Latest from Hydronics Systems
Sponsored
AHR Expo 2014 showcases innovative, efficient products
NEW YORK — With more than 1,800 exhibitors at AHR Expo in New York City last week, there were many innovative and efficient products and technologies to see at the show. If the snow and freezing cold temperatures kept you away from the convention center, or if you were not able to make it to the Big Apple for AHR Expo this year, this post-show coverage will give you an overview of just some of the products showcased that are pertinent to the hydronics and HVAC industries.
During the show, Grundfos and U.S. Boiler Company announced an agreement to pair Grundfos’ ultra-efficient ALPHATM circulators as options on most U.S. Boiler gas cast-iron heating products. The combined product leverages both companies’ individual competencies in the industry and provides a market-leading solution for highly efficient heating in residential and light commercial applications.
Made in the U.S., the package will feature the ALPHA, a Grundfos pump designed for circulating liquids in light commercial and residential heating systems. The ALPHA features patented AUTOADAPT TM technology, which automatically analyzes the needs of the system and then adjusts operation to changes in demand. By learning the patterns of consumption, the pump can save end users up to 85% percent in energy costs when compared to a conventional circulator, ensuring the lowest possible consumption without sacrificing comfort.
Together with U.S. Boiler’s top-quality product, the competitively priced boiler-pump package will achieve new levels of complete energy efficiency.
Grundfos also introduced its expanded line of fully integrated, intelligent pumping systems. Ideally suited for new commercial HVAC/R applications and deep retrofits, the line now features the MLE variable speed motor in ranges from 3 to 30 horsepower (HP) for building services.
The unified MLE motor and variable frequency drive (VFD) will be available in multiple models, ranging from end-suction to inline to split-case pumping solutions. For decades, Grundfos has manufactured its own MLE motors to match its energy‐optimized, high performing pumps. Now Grundfos is expanding that effort to include motors sizes that are well suited to HVAC/R applications. These advanced Grundfos products provide a systems approach, which, through intelligent technology, adapts precisely to current demand to deliver performance, energy efficiency and reliability. The integrated, energy‐optimized MLE system consists of a sensor, system controller, VFD drive and standard asynchronous motor all in one.
Grundfos introduced its Ecademy, an online training platform for professionals in the pump industry. Targeted for consulting engineers, installers, professional end users, service partners and wholesale distributors, Ecademy is a training series that complements Grundfos’ high-quality pumps though a program that provides easy-to-access education before, during and after the purchase process. Ecademy makes the customer an expert in product specification, operation and troubleshooting. To search the online training platform go to www.grundfos.us/ecademy.
A thinner, lighter Blue Pipe
Aquatherm showcased its Blue Pipe SDR 17.6 faser-composite, which is available 4-in.-diameter, and is ideal for chilled water, geothermal, and condenser water mains. Aquatherm offers its polypropylene pipe in SDRs (standard dimension ratios – or ratio of pipe diameter to wall thickness) of 7.4, 11 and 17.6. Delivering roughly 20% higher flow volume than SDR 11, SDR 17.6 is less expensive and 35% lighter.
Faser-composite allows the pipe to remain rigid at high temperatures and limits expansion/contraction. Aquatherm is connected via heat fusion, which bonds pipe and fitting at a molecular level without chemicals or mechanical connections, and eliminates systematic weaknesses and fail-points.
EP product line
Uponor North America showcased several products in its engineered polymer (EP) product line that meets the increasing demand in commercial plumbing systems using crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) pipe. A first for PEX plumbing systems, Uponor now offers a ProPEX EP 45-degree Elbow to facilitate directional changes at a 45-degree angle.
The elbow is available in 1½" and 2" sizes and features Uponor’s unique ProPEX connection that capitalizes on the shape memory of Uponor PEX-a pipe to create strong, durable connections that hold tight with 1,000 pounds of radial force. The new 2" EP Multiport Tee, targeted for commercial restrooms, features three 1" outlets and provides an efficient solution for flush bank installations with fewer fittings and connections. Designed to centralize connections and supply lines, the tee provides material and labor savings, allowing for flexibility in design and installation.
Plastic pipe welding solution
Watts showcased its Radiant Panel Solution, SmartTrac, a non-structural, modular panel system, designed to simplify radiant heating and cooling installations in subfloor and wall and ceiling applications. Easy to configure and quick to install, SmartTrac is a flexible solution for any new construction or remodeling project.
Features include, but are not limited to, a simple, one-panel solution; clean, no messy silicone reqired; lightweight, 2-1/2 lbs. (1 kg) per square foot; flexible, configure for any space; responsive, responds faster than concrete; and green, minimum 92% recycled content.
Watts also demoed the TRITON Pipe Fusion system at the booth. This system is a plastic pipe welding solution that uses radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic technology to improve pipe joining and testing times, in turn increasing job site productivity. Using TRITON, ¾” plastic pipe can be fused in approximately 40 seconds, and welds are ready for pressure testing immediately.
Modulating-condensing boiler
Laars showcased the new MagnaTherm, a 95% thermal efficiency modulating-condensing boiler or volume water heater available in 2, 3 and 4 million BTU/Hr sizes. MagnaTherm offers a 5:1 turndown, small footprint, slim vertical design with removable top section, a stainless steel heat exchanger and multiple voltage options to easily match building service.
