HVAC TV

In this "on the go" episode of The Engineers HVAC Podcast, we talk about the unique principles behind infrared heating systems.

Welcome to the Engineers HVAC Podcast with Tony Mormino.

In this podcast episode, we get back to basics and show you how to calculate CFM and tons of refrigeration.

Here is what you will learn.

Section 1 Air Mixing. Mixing air on the psychrometric chart.

Section 2 Calculating SHR. The sensible heat ratio is one of the most important HVAC aspects of the psych chart.

Section 3 Calculating CFM utilizing the sensible heat equation.

Section 4 Calculating tons of refrigeration using enthalpy and the total cooling equation.

Bonus section: Why systems fail at part load.

You can watch the full video version of this podcast on our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@HVAC-TV⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Engineers HVAC Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/engineers-hvac-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Insight Partners (Commercial HVAC Products in NC, SC, GA): Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.insightusa.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Hobbs & Associates, Inc. (Commercial HVAC Products in VA, TN, MD, AL): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.hobbsassociates.com⁠

Designing systems for full load is easy, but part load is not so much. Understanding the Sensible Heat Ratio, the Sensible Heat Equation, and the Total Cooling Equation is fundamental to understanding what happens at part load.

To get the most out of this class and follow along, you can print out a copy of our Psych Chart here: https://www.insightusa.com/psychcharts

The sensible heat ratio (SHR) is a term used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) design to describe the ratio of sensible heat to total heat (sensible plus latent heat) in the air. It is an important parameter to consider when designing HVAC systems because it helps engineers and designers understand the thermal characteristics of the air and make informed decisions about system capacity and performance.

In HVAC design, the SHR is essential for several reasons:

Equipment Sizing: The SHR helps determine the appropriate capacity of heating and cooling equipment. Air conditioning systems should be sized to provide the necessary sensible cooling (temperature control) and latent cooling (humidity control). A higher SHR indicates a greater need for sensible cooling.

Comfort Control: Knowing the SHR helps HVAC designers create indoor environments that are comfortable and meet occupant requirements. For example, in a dry climate with a low SHR, more emphasis may be placed on sensible cooling to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Energy Efficiency: Understanding the SHR can help optimize HVAC system performance. By designing systems with the right balance of sensible and latent cooling, energy consumption can be minimized, leading to cost savings.

Dehumidification: In areas with high humidity levels, it's crucial to consider the latent cooling capacity of the HVAC system to effectively remove moisture from the air and prevent issues like mold growth and discomfort.

In summary, the sensible heat ratio (SHR) is a key parameter in HVAC design that helps determine the balance between sensible and latent heat in the air. It guides equipment sizing, energy efficiency considerations, and comfort control strategies to ensure effective temperature and humidity control in indoor spaces. Different regions and applications may require different SHR values, making it an important factor to consider when designing HVAC systems.

This podcast episode is a beginner's introduction to the psychrometric chart.

Here is what you will learn.

Section 1: Properties of Air.  We explain the difference between Dry Bulb, Wet Bulb, Relative Humidity, Humidity, and Dew Point.

Section 2: Building the Psychrometric Chart. A psychrometric chart is a graphical representation of the psychrometric processes of air. See how the psychrometric properties make up the chart.

Section 3: We look at psychrometric processes such as cooling, heating, humidification, dehumidification, cooling, and dehumidification.

Section 4: Relative Humidity vs. Dew Point.

You can watch the full video version of this podcast on our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@HVAC-TV⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Engineers HVAC Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/engineers-hvac-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Insight Partners (Commercial HVAC Products in NC, SC, GA): Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.insightusa.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Hobbs & Associates, Inc. (Commercial HVAC Products in VA, TN, MD, AL): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.hobbsassociates.com⁠

Understanding psychrometrics and the properties of air is fundamental to maintaining and controlling space conditions. Designers often rely on software to calculate the critical values related to cooling, heating, humidifying, and dehumidifying, but do we know how those measurement values are determined?

Even though psychrometric charts can be intimidating, we’ll demystify the information they contain. You’ll finish the session with a better understanding of psychrometric charts, the properties of air, and the fundamental processes that drive climate control in a modern building.

This is part 2 of three, where we focus on the physical properties of R-454B vs. R-410A.

In this podcast, HVACR expert Don Gillis delves into the R410A transition, emphasizing key milestones and exploring the physical properties of potential replacements like R32 and R454B.

You can watch the full video version of this podcast on our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@HVAC-TV⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Engineers HVAC Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/engineers-hvac-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

Insight Partners (Commercial HVAC Products in NC, SC, GA): Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.insightusa.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Hobbs & Associates, Inc. (Commercial HVAC Products in VA, TN, MD, AL): ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.hobbsassociates.com⁠

This live podcast focuses squarely on the ASHRAE 34 A2L classification and its implications across HVAC equipment, mechanical spaces, transportation, storage, and building codes. But what exactly are A2L refrigerants?

Named after their ASHRAE safety classification, A2L refrigerants exhibit mild flammability, low toxicity, and a low global warming potential (GWP). This category encompasses hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) and HFO blends. A2L refrigerants mirror the operational characteristics of legacy refrigerants while presenting a safer profile compared to ammonia and hydrocarbon-based refrigerants.

