guelph, Ont. To reach him, e-mail dmac@macmillanmarketing.com.
Sustainability of the Planet is most relevant to what we’ve been doing lately. By emphasizing sustainable environmental practices, we are able to continue to promote this responsibility. For a different approach to this message, shift from talking about what you’re doing and focus on illustrating the results of these actions. Talk big, provided you have done the research to back it up. “The superior efficiency of this product saves enough energy for us to light up all the homes in Halifax all winter long.”
People Sustainability of People is about a company’s commitment to human capital – being an employer of choice, a community leader, and a company known for its philanthropy and citizenship. The theory is when we all contribute to a healthy and strong community, we elevate the wellness and prosperity of everyone. As this column has discussed in previous editions, there is considerable marketing value in doing good for others. In fact, a survey released in November by Abacus Data revealed that one in six Canadians prefer to buy from a socially responsible company and are actually willing to pay more for the product or service. Of course, there is no place for humility in marketing. If companies set the right tone, there is no reason why you cannot talk about these commitments in sales and marketing communications.
Profit And, of course, there’s the theme we’re all most excited about, Profit. It is recognized that an unprofitable business won’t be a business for long, and therefore cannot effectively realize either of the other two sustainability goals. Profit leads to spending and economic prosperity for people, businesses and communities. While every marketing decision should focus on eventual profitability, make sure your strategy includes direct “phone-ringer” sales strategies. Effective marketing isn’t all about the soft stuff. Special money-saving promotions, time-limited deals, loyalty programs and referral incentives are all great and effective ways to drive sales and boost the bottom line more quickly than a food drive or sponsoring kids’ soccer.
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Biogas Supply Model
■HVAC
Garbage in – Gas out By Denise Deveau
ocal farmers and landfill sites are helping FortisBC deliver more environmentally friendly options to the residents it serves.
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As one of B.C.’s largest distributors of utility services, the company has become one of the first in North America to use biogas to augment its natural gas services to homeowners. It’s just one of several projects in its clean energy program. It all started as part of a bigger alternative energy project FortisBC took on to look at different options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions says Dave Bennett, director of resource planning and market development for FortisBC. “Our interest in biogas started around 2007. We were thinking about what we could do as a utility that would work. Biogas was part of that.” According to Bennett the whole idea behind the project was to give customers a different option for their gas appliances. “It’s a great way to introduce a more environmentally friendly fuel without anyone having to make changes.” In looking to the home front, FortisBC has done something a bit different from typical biogas projects, he adds. “There are some programs where you can purchase carbon offsets, some of which may come from a biogas facility. But that doesn’t necessarily marry with the gas being delivered to the consumer. That’s why this program is unique in North America.”
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Most of the FortisBC project development time has been spent on the logistics of finding the right supply sources and figuring out how to deliver it to customers’ homes, Bennett says. “We were open to any option up to a certain price.” Typically, the question facing the utility is whether to purchase biogas that has been treated, or to purchase the untreated gas and provide the purification itself, both of which can be done by the utility, as long as the financials add up. FortisBC currently has two biogas projects. The first is purchasing upgraded biogas from Catalyst Power, an operation in Abbotsford that has built a series of digesters to produce biogas from agricultural waste. The second is a small landfill site in Salmon Arm, where FortisBC owns and manages the gas purification facility at the site. continued on page 72
WHAT IS BIOGAS? Biogas typically contains pure methane and cardon dioxide, which are key components in the decomposition of organic matter. Once upgraded to biomethane, also called renewable natural gas, it’s indistinguishable from natural gas, so it can be integrated with the existing distribution system, Bennett explains. “The impurities might be slightly different, since methane from the ground typically contains other hydrocarbons such as propane and ethane.”
FortisBC serves more than 1.1 million customers in 135 communities in B.C., including delivering natural gas, piped propane and new energy solutions (geoexchange and district energy systems) to 940,000 customers in 125 B.C. communities.
HOW IT’S MADE: BIOGAS PRODUCTION 1. Bacteria is added to digesters to break down organic matter and produce methane. 2. Treatment processes remove trace contaminants such as hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter.
3. Methane is then separated from the carbon dioxide and other trace gases for injection into the natural gas distribution system to replace conventional natural gas.
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4. The gas is also dehydrated to remove water vapour and compressed to increase pressure. Supply is certainly plentiful if one is willing to put in the time and effort to process biogas for distribution, since potential sources include waste water treatment plants, agricultural waste and landfill sites. “In an agricultural site, you put the waste in a big digester, and add some bacteria that eats plants and releases methane,” Bennett explains. “Landfills don’t have a digester, since the process takes place naturally.” 0 6 . 1 1
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RENEWABLE NATURAL GAS FACTS
RAMPING UP SUPPLY
Biogas is a gas produced by the biological breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen and is primarily made of up methane and carbon dioxide.
While biogas supply is currently limited, Bennett says at this point FortisBC is accepting it into the system and “banking” it. By late June, eligible customers will have the option of designating 10 per cent of the natural gas their households use as upgraded biogas or renewable natural gas. FortisBC will then inject the equivalent amount of renewable natural gas into their distribution system.
Once upgraded, biogas is called biomethane, or renewable natural gas. Sources of methane include landfill sites, waste water treatment plants, livestock (primarily ruminants), wood and agricultural waste. Switching conventional natural gas to renewable natural gas reduces greenhouse gas emissions by more than 99 per cent.
Upgraded biogas might carry a slight cost premium for homeowners (approximately four dollars extra a month for a 10 per cent blend), but they’re happy to do it. According to Bennett, 16 per cent of customers say they were interested in the program before it even launched. “Right now we have less than one per cent; but as we expand the program to commercial customers and expand our options, in the long run we plan to offer a 100 per cent option. While biogas could theoretically replace natural gas altogether, realistically I see it making up five to 10 per cent of our overall supply.”
APPLIANCE IMPLICATIONS Upgraded biogas falls within current pipeline specifications and has yet to show any adverse affects on appliances. “Customers that have been using supply from Catalyst have not had any issues at all,” says Bennett. “And even though initially we thought there might be more things like pathogens in biogas, in sites tested around North America, we found there were actually more in some cases in natural gas.” He attributes this to processes like pasteurization that are specifically designed to treat those impurities during the production of biogas. The only difference of note is that biogas tends to be a bit drier, so the energy content is slightly lower. To account for that, FortisBC has installed a device to measure volumes passing through the gas meter in order to adjust the billing. “We usually have to make a few per cent correction to account for the lower energy content. But otherwise, everything works the same.”
TAKING THE SAME ROAD Upgraded biogas can be redistributed to customers through the existing natural gas pipeline system. “There are no new plants needed. You just deliver the biogas directly into the distribution system,” says Bennett. “Think of the pipe as a big balloon with a bunch of straws, where customers can opt for biogas to be a percentage of their supply. The amount of biogas that they sign up for replaces the same amount of conventional natural gas that would have been used.”
There may also be some specific types of systems such as fuel cells that can be “finicky” about what type of gas they get, Bennett adds. “Different factors can come into play for some very unique types of equipment. It’s more of an overall gas quality issue.”
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And the price of biogas is comparable to existing fuel choices, making it an ideal green option. “In British Columbia, other green solutions such as geothermal or solar are typically less cost effective than natural gas or electricity. Biogas is between the cost of natural gas and electricity. There are very few things you can do that are both environmentally friendly and costeffective. This is one of them.”
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The pressure-assisted Flushmate IV from Sloan Valve Company uses less than four litres per flush. Incorporated into a wide range of fixtures from various manufacturers, it requires a minimum line pressure of 25 psi. It uses supply line pressure to compress air in the vessel and “push” waste out.
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Mitsubishi Electric’s variable-speed Zuba Central heat pump system is rated 15 SEER and offers cooling capacities up to 34,000 BTUH. It is available with a thermostat that features a seven-day programmable timer and an energysaving mode. Measuring 13” deep, the outdoor unit stands 53-5/32” tall and is 37-12/32” wide.
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Al Crawford, General Contractor (Pinnacle)
Simply Innovative With almost 20 years of radiant Hydronics experience, Al Crawford is an expert when it comes to installing radiant heating systems. And when it comes to working with customers, Al’s philosophy has always been to do it once and do it right. That’s why Al prefers Uponor radiant heating systems when it comes to working with his homebuilder customers. Innovation is at the heart of Uponor’s offerings. And teaming up with innovative thinkers, like Al Crawford of Pinnacle Home Environment Solutions is just another example of how Uponor partners with professionals. That’s because at Uponor, we offer Simply More.
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■PLUMBING
Greywater and what we make of it
Kevin Wong is the executive director of the Canadian Water Quality Association. He can be reached at k.wong@cwqa.com.
