Johnson Controls has introduced its YORK EcoAdvance module, a solution that captures and removes molecular contaminants from indoor air while managing the flow of outside air into a building. This process reduces heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) peak loads by more than 40 percent, resulting in an average of 20-40 percent annual energy cost savings. The YORK EcoAdvance is powered by HVAC Load Reduction (HLR) technology, which won the 2016 R&D 100 Award, an international competition that recognizes the technological products introduced over the past year.
The EcoAdvance module is easy to install in conjunction with air handling units, energy recovery ventilators or rooftop units. It minimizes the amount of outside air necessary to maintain air quality, while meeting and exceeding the requirements for ASHRAE Standard 62.1 – Ventilation for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). The technology’s self-cleaning operation removes contaminants from the building via exhaust and uses sensors to monitor system performance and air quality inside a building.
Historically, customers have had to pay more for higher energy efficiency HVAC systems, but YORK EcoAdvance turns this upside down. When installed at a large corporation’s headquarters, HLR technology enabled a $200,000 savings in HVAC equipment, while increasing the energy efficiency of its existing systems, reducing HVAC system water consumption, and improving air quality. Similarly, HLR technology helped a nationally recognized university’s fitness center achieve energy consumption savings of 28 percent and peak savings over 40 percent, while improving IAQ measurements of CO2, VOCs and formaldehyde.
The York EcoAdvance can help buildings achieve U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) status. A Fortune 10 technology company implemented HLR technology and earned 14 LEED points by leveraging the Indoor Air Quality Performance pilot credit (EQpc68) and energy efficiency credits. EcoAdvance is also eligible for utility rebates, where applicable, making retrofits to existing HVAC systems an opportunity.
EcoAdvance features built-in electronics and software, including networking for Internet-of-Things (IoT) connectivity, that are engineered to control, record and report all aspects of the HVAC load reduction system operation 24/7. Customers can verify savings, monitor IAQ, and remotely configure and control the system using a computer, tablet, or smart phone. In addition, proprietary algorithms are designed to maximize energy savings, and BACnet enables integration with building automation systems (BAS).
EcoAdvance is suitable for both new construction and equipment replacement projects, where it can enable downsizing of equipment, and retrofit applications on existing HVAC systems. A network of multiple modules offers a solution for any building. The modules, which can be installed vertically or horizontally, fit through standard doorways, require minimal maintenance and deliver a 20-plus-year operating life. EcoAdvance is backed by YORK, Johnson Controls service, warranty and support.