Climate Technologies

Advanced Climate & Environmental Solutions for Commerce and Industry

News

Climate Technologies Welcomes MarCraft as a New Partner

by

Climate Technologies is excited to announce our new partnership with MarCraft, a leader in fully custom HVAC systems with a reputation for engineering excellence.

MarCraft Custom HVAC Systems are designed for projects that demand precision and performance, including automotive, laboratories, hospitals, data centers, food and beverage processing facilities, and more. Their modular, fully custom systems allow for flexibility in design, construction materials, energy recovery options, and controls, providing solutions tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. Every system is built for long-term reliability and can be factory-tested to ensure optimal performance before it ever reaches the job site.

With roots dating back to 1921 and an American-made manufacturing process, MarCraft combines time-honored craftsmanship with modern technology. Their fully custom units are engineered for efficiency, minimal maintenance, and maximum space utilization, making them ideal for projects that require more than the standard solution  – the type of projects Climate Technologies is known for.

MarCraft’s proven capabilities make them a valuable partner as Climate Technologies continues to deliver HVAC solutions that meet the most demanding specifications.

Processed Chilled Fluid Case Study

by

Challenge:

A customer within the industrial sector presented Climate Technologies with a specific engineering challenge: the requirement for an air-cooled chiller to provide process chilled fluid. This system needed to adhere to ASHRAE (American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) A1 class refrigerant requirements, which specify low toxicity and non-flammability. A1 fluids are generally recognized for stable performance and broad applications, particularly where safety is a primary concern. This application was unique because the system required A1 class refrigerant in a chiller with a rating below 120 tons, an unusual combination.

Solution:

Industrial processed chilled water case study

To address this challenge, Climate Technologies provided a comprehensive solution encompassing engineering and project management services, alongside provisioning specialized equipment. The key component of the equipment package was a Geoclima – 70-ton air-cooled chiller. This chiller utilized R513A as its refrigerant, to meet the ASHRAE A1 classification and system cooling requirements, and incorporated two compact screw compressors, each equipped with variable frequency drives.

The chiller also featured integrated controls with a user-friendly 7” touch screen, offering BACNet capabilities for seamless integration with existing building management systems. The designed system also included remote monitoring capabilities and low ambient controls designed to ensure reliable year-round operation, even in temperatures as low as -20 degrees F.

The end result is a successful system design that meets the customer’s need for process chilled fluid while adhering to the specified refrigerant class and operational requirements, in an appropriately sized system.

air-cooled chiller
air-cooled chiller
air-cooled chiller

Navigating Refrigerant Changes and Future-Proofing Your Cooling Systems

by

It’s no secret that an increased demand for R454B refrigerant and broader supply chain complexities are leading to concerns among manufacturers and facilities managers regarding availability and lead times.

Geoclima equipment

One challenge is that R454B carries an A2L classification, broadly meaning it’s non-toxic and has a lower flammability rating. However, low flammability doesn’t mean no flammability – and that leads to differences in how this refrigerant must be transported, handled, and installed.

In contrast, A1 refrigerants are non-flammable and have a low-toxicity rating– they do not ignite or support combustion. This is a key differentiator because many environments or organizations require A1 class refrigerants for cooling equipment.

Changing regulations and anticipated refrigerant price increases are adding to the confusion. This includes deciphering complex GWP values, understanding varied regional phase-down schedules, and navigating the uncertainty surrounding long-term viable alternatives, all of which is making it harder for contractors and facilities directors to plan for current and future cooling needs.

If your cooling system provider isn’t staying ahead of these developments or lacks experience with alternative refrigerants, you could face costly consequences in the future.

That’s where Climate Technologies comes in.
Our niche experts have proven success solving complex cooling challenges, and have the experience and expertise to design solutions that can help mitigate refrigerant issues. Considerations might include alternative refrigerant technologies such as ammonia, or designing dual-refrigerant systems that prepare equipment for future regulation and availability.

The Climate Technologies engineering team works to understand the full scope of your unique cooling requirements, as well as the current and likely future state of the refrigerant industry.

The result: Lower operating costs, improved efficiency, long-term regulatory compliance and peace of mind knowing your system is designed and built to last.