By Kevin Wong
Greywater reuse is a very hot topic among the provinces as they update plumbing codes, and the addition of a greywater system to a home or building adds a new dimension to the codes. This may be the first time we have to look at dual-use plumbing, more sophisticated residential cross-connection protection, and play with non-potable water. An average Canadian uses 250 litres of water each day through normal household use, with much of this going down the drain. Given that we are supposed to drink eight glasses (about two litres) and allowing for a few litres for cooking and kitchen operations, it would be safe to say that 10 litres of that 250 are pretty much accounted for. So what are the other 240 litres used for? We use that water for things like washing clothes, flushing toilets, irrigation and so forth. But the quality of water for some of these activities may not need to live up to the standards of potable water, and the low impact of some activities can result in wastewater that is easy to treat and reuse in a home or commercial building.
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SHADES OF GREY Greywater Greywater is wastewater generated from domestic activities such as laundry, dishwashing, and bathing, which can be recycled onsite for uses such as landscape irrigation, and toilet flushing. Greywater gets its name from its cloudy appearance and from its status as being neither fresh (white water from groundwater or potable water), nor polluted (sewage). Greywater composes 50 to 80 per cent of residential wastewater generated from household sanitation equipment (except toilets, and kitchen sinks).
Light Grey This can include water from such sources as rain water harvesting.
Dark Grey Wastewater containing significant food residues or high concentrations of toxic chemicals from household cleaners, etc., may be considered "dark grey" since these components make it very difficult to filter out or treat on-site given the current state of technology available.
Blackwater Water designated as sewage, or blackwater, indicates it contains human waste and/or fats, oils and greases (FOGs). It takes very sophisticated equipment to treat blackwater. Wastewater from the kitchen sink is included in the definition of blackwater because FOGs are an extremely difficult component of wastewater to effectively treat residentially.
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A FINANCIAL ARGUMENT FOR
GREYWATER USE In theory, we could divert almost 40 per cent of all the water used for some sort of treatment and reuse. As we move towards efficient 4.8 to six-litre toilets, subsurface/drip irrigation and water conserving appliances, this number may increase. This represents a savings on a client’s water bill. And with housing starts in Canada not slowing all that much, and the cost of water infrastructure not getting any cheaper, along with the aging infrastructure in many of our municipalities, greywater may be a solution to getting more out of the drinking water distribution system for less investment. If demand drops by 40 or 50 per cent we won’t need bigger water treatment plants to cater to the growth of new homes and businesses – and we could use smaller mains to deliver that water.
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Mark McEwan, television star “The first television show that I did was The Heat,” explains McEwan. At the time there were no shows that represented what actually goes on in a professional kitchen setting, so he and his crew set out to shoot a pilot. “The day of shooting, everything went wrong and I had to jump in and save the day, totally unscripted – something that I never have to do,” he says. “The network fell in love with that 15 minutes of footage, and low and behold we had The Heat.” That show led to a spot on Top Chef Canada, where he is now head judge. And as the head judge, what’s he looking for? “I look for people who have a good background in the business and look as though they can really cook,” he explains. “But it is all about the food. “First and foremost the food has to taste good, and the food has to look good. And don’t give me something that tastes bad but looks really good, because then I’m going to be really pissed off at you.”
Catch Mark McEwan on Top Chef Canada, Mondays at 9 p.m. ET, 10 p.m. PT, on Food Network Canada.
Cover Story
Photos: Courtesy Food Network Canada
By Adam Freill
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t 53, Mark McEwan is one of the most recognized names on the food scene in Canada. A proprietor of several restaurants in Toronto, as well as a gourmet grocery store, McEwan has one cookbook on store shelves, has another one set for release in August, and can be found on Food Network Canada as the head judge on its hit show Top Chef Canada.
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“I am knee-deep in it from beginning to end. It’s me, my general contractor and my designer, and I am there for the entire process,” he says. “My newest restaurant is my first straight-line restaurant that I have ever built in my career. We did a line at Fabbrica, just because that seemed to function really well for the design we were doing and the space we had.
His latest restaurant, Fabbrica, has a 150-seat dining room and offers a rustic Italian feel with a more casual environment than his fine dining restaurants North 44, One and Bymark. Regardless of the style that he and his team aim for, McEwan is a hands-on owner who starts each project from the ground up.
“At Bymark we have a big service kitchen on the one side and a big prep kitchen on the other side, and lots of open area to do banquets from. And I have a similar structure to that at One, just on a smaller scale, so there are differences. Each property will show itself to you, and then you need to figure out what to do with it.”
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Finding energy efficiencies
Figuring out what to do starts with the building codes, documents that McEwan prefers to stay on the right side of with the local inspectors. “I am always trying to build practicality into the design,” he explains. “In terms of the health department and the building code, we always try to exceed them so that they [the inspectors] love us. I never try to cut corners in that respect, because it is not worth it.” He freely admits that his kitchens are not cheap. He definitely spends a lot of money in the back of the house but, he says, “It is certainly not in a glossy or frivolous way, but in a very substantial way. I buy good machinery. It is all stainless steel. I don’t skimp on anything, so my kitchens look the same 10 years out as they did the year I put them in. That’s very important to me. “I don’t think I’ve ever over-built a kitchen, because to me it is the engine that drives the restaurant; that makes the function of the space spin and move. That’s how you make your money. Having a small kitchen and an excessive number of chairs is really a formula that doesn’t work.”
“I am shocked at the cost of energy nowadays,” says Mark McEwan. “You know what HVAC systems are like, they are great big machines, and you have hoods and airflow systems. At the store, I spend $10,000 a month on hydro. I remember the days when I would spend $2,000. These are big cheques that you write.” To help trim that bill a touch, McEwan is currently investigating LED lighting technology as a possible replacement for all of the lighting in his gourmet marketplace, McEwan Foods, a move that has an upfront cost of $9,000 – and that’s just for the bulbs. He estimates that the move could save somewhere in the range of $1,000 per month on hydro though. Beyond lighting, he also equipped the McEwan market with highefficiency display cases and controls. “I have very efficient equipment, state-of-the art Hussmann,” he explains. “And I have two computer units that run every unit and cycle them on programs. It was a million-dollarplus unit to install at the grocery store, but it is state-of-the-art and it has functioned very well so far.”
MARK RECOMMENDS What’s your favourite dish from one of your restaurants? “Try the lobster poutine at Bymark, or the zeppole at Fabbrica.”
Focus on fresh A common theme among the McEwan properties is the commitment to using the best and freshest ingredients. “It is always fresh. And it is local when it can be,” says the chef. “One hundred kilometre food makes for a good story, but that’s more of a journalistic adventure than it is a chef’s adventure.” Customer expectations, and palates, dictate that McEwan’s restaurants and market shop the world marketplace, securing the highest quality of ingredients. Visit his market and you can marvel in more than 100 domestic cheeses, as well as domestic beef. “All my beef comes out of a program in Prince Edward Island. It is all hormone-free, antibiotic-free, naturally-raised, naturally grazed; it’s a beautiful product.”
Know a good plumber? “I have lots of flooding stories. It drives me crazy. I had to shut one restaurant down for 14 days in January to re-build the floors in the bar because we had backwash come up the drain and ruin my wooden floors.”
About McEwan Foods Standing in at 16,000 square feet of retail floor space, McEwan is a marketplace that the proprietor describes as a full edited grocery store. “No matter what you want, you can find it without having to traipse through a 100,000 square foot grocery store,” says McEwan, who decided to get into the grocery business as a result of his love of food stores, especially smaller European style establishments. “We’ve done edited groceries, so it is very thoughtful, and I think fairly priced for what it is. It is all about the fresh – meat counter, fish counter, cheese, bread, produce...” M e c h a n i c a l
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More than 6,400 industry personnel made their way to Place Bonaventure in Montreal to attend this year’s MCEE trade show. The two-day event took place in April and experienced an 18 per cent rise in attendance compared to 2009. “The feedback about attendance has been terrific,” expressed Elizabeth McCullough, general manager of trade shows for CIPH. “Many people said it was the best Montreal show ever.” MCEE 2013 will take place April 17 and 18, once again at Place Bonaventure. mcee.ca
1. This year’s MCEE had the aisles packed with attendees looking for details about the latest products for the industry. 2. Farid Bahiou (left) and Sheldon Schiffner of Wilo with a product innovation award for the company’s Stratos-D pump. 3. Andre Bergeron of CMMTQ (left) presents Ken Webster of Viessmann with a product innovation award for the Vitodens 200. Viessmann also won for its solar HX pumping station. 4. It was a hands-on display at the Dahl Brothers booth. 5. Dave Vallières tries out one of the best seats in the house. 6. CIPH chair Russ Morgan welcomes special guests and dignitaries. 7. Recognizing the event’s presenters and sponsors. 8. MCEE show committee chair Frederic Perrin, of Giant Factories, cuts the ribbon to officially open the show. 9. Hilti Canada received recognition for its cordless rotary hammer. 10. The show floor. 11. Dwight Einwechter of Thermadyne/Turbo Torch gets ready to light something on fire. 12. Envira-North Systems receives a product award for its Altra-air fans. 13. Taco’s Sean Giberson talks products.
