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AUGUST 2019 | 25 Mechanical & HVAC Systems PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY THERMENEX; AQUA-TECH Time to think about mechanical and HVAC systems differently by NATALIE BRUCKNER M echanical and HVAC systems and energy efficiency go hand- in-hand. You can't talk about one without the other. Technology in these sectors has advanced at such a rapid rate that it is no longer a conversation about innovations, but which technologies available today will give your building the highest perfor- mance and exceed energy code demands, while offering the quickest payback. "All the technology is there, it's just a matter of get- ting integrated solutions from a design team, not just a single discipline, and working toward that same goal. Getting the developers and contractors familiar in how we can address it is essential. We need to continue to build on the knowledge and awareness," says Mike Dixon, mechanical engineer at Williams Engineering. "Our focus is on increasing thermal indoor com- fort but limiting energy use, so we end up with more sophisticated mechanical systems to meet those needs," adds Dixon. While just a few years ago the impacts of cli- mate change were considered something we need to worry about in the future, the realities are that we are seeing the effects today. Dixon says that Williams' building simulations are now seeing the impacts of climate change in the weather data they use to punch into their energy modelling. "We are at an inflexion point where most of B.C. won't be able to use the solu- tions we used in the past. We need to eek out every bit of energy we can," says Dixon. Williams has been involved in a number of projects that showcase energy-efficient mechani- cal systems. One such project is 1400 Alberni in Vancouver, which, once complete, will be the tallest Passive House development in the world. "The energy modelling for this project is happening out of our office. It's very exciting," says Dixon. Williams is also involved in a number of social housing projects and residential care homes that have turned their attention to sophisticated mechan- ical and HVAC systems to reduce their energy use. "The cost has come down to a point that we can do carbon dioxide demand control ventilation for a resi- dential home and the cost is not significant. We are also seeing a trend in popularity in residential and smaller projects," he adds. Another change Williams is seeing is the involvement of utility companies who are stepping up to help offset the capital costs of installing central heating and cool- ing systems. Operating a mini utility onsite allows the operator to sell thermal energy directly to the home- owners, while offsetting capital costs for the developer, and eliminating maintenance fees for the strata. Balancing Act As the race to net zero continues, increasing focus is being placed on the top performers in the mechanical and HVAC systems sector. Aqua-Tech, the Canada-wide master distributor for Lochinvar Boilers and Water Heaters, is recognized as pro- viding systems that will help us get there and the company continues to see impressive demand. Darryl Singleton, VP at Aqua-Tech also credits this demand on the drive for buildings to be carbon neutral by 2030, which he says is having "a significant amount of muscle flex" on helping build awareness. However, Singleton highlights that the infrastruc- ture costs are going to be astronomical when it comes to supporting a grid that works. "Mandating a change without supporting the grid is not the answer," he says. "It's going to be a challenge because by 2025 you better have all the systems ready to achieve that, but right now the government isn't putting money toward that infrastructure." When it comes to Aqua-Tech's own technolo- gies, Singleton says he is finding increasing interest being shown in alternative energy. "We introduced a new product called Micro-CHP [combined heat and power]; micro because it is under 50kW/hr," says Singleton. Using an internal combustion natural gas engine, Micro-CHP is designed to be an efficient and easily installed system ideal for light commercial use such as multi-family residences, hotels, hospi- tals, colleges, restaurants, car washes, and swimming pools. The XRGI25 aims to meet the growing need for enhanced efficiency and reduced energy waste in North America. In Canada and North America Aqua-Tech is also finding its 19kW and 25kW per unit systems are the most popular. Most systems payback in three to six years, depending on local grants and funding from government and utility incentives, wherever available. Aqua-Tech has been involved in some interesting projects of late, including installing a smaller and a larger system in a Hutterite community in southern Alberta. "They are a great showcase of what it means to have a baseline demand that runs all year round. They are generating their own electricity and tying it into the grid network so anything they don't use they can sell back," says Singleton. Jeff Weston, president and CEO at Thermenex, who invented the patented Thermal Gradient Header (TGH) HVAC system that was holistically conceived Micro-CHP installed system from Aqua-Tech. The patented Thermal Gradient Header (TGH) HVAC system.

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