Solar air-conditioning systems
Powered by solar thermal energy or electricity, DuHybrid air-conditioning systems can reduce the energy required for cooling by up to 60 percent compared with standard air-conditioning units. The systems combine desiccant dehumidification with evaporative or geothermal cooling to eliminate the need for conventional mechanical cooling. They utilize solar thermal energy when available and automatically switch to electric power when needed. The systems also can be integrated with a cogeneration system and powered by other renewable-energy sources or waste heat. The systems' three configurations, 1,400 cfm, 2,400 cfm, and 3,400 cfm, cover a range of commercial and industrial air-conditioning and dehumidification needs. In the default operation mode, the units can generate more than 20 tons of refrigeration using renewable-energy sources, such as solar-thermal and geothermal water. In the electric operation mode, an embedded compressor is activated to enable cooling and dehumidification by utilizing waste heat as an internal energy source.
— DuCool
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Circulators
Designed for hydronic heating in light-commercial applications, energy-optimized 115-v Alpha circulators feature a permanent-magnet motor design that cuts power consumption by a minimum of 50 percent. The circulators automatically find the lowest operating-efficiency point to meet changing system demand.
— Grundfos Pumps Corp.
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Makeup-air heaters
Combat direct-fired makeup-air heaters are available in 1,000- to 60,000-cfm and rooftop or sidewall configurations. With 100-percent combustion efficiency and modulating burners, the units help reduce fuel usage and deliver heat without flue losses.
— Roberts Gordon LLC
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VOC sensor module
For integration into commercial air-handling and HVAC systems, the iAQ-2000 sensor module signals fans to run only when volatile organic compounds (VOC) are detected, maintaining healthy air and supporting green-building initiatives. After VOC levels are minimized, the module instructs the system to decrease ventilation, saving energy and lowering operating costs.
— AppliedSensor
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Motor-speed control
Able to connect to an existing single-phase air conditioner or heat-pump system, CC750 Comfort Control Center is a motor-speed control that promotes humidity control in light-commercial settings for improved indoor-air quality.
— ICM Controls
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Sustainable-design software
Ecotect Analysis software is a concept-to-detail sustainable-design-analysis solution with architect-designed desktop tools that measure the impact of environmental factors on a building's performance and Web-based technology for whole-building analysis. The software includes energy, water, and carbon-emission-analysis capabilities.
— Autodesk
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Desiccant dehumidifiers
Weatherproof MiniPAC desiccant dehumidifiers can stand alone or attach to any HVAC system. Ranging from 100 to 600 cfm, the units combat the effects of moisture in areas of up to 8,000 sq ft. Permanent filters are washable.
— Bry-Air
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Mobile spot coolers
When a ventilation system does not reach all areas of a commercial facility, CCX series cooling units can add mobile, environmentally friendly spot cooling without chemicals, refrigerants, or compressors. The water-tank capacity can provide up to 10 hr of uninterrupted running time.
— Munters
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