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PVF REPORT
By Adam Freill
Our Panellists Kevin Fullan, vice-president and general manager, Flocor Bob Lynch, vice-president, Eastern Canada at CCTF Corporation Gordon LeFort, Ipex Ontario sales manager for mechanical products
What sector are orders currently coming from?
Coping with consistent
KF: From our
FLUCTUATIONS he PVF market avoided a downward turn on the growth curve to start the year, but with the flat and positive demand curves came price increases. Unlike previous years, however, contractors don’t appear to be getting caught off guard by these increases. Are they better structured to handle price fluctuations? Have they managed to work in price adjustment terms into longer contracts? Or is the industry more accepting of factors that appear to be outside the realm of control? The crystal ball is a bit cloudy on that point, but one thing is certain, nobody has a clear picture on where the market will be in six months, but the suppliers are hoping for a good year nonetheless.
T
Quicktip Occasionally a building code change can increase PVF installations. For example, the new fire sprinkler legislation in Ontario is now mandating sprinklers for all residential buildings higher than three stories which will drive demand – and likely price.
Effects from the tsunami Following the earthquake off the coast of Japan, and the devastating tsunami, the rebuilding of infrastructure in affected areas of the country will have an impact on the world market for PVF product. “I believe that their rebuild will be rapid, and they are going to consume a lot of products, with steel being one of the commodities that they are going to consume,” says Fullan. “They will consume a lot of it, and they will consume it quickly.”
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“There is no doubt that the rebuilding process will use up available mill and factory utilization in some areas,” agrees Lynch, who added that PVF products from Asian suppliers could be diverted to the rebuild efforts in Japan, which could limit availability to the rest of the world, impacting prices. Says Fullan, “Once they start to
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perspective, ICI is part of the driving force. Kevin Fullan And we are really interested to see what happens in the oil patch because we were starting to see some strength in there at the tail end of last year to the beginning of this year.
BL: At this point in time we are seeing orders (through our distributors) originating from very diverse areas. Requirements for commercial construction seem to be Bob Lynch stable but resource market demands (mining, oil and gas, etc.) have created shortages for many products. GL: It seems there are contributions from manufacturing plant industrial piping, commercial multi-unit residential and a high number of institutional projects all of which are very piping intensive.
rebuild, I think the country is going to get behind it and it will be rapid, which will subsequently put pressure on commodity prices. I just don’t know when it is going to happen.”
Gordon LeFort
PVF REPORT
continued from page 82
What’s happening with commodity pricing, and how is that affecting this sector? BL: Iron ore and scrap costs have
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increased from 25 to 45 per cent over the past 12 months. This has resulted in across the board increases for prices of finished steel goods from anywhere from eight to 25 per cent, depending on the product.
KF: Commodity prices have moved upward, but we have seen a softening of it over the past month or so. We are not sure if that’s a trend or whether it is just people getting rid of old inventory. Commodity prices went up quite significantly from December through to early April; soft in April; and now it is a wait-and-see type of attitude.
GL: Speaking for plastics, increases came quickly in late March this year but are significant, over 20 per cent in PVC alone. The upward pressure has been similar to drivers for metal pipe – high demand in export markets and increased costs in manufacturing due to spikes in component pricing such as ethylene and increased energy and transport costs.
How are contractors dealing with prices? KF: This year they seem to have absorbed the increases better than in other years. I don’t know if they are just used to the increases, or have been able to adapt to it. Because other steel commodity prices have gone up, fittings and flanges, they seem to almost be ready for the increases. GL: Rather than the level of PVF material pricing, the larger challenge for contractors is unstable pricing, which makes it very difficult to prepare contract bids for any projects more than two to three months in duration. It has become very common to receive requests from contractors for price protection on long projects, but it is still next to impossible to protect prices for more than a few months.
“In my 16 Years in the water treatment manufacturing industry I have run some of the world’s largest manufacturing operations and toured most of the others. The Canature facility is beyond comparison. With the investment in technology and people the Canature operations are truly world-class.”
BL: We always look for commitment. It’s often difficult and sometimes
Toby Hughes, P.Eng EVP Operations North America
impossible to guarantee pricing but with a firm commitment product may be pre-purchased or reserved.
What can contractors do to help them deal with the pricing game?
GL: That is a difficult question where the easy answers would be to
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somehow include material cost fluctuation factors in their signed contracts, or to cushion their bids to account for possible price increases during the project. Failing that, those who tend to deal consistently with a short list of suppliers may have a better chance of negotiating extended price protection on projects.
KF: You want to have as close a relationship as you can have with your supplier. That’s what we’ve done with our vendors and some of our customers, giving them a heads-up when we have an opportunity to buy some product at a really good price, and you do that on the downside too. It smoothes the peaks and valleys out, and you can take advantage of buying opportunities. 0 6 . 1 1
TOOL TIPS
The cutting edge hen it comes to blades for the reciprocating saw in your truck, we’re not thinking about fine and fancy slicing. Typically we’re talking about tearing through obstacles or cutting through some of the toughest materials that a job site can throw at you.
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In general, a blade with a lower tooth count cuts faster, but provides a rougher finish, but that’s not really a concern if all we need to do is clear a path. If you are dealing with materials that might have a hidden nail or two, you might want to opt for a blade that offers protection from getting snagged. Hot and cold blade treatments abound in this category, but at the end of the day, both methods are aimed at making the blades more durable, meaning fewer blade changes, and lower cost per cut.
Almost all manufacturers have a bi-metal blade offering in the market, and they are a good option for flexibility of use. You’ll be able to handle wood, metal, plastic and drywall with them.
If you are upping the ante and thinking about cutting through soil pipe, it’s probably a good idea to put the standard bi-metal blades down and go for a carbide or diamond grit blade. These blades are made for the tough stuff. And remember, a longer blade provides more cutting capacity, but a six-inch blade will provide better cutting control than its longer brethren.
Sponsored by Milwaukee Electric Tool – a proud partner with Mechanical Business. Look for video tips, tools and reviews at www.milwaukeetool.com. Be sure to visit mechanicalbusiness.com for your chance to win valuable Milwaukee products and merchandise!
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CLEANER HEAT 2011
Photos courtesy of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce
COHA rides the green wave For nearly three decades, the Canadian Oil Heat Association has held an annual oil heat symposium, but 2011 marks the first time it will be running under the banner of Cleaner Heat. The name change reflects the industry’s transition in providing customers with cleaner-burning fuel oils, says Veronica Yu, COHA president. “The heating oil industry has embraced numerous changes in the last decade. In that time we have moved on many fronts including, higher efficiency equipment, low-sulphur fuel oil and energy conservation. We are determined to provide cleaner heat.” Seminars at this year’s conference aim to address some of the business issues that oil heat providers are facing. Consultant Ann Ward will host a pair of sessions titled Bridging the Generational Divide, to discuss the issues demographics present business owners and managers as younger generations enter the work force. Larry Richmond of AVATAS Payment Solutions will discuss how to improve cash flow, presenting case studies of dealers that have implemented successful automation strategies for their receivables. The two-day conference takes place in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., and has a schedule filled with seminars, excursions and the association’s inaugural COHA Golf Cup.
Fostering ongoing learning In addition to offering bronze, silver and gold level GreenTech certification to contractors, the Canadian Oil Heat Association is providing its Best Practices of Fuel Oil Storage Installation training right across the country. That course includes details about COHA’s national tank replacement incentive program (see sidebar). Online training modules are also available through the association’s website to upgrade technical skills, and to enhance service provision to customers. oilheat.ca
For more information: www.coha.ca
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• Seminars at a glance • Fostering ongoing learning Replace a tank, get a rebate
Seminars at a glance Tuesday, June 21, 2011 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Session 1: Bridging the Generational Divide (Part 1) 11:00 a.m. – Noon Session 2: Underwriting for Fuel Oil
Launched in May, COHA’s Retire Your Tank rebate program offers Canadian homeowners a $125 incentive to replace outdated oil storage tanks. Replacement tanks that qualify for the program are available from Granby, Roth and Vilco, and the tanks must be installed by a technician who is certified through COHA’s GreenTech training program. The program runs until December 31, 2011. retireyourtank.ca
Wednesday, June 22, 2011 10:30 a.m. – Noon Session 3: Risk Management Strategies 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Session 3A: Improving Cash Flow 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Session 4: Bridging the Generational Divide (Part 2) 3:45 – 4:45 p.m. Session 5: Retail Financing
COHA Golf Cup When: 1:15 – 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 21, 2011.
3:45 – 4:15 p.m. Session 5A: Ontario Chapter Tank Study
Where: Royal Niagara Golf Club, 1 Niagara on the Green Blvd., Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. Registration: www.symposium.coha.ca.
