Feature
TIME TO EMBRACE IOT IN HVAC ?
Compiled by Eamonn Ryan
The Internet of Things ( IoT ) is transforming the way contractors manage HVAC systems in both industrial and commercial settings – by helping manufacturers , contractors and end users monitor their performance and detect issues before they become major outages .
The basics any HVAC & R installer and engineer should understand when installing and specifying are pipes , fittings and gauges . These each relate to the nature of what individual components convey from plant all the way along to indoor spaces , according to the standards that exist . These components are there to protect the health and safety of people in the building as well as prevent damage that ensues when pipes leak , or wrong fittings are used or blocked pipes cause dangerous situations in buildings or create waste energy .
The opportunity and challenge posed by the inevitable digitisation of HVAC , with gauges and some valves likely to be dominated by sensors and smart technology .
PIPES : WHAT MATERIAL ? HVAC technology has changed enormously since its earliest inception . Alongside that , the materials used to make air conditioning units ’ piping has evolved as well . The effectiveness of the piping gets influenced by the materials used to make it , with copper and steel being the two major types of metals used for HVAC piping .
Copper is used mostly for smaller piping , transporting water in a / c units as the use of copper is expensive compared to other materials available . Steel on the other hand is much cheaper and is used for larger sizes . The latter can withstand higher pressure than copper and is ideal for both hot and cold water . It usually allows for a range of temperatures and pressure .
Copper . org explains that copper ’ s high-quality performance has allowed it to remain a standard part of air conditioning construction . Copper can be the ally of a licensed HVAC service provider : it is easy to work with , yet extremely durable once installed . A copper pipe is , “[ S ] o ductile that it can be formed – frequently right on the job site – to fit most design configurations ”, says the site 1 . The material is also versatile enough that it can be used in a wide variety of HVAC jobs , from single buildings to large scale complexes .
ACS
Reducing costs while maintaining a high level of quality in a building material requires a delicate balancing act . Cutting the quality of materials threatens the reliability and performance of the material and is never a good idea . Technological advances in production methods have resulted in copper pipes created with minimal material , yet still reliable and durable . The use of copper
A DN250 Danfoss AB-QM PICV valve and actuator , 1 of 6 installed at a data centre in Centurion .
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I April 2023 27