VFD Archives | Controlled Air, Inc.

Vin Chiocchio Speaking at the Executive Energy Summit, September 2018

Controlled Air Inc. — Wed, 26 Sep 2018 18:49:39 +0000

In this video our president, Vin Chiocchio spoke at the Executive Energy Summit about energy efficient equipment, energy modeling and ways to finance upgrades . He spoke along side Elena Cahil, President of Globele and Alex Discepolo of Globele Advisors. This is the second executive energy summit held, with the information being updated based on current equipment, tax laws and financing available.

The post Vin Chiocchio Speaking at the Executive Energy Summit, September 2018 appeared first on Controlled Air, Inc..

University of Bridgeport, Bates Hall VRF System

Controlled Air Inc. — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 05:02:21 +0000

We planned, designed, managed and installed one complete Lennox VRF system at Bates Hall, a historically recognized building on the campus of University of Bridgeport. This system was chosen due to the lack of space provided and the exceptional zoning capabilities it provides the customer. This system has the ability to heat and cool at the same time at very low energy cost.

Bates Hall is the largest Lennox VRF System in New England. The VRF system includes 2 outdoor units and 18 indoor units. VRF Systems provide simultaneous heating and cooling throughout the building, as well as auxiliary heaters for negative temperatures. The VRF system further includes variable speed drives with stage up/stage down capabilities.

What is VRF?

Variable Refrigerant Flow, VRF, is a system that provides simultaneous heating and cooling by absorbing excess heat energy in one zone and transferring it to heat another. This helps you maintain the ultimate level of comfort while operating at maximum efficiency. By offering a building the ability to create localized comfort with independent temperature control, VRF can help every occupant enjoy a perfectly heated, cooled, and humidified area. This makes customization easy and efficient. VRF is a flexible system in operation and installation. Multiple configurations of indoor units are available, including wall and floor mounts. Lennox VRF is ideal for a wide range of buildings and workplaces. Perfect applications for VRF include: Lodging, Healthcare, Multi-family structure, Hospitals, Education, Retail and Dining. It is equally suited for new building or upgrades in an existing building.

What are the Benefits?

20%-25% more efficient then conventional systems: VRF systems may cost more than traditional central air systems up front, but this cost can be offset by lower energy bills and repair expenses over time.
Higher comfort with individual zone control: No matter how your building is used, this customizable solution allows you to control different comfort needs independently. Unused rooms’ climate controls can be switched off entirely.
Smaller Footprint Quiet: In a VRF system, the noisier condensing unit is typically outside, and the indoor air handlers are smaller and quieter than a traditional systems.
Consistent comfort: The VRF HVAC system can detect the precise requirements of each zone, and send the precise amount of refrigerant needed to do the job. As a result, each area of your space is consistently comfortable with well-controlled humidity and no hot or cold spots.
VRF systems take up much less space than forced-air systems—a benefit that’s especially important in existing structures.

Multiple Control Options

Up to 16 Zone Levels
Centralized level (up to 128 indoor units)
Integrated building level (multiple VRF systems)
Integrated connectivity (for control using any web-connected device)

Financing/Rebates can work with CPACE financing. VRF is so new that it doesn’t have specific tax credits and rebates but it does/can qualify for rebates and incentives with proper energy modeling.

The post University of Bridgeport, Bates Hall VRF System appeared first on Controlled Air, Inc..

Variable Frequnecy Drives (VFD)

Controlled Air Inc. — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 21:12:53 +0000

Variable frequency drives are a system for controlling the revolutions per minute in an electric motor. It is a type of adjustable speed drive that can be added to any in industrial, OEM, and HVAC motor driven system. They can be used in conjunction with control pumps, fans, Condenser fans, air handler motors, HVAC fans, and cooling towers.

Traditional heating and cooling systems often run at a higher speed then necessary which wastes considerable energy. Also frequent starting and stopping of motors and quick accelerations can lead to short life spans for equipment. VFD’s allows for gradual acceleration and less wear and tear on equipment. They work by alternating applied voltage by converting the fixed-frequency supply voltage to a continuously variable frequency, thereby allowing for adjustable motor speed. With variable frequency drives, motors can run at pre-determined speeds to optimize system requirements and energy efficiency performance on fans and pumps. Annual chiller energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced by as much as 30% since lower compressor speed causes reduced wear. Systems can also be programmed to run at times that take advantage of off-peak energy rates.

VFD’s are programmable, quiet, have high motor efficiency and smooth performance. They come in a range of Horsepower and supply voltages. VFD’s are most effective when they are the ideal size and voltage for a specific motor. Digital displays and keypads make programming a breeze and the display can also monitor and show diagnostic information. Many models offer a remote display when the VFD is mounted interior of the equipment, as with many Rooftop air conditioners.

VFD can have an ROI of one year in the right application. They also are available for rebates and incentives the Connecticut and the local utilities. Incentives include the Energy Efficiency Fund Small Business Energy Advantage Program through the UI for a 0% interest rate for amounts between $500 – 100,000; as well as Energy Efficiency Fund Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Program for varying Incentives that incorporate two electric end-uses with at least 15% of project energy savings.

Controlled Air, Inc. uses Eaton Variable Frequency Drives under the Johnson Controls label and we can provide a 3-year warranty when one of our trained techs start and test them. Often ABB VFD’s are used because they are better known. We feel that the Eaton VFD’s offer a competitive solution in cost, quality, easy of operation, support, and warranty.

The post Variable Frequnecy Drives (VFD) appeared first on Controlled Air, Inc..