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• Efficiency 83.9% • Tested to EPA standard • Surpasses EPA standard • Replaceable 7” Stainless Steel Stack Assembly • Preheated Primary and Secondary Air
New!
Low Emission Wood Furnace
• Lower Primary Air Inlet for minimum Clean Burning Combustion • Primary Air Damper Control for Adjustable burn rates
Head Office P.O. Box 9, Debert Nova Scotia, B0M 1G0 Phone: 902-662-3840 | Fax: 902-662-2581 Email: newmac@newmacfurnaces.com
• Engineered Stainless Steel System designed to increase firebox temperature to burn particulates, carbon monoxide and smoke resulting in cleaner air and very low emission rates
NBR SERIES Oil Fired Boilers
• Secondary Air Timer extends coal bed heat output time
Ontario Office P.O. Box 545, Woodstock Ontario, N4V 1P8 Phone: 519-539-6147 | Fax: 519-539-0048 Email: newmac@newmacfurnaces.com
w w w . n e w m a c f u r n a c e s . c o m
M e c h a n i c a l
CL SERIES Combination Wood/Coal and Oil Furnaces /Boilers
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OIL Each model of Bradford WhiteCanada’s oil-fired Aero series of water heaters are pressure tested to 300 psi and have a working pressure of 150 psi. The centre-flue or rear-flue units are available with capacities between 30 and 50 gal., and weigh between 215 and 360 lb.
bradfordwhite.com
Direct-vented Odyssey oil-fired boilers from NTI offer up to 89 per cent thermal efficiency. Units are available in sizes from 78,000 to 245,000 BTUH, with maximum allowable water temperatures of 240˚F (116˚C).
nythermal.com
EcoPlus double-bottom oil storage tanks from Granby feature external polyurethane coating. Tanks are available with oil storage capacities of 150 to 250 gal. (567 to 946 litres). All models stand 47” tall, are 23” wide, and come in lengths between 45” and 72”.
Weil-McLain Canada’s Ultra Oil boiler features a three-pass cast iron heat exchanger and is rated 86 per cent AFUE. Sized from 85,000 to 150,000 BTUH, it has a 30 psi relief valve and offers water volumes between 15 and 21.5 gal. Optional 50 psi relief valves and direct-vent kits are also available.
granbyindustries.com
Newmac’s wood/oil CLC 90-100 E furnace has a seveninch flue allowing for single pipe connection to a chimney. Its average woodburning output is rated at 100,000 BTUH and it has a 24-inch-long firebox. While engaged in oil-burning operation, the unit is rated 83 per cent AFUE and is sized up to 102,000 BTUH, depending on burner choice.
weil-mclain.ca
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OILHEAT
By Stephen Hazell
Stephen Hazell is the technical services manager for Wilsons Fuels, is chairman of the COHA Nova Scotia Chapter Technical Committee and member of the national Technical Committee. He can be reached at sgh@wilsons.ca.
Tank handling best practices ny time a technician conducts an inspection of a fuel oil tank, the technician should be prepared for potential leaks in the system, and be equipped accordingly. That means arming himself with a cell phone, flashlight, bucket, stop-leak magnets, and anything else that might come in handy should a leak be found.
A Quick
sludge tip If oil lines and/or filters continually clog up with sludge, there is usually a serious water problem in the tank. If you find that you are going back more than twice a year for sludgerelated problems, then the tank and lines should be cleaned or replaced and you may want to consider chemical treatments.
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Beyond the tools of the trade, being well armed with the knowledge necessary to handle inspections of existing tanks, as well as the installation of new fuel storage tanks, is of critical importance to the performance and longevity of an oil heat system. The Canadian Oil Heat Association recommends using indoor fuel oil storage tank installations whenever possible. Spill containment trays should be considered for all indoor fuel oil storage tanks, trays are also recommended under burners and any fuel containing devices. The best location for a fuel oil tank is in the basement of the home where it is protected from both the weather and physical damage. There will be occasions, however, where locating the tank indoors is impractical. If an indoor tank is not possible, above-ground outside tanks should be protected from the elements with acceptable protection. Selecting the best location for the tank includes finding a spot where it can be installed away from direct sunlight, paying attention to clearances from building openings and property lines while maintaining all means of egress. Make sure that outdoor tanks are installed on a proper base and all tanks have been installed in accordance with the tank manufacturer’s instructions, all applicable codes, and the authority having jurisdiction in your area. And make use of one-pipe installations whenever possible. One-pipe installations eliminate the possibility of return line leaks and can extend the life of oil filters. Top draw
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• Swap out the filters • COHA recommends • Wat ch t h e water
Swap out the Filters
tanks work exceptionally well when a de-aerator is used. Many oil lines installed before 1990 feature unprotected copper tubing installed under concrete. These installations need to be upgraded and new corrosionprotected oil lines should be installed whenever a new oil tank, burner, boiler, furnace or water heater is replaced.
Watch
the water Leaving water in a steel tank can lead to premature tank failure. In non-metallic tanks, if the water freezes, it could lead to tank damage, frozen fuel lines and no heat calls.
The filter should be replaced at least once per year, as per manufacturer’s instructions, and in the case of a cartridge style filter, the bowl should be inspected for any sign of deterioration and be replaced if necessary.
When a new steel tank is installed, it is imperative that oil from the old tank should never be pumped into the new tank as it may contain bacteria that can cause the new storage tank to prematurely corrode from microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC).
COHA RECOMMENDS:
Oil filters should never be installed outside the premises, or in any area where they will be subject to freezing temperatures. And never attempt to reuse filter gaskets. Before you disassemble an oil filter make sure that you have the proper gaskets to reassemble it.
heatfab
®
• • • •
• • • •
Always double checking for leaks before leaving the customer’s premises. Following correct installation procedures. Avoiding the transferring of oil from a tank being replaced into a new tank. Inspecting the storage tanks and oil lines of all new customers before delivery. The customer may be switching companies because their current supplier has recommended tank upgrades that they aren’t willing to pay for. Conducting ongoing tank and oil line inspections during preventative maintenance tune ups. Not to ignore problem tanks, nor applying temporary, short-term fixes. Implementing a proactive tank replacement program. Incorporating classes on tank installation, inspection and maintenance into your company’s training schedules.
SGV/DGV
NEW 4X3
TM
STAINLESS STEEL
Special Gas Vent The industry leader in Special Gas Vent introduces new alternative alloy SGV/DGV Special Gas Vent Systems. Available in both Single Wall and Double Wall designs, SGV/DGV features a proprietary stainless steel alloy - 4X3™ that offers superior corrosion resistance at an economical price point. These new systems feature installer-friendly connections and built-in silicone seals, so field applied RTV is not required. • 3 & 4 inch sizes for residential applications • Single Wall / Double Wall Systems • Listed to UL1738 and ULC S-636 5030 Corporate Exchange Blvd. Grand Rapids, MI 49512 Toll Free: 1.800.433.6341
heatfab
®
www.heatfab.com
M e c h a n i c a l
P.O. Box 526, Depot 1 Hamilton, ON L8L 7X6 Toll Free: 1.888.SELKIRK (735.5475)
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CONDENSING TANKLESS
By Jason Corey
THE TECHNOLOGY Offering thermal efficiencies in the mid-nineties, condensing tankless water heaters use a secondary heat exchanger to lower combustion-gas temperatures in the flue, allowing the use of less costly PVC piping to build vent runs. Condensing tankless water heaters offer efficiency gains of approximately 10 to 15 percentage points over conventional units, from percentages in the low to mid 80s to around 95 per cent. Like their conventional counterparts, all condensing units carry the Energy Star label.
Installer-friendly venting spurs demand he popularity of condensing technology in tankless water heaters has risen steadily in recent years. Greater energy savings have played an important role in this rise, but that is still secondary to ease of installation as the main growth driver for this technology.
T
Condensing tankless water heaters use a secondary heat exchanger to boost efficiency by capturing more heat from combustion gases as they escape up the flue. This heatabsorption process, in turn, cools these gases enough to permit venting with less costly, PVC piping. PVC venting makes tankless far more attractive for first-time installers. When I tell attendees at workshops that they can use PVC, their eyes light up. Virtually every service tech knows PVC inside and out. What’s more, the material requires zero clearance to combustibles. Installing a condensing tankless unit is no more difficult than a conventional model, and with PVC venting, installation may even be faster. The installer can build the vent run using fourinch PVC throughout. Or, if the termination point in the wall is three inches and the homeowner does not wish to enlarge it,
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the installer may be able to reduce the run to that smaller size. Just check the allowable venting options outlined in the equipment manufacturer’s installation instructions. The biggest installation difference is the need to install a condensate line, but this continued on page 94
Leave Nothing g to Chance e Introducing VGS™, a new grooved piping system from the most truste trusted d name in fire protection – Viking. For 90 years, Viking has followed a rigorous commitment to provide only the highest quality fire protection products and services. VGS is the latest example of this demanding standard. The complete VGS product line is available through Viking SupplyNet’s integrated distribution network, which includes 34 locations in North America. Through Viking SupplyNet, you have access to the most complete line of fire protection products from the industry’s leading manufacturers, and Viking Fabrication Services links it all together with full-service pipe fabrication capabilities for even the most demanding applications. Integrating VGS into this package creates a seamless, comprehensive, single-source solution for your business. Furthermore, this entire package is supported by Viking’s dedicated technical support team and field staff. We our partnerr. invite you to discover why a complete turn-key system is the best solution. We want to be your VGS - Continuing the Legacy of Trrust.
