New design combines air-source heat pump with boosted compression technology
In an attempt to gear consumers off fossil fuels, Duane Hallowell, a former cryogenic engineer with the U.S. Navy and founder of Hallowell International, designed the a revolutionary heating and cooling system, Acadia.
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According to the company, using an air-source heat pump can save consumers 70 percent compared to other heating systems, and operate in climates below freezing. The unit can be installed into existing homes or added to new conformations.
Boosted Compression
So what is the secret behind the design that not only reduces a household’s strain on the environment? The answer is an air-source heat pump combined with Opti-Cycle (or boosted compression) technology – a technology developed by Hallowell International engineers that involves a unique two-stage primary compressor, a series booster compressor and a liquid economizer for heat absorption.
The Opti-Cycle is utilized when outdoor temperatures fall below 30° Fahrenheit. This allows the booster compressor, which is connected to the primary compressor, to absorb heat in the outdoor coil, eliminating the use of supplemental heat and giving the system a boost in heat and output delivery air temperatures.
An economizer assists the system’s ability to absorb heat into the outdoor coil by “[using] waste heat from the liquid line to bolster inlet temperature conditions at the primary compressor.” Acadia’s operability in various climates is achieved through the Opti-Cycle technology.
The Acadia also features a 16-gauge steel cabinet enclosure, making the unit more durable and corrosion resistant.
“16-gauge galvanized steel is a common material that can be sourced from just about anywhere. This means that as a commodity, its prices will keep somewhat in check as global consumption increases, with the heaviest increases occurring in other countries,” says Hallowell. “[The] 16-gauge [also] offers a good weight-to-strength ratio [providing] sufficient stiffness without adding excessive weight to an already ‘heavier than norm’ system.”
Quiet Please
To help reduce both vibration and noise levels, Bristol’s Benchmark series compressors are incorporated into the blueprints. Each compressor is also mounted on a rubber isolated rail system.
“The mass of one compressor absorbs the vibrations from the other,” says Hallowell. “All vibrations are transferred down from the rail set to two very rigid structural members on the underside of the Acadia chassis.”
HSE blades from Lau and Neoprene washers also contribute to lowered vibration and noise levels. According to Hallowell, the blades provide 25 percent more efficiency and sound reduction than other conventional HVAC blades, while the washers absorb smaller vibrations.
Featured Components
An ultra-quiet variable speed air handler is included with the Acadia unit. It is multi-position and can be installed vertically or horizontally, making it accessible in a variety of applications. Other features of the Air Handler include:
A hydrophilic coil coat to minimize microbial growth and reduce condensate “blow-off.”
An insulated cabinet that maximizes heat transfer and minimizes noise.
High efficiency coil design.
A programmable Thermostat makes the most of the Opti-Cycle technology that is vital for the Acadia’s operation. Its intuitive design reduces energy waste and keeps operation simple within the household of customers. The thermostat also features:
Simple, menu-driven set-up.
5+1+1 or 7 day programming.
12 in² luminescent display.
Filter change reminder.
Daylight savings time adjustment.
Auto heat/cool changeover.
Temporary temperature override.
Energy management recovery.
Cooling efficiency optimizer.
If maintenance is needed, all components are HVAC aftermarket supported, making the system maintainable and serviceable. The structure of the Acadia also makes it accessible in rural areas and saves from buying multiple products.
