Ashrae Journal - October 2008 - 7

define “manufacturing” and how to determine the production allowances to service existing R-22 equipment after 2010. The EPA, she said, was supposed to issue proposed rules in 2008 for both questions and hasn’t. The final rules are due in 2009. Many of the speakers and presentations also addressed the issue of reducing refrigerant charge, mainly by using secondary loop systems instead of DX systems. Secondary loop technology uses about 60% less primary refrigerant to chill a heat transfer fluid that is distributed to store display cases. The main benefit is that less refrigerant is needed and there is less charge. The equipment also can be more efficient. Hill Phoenix, one of the biggest players in secondary loop technology, provided three breakout sessions on the secondary loop refrigeration systems it manufacturers. Dow Chemical Company, another big player, issued a press release at the conference to announce that in 2008 it supplied a record amount of heat transfer fluid for secondary loop systems. The demand, it said, was most pronounced in North America and included one customer with more than 100 projects. Other speakers addressed the use of CO2, an environment-friendly alternative to HCFCs and HFCs. One of these presentations covered the first CO2 DX cascade systems in North America, which opened in March 2008. Mark Hankle, P.E., Associate Member ASHRAE, mechanical engineer for Price Chopper Supermarkets, said his company installed the prototype as a sustainability initiative. CO2, he said, has a global warming potential (GWP) of one vs. 1,300 to 3,900 for HFCs. There are also questions about the future of HFCs, and the cost of Canada, From Page 6 (insulated concrete form) construction technology, in which the building walls are a “sandwich” of concrete and insulation (the insulation replaces traditional wooden forms). The result is an airtight and well-insulated building. To minimize energy for lighting, vacancy sensors will automatically turn off lights when a room is not in use while October 2008 refrigerant is $1 a pound vs. $8 a pound. The store, he said, has had to overcome some issues with leaks, tech training and the availability of Colman grade CO2. On the positive side, the store has added 12,000 ft2 (1100 m2) and is using less energy than before the expansion. Also, he anticipates that these systems will eventually only cost 5% to 6% more than an HFC system. CO2 technology, he said, is promising in various applications but is not a “general solution” for the substitution of HFCs. Andy Campbell, B.Eng., head of environmental refrigeration for the UK giant, Tesco, described his work with transcritical CO2 systems. These systems have become more popular than cascade CO2 systems in Europe, partly because of incentives, energy efficiency and environmental advantages. However, transcritical systems are climate-dependent and more expensive than R-410A systems. Wal-Mart’s work with a prototype store in Las Vegas was described by Richard Royal, P.E., Associate Member ASHRAE, mechanical design manager for Wal-Mart prototype stores. Technologies include radiant flooring, which cools the bottom 10 ft (3 m) of the space and handles 100% of the sensible load, and evaporative condensers that have replaced 38 rooftop units. “You can’t sell for less if you spend more,” he noted. In a separate presentation, he discussed Wal-Mart’s experience in retrofitting R-22 systems in 561 stores. Line sizing, he said, is the big issue for Wal-Mart because of the cost of re-piping stores. He said R-407A and R-422D seem to be better options than R-404A when carbon footprint and costs are considered. Reported by Fred Turner daylighting sensors will automatically close exterior blinds to decrease glare and cooling loads. The building features a central atrium topped by photovoltaic cells that will generate electricity. Other green features include using cladding and countertops made of recycled materials, recycled paint, ultra low-flow plumbing fixtures and a rainwater cistern. ASHRAE Journal EG-15R1 www.info.hotims.com/16018-29 7

Ashrae Journal - October 2008

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Ashrae Journal - October 2008

Ashrae Journal - October 2008

Contents

Commentary
Industry News
Letters
ASHRAE HQ Dedication Booklet
ASHRAE Rebuilds HQ to Reflect Mission
Feature Articles
ASHRAE's Living Lab
Meetings and Shows
Sizing Pipe Using Life-Cycle Costs
Feature Articles
Energy-Efficient Data Centers: A Close-Coupled Row Solution
The Future of 90.1
Ventilation Standard for Health Care Facilities
Grosvenor Humidity Chart
ASHRAE Research Report
ASHRAE Honor Roll
Building Sciences
Special Products
Emerging Technologies
Product Showplace
Classified Advertisting
Advertising Index
Ashrae Journal - October 2008 - Ashrae Journal - October 2008
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Contents