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CONDENSING TANKLESS continued from page 92
requirement should not add much time or cost to the installation. A condensing tankless model typically has a halfinch port at its base. Following local codes, the installer simply runs a pipe from this port to a nearby drain. Finally, a condensing tankless unit will be slightly larger than a conventional unit with comparable specifications — but not by much. The larger dimensions should not impact handling on the job site, nor will they lessen the inherent space-savings advantage of tankless. A great example is the ability to install a tankless water heater in a crawl space.
NUMBER crunching The numbers vary by locale but, on average, installing contractors can expect to pay 30 to 40 per cent more for a condensing tankless water heater versus a conventional tankless unit, however the additional cost to the customer may be in the range of only 15 to 20 per cent per installation. Why? Because PVC venting represents a significant savings in material and installation costs, which helps defray the price of the equipment. Once installed, the building owner will further benefit from the 10 to 15 per cent efficiency gain, which is not insignificant over the estimated 20-year lifespan of the water heater. In fact, an efficiency rating in the mid-nineties will make most homeowners sit up and take notice, so why not use it as a selling tactic?
Calculating
gas requirements
There is a possibility that a condensing tankless water heater will require a larger gas line. The typical gas storage water heater offers inputs of 40,000 to 50,000 BTUH, while the most popular condensing units are modulating devices that max out at 199,000 BTUH. Given this, the installer must be aware of the possible need to upsize the gas line from half-inch to three-quarter inch. That shouldn’t be a negative, because the size of the gas main coming into a dwelling is usually three-quarter inch as well. Contractors must be mindful of proper pipe sizing for both the gas supply and the gas draw.
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• Calculating gas requirements
Join The Green Scene
How does it work? Like any tankless water heater, a condensing tankless unit is an ondemand system with no hot-water storage and no pilot light burning 24/7. When a hot-water appliance, faucet or fixture is turned on, the tankless system senses flow and a spark igniter activates the gas burner. As cold water enters the system, the heat exchanger rapidly raises the temperature of the flow to the designated set point before the water proceeds to its destination. A condensing unit uses the same sequence of steps to generate hot water, but also incorporates a secondary heat exchanger to capture more heat from the combustion gases before they enter the venting at the top of the flue. This secondary heat exchanger then preheats the incoming water on its way to the primary heat exchanger, increasing the unit’s efficiency. In a conventional tankless unit, the gas temperature at the top of the flue can be up to 400°F. In a condensing unit, the secondary heat exchanger will lower this temperature to around 105°F to 130°F — a major difference without sacrificing hot-water output or water pressure. This reduction is why venting with PVC is permitted.
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What happens to the condensate? The process of reducing combustion-gas temperatures necessarily creates condensate in the flue. This acid-water mixture drips back into the water heater and through the secondary heat exchanger. If that device is made of aluminum or copper, the unit could corrode over time. A secondary heat exchanger made entirely of stainless steel will not have this corrosion problem, extending the life of the water heater, albeit at a higher unit cost.
Special patent pending PVC flexible tubing. Eliminates four field joints. Innovator overflow parts assemble by hand. No screws. Approved by IAPMO. It’s green. You’ll get used to seeing it. Just ask your wholesaler
WATCO
®
The Bath Drain Company WATCO MANUFACTURING COMPANY Jason Corey is a branch manager for Noritz America. He can be reached at jcorey@noritz.com. M e c h a n i c a l
1220 South Powell Road, Independence, MO 64057-2724 Phone 816-796-3900 • FAX 816-796-0875 www.watcomfg.com A Division of WCM Industries, Inc.
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The March/April Fix: THE PROBLEM:
A not-so-simple loop
The owners of a new house have decided on heating with hot water. They have three children and need DHW as well. The heat loss on design conditions is 57,250 BTUH. You decide to use a simple series loop as the owners have a very limited budget and this would be the most cost effective option. The total distance of pipe from the boiler through the rads and back to the boiler is 187 feet of 3/4” copper pipe.
1. Your local wholesaler has six-foot baseboard rads on sale. You decide to buy enough to do the whole house (16 six-foot lengths). Based on this, the rads at the beginning of the series loop will be: a) Oversized. b) Undersized. c) Just right on design conditions. d) It depends on the room heat loss. 2. The rads are the standard 3/4” copper-fin type, and the pipe connecting them is 3/4” copper. The proper head loss is: a) About 7.48’ of head. b) About 16.2’ of head. c) It doesn’t matter, good design won’t allow that much rad on 3/4” pipe. d) About 12’ of head. 3. The owners are looking for the most economical boiler and you decide the best solution is: a) A new certified combo tankless water heater at 199,000 BTUH input. b) A tank style water heater certified for combo heating. c) A small low-mass boiler with a net of 62,000 BTUH. d) A condensing modulating boiler at 80,000 BTUH. e) A small high-mass boiler with a net BTUH output of 58,000.
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Mechanical
Business
06.11
See illustration at top left of page 97
Designing a modern hydronic heating system for a home renovation should have been a breeze, but sometimes a simple twist can have you in fits. The owner of the house in this example has been involved in the hydronics industry for many years. With access to the latest equipment and accessories, he decided he would remove the forced air furnace and install a complete hot water system. During construction of the basement in-law, suite complete with track radiant floor, the first floor received in-joist radiant heating and the small addition received radiant in-floor heating. A towel warmer was installed in the master bath and the furnace was upgraded to a variable-speed modulating hot water air handler. An indirect DHW heater/buffer tank completed the hydronic system. This multi-temperature multi-zoned system should have worked like a charm. The buffer tank handled the micro loads with ease – and did so until it got cold. There was lots of DHW, but the heating wasn’t keeping up. What happened?
4. a) b) c) d)
A simple way to balance the system is to use: Balancing valves. Do not need to as it is a series loop so self balancing. Do the math calculations and put a flow setter on each rad. Use a thermometer on supply and return with a globe valve and set to 20 degree delta T on design conditions.
5. At the last minute the owner decides he wants to zone the rooms. You decide the easiest way to do this to: a) Just add a zone valve to each rad. b) Do a home run system. c) Tell the owner he can’t afford to do this unless he changes the boiler. d) Add zones valves and a variable speed circulator. e) Walk away. The cheap contractor always gets these jobs anyways.
Answer and win! NOW EVEN EASIER TO WIN! We’ve changed the format for our find the fix puzzle – and no, it wasn’t because some of the drawings we received were not exactly hydronic system related. We just thought it might be easier to email us your answers without worrying about your artistic abilities. So send us your answer key to this month’s puzzle by July 1 and you could find yourself holding a shiny new M12 Hammer Drill, courtesy of Milwaukee Electric Tool. Send your answers to adam.freill@mechanicalbusiness.com.
Jeff House is an experienced industry professional and hydronics trainer. He handles the sales territory from the Niagara region to the Greater Toronto Area for Jess-Don Dunford, a manufacturers’ rep in Ontario. He can be reached at jhouse@jessdondunford.com.
connected to the vertical short fat header with close-coupled tees a second hydraulic separation was added and the system flow now stayed in the header. The only heating that occurred was due to thermal migration from the tank. Once it got cold, the migration didn’t provide enough heat as the variable speed circulators increased speed to match heat loss. A simple cut and two new end caps fixed the problem.
PROBLEM
FIX
THE FIX: This job had all the latest technology: a stainless steel condensing modulating boiler; variable speed delta T circulators to deliver the correct flow rates (BTUH) to each zone; outdoor reset mixing valves to deliver the right temperature water based on outdoor temperature to each zone; and a buffer tank/indirect DHW tank to handle the micro loads. By storing the boiler water at around 150°F, the DHW production would leave the boiler close to condensing mode. A conventional indirect cannot do this. However, the buffer/indirect tank is also a low-loss header. When
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Talk to us before your next project, and be sure to visit us online. HPSI – Hydronic Panel Systems Inc. 12A – 50 Paxman Rd. Toronto, ON M9C 1B7 Tel: (416) 845-2587 Fax: (416) 622-5127
www.madok.com Mechanical
Business
06.11
97
with Roger Grochmal
Fostering team morale Hey Roger, I think I have a pretty good team behind me, but lately, I feel like I really have to light a fire to get them moving. I’ve also seen an increase in customer comJohn W., Kitchener, Ont. plaints. I can’t figure out what’s going on. Help!
