Engineered Systems - March 2008 - (Page 15)

CaseInPoint Employing a new acoustically improved HVAC unit at its Audiology Laboratory, where students’ hearing is tested, proved to be a sound decision. The new unit reduced the overall ambient noise level in the clinic from 58 to 37 decibels. A PROTOTYPE Just as the Val Verde Uniﬁed School District in Perris, CA was looking for ways to improve the quality and acoustical environment in their modular classroom units, Geary Paciﬁc Supply and Bard Manufacturing were completing independent ﬁeld-testing of their new Quiet Climate 2 HVAC unit. A new national standard for overall ambient noise in the classroom led the two companies to team up to create an acoustically improved HVAC unit that would enhance the learning environment in schools. The new wall-mounted unit was designed to not only work well with new construction but also be able to be easily retroﬁtted to older construction, including portable classroom units. In its quest to improve its modular classrooms, Val Verde ofﬁcials decided to build their own prototype classroom that would create better sound insulation from outside noise while providing needed shade from the sun. “In conjunction with our prototype construction, we wanted to see if we could obtain quieter operating air conditioning units,” said Todd Butcher, director of maintenance and operation at Val Verde. “Our ultimate goal was to additionally reduce the overall decibel levels within each of our classrooms.” That’s when Val Verde turned to Geary Paciﬁc, the local distributor of Bard HVAC equipment. Geary Paciﬁc recommended they try the Quiet Climate 2 because it provides operating sound levels that are 20 to 35 times quieter than a standard wall-mounted heat pump. In addition, the unit is 44% more energy efﬁcient and uses green refrigerants. Val Verde decided to test the Quiet Climate 2 in the single best environment for testing noise levels — the district’s Audiology Laboratory where students’ hearing is tested. QUIET AND CLEAR Since the Quiet Climate 2 was installed, the overall ambient noise level in the clinic has dropped from 58 to 37 decibels. “The environment for evaluating our students as improved by at least 200%,” said Randy Lerner, district audiologist. “I used to have to turn our old unit off when conducting testing. Now students comment on how quiet the lab is — and that’s when the unit is on!” Because of its success with the Audiology Laboratory, Val Verde is FREE INFO: 23 COTTONWOOD FILTER SCREENS ™ KEEP COOLING SYSTEMS CLEAN ALL SEASON LONG ”The Green Way to Keep HVAC and Cooling Tower Systems Clean and earn LEED Credits” Stops Airborne Debris Before It Can Become a Problem! Mount over Intake Openings (Stops debris at entry point) Low Static Pressure Impact (>1/10th w.g. drop @ 600 fpm) Clean with Broom, Brush, Shop Vac. or Garden Hose Doesn’t Require Removal for Cleaning Reduces / Eliminates Cleaning Chemicals (Eco-friendly) Saves Energy (Equipment operates clean all season long) Reduces Maintenance Time & Cost (up to 75%) Helps Attain LEED Credit Points (in multiple categories) Resists Mold, Mildew, UV and Flames (self-extinguishing) 15+ year service life For More Information Contact: Air Solution & Newway Company Tel 513-860-9784 or 248-676-9418 www.airsolutioncompany.com FREE INFO: 193 w w w. esmag a zine . c o m ESM03084AirSol.indd 1 15 2/19/08 1:40:27 PM http://www.lattnerboiler.com http://www.lattnerboiler.com http://www.airsolutioncompany.com http://www.esmagazine.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Engineered Systems - March 2008

Engineered Systems - March 2008 Contents Editor’s Note Back2Basics HVAC Challenge Case In Point Commissioning Building Automation Energy Wiz HVACR Designer Tips Application Checklist Exemplary Design = Elementary Success The Modern Unit Ventilator On A Mission VAV Systems And Green Design – Part II Issues & Events Products Glossary Classifieds Advertiser Index Tomorrow’s Engineer

Engineered Systems - March 2008

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