Outdated and underpowered HVAC systems pose a significant financial burden on companies, resulting in the loss of thousands of dollars each year due to untapped energy recovery. These outdated systems not only consume more power to operate but also contribute to poor air quality due to outdated air-circulation strategies. In essence, they represent a missed opportunity for substantial savings.
However, in the realm of commercial building HVAC, there is no need to sacrifice efficiency or minimize efforts to reduce carbon output, even in small or multi-level buildings and diverse climate conditions. ACT specializes in offering reliable HVAC solutions that incorporate heat pipe technologies and innovative pump-assisted engineered systems. By leveraging these cutting-edge solutions, corporate companies can achieve their carbon emissions goals while dramatically reducing energy costs. With ACT’s expertise, companies can enjoy efficient and environmentally-friendly HVAC systems that maximize savings and promote sustainability.
Problem: Initial Building concept included inefficient HVAC plans
During the planning phase of a new high-rise office building, the lead engineer initially considered implementing a pumped liquid glycol system. However, upon closer evaluation, they discovered that pumped liquid glycol systems can be both complex and cost prohibitive. They require significant initial investments and often incur higher maintenance costs over the long term, affecting reliability. Moreover, these systems tend to operate at reduced efficiency levels compared to other alternatives.
After consulting with ACT, the decision was made to opt for a pumped air-to-air heat pipe heat exchanger instead. This choice was motivated by the benefits of utilizing the system’s exhaust to reduce the energy requirements of the HVAC system. By repurposing the exhaust, the heat pipe approach offers improved energy efficiency and helps mitigate environmental concerns associated with leaks. This informed decision ensures a more efficient and sustainable HVAC system for the high-rise office building.
Solution: Pumped Air-to-Air Heat Pipe Heat Exchangers
ACT’s field service team embarked on a trip to Chicago to install six pumped SLTS AAHX (Split Loop Thermosyphon System Air-to-Air Heat Exchanger) systems in the mechanical rooms situated on the 3rd and 33rd floors of the building. These systems featured PLC-controlled variable speed pumps, providing enhanced control and efficiency.
During the seasonal transitions, the HVAC system effectively utilizes the ACT energy recovery preheating or precooling condenser coil to condition the outside air. This is achieved by transferring the building’s exhaust air through the evaporator coil, tempering the incoming air. As a result, the demand for energy from the main air handlers’ heating coil is significantly reduced, leading to a more efficient heating system.
In the winter, the HVAC system employs the ACT energy recovery preheating condenser coil to further preheat the outside air using the building’s warm exhaust air via the evaporator coil. Additionally, the system directs the air to the ACT energy recovery exhaust coil, where the exiting sensible heat is recovered. This recovered heat is then transferred back into the system through 200-foot-long copper transfer lines, returning it to the energy recovery preheating condenser. Fractional horsepower circulator pumps facilitate the heat transfer process.
As the summer season arrives, the HVAC system receives hot outside air, which is directed through the ACT Energy Recovery precooling coil (now functioning as the evaporator). The air is cooled before reaching the air handlers’ chilled water-cooling coil. This pre-cooling of the air significantly reduces the amount of cooling required, optimizing energy efficiency. The air-conditioned air then flows through the ventilation system, reaching multiple floors of the building. The pre-cooling coil effectively utilizes the building’s return air exhaust stream once again. In the summer, the exhaust energy recovery coil is transformed into the condenser coil, and the cooler refrigerant is pumped to the other side of the building to precool the incoming air entering the air handling system.
Overall, these installations demonstrate the effective utilization of ACT’s advanced HVAC solutions, allowing for improved energy recovery, enhanced heating and cooling efficiency, and optimal air conditioning in the building.