Roger Grochmal is the president of AtlasCare in Oakville, Ont. To submit a question about your company, business practices, or the industry in general, send an e-mail to Mechanical Business Magazine’s editor, Adam Freill, adam.freill@ mechanicalbusiness.com.
In business, there are two parts that are played in every customer experience. There is the customer, and there is also the employee who is the face of your business. I was at a seminar recently where an HR consultant talked to us about employee engagement. He offered evidence from numerous studies that showed companies with engaged employees regularly outperformed companies with disengaged employees by 50 per cent or more on the bottom line. This can be hard to take from concept to practical application.
Creating a team environment Are your employees engaged every day? Do they do all the little things they need to do on every service call and installation to make your company successful? Do they impress customers to create referrals that bring in more new customers or do they just go through the motions?
Another attendee at the seminar put it into context by describing two games he had seen the Toronto Maple Leafs play in the previous week. In the first, the Leafs outhustled their opponent to every puck, checked relentlessly at both ends of the ice and came away with a win. In the second game, they went through the motions cruising up and down the ice and were easily defeated. Same players, same ice, same game, but a very different result. Engagement and the resulting great customer experiences don’t happen by accident. They begin with having the right people and continue with the ongoing responsibility of relationship building with your team. Without a doubt, it’s all about the people. Properly engaged, they will look after your customers, attract new ones and give you a healthy bottom line.
If you answered no to these questions, here’s how you go about engaging your employees to build your business:
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Treat your employees like people. Respect and loyalty are the cornerstones of a fully engaged workplace. Creating a culture where people feel valued means they are more likely to step up and go the extra mile. It’s also important to remember not all employees are created equal – being able to identify and accommodate different work styles and approaches makes employees feel more like individuals. Empowerment goes a long way. Your techs and sales people are the face of your business. Trust them to make decisions in the best interest of the company, and your customers, without always having to “ask the boss”. Your customers will have more confidence, and so will your employees. Say thank you. It is amazing what a simple thank you can do for someone both publically and privately. Don’t wait for annual reviews to share your appreciation of a job well-done. M e c h a n i c a l
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Set the example. Prove your skills to them as you would expect them to do for you. Demonstrate you understand the challenges of their job. Try job shadowing or job swapping so that everyone can experience the different jobs within the organization.
5
Have fun with your team every once in a while. Events that are less work and more play create amazing opportunities for team-building, sharing successes and blowing off steam.
CONTROLS
By Steve Lamoureux Steve Lamoureux is the national sales manager, with responsibility for both OEM and wholesale customers, at R.W. Beckett Canada. He can be reached at slamoureux@beckettcanada.ca.
Targeting
BOILER
EFFICIENCY
mproving energy efficiency is one of the
I
easiest and most cost-effective ways to control energy costs for consumers and
businesses alike. Beyond the utility bill, improving energy efficiency reduces emissions
How do boiler temperature controls work?
of greenhouse gases and air pollutants, since less fuel is being consumed by boilers, furnaces and water heaters. Every year, millions of dollars of fuel is wasted by heating systems that often run at a higher
The boiler temperature control acts as a limit switch. It is the central link for burner and circulator operation. The control has adjustable temperature sensing for limit control, which will be made to address different applications. The limit switch can be made to open on temperature rise and/or open or close on temperature fall. There are three common types of boiler temperature controls: single acting, dual acting and triple acting functions.
output level than required. The Department of Energy (U.S.) and NRCan are aiming to address
Single Acting
this through their respective, and upcoming,
A single acting boiler temperature control will incorporate a high limit function that basically acts like an on/off switch. The high limit setting is the maximum temperature the boiler can attain. When the high limit set point is reached, the burner turns off. The high limit differential setting is approximately 10째 less than the high limit setting. When the high limit differential set point is reached the control closes, allowing the burner to turn back on if there is still a call for heat. The low limit setting is the minimum temperature the boiler can attain. When the low limit set point is reached the burner turns on. The low limit differential setting is approximately 10째 higher than the low limit setting. When the low limit differential set point is reached, the burner turns off as long as there is no call for heat. It is possible to control both high and low limits using two single acting boiler temperature controls; one set for high limit and one set for low limit.
2012 regulations that are mandating that an automatic means for adjusting water temperature is to be installed on all new boilers. Boiler and controls manufacturers are stepping up to the plate to meet these new requirements through outdoor reset and smart controls, some of which can automatically adjust burner firing patterns and average boiler water temperature to accurately match system heat load.
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continued from page 48 revealed • How do boiler temp controls work? • Efficiency targets
Dual Acting A dual acting boiler temperature control will incorporate a high limit/differential function, along with controlling the circulator. The high limit/differential functions are identical to the description given for the single acting boiler temperature control. Additionally, the dual acting control will employ circulator terminals that energize a circulator to distribute heat transfer fluid to the heated zone. The thermostat controls the circulator, turning it on and off as dictated by sensed temperatures in the heated space. The boiler temperature control opens to turn the circulator off if boiler water temperature drops below the low limit to maintain a minimum boiler temperature.
Triple Acting A triple acting boiler temperature control incorporates a high and low limit with differential functions, along with a relay to energize the circulator. The high and low limit functions are identical to the description given for the single acting control. The low limit maintains a minimum temperature while the high limit controls maximum temperature. The triple acting boiler temperature control also controls circulator functions. The circulator circulates the heat transfer fluid to the heated zone. As with the dual acting control, the circulator turns on and off by thermostat input. The boiler temperature control opens to turn the circulator off if boiler water temperature drops below the low limit to maintain a minimum boiler temperature.
M e c h a n i c a l
EFFICIENCY TARGETS REVEALED NRCan has assessed the economics and technical feasibility for new minimum efficiency levels. NRCan’s proposed regulation outlines a roadmap for commercial boiler energy efficiency standards in Canada. NRCan proposes to implement the regulation in three stages. Proposed 2012 minimum efficiency levels are substantively the same as those in ASHRAE 90.1–2007, and subsequently adopted by the DOE, except for steam boilers. Proposed 2015 levels move the efficiency to near condensing, and then to condensing in 2018.
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HVAC/R DECOMMISSIONING
By Denise Deveau
GETTING REFRIGERANT REMOVAL RIGHT While there is a lot to remember when taking a unit out of commission, the biggest consideration by far is the extraction and disposal of hazardous materials. “The biggest single thing when dealing with equipment being taken out is getting the refrigerant out safely,” Carson says. “A lot of the refrigerants in existing systems are no longer acceptable, so the have to be taken out and disposed of in an appropriate manner.”
OUT WITH THE OLD Only certified technicians are qualified to handle refrigerants/gases. In Ontario, handlers must be ODP (Ozone Depletion Prevention) certified.
hile every HVAC contractor loves to get that order for a new commercial system installation, more often than not, it also means decommissioning older units on the site.
W
Technicians on the commercial side of things are seeing an increase in the number of units being replaced today. That’s in part because of the drive for energy-efficient units. But it’s also because many units are now reaching the end of their lifecycle. “We’re running into a lot of chillers that were installed 25 to 35 years ago,” says Bill Carson, commissioning coordinator for The Mitchell Partnership Inc. consulting engineers in Toronto. “I’d say we have five removals on the go right now.” When it comes to piping systems, Carson notes that for the most part existing ones can be reused. “In many cases it’s not a big deal to bring the continued on page 103
TAGGED for disposal Units being sent for disposal must carry a certification sticker or tag that indicates that the refrigerants have been removed. Without it, metal recycling depots simply won’t accept them, says Adam Chisick, president of Urbanmine, a metal recycling facility in Winnipeg. “We’ve seen a pretty steady stream of HVAC systems coming through, but I can tell you now, the first thing we look for is that tag.”
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It is especially important to make sure your recapture system has enough capacity to handle the refrigerant being drained from the system, advises Dave Honsberger, managing director for ORAC in Toronto. “I’ve seen some cases where the installer leaves [some remnants in] or blows it into the atmosphere simply because they’re too lazy to get extra cylinders. That can put the guys at the salvage yard at risk when reclaiming the copper or aluminum, or leaves a bigger environmental footprint.” Refrigerants must be handled differently depending on the type. If the gas is still viable, it can be reclaimed and reused in other applications, Carson says. In the majority of cases however, it must be disposed of by an appropriate supplier. “I’d say about 90 per cent of what’s out there is being phased out,” says Darren Parkes of Park Aire Systems Inc. in Brampton. Parkes notes that when storing and/or transporting reclaim cylinders, it is essential that they not exceed 80 per cent capacity. “You need 20 per cent for expansion, since refrigerant pressure changes when it’s heated. If you filled a canister beyond 80 per cent and left it in the truck, a pressure change could cause the temperature to rise and blow the cylinder cap off.”