As the world grapples with climate change, A2L refrigerants have emerged as a substitution for older, high-impact refrigerants such as HFCs and HCFCs in air conditioning and commercial refrigeration setups. A2Ls are pivotal in aiding businesses to meet global objectives outlined in agreements like the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment, as well as regional regulations such as the U.S. AIM Act, Canada’s ODSHAR, and the targets of the EU Green Deal.

This is part 3 of three, where we focus on ASHRAE 34 Flammability Testing and A2L Classification.

You can watch the full video version of this podcast on our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@HVAC-TV⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Engineers HVAC Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/engineers-hvac-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Insight Partners (Commercial HVAC Products in NC, SC, GA): Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.insightusa.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Hobbs & Assocaited, Inc. (Commercial HVAC Products in VA, TN, MD, AL): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.hobbsassociates.com⁠

⁠⁠

In this episode, our guest is Kevin Lance with LG, and he gives us a quick rundown on heat pump chillers in terms of function and when you would use them. 

For support on your next Heat Pump Chiller project, please reach out to:

Insight Partners, established in 2016, is a recognized leader in HVAC with a reputation for innovation and expertise at the forefront of advancing HVAC solutions to meet the evolving needs of its customers. With over eight offices, Insight serves HVAC engineers, contractors, and building owners across Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. www.insightusa.com

Hobbs & Associates, with a history of excellence spanning over 39 years, is a leading provider of HVAC services, equipment, and solutions dedicated to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions to clients nationwide. Offices located in VA, TN, MD, and AL. www.hobbsassociates.com

Energy Transfer Solutions is a leading provider of specialty commercial and industrial HVAC equipment and services, serving customers throughout the Tri-State area of Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. www.etshvac.com

Klima New Jersey LLC is a leading provider of specialized commercial and industrial HVAC equipment and services in Northern New Jersey. Klima represents manufacturers who share its desire to exceed their customers' expectations. www.klimanj.com

Klima New York, LLC, established in 2011, is an HVAC specialist representing equipment manufacturers and is the leading provider of variable refrigerant flow technology in New York City (Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island), Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut. www.Klimany.com

Etairos HVAC®, founded in 2020, is a manufacturers’ representative specializing in the sales, service, and integration of equipment, components, and aftermarket parts for commercial, institutional, and light industrial HVAC applications. The company customizes high-performance, economical, sustainable HVAC systems for designers, builders, and owners. Serving Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas. www.etairoshvac.com

Heat pumps play a crucial role in the electrification and decarbonization movement, especially in commercial HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) applications. This technology helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions while promoting the transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. Here's how heat pumps fit into this context.

Electrification involves shifting from fossil fuels to electricity as the primary energy source. Heat pumps are highly efficient devices that use electricity to move heat from one location to another. In commercial HVAC, they can replace traditional systems like natural gas or oil furnaces, which are significant sources of carbon emissions. 

Heat pumps are renowned for their high energy efficiency compared to electric strip heat. They can deliver 3 to 4 units of heating or cooling for every 1 unit of electricity consumed, making them significantly more efficient than traditional heating and cooling systems. 

Using heat pumps in HVAC helps decarbonize commercial buildings by reducing carbon emissions associated with heating and cooling. Since heat pumps do not directly burn fossil fuels, they produce no on-site carbon emissions. Their efficiency makes them a key component of efforts to lower the carbon footprint of commercial properties, in line with global climate goals.

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating concept of "Steamification" with our special guest, Patrick Lach, VP of Sales and Business Development for Maxi-Therm. This conversation is a must-listen for HVAC Mechanical Engineers and large commercial building owners who utilize steam as a vital component of their energy systems.

The energy landscape is rapidly evolving, and one innovative approach to achieving energy security without complete reliance on electrification is Steamification. Patrick Lach shares insights into this groundbreaking concept, which envisions a future where decarbonization is not bound to electrical solutions alone.

The Engineers HVAC Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/engineers-hvac-podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Key Discussion Points:

The Vision of Steamification: Discover how Steamification aims to generate green steam, offering a sustainable energy future freed from electrification constraints.

Versatile Green Steam Sources: Explore how steam can be generated from various green sources, including biomass, biogas, solar, hydrogen, nuclear, waste-to-energy, and more.

Steam's Unique Advantages: Patrick discusses the many advantages of steam, including its ease of transport, safety, reliability, and long-established role in heating and cooling technologies.

Efficiency and Sustainability: Learn about Maxi-Therm's cutting-edge solutions, including a patented 95+% efficient steam generation system and a 100% steam & condensate closed-loop distribution design to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Real-World Success Stories: Discover how Maxi-Therm's innovative steam solutions have been implemented in prestigious institutions and commercial buildings across North America, such as universities, hospitals, museums, and manufacturing facilities.

Sustainability Benefits: Patrick highlights the environmental benefits of Maxi-Therm's vertical flooded heat exchangers, which include eliminating condensate receivers, reducing air infiltration, and producing zero flash steam losses.

