Clean Air Innovations in the Age of COVID-19
As society grapples with a variety of issues to control the spread of pathogens,
breakthroughs in HVAC will be key for indoor gathering spaces.
HVAC has never been more prominent in the arena of public safety. The question of how we attain safe air quality for our indoor commercial, residential, and entertainment centers has enormous importance in the age of COVID-19. With that in mind, the HVAC industry is meeting the challenge through innovation and new technologies. One example is Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization (NPBI).
What is Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization (NPBI)?
NPBI is an Ion Generating technology designed to filter particles and kill pathogens passing through HVACR systems. Using a low voltage charge, NPBI injects a high concentration of + and – ions into the air flow through hundreds of stainless steel needles or carbon fiber brushes. These ions attach themselves to passing particles, making them big enough to be filtered and heavy enough to fall below breathing level. They also block pathogens of life-sustaining Hydrogen. In short, NPBI reduces the overall bioburden coming through an HVAC system, eliminating or damaging sub-micron particles and pathogens alike.
Why is NPBI so Important Today?
Organizations, both public and private, are taking indoor air quality more seriously. […]
New HVACR Refrigerant Alternatives Demonstrate Low GWP
Successful research and development of lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) options are transforming the HVACR industry.
As the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues refining the standards and regulations of emissions produced by commercial and residential refrigerant equipment, HVACR companies persist in seeking new alternatives for low GWP refrigerants.
Whether from poor construction, improper installation, or maintenance neglect, older refrigeration systems wear and leak throughout their lifecycles. Technological advancements within a new generation of refrigerant equipment aim to lower greenhouse gas emissions and should significantly decrease the global impact on the ozone layer in 2020 and beyond.
Recent developments in HVACR systems and components are leading to:
- Lower emissions
- Improved safety
- Enhanced cooling performance
- Decreased system footprint
- Increased energy efficiency
- Greater cost efficiency
These changes will not only benefit commercial businesses (including refrigerated food processing plants and supermarkets), but also ducted and ductless residential consumers around the world.
EMISSIONS VALUES DECREASE WITH LOW GWP REFRIGERANTS
As HVACR companies convert from hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and HFC blends to newer refrigerants that can be used in compact systems, industry reports show a promising drop in discharge levels.
Some ground-breaking low GWP alternatives include R-290 (propane), R-744 (CO2), and R-32 (difluoromethane, part of the HFC family of gases). R-32 has climbed to the top of the list […]
The Future Role of Artificial Intelligence in HVACR
Forthcoming technological advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) could positively impact the field of HVACR.
AI is being utilized throughout various industries (ex: defense, medicine, technology) for early identification of problems, leading to improved response times and additional lives saved. This same technology may one day support HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration) professionals with the precise diagnosis and repair of a part before a system failure occurs.
AI OFFERS HVACR TIME-SAVING PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE
HVACR engineers install, maintain, and repair complex mechanical systems that control indoor climates. These technicians must often physically inspect numerous individual components to find the root of the problem when a system is not in good working order.
Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and scientists are currently studying how AI can be developed to serve the HVACR industry. AI tools may be able to pinpoint an area of decline – circuit board, duct, fan motor, pipe, safety switch, vents, thermostat, etc. – and immediately send a report in advance of total system failure.
HVACR technicians could avoid time wasted on painstaking parts inspection with assistance from AI. They can skip ahead to procuring the correct replacement item that will prevent downtime. Reductions in late-night and weekend emergency calls would save time, hassle, and expense for building managers and […]