Let’s Talk About Your Cooling Strategy
If you are facing coolant and refrigerant challenges, or simply want to optimize your planned system for future compliance and efficiency, contact Climate Technologies today for a comprehensive consultation. Let our experts guide you through the evolving refrigerant landscape and design a resilient cooling solution for your operations.

Overcoming Summer Environmental Control Challenges

by

Ben Franklin famously said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That statement rings true every summer when the Climate Technologies team hears from facilities managers struggling to meet the needs of their customers or stakeholders.

Start with Prevention, Not Panic

summer environmental controls

Summer months bring temperature and humidity control challenges to every structure. When precise environmental controls are required, the consequences of a few degrees can be catastrophic. The time to prevent failures is well in advance, through maintenance and repair, replacement, or complete system upgrades. It’s never too soon to be proactive.

While spring and early summer are usually too late for a massive system upgrade, it’s better to have a conversation about system demands and potential challenges as soon as possible, rather than during a crisis. Tactics for this time of year may include purchasing replacements for mission-critical components so the parts are on-site, or preventative replacement as insurance against failure when higher loads and demands hit the system. Depending on the need, some equipment can be on site faster than facilities professionals realize. In many cases, there are short-term options to help with immediate needs, while planning for more permanent solutions.

The Climate Technologies Advantage

That’s one of the benefits of working with a solution provider like Climate Technologies. Our team has decades of experience designing, provisioning and installing complex solutions to address challenging environmental control requirements.

One aspect of that expertise is our team is often able to develop several options based on budget, timeliness and urgency. For example, one scenario may include temporary equipment to augment existing infrastructure while an entirely new central utility plant is designed and constructed. Another tailored solution could leverage skid-based components for faster installs.

For companies anticipating challenges this summer, there are likely more options than you realize. Take the simple step of contacting Climate Technologies and let’s discuss the need. Together, we’ll remove or positively mitigate seasonal risks for the pending summer season.

Low Temperature Test Cell Chamber Case Study

by

Challenge

An automotive industry client faced a specific engineering challenge: the need for precisely controlled low-temperature test cell chambers for internal gear testing. The client requested a mechanical engineered package for four test cell chambers with demanding performance criteria. Specifically, each chamber needed to achieve a temperature range of –40F to 120F within a four-hour window. Furthermore, the internal gear had to be held at a specific temperature setpoint for a 24-hour soak period, with the flexibility of programming the temperature in 5F intervals across the entire -40F to 120F range.

Solution:

To address this challenge, the Climate Technologies team used an engineering and project management approach, resulting in provisioning a comprehensive equipment package. The solution involved integrating several specialized industrial components, including refrigeration, air handling, and dehumidification systems.

Here are the key components of the solution:

M&M Refrigeration – Industrial Condenser: This unit played a crucial role in the temperature control system. Key features included:

  • A variable temperature evaporating capability ranging from -50F to 30F.
  • A Howden industrial screw compressor condensing unit  with a capacity of 18TR at -50F.
  • An evaporative condenser was used for condensing R507 at 88F.

In addition to the industrial condenser, the Climate Technologies team specified a Munters Low Temperature Air Handling Unit. This unit was responsible for delivering the conditioned air to the test chambers with a 3000-cfm capacity, capable of providing a supply air temperature of -50F. Key features included:

  • Filtration
  • An R507 DX (Direct Expansion) cooling coil for low-temperature cooling.
  • An electric heating coil (70kW) with an associated SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier) to maintain the chamber at 120F.
  • A special low-temp direct-driven plenum fan assembly with VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) for efficient air circulation.
  • A cabinet construction designed for low-temperature applications to minimize thermal losses.

The third equipment component was a Munters Desiccant Dehumidification Unit: This unit managed the humidity of the make-up air supplied to the air handling unit. It had a capacity of 1200 cfm at 75F with a moisture removal rate of 0.3 gr/lb for the make-up air.