• Getting refrigerant removal right
The Right Steps There are a number of standard practices everyone should follow when decommissioning HVAC units, says Darren Parkes of Park Aire Systems. Following is his list of the basics you need to follow:
piping up to scratch again and apply the new equipment.” The most cumbersome part of the whole process is the removal and disposal of the hardware itself. “After the gas is harvested, these units typically have to be removed from the facility,” Carson says. The only problem is a lot of buildings were designed around the equipment, so it’s not easy getting them out.” He cites one recent project with a 38-yearold Trane centrifugal chiller system had been made redundant with the installation of newer technology. Once the piping was reconfigured to accommodate the new pump installation for the primary chiller, the old one was de-constructed and cut into pieces. “There is no easy way to get them out in a single piece so you have to chop them up.” Newer building designs however are making allowances for easier removal of large pieces of equipment to speed replacement and reduce labour, he adds.
1. Shut down the power and us a meter to check that the circuit is actually dead. “Some disconnects have been known to fail,” he says. 2. Disconnect the wiring from the unit. 3. Disconnect the gas piping. “If you’re doing it over more than one day, be sure to cap off the pipe,” he advises. 4. Reclaim the gas from the system using the appropriate safety procedures and equipment. 5. Store cylinders safely keeping in mind the 80 per cent capacity rule. 6. Document your refrigerant reclaiming procedures. 7. Return the cylinders along with documentation to your local refrigerant supplier for recycling and/or disposal. 8. Identify that the system has been reclaimed by attaching a certificate. “This tells the recycler that you used safe procedures for reclaiming and handling of the refrigerant,” Parkes explains. 9. Notify the Ministry of Environment to advise them of the decommissioning (this only applies to large-scale decommissioning projects). 10. Cut up the unit if required and deliver it to a metal recycling facility.
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HVAC
By Denise Deveau
Keeping cool (and warm)
in temporary structures hen one thinks of adding HVAC to a temporary structure it can bring to mind large fans and circus-type tents, but ask Jim Avery, vice-president of Sprung Instant Structures Ltd. in Calgary about it and he’ll paint a different picture.
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His company provides stressed membrane structures for semi-permanent use, and because of the buildings’ design, the HVAC systems employed are not much different than those found in other, more permanent, commercial buildings. Most of his structures use a forced air system, typically installed at ground level. The systems feed through a sealed framed opening for heating, air conditioning, exhaust systems and ventilation ducting. Buildings can also include wind-driven turbo ventilators and a variety of electric exhaust
fans. The ducting itself is usually suspended from the aluminum beams, along with sprinkler systems where required. “A trend we have seen is customers utilizing fabric ductwork,” Avery says. “It’s easy to ship, which is a big plus when delivering to remote locations. It goes up quickly. You don’t have to paint it and it looks attractive. It is also less expensive.” With an efficient insulation system, the HVAC requirements of the buildings are quite conservative. In fact, says Avery, in some earlier buildings, the HVAC systems were often more than what was needed. “Some were overdesigned, so a lot of clients simply reduced the handling systems.”
INSULATED
Not unlike changes in building practices that have increased the tightness and efficiency of permanent structures, Sprung has made a number of structural enhancements since its first portable products were introduced almost 40 years ago.
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With a large volume of space under the roof, a tall peak and nary an internal pillar in sight, the buildings need to maintain a slightly positive pressure, which is accomplished by ensuring the HVAC system is balanced to provide the necessary pressure.
Fast fact Sprung’s re-locatable buildings range from 30 to 200 feet wide, up to any length. The technology was first developed to service the oil and gas industry in Alberta.
“A foil backing radiates internal heat, while the aluminum I-beam has both an exterior and interior architectural cap that acts as a barrier to thermal transfer from the outside in,” says Jim Avery.
One major step forward was the addition of insulation. “Originally our structures were designed utilizing single opaque membrane exterior panels.” M e c h a n i c a l
Pressurized
The addition of a layer of fibreglass insulation between two membrane walls has reduced the heat loss and gain, which has made the buildings tighter and improved the overall energy efficiency of the buildings.
for efficiency
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POSITIVELY
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HVAC/R
Literature
Web Reviews
ENERGY SAVING COMMERCIAL CONTROL
Designed for walk-in cooler and freezer applications, the Arktic 59 brushless DC motor from Morrill Motors operates between 500 and 1,800 rpm. It is a 1/20 hp ECM motor, and is available in single- or doubleshaft configuration. It offers up to 74.6 watts of peak output.
The ecobee Energy Management System (EMS) is the newest technology designed for the commercial market. It is ideal for applications where a simple thermostat does not provide adequate control and functionality, and where a full-scale building automation system would be too complex. The ecobee EMS is simple to install and program, reduces operating costs, and delivers increased energy conservation.
w w w. e c o b e e . c o m
morrillmotors.com
THE MOST EFFICIENT ANYWHERE
Providing air flow up to 650 cfm, Panasonic’s singlesplit Whisper Cool series of inverter air conditioners are rated up to 18 SEER. Offering cooling capacities up to 21,600 BTUH, they are equipped with a wireless remote control. The units have voltage ratings between 208 and 230 V, and amperage ratings of 3.2 to 11 A.
The new eF Series is the most efficient tank-type commercial water heater in its class, with a thermal efficiency rating as high as 99.1 %. Noticeably quieter than any other water heater in its class, the eF’s patented stainless steel Hydrojet® Sediment Reduction System is proven to extend the life of the water heater, making it ideal for users with demands for large amounts of hot water and a desire to save energy.
w w w. b r a d f o rd w h i t e . c o m
panasonic.ca
VALVE SYSTEM WITH EXTERNAL RESET
System Sensor’s CO1224TR carbon monoxide detector is a round version of the company’s CO1224T model. It features electromechanical sensing technology and an 85 db alarm. Operating at 12/24 V DC, it functions in ambient temperatures from 32 to 104°F (0 to 40°C). It is designed to be surface mounted on either a wall or ceiling.
Viking’s G Series dry valve system is offered completely pre-trimmed, including the grooved butterfly valve, air supervisory switch and alarm pressure switch. The G Series dry valve system includes an innovative external reset feature. Additionally, the pre-trimmed valves weigh less and have a smaller footprint than competitive products. Viking dry valves are available in 2”, 3” and 4” sizes.
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HYDRONIC HVAC/R Backlit thermostat The Blue Easy Set thermostat from White-Rodgers features a two-inch lit display. Designed for use with single-stage systems or heat pumps, three temperature preset modes can be set by users — home, sleep and away. The thermostat offers a setpoint temperature range between 45°F and 90°F.
Goodman’s DSZC18 high-efficiency heat pump offers up to 18 SEER efficiency and features a factory installed bi-flow liquid line filter drier. Models are available in sizes between three and five tons of cooling capacity, and the system uses R-410A refrigerant. It has a two-stage compressor with a high-density foam compressor sound blanket.
white-rodgers.com goodmanmfg.com
Operating at sound levels less than 0.3 sone with an air flow of 40 cfm, Broan’s Select-Air twospeed ventilation fan features a selectable high-speed mode which extracts air at 80 cfm. It is designed for continuous ventilation applications and has a four-inch duct connector.
broan.ca
Direct Air’s mini-split heat pumps offer cooling capacities up to 23,000 BTUH and provide air flow up to 736 cfm. For each outdoor unit, up to three indoor units can be installed, and each zone can be independently controlled by a wireless remote.
powrmatic.ca
GoGas KMI Novus infrared heaters from Superior Radiant Products feature adjustable reflector panels and are available in natural gas- or propane-fired models. Measuring 19” to 91-1/2” long, they offer up to 125,000 BTUH of heating capacity, and are rated to operate at gas pressures up to 14” W.C.
superiorradiant.com
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HYDRONIC
Uponor’s Climate Control system features four communicating networks and a touch panel interface. Among other system components, it can support 99 hydronic zones, 16 air zones, eight air handlers/furnaces/air conditioners, eight HRVs, five boilers and four snow-melt zones. It is also accessible online for system monitoring and adjusting, and has an optional notification system which provides cell phone or email alerts.
uponor.ca Designed to increase the efficiency of a multiple-boiler hydronic loop, Fulton’s ModSyncLX features wireless communication and remote monitoring capabilities. It has a 12.1” colour display, offers outdoor reset, and can be configured to communicate with such building management systems as BACnet, N2 protocols or Lonworks.
fulton.com
Preassembled Koil-Kit packages from Victaulic include drain valves, two coil hoses, union port fittings and a balancing valve. The 79V series has an optional ATC valve. Components of the kit, which are designed for various hot and cold water applications, are available in 1/2” to two-inch sizes, with a variety of inlet and outlet sizes and end configurations.
victaulic.com
Available in one- to 12-branch pairs, Stainless Steel Manifolds from Watts Canada are rated for flow rates up to 12 gpm. An optional electronic valve actuator is available for systems requiring individual circuit thermostatic control. Fittings for the unit are available for use with PEX tubing, or the company’s Onix radiant tubing.