Join us as we explore the world of Steamification and how it can revolutionize energy solutions for large commercial buildings. Patrick's expertise and Maxi-Therm's groundbreaking technology promise to inspire and inform HVAC Mechanical Engineers and building owners seeking sustainable, efficient, and resilient energy systems.

This is part 1 of three, where we focus on Phase Down Deadlines, Refrigerant History, and What’s an HFO.

In this podcast, HVACR expert Don Gillis delves into the R410A transition, emphasizing key milestones and exploring the physical properties of potential replacements like R32 and R454B.

You can watch the full video version of this podcast on our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@HVAC-TV⁠⁠⁠

The Engineers HVAC Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/engineers-hvac-podcast⁠⁠⁠

Connect with me on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-mormino⁠⁠⁠

Insight Partners (Commercial HVAC Products in NC, SC, GA): Website: ⁠⁠www.insightusa.com⁠⁠⁠

Hobbs & Assocaited, Inc. (Commercial HVAC Products in VA, TN, MD, AL): ⁠⁠⁠www.hobbsassociates.com

This live podcast focuses squarely on the ASHRAE 34 A2L classification and its implications across HVAC equipment, mechanical spaces, transportation, storage, and building codes. But what exactly are A2L refrigerants?

Named after their ASHRAE safety classification, A2L refrigerants exhibit mild flammability, low toxicity, and a low global warming potential (GWP). This category encompasses hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) and HFO blends. A2L refrigerants mirror the operational characteristics of legacy refrigerants while presenting a safer profile compared to ammonia and hydrocarbon-based refrigerants.

As the world grapples with climate change, A2L refrigerants have emerged as a substitution for older, high-impact refrigerants such as HFCs and HCFCs in air conditioning and commercial refrigeration setups. A2Ls are pivotal in aiding businesses to meet global objectives outlined in agreements like the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment, as well as regional regulations such as the U.S. AIM Act, Canada’s ODSHAR, and the targets of the EU Green Deal.

In this video, Tony Abate, AtmosAir’s Chief Technology Officer, reviews ASHRAE Standard 241.

Tony worked tirelessly on this committee with Dr. William P. Bahnfleth, Ph.D., P.E., Fellow/Presidential Member ASHRAE, and the rest of the committee to complete this standard in record time.

You can watch the full video version of this podcast on our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@HVAC-TV⁠⁠

The Engineers HVAC Podcast: ⁠⁠https://anchor.fm/engineers-hvac-podcast⁠⁠

Connect with me on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-mormino⁠⁠

Insight Partners (Commercial HVAC Products in NC, SC, GA): Website: ⁠www.insightusa.com⁠⁠

Hobbs & Assocaited, Inc. (Commercial HVAC Products in VA, TN, MD, AL): ⁠⁠www.hobbsassociates.com

In late 2022, the White House contacted ASHRAE to help prepare for the upcoming expiration of Title 42 (in May 2023) and the end of the COVID public health emergency. The government tasked ASHRAE with the job of creating guidance on how to operate buildings in a way to help prevent the spread of airborne infectious illnesses.

During the pandemic, operators of indoor spaces were completely unprepared on how to mitigate and combat the spread of COVID. Proper guidance on how to make indoor spaces safe from the spread of the virus was inconsistent, and many people used untested technologies and inadequate products which were deemed to be ineffective. As a result, a new standard on how to protect people from the spread of infectious airborne illnesses in indoor spaces was needed and ASHRAE became the guiding force behind this initiative.

By December 2022, ASHRAE assembled a SPC (Special Project Committee) under the leadership of William Bahnfleth, a former ASHRAE president, to serve as the leadership behind establishing the framework for the standard. By invitation only, a committee of industry experts and thought leaders, including Tony Abate, the CTO of AtmosAir, came together to work on outlining the standard.

The development of Standard 214 is a multi-faceted approach to address all types of environments, commercial buildings, residential, retail, healthcare, institutional and many others. The standard touches on many aspects of enhancing indoor environments to reduce the spread of infectious aerosols including:

• Infection Risk Management Mode (IRMM) – Establishes requirements for an infection risk management mode (IRMM), which applies during identified periods of elevated disease transmission risk. Authorities having jurisdiction can determine when the enhanced protections of Standard 241 are required. Resilience (the ability to respond to extreme circumstances outside normal conditions) in indoor air quality control design and operations is introduced.

• Requirements for Equivalent Clean Airflow Rate – Sets requirements for equivalent clean airflow rate target per occupant of pathogen free airflow, reducing the risk of infection.

• Requirements for Use of Filtration and Air Cleaning Technology – Provides extensive requirements for use of filtration and air cleaning (such as HEPA filters, air ionizers, or UV lights) to achieve equivalent clean airflow requirements and be cost effective and operate effectively and safely.

• Planning and Commissioning – Provides assessment and planning requirements for being ready for the times when there is an event with increased disease-causing pathogen transmissions. The standard has a building readiness plan, that documents procedure for assessing existing or new HVAC systems to determine if they are working properly and attributing to the equivalent clean air delivered to spaces.

The minimum ventilation requirements are those as published in Standards 62.1, 62.2, and 170. Also, a minimum filtration requirement is set for MERV A-11.