#hvactools Archives - United CoolAir

October 25, 2019 by Matt Hanson

Industrial Grow Room Units

As cannabis becomes legalized or decriminalized throughout the United States, Grow Room units are in high demand. Medical applications of the plant alone have led to further community acceptance and therefore more facilities have emerged for growth and distribution. In order for this up-and-coming industry to thrive, HVAC companies have developed specialized equipment that promotes indoor plant growth.

Growing cannabis indoors on a massive scale is an elaborate process. To start with, optimal growth conditions require stable temperatures both day and night. When the plants are in the early stages of development they need oxygen-rich air for vigorous growth. Grow room unit development leads to the control of both temperature and humidity in the various stages of plant growth. In particular, the heat stress on developing plants can quickly ruin a crop.

The two-stage humidity problem

When the humidity levels rise too high, conditions become such that mold can develop. Likewise, when levels of humidity fall too low this can add additional stress to the plants. The cannabis plants thrive best when relative humidity is kept within a manageable range.

Grow Room Units by United CoolAir

When it comes to Dedicated Indoor Agricultural System (DIAS) AKA, Grow Room units, United CoolAir is on the cutting edge. Starting in the Spring of 2018 we began producing equipment for Cultiva Systems. This is a complete system unlike the conventional approach that utilizes a standard air conditioner to control temperature and a separate dehumidifier to control humidity. The DIAS has the required capacity for late flower loads and enough turn down to maintain conditions during the earliest stages of the plant. Powerful moisture removal capability and full condensing modulating hot gas reheat keep the room conditions on target. Integral controls and advanced components maximize energy efficiency while achieving the desired conditions; therefore, lowering the operating cost to the grower. Furthermore, these units range from 10 – 45 tons and come in both horizontal and vertical configurations.

September 13, 2019 by Matt Hanson

All about packaged units in air conditioning

Since the invention of the air conditioner in 1902, engineers have developed various ways of handling the HVAC process. The evaporator and condenser sections are the two major components of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC). This is the case as it applies to Direct Expansion (DX) type systems. At the same time, the indoor air absorbs heat inside the evaporator section. The condenser converts the vapor to a liquid by cooling it down. This section is usually located outside on the roof or on the ground. Because the two sections are located in different areas we call this a split system.

A packaged unit is when the heating and cooling components are contained in the same unit. This type of system can be beneficial when space is minimal. Many times, the placement of this type of HVAC is located outdoors but can also be installed completely indoors. Connected to both the supply and return air ducts; these operate similar to a central air system. The delivery of these packaged units can occur as both air-cooled or water-cooled systems.

The Refrigeration Cycle

In the refrigerant cycle, air-cooled or water-cooled liquid travels through an expansion valve where it converts to a vapor. The vapor then absorbs heat inside the evaporator before moving on to the compressor. After the compressor, the vapor then goes to the condenser where the refrigerant is air or water-cooled. The application of a heat exchanger component is installed with shell and tube; plate and frame, or coil.

The cooling effect is achievable by means of a continuous supply of water added to the system. Sometimes building codes do not permit an HVAC system to be installed outside. In this case, packaged units are installed as a solution. United CoolAir produces these all-indoor packaged systems. By the way, the self-contained HVAC units and are available with multiple air path configurations.

July 3, 2019 by Matt Hanson

The Thermal Expansion Valve (TXV) Explained

What you need to know about refrigerant flow

The Thermal Expansion Valve (TXV) is an important piece of equipment in the HVAC industry. The valve is used to control the amount of refrigerant released to the evaporator section. In this way it controls the difference between superheat and the current refrigerant temperature at the evaporator outlet. Therefore, This in turn keeps its saturation temperature at the current evaporating pressure stable. The Thermal Expansion Valve function is the control the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator in response to the cooling load. Additionally, TXV’s measure the superheat at the outlet and react to this by increasing or decreasing the amount of refrigerant flowing into the evaporator to try and maintain a constant superheat.

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March 5, 2018 by Matt Hanson

Hotel HVAC Solutions

Many hotels and other high-rise buildings can develop indoor humidity issues causing high moisture levels. As a result, these problems can lead to damage to the building or discomfort to their guests without having the proper DOAS system into place. It is critical for business designers to implement cost-effective strategies to ensure their buildings are operating efficiently.

A proper DOAS system combined with interior conditioning strategies such as chilled beams or VRF systems can help control high humidity levels within a building. Preventing high indoor moisture is extremely important not only for the building but for the health of their occupants. The initial upfront could be a costly endeavor, however, the long term benefits of investing in a DOAS will far outweigh the short term cost.

Moisture Level in Hotels is Key

Moisture removal is the key component to optimal IAQ (indoor air quality) and occupant comfort. This can maximize the life of the facilities equipment and furnishings. The recommended range of human comfort (defined by ASHRAE) and desirable humidity level for interiors is around 65% relative humidity. Anything above 65% will yield the likelihood of microbial growth. One way to minimize the reheat energy associated with dehumidification would be through an energy recovery wheel (ERV). If you had an extremely hot and muggy day at 88°F and 60% RH, an ERV could reduce the outside air temperature down to 77°F and 60% RH.

Dehumidification often tends to be ignored because of the high cost and high energy expenditure of operating today’s buildings. Consequently, the lack of dehumidification in hotels can not only cause occupant discomfort but building damage as well. The best way to address this concern is to properly design a dehumidification system. Using a system with an energy recovery wheel is a great solution. Contact United CoolAir today and ask about how our Alpha Aire unit can meet all the needs of your building.