Lochinvar’s modulating, wall-mounted Knight boilers offer a five-to-one turndown ratio and are rated up to 99 per cent thermal efficient. Sized from 55,000 to 399,000 BTUH, up to eight units can be installed in sequence with the company’s Smart System control, providing up to 3.2 million BTUH of heating capacity.
lochinvar.com
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PLUMBING
The pull-down wand of Brizo’s Solna single-handle kitchen faucet offers users aerated or spray mode function. Designed for single-hole application, it features a magnetic docking system for the wand, a flow rate of 1.8 gpm and its centremounted spout can swing 360˚. It is available in chrome, bronze or stainless finishes.
Supply line push fittings and stops from SharkBite are available in 3/8” to one-inch sizes, and are rated to 200 psi. They can be rotated once connected to tubing to assist installation in tight spaces and are rated to 200˚F.
sharkbite.com
brizo.com
Offering flow rates from 0.5 gpm to 8.3 gpm, the NR83-DVC concentric-vented tankless water heater from Noritz features a programmable remote control. Weighting 49 lb., the unit measures 23.6” high, 13.8” wide and is 9.4” deep. At a 45°F rise in temperature, the unit will operate at a flow rate of 6.7 gpm, delivering water temperatures from 100°F to 140°F.
noritz.com
Rinnai’s R75LSi tankless water heater is available in gas- or propane-fired models. Sized up to 180,000 BTUH, the units provide flow rates up to 7.5 gpm and offer up to 82 per cent thermal efficiency. Isolation valve kits are included with all models.
The single-hole Oblo lavatory faucet from Kohler features a pop-up drain with lift rod and tailpiece. It stands 7-7/8” tall from the countertop, has a stationary spout, offers a 1.5 gpm maximum flow rate and is available in chrome or nickel finishes.
rinnai.us kohler.ca
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Multi-purpose saw Thread sealant Hercules Megaloc from Oatey Canada is a multi-purpose thread sealant designed for metal and plastic pipe applications. Available in eight ounce, 16 oz., and 32 oz. canisters, it is pressure rated for liquid transfer up to 12,000 psi, gas pressures of 2,600 psi and is rated to perform in temperatures from -45°C to 204°C.
oateycanada.com
Featuring a side-assist handle and a built-in dust collection system, the ZipSaw from RotoZip is designed for a variety of cutting and grinding applications. It has a seven-amp motor, runs at up to 11,000 rpm, and has a removable guard. The saw comes in a kit with two wrenches, an auxiliary handle, universal flanges and two cutting wheels.
rotozip.com
Line inspection camera Recording video and audio to an SD card, the Gen-Eye SD from General Pipe Cleaners features an eight-inch LCD display screen. Users have the option to add voice commentary to video recordings via a built-in microphone. The mini model can inspect lines between two and four inches in diameter, and the standard model can inspect lines between three and 10 inches in diameter. The unit is available with reel lengths up to 400 feet.
drainbrain.com
Flow meter The NFM-TT nitrogen flow meter from TurboTorch is designed to prevent scale and oxidation from occurring during brazing. It controls flow rates to between zero and 35 litres per minute. The meter features a control valve, an over-pressure safety relief valve and brass body construction.
turbotorch.com
Cordless PEX expander Milwaukee Electric Tool’s cordless M12 ProPEX Expansion Tool features auto-rotating heads sized for 3/8” to oneinch connections. Designed for use with Uponor’s ProPEX tubing, the 9.8 lb. tool comes with two batteries, three expansion heads, grease and a carrying case.
milwaukeetool.ca
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2 0 1 1 Cleaner Heat 2011 June 21-22, 2011 Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. www.coha.ca CIPH ABC 2011 June 26-29, 2011 Victoria, B.C. www.ciph.com HPBAC 2011 Fireside Symposium June 26-27, 2011 Collingwood, Ont. www.hpbacanada.org HRAI Conference August 25-27, 2011 Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. www.hrai.ca World Plumbing Conference 2011 September 7-11, 2011 Edinburgh, Scotland www.wpc2011.co.uk OPIA 2011 September 11-14, 2011 Burlington, Ont. www.opia.info MCAC Conference September 14-17, 2011 Quebec City, Que. www.mcac.ca Greenbuild International Expo 2011 October 4-7, 2011 Toronto, Ont. www.greenbuildexpo.org
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W
RLDVIEW
The best of both worlds long with Adam Freill, your earnest editor for Mechanical Business, I too put in the hard yards on your behalf at the ISH 2011 exhibition. During those long and arduous March days, walking around ISH Frankfurt’s exhibition aisles, I thought about how best to describe the current, overall state of the sanitation industry.
A
The answer became evident when I sighted a brochure for a German shower cabinet company. Their catchphrase “Extreme wellness with a conscience” succinctly describes the position the industry has taken, not just in Europe but globally as well. The German perception of wellness is an expression of luxury, particularly in the bathroom. While the aforementioned shower cabinet company produces some luxurious products, their centrepiece or “piece de resistance” at ISH was a shower unit with a built-in filter and pump that recycles your shower water. The manufacture of this type of product has its critics, but it says a lot about the state of the industry, and the push to combine sustainability initiatives with product design.
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Sustainability is a powerful marketing tool. Upon viewing one booth after another, you tend to realise that many wealthy people in the world are on the sustainability bandwagon. And they can afford luxury products that lower water and energy costs. The Europeans know a thing or two about sanitation and sustainability. The Italians learned early-on of the importance of water and built aqueducts, and then plumbed-in some of the first taps and toilets. The Germans weren’t far behind.
Jeff Patchell
Thus, although its backyard is virtually full of water, the German’s have been leaders in reducing water consumption for many years and are now proud to demonstrate it (See Blue Responsibility sidebar). We can never underestimate the value that water brings to life and society. Water itself is a luxury that that requires thoughtful use.
BLUE RESPONSIBILITY The sustainability movement comes together for the German industry in a public affairs campaign titled Blue Responsibility (www.blue-responsibility.com). This campaign aims to demonstrate that sustainability is at the core of what the country produces for the global sanitation sector. Some interesting facts from the campaign: • More than 80% of available freshwater resources in Germany go unused. Every German can rely on a daily average of more than 5,000 litres, but they only use 122 litres. • In households, 27% of that water is used for toilet flushing, 36% for personal hygiene, and just 4% for food and drink (they don’t say how much of that is beer). • Electronic and temperature-controlled sanitary taps can reduce consumption of water and energy by up to 50%. • Innovative aerator technology in sanitary taps can reduce water consumption by up to 60%, without lowering the level of comfort experienced by the consumer. • Between 1990 and 2009, water consumption fell in Germany by 17%, something that VDMA and IFS (industry groups) attribute to innovative sanitary technology.
Jeff Patchell is managing director of Connection Magazines Pty Ltd. He operates www.worldplumbinginfo.com, an online plumbing industry knowledge bank.
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Compiled by Mechanical Business
ENERGY-CONSCIOUS CONSUMERS
71%
of consumers feel they are helping the environment by buying Energy Star products when they can.
DEVIL’S IN THE DUCTWORK
20%
METERING MAKES A DIFFERENCE Communities in Canada without water meters consume an average of 74% more water compared to those with a metered supply.
WATER CONSUMPTION FOOTPRINTS
ALL-YOU-CAN-GRILL
11,000,000,000 LITRES
2,050 m3/capita/year
Canada’s annual propane production. Long live patio season!
Average water footprint of Canadians.
2,483
m3/capita/year Average American footprint.
1,243
Typical amount of the air lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts in a Canadian home.
m3/capita/year Global average.
WISE WATER CONSUMPTION
2,500
m3 Volume of water in an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
78%
HVAC ADDS UP
Homeowners spend up to heating and cooling.
of Canadians are attempting to conserve water.
60% of their annual electricity costs on
Sources: waterfootprint.org, Canadian Propane Association, epcor.ca, OPA, HRAI, RBC PM# 41536047 Postmaster: Please send all address changes or undeliverable copies to: Mechanical Business, 19 – 1525 Cornwall Road, Oakville, ON L6J 0B2
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Ceralux is an OS&B Partner Company
12" Wide Trench Drain Just Got a Whole Lot Easier
Introducing the New Dead Level DX 12" Trench Drain TM
C
ustomers who have used our unique Dead Level™ Trench Drain system call it the best trench drain ever. And understandably so. The Dead Level™ system cuts installation time by more than half, and makes floating, pinching, and misalignment things of the past. Now we’ve made a great product even better. Dead Level™ Trench Drain is now available 12” wide. With radiused bottoms and smooth interiors, the new DX channels generate maximum hydraulic flow. For additional information, click on over to wattscanada.ca
A Watts Water Technologies Company