By: RK Mechanical
Energy consumption is on the rise and consequently, more expensive than ever. As the demand continues to increase, scientists and engineers are exploring new ways to increase efficiency and safety in systems that require a lot of energy; HVAC systems are no exception. In recent years, groundbreaking technologies began giving consumers the ability to reduce the energy consumption of HVAC systems in our homes and buildings. While many new technologies are still in the early stages, several have been widely adopted. Here are the top innovations taking over the HVAC industry.
TOP 8 HVAC INNOVATIONS:
- Movement-Activated Air Conditioning automatically turns off in empty rooms
- Thermally Driven Air Conditioning relies on solar power for cooling
- Ice-Powered Air Conditioning turns cool water into ice overnight, to be used the following day thus reducing peak electrical demand.
- Dual-Fuel Heat Pumps work hand-in-hand with a gas-fired furnace
- Geothermal Heat Pumps transfer heat to or from the earth
- Sensor-Enhanced Ventilation can control when an exhaust fan needs to run
- Air Purifying Technology allows the removal of nearly all of the particles from the air stream
- Energy Analysis Software allows for constant monitoring and adjustments to achieve optimal efficiency for HVAC systems
By using cloud-based systems and increasing smart and real-time communication between mechanical units, HVAC controls will continue to become more energy efficient and allow for cost savings. Energy alternatives, such as solar and geothermal will become more commonplace and technology like smart thermostats will become more popular by reducing energy consumption.
RK Mechanical is the Rocky Mountain Region’s leading full-service mechanical contractor. We fabricate and install mechanical systems, including HVAC, sheetmetal, plumbing and piping utilizing the latest innovative technologies.
By: RK Electrical
Over the next two decades, energy consumption is expected to increase by 30%, according to Oil & Gas Journal, meaning the need for better energy efficiency is necessary to keep up with our power-dependent lifestyles. To move towards a more energy-efficient future, corporations need to measure how effectively their electricity usage is through power factor.
WHAT IS POWER FACTOR?
Power factor is the ratio between the real power (what is used for heating, lighting, etc.), reactive power (what is pulled to create magnetic fields) and the apparent power (real and reactive power combined) consumed by an alternating current (AC) electrical system.
Power factor measures how efficiently electrical power is converted into useful output. Ideal power transmission is 100% efficiency or a power factor of one, anything less means that additional power is needed to achieve the same task. Unfortunately, a power factor of one is nearly impossible to sustain. Electrical devices connected to a network may use or produce power, causing variation in the power factor. If the variation isn’t corrected, higher currents are pulled from the network which can lead to:
- Grid instability or an imbalance between production and consumption of energy
- Higher fees from utility providers
- Diminished transmission capacity
Major causes of poor power factor are inductive loads on equipment. Inductive loads resist changes in current and create lag.
HOW IS POWER FACTOR CORRECTION PERFORMED?
Adding power factor correction capacitors to the electrical system is the simplest way to improve the power factor. These capacitors act as reactive current generators, which help to offset the non-working power used by inductive loads and improve the power factor. Capacitors are cost-effective, easy to install and the return on investment is typically achieved within one to two years of usage.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF IMPROVING THE POWER FACTOR?
The power distribution system in a network can be overloaded by excess current. Improving the power factor can offer many benefits, including:
- Lower electric bills by eliminating utility penalties for a poor power factor
- Improved energy efficiency due to reduced power losses
- Increased capacity of the current
- Improved voltage to equipment
- Environmentally friendly – less power needs to be generated, so less CO2 is produced
- Increased lifecycle of equipment with less heat generation within cables, switchgear, transformers and other equipment.
RK Electrical performs a variety of electrical work including repair, installation and equipment replacement for all types of electrical systems. Contact us at rkelectrical@rkindustries.com today for a free consultation.