Its key features included:

  • Filtration.
  • A Munters HoneyCombe dehumidifier featuring a proprietary Tigel wheel and drive mechanism for efficient dehumidification.
  • Munters’ proprietary Green Power Purge design aimed at energy savings.
  • A direct-driven plenum fan assembly with VFD.
  • A DX pre-coil assembly with condenser.
  • A DX pre-coil assembly with condenser.

By integrating these specialized components, the engineered package successfully provided the automotive industry client with the necessary low-temperature test cell chambers capable of meeting their stringent temperature control and operational requirements.

This is one example of the complex challenges Climate Technologies solves for our clients, drawing on our unusually deep technical knowledge and engineering know-how. Our solutions meet the most demanding technical requirements while meeting national and local compliance requirements.

Climate Technologies and Epsilon Host Customer Site Visit

by

The Climate Technologies team hosted a site visit with key customers in late February at the Epsilon Industries Tuscaloosa, AL manufacturing facility. Epsilon is a leading provider of modular, or off-site constructed, central utility plants (CUPs). The Tuscaloosa location is one of two Epsilon US manufacturing plants, capable of producing complete, ready-to-assemble CUPs and other mechanical systems.

Climate Technologies has utilized Epsilon CUPs and mechanical systems on multiple projects, particularly as manufacturers are rapidly standing up facilities to support onshoring and meet growing needs in high demand areas such as healthcare, data centers, automotive manufacturing and lithium battery component production. Whether used in new construction or existing system upgrades, modular CUPs streamline construction schedules, reduce risk and can provide cost certainty in rapidly changing economic conditions, among other benefits.

The Epsilon Tuscaloosa factory visit provided an up-close look at how modular CUPs are manufactured and the components assembled, accompanied by explanations of production work at various stages of completion. One of the key takeaways from the visit is Epsilon’s superior build quality – which several tour attendees acknowledged during and after the visit.

The tour also emphasized the unique benefits of modular construction, where critical systems are built in an indoor, controlled environment to precise tolerances by skilled US employees. The methodologies are impressive, particularly to anyone more versed with traditional on-site construction and the associated weather and labor impacts.

Epsilon Site Visit

The Climate Technologies team is well acquainted with Epsilon’s capabilities and delivered solutions. However, it was the first behind-the-scenes look for several customers. We take great pride in providing solutions to challenging project demands, and Epsilon continues to play a leading role in our solution offerings.

In the coming weeks we will share lessons learned from the visit with other key customers. If you are interested in quality solutions from Epsilon or any of the Climate Technologies partners, get in touch and let’s discuss a solution that takes the worry out of climate control.

Climate Technologies Corporation is excited to announce our recent partnership with VTS Group!

by

VTS Group is a valued business partner in the global HVAC market. Now, we are proud to represent their product line throughout the state of Michigan. 

What makes VTS Group a valued business partner in the HVAC market? 

  1. Product quality and flexibility
  2. Affordability
  3. Fast delivery 

Using highly standardized components, VTS Group offers modular, semi-custom air handling equipment for airflows ranging from 800 to 38,000 CFM. 

With VTS Group’s products, you can choose from a wide variety of standard and semi-custom options. 

Units are configurable with ultra-premium efficiency ECM Fan Arrays and fixed plate or enthalpy wheel energy recovery. They are also suitable for indoor or outdoor installations, as well as horizontal, vertical, or stacked arrangements. 

Learn more about VTS Group

Our experienced team at Climate Technologies is excited to bring this new HVAC option to our current and future customers.

Contact us to learn more about VTS Group and our complete offering of world class HVAC products.

We look forward to working with you on your next project!

Climate Technologies Welcomes Michael Convery To Our Team!

by

Congratulations On Joining The Climate Technologies Team

Climate Technologies Corporation is pleased to bring aboard a new sales engineer to the team. Please join us in welcoming Michael Convery.

Michael joins us with a B.S. in HVAC/R Engineering Technology from Ferris State University. With over 10 years of HVAC experience, Michael uses his exceptional technical and personal skills to explain the benefits of our products to consulting engineers, mechanical contractors, and facility owners, while also guiding our customers to the best overall solution for their applications.

In his free time, Michael can be found spending time with his wife and two children exploring Michigan’s great outdoors.

Contact Michael Convery