Designed and made in the USA, the MagnaTherm meets all ASME requirements and is AHRI certified. The boiler features an advanced VARI-PRIME pump control that seamlessly matches boiler firing rate to pump flow, reducing boiler pumping costs by up to 70%. No other boiler offers on-board control functionality that balances combustion, air flow and water flow to optimize boiler efficiency. A large, easy-to-navigate color touch screen display results in quick setup and diagnostics.
Up to 8 MagnaTherms can be controlled in a cascading boiler bank. The system has a unique, sealed condensate trap that does not need to be primed at startup, can accommodate up to 100 feet of vent, and meets the most stringent NOx emission requirements.
Inverter driven technology
ECR Intl Inc. introduced the latest EMI Enviroair single and multi-zone residential ductless split systems. EMI’s Enviroair series features inverter technology. An inverter driven compressor adjusts speed to reduce cycling and better maintain comfort. The Enviroair line consists of: The FSR Series - 9 and 12k Btuh, 15 Seer Single Zone Straight Cool Systems for 115V applications; the SZ1 Series – 9 through 24k Btuh, 16 Seer Single Zone Heat Pumps for 208/230V applications; and the MZ1 Series – 9 through18k Btuh, 15 to 16 Seer Multi-Zone Heat Pumps offering 35 – 2, 3 or 4 Zone 208/230V applications.
The Enviroair series features “Follow Me Technology” where the temperature sensor inside the remote determines the rooms cooling or heating needs as the louver controls follow the remote. Additional features are: Turbo Mode, Louver Position Memory, Auto-Level Swing Louvers, LCD Display, 24 Hour Timer, Auto-Start Function and Sleep Mode. All models include handheld IR remote control.
Thermal cameras
At FLIR’s booth, the E-Series line of thermal cameras, which offer a unique level of performance and affordability, were on display. Compact, rugged and user-friendly, the new FLIR E4, E5, E6 and E8 cameras are ideal for HVAC professionals who need to track down electrical and mechanical overheating, air and water leaks, missing insulation, and other issues that thermal imagers can detect and quantify.
The new FLIR E-Series thermal cameras feature a vivid 3" color LCD display, wide-angle focus-free lens, intuitive on-camera button controls, on-board digital camera, and FLIR’s exclusive MSX technology (Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging), which integrates visible details from digital camera photos onto IR images. Along with delivering a much clearer thermal picture overall, MSX makes it much easier to recognize the location of heat issues without obscuring or compromising the integrity of the original thermal scene – a common problem with older image blending modes.
MSX is ideal for creating an all-in-one thermal image that clearly illustrates an emerging or existing issue, and the bundled FLIR Tools software makes it simple to import, analyze, and incorporate images into easy-to-understand reports to help provide convincing evidence for repairs.
Control products
Viega introduced new products for hydronic and HVAC applications that allow for easy installation and system integration. The new control products include the 0-10V DC Powerhead, which provides short response times and self-calibrates every 24 hours. The powerhead features a plug-in connection cable and 360-degree installation position.
The compact design, noiseless function, low power consumption and maintenance-free performance are additional benefits. The 0-10V DC Actuator provides short response times, which results in improved control response for radiant systems. Another product introduced is the Zone Valve that features easy installation with Viega ProPress and PEX Press adapters supplied.
The zone valve’s thermal electric motor allows for easy wiring in two- and four-wire applications. Viega also introduced a thermostat with intuitive, menu-driving programming and icons for easy use. The thermostat integrates well with a variety of HVAC equipment and mounts to drywall or junction box with easy color-coded wire connections.
Stainless steel boiler
Harsco Corporation showcased its new stainless steel boiler from its Harsco Industrial Group’s Patterson-Kelley division that expands the boundaries of energy efficiency and innovative design. The P-K SONIC boiler contains an innovative stainless steel heat exchanger design, with segments designed to work together to help optimize efficiency and improve reliability. Its unique design allows the P-K SONIC boiler to operate at up to 96% efficiency with ultra-low emissions. The space-friendly P-K SONIC is also up to 60% smaller than the leading competition, making it easy to replace existing boilers and in most cases, with no special rigging required.
Stainless steel manifold
Zurn Pex Inc. showcased the Accuflow Stainless Steel Heating Manifold. Made from 304 stainless steel Zurn is blending function with beauty. Each manifold has built-in visual flow gauges for quick flow adjustment and performance verification. The manifold is easily assembled to fit a variety of piping configurations. Supply and Return loop ports can connect to 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", or 3/4" Zurn PEX Performa, hy-PERTube, or Alumicor tubing. The Accuflow Stainless 1" Manifold is available in two through twelve loops. An optional zone valve actuator is available for individual loop control.
Candace Roulo
Candace Roulo, senior editor of CONTRACTOR and graduate of Michigan State University’s College of Communication Arts & Sciences, has 15 years of industry experience in the media and construction industries. She covers a variety of mechanical contracting topics, from sustainable construction practices and policy issues affecting contractors to continuing education for industry professionals and the best business practices that contractors can implement to run successful businesses.