On The Internet
Every successful project starts with a framework. A vision statement. A blueprint. The staff of Engineered Systems is proud to present The Blueprint — a monthly Q&A interview with HVACR engineering’s leading voices. These one-on-one discussions examine the trade’s history, current industry trends, the factors shaping the sector’s future, and more.
In the most recent installment, Tom Dowling, vice president of commercial business, METUS, introduces the industry to Hybrid VRF and discusses the codes and standards dictating its use as well as the market and its applications.
Engineered Systems: While VRF has become a popular option for designers worldwide and in the U.S., a new option has emerged – Hybrid VRF. What exactly is a Hybrid VRF system and how does it differ from a traditional VRF unit?
Dowling: A Hybrid VRF system is a two-pipe heat-recovery VRF system with a unique hybrid branch controller designed to use water as the heat transfer medium in occupied spaces. Soon available from METUS, Hybrid VRF systems only circulate refrigerant between the outdoor unit and the hybrid branch controller. The indoor units are connected to the hybrid branch controller via water pipes, so the system can supply heating or cooling to the conditioned space where it is needed.
Our Hybrid VRF system modulates refrigerant flow, fan speeds, and water flow to match loads. This operation provides energy-efficient zoned comfort and simultaneous heating and cooling while requiring less refrigerant than other VRF systems.
Engineered Systems: Can you list a couple of benefits and advantages Hybrid VRF offers engineers?
Dowling: The use of water piping indoors simplifies the installation, providing more flexibility and lower costs than copper refrigerant piping. Fewer brazed connections reduce the potential for leaks. In some jurisdictions, refrigerant concentration in smaller spaces is an issue. With Hybrid VRF, that concern is removed because the indoor unit in the occupied space has no refrigerant.
Read the entire interview on Engineered Systems’ website.
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Percussive Maintenance is defined as the use of physical concussion, such as a knock or a tap, in an attempt to make a malfunctioning device (or person) work. In Engineered Systems’ Percussive Maintenance podcast, we’re poised to do much more than rattle the engineering industry’s exterior; we’re digging deeper into the subjects and topics that matter most with some of the industry’s most important names.
In the latest episode, Andrew Blauvelt and Ruairi Barnwell discuss the partnership between DLR Group and Atrius, introduce listeners to the sonrai IAQ analytics platform, and much more.
Click here to listen to the latest episode of the Percussive Maintenance podcast.
Strengthening the Skilled Trades with Mary Kelly
Mary Kelly, president and CEO, StrataTech, shares how her company is striving to bolster skilled trades education, how you can help, and more.
See the video on Engineered Systems’ website.
Ambassadors of Efficiency
Do you work with an exemplary manufacturers' rep. who is dedicated to providing the best product possible for every project?
If so, then show off your partners by nominating them in Engineered Systems' inaugural Ambassadors of Efficiency Manufacturers’ Reps of the Year contest. Nominations will be accepted until Feb. 25. Enter your manufacturers' rep by clicking here.
