E360 Outlook Volume 3 Number 3 1

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Pioneering Natural RefrigerationWhole Foods Market makes R-290 a cornerstone of its refrigeration strategy

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Volume 3 Number 3

OutlookBalancing All Aspects of the Commercial Refrigeration Industry

P. 8 More retailers opt for natural refrigerant systems

P. 12 Regulations bringing refrigerant change to commercial HVAC market

P. 18 Keys to servicing CO2 systems

2 E360 Outlook Volume 3 Number 3 E360 Outlook Volume 3 Number 3 1

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E360 resources are available to you each and every day online.

Visit Emerson.com/E360 or the Emerson Commercial and Residential Solutions YouTube channel.

Emerson’s E360 platform was launched to emphasize the importance of meaningful dialogue

in the commercial refrigeration industry to address current challenges.

E360 Forum E360 Videos E360 Webinar Series E360 Outlook

DOE regulations require new system designs

Now ’17 Now ’18 Now ’20

Reach-In Ice Walk-In

-35% -37%

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y

2010 2015

60Kshortage

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Dwindling workforce impacting maintenance costs

250

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80%

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% of top 50 retailers testingrefrigerant alternatives

HFC CO2

$K250

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Component electronics are a larger spend

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Electronics

Mechanical

Did You Know?

When Emerson started its E360 stewardship platform in 2014, we set out to balance an equation comprised of four primary factors: energy, environment, economics and equipment. At the time, the commercial refrigeration

industry was in the early phases of a momentous transition shaped by new regulations, emerging technologies and changing technician demographics. As this ecosystem continues to evolve, it has become more and more apparent that there is tremendous diversity among end user priorities.

There are as many factors influencing refrigeration decisions as there are system architectures. From first costs, refrigerant considerations and sustainability goals to environmental regulations, energy-efficiency targets and maintenance requirements, end users have more selection criteria to consider today than ever before. What we’ve found is that each end user values these factors individually depending on their priorities, and the order of importance of these criteria differs widely from one customer to the next.

Take our cover story, for example. With corporate sustainability goals stated publicly and leveraged as a marketing position, Whole Foods is an American food retailer pioneering the use of all-natural refrigeration systems. By using CO2 and R-290 instead of synthetic hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants in their Santa Clara, Calif., location, the grocer is seeking to leave the smallest possible carbon footprint while meeting its energy-efficiency targets. All other criteria are secondary. Be sure to read the full story to learn how they’ve incorporated natural refrigerants into their centralized and stand-alone systems.

But for operators in other parts of the country, where energy costs are lower and environmental mandates are less demanding, a more traditional HFC system with lower first costs and more familiar maintenance protocols may be preferred. The same may be said for those who are intimidated by the increased complexities or relative “unknowns” of new system architectures.

You may have seen the recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia pertaining to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) efforts to limit HFCs in commercial refrigeration. The court ruled in favor of an HFC refrigerant manufacturer, stating that the EPA’s 2015 ruling had exceeded the authority of its Clean Air Act — a legislation originally intended to address ozone depletion. And while some may applaud the court’s ruling, others believe the process of phasing down HFCs is already well underway. We’ll have to wait and see what the true implications of this ruling will be.

If there’s anything we can be certain of, it’s that the refrigeration landscape will continue to change. Already in Europe, where F-gas regulations limit the use of high global warming refrigerants, the price of HFCs is on the rise as supplies dwindle. This is also indicative of how regional idiosyncrasies throughout the world also factor into the refrigeration decision, as the potential of carbon taxes, refrigerant price hikes and local climates must also be considered.

To be sure, there currently is no one-size-fits-all approach to commercial refrigeration. Our goal is not to favor one architecture over another, but to help end users balance this difficult equation for themselves — and based on their unique priorities, take the best approach. With our deep portfolio of refrigeration components and technology, we’re uniquely positioned to help you balance that equation.

F I R S T WO R D

Diverse Priorities Continue to Influence Refrigeration Landscape

by D O N N E W LO N CO N T E N T S

2 F E ATUR E

Pioneering Natural Refrigeration BY ALLEN WICHER

Whole Foods Market makes R-290 a cornerstone of its refrigeration strategy

8 Natural Selection BY ANDRE PATENAUDE

More retailers opt for natural refrigerant systems

12 Regulations Bringing Refrigerant Change to Commercial HVAC Market BY DAVID HULES

Regulations impact types of refrigerants used in chillers

14 Rajan on … Tech Shortage/ Apprenticeships BY DR. RAJAN RAJENDRAN Mining this largely untapped resource to bridge the refrigertion gap

16 Product Spotlight Copland Scroll™ compressors now

available in fractional horsepower range

18 Contractor Connection BY ANDRE PATENAUDE

Keys to servicing CO2 systems

20 Innovation Insights BY JOHN WALLACE

Applying machine learning for facility management

Publisher

Emerson

Managing Editor

Don Newlon

Email Us

Email us at e360.climate@emerson.com with any comments or suggestions. We would love to hear from you.

Website

Emerson.com/E360

Don Newlon, Managing Editor, E360 Outlook

V.P./G.M., Refrigeration Marketing, Emerson

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2 E360 Outlook Volume 3 Number 3 E360 Outlook Volume 3 Number 3 3

Pioneering Natural RefrigerationWhole Foods Market makes R-290 a cornerstone of its refrigeration strategy

By Allen Wicher

Director, Marketing — Foodservice

Emerson

4 E360 Outlook Volume 3 Number 3 E360 Outlook Volume 3 Number 3 5

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When it comes to the use of natural refrigerants in

commercial refrigeration, Whole Foods Market (WFM)

is a true pioneer in the U.S. food retail space. Even

before the recent wave of regulations prompted retailers to look

for more eco-friendly alternatives, WFM was deploying sustainable

refrigeration systems with the intent of reducing harmful envi-

ronmental impacts and improving energy efficiencies. Today, 22

of its 465 stores utilize all-natural refrigerant systems, with most

of them moving to the hydrocarbon R-290 (propane) for their

self-contained cases.

WFM’s Director of Sustainability & Facilities for its Northern

California region Tristam Coffin has been dedicated to fulfilling the

company’s green refrigeration vision.

“Refrigeration makes up roughly one-third of our total

energy consumption, and we’re committed to natural refrigerants

because they reduce our energy consumption and direct envi-

ronmental footprint through potential emissions from refrigerant

leaks,” said Coffin.

But figuring out a natural solution for their self-contained

cases presented a unique challenge for the retailer. In 2013, when

WFM sought to open its first “natural store” in Brooklyn, N.Y., with

zero synthetic refrigerants on premises, they went on the hunt for

a more efficient, self-contained natural refrigerant option.

“We didn’t want to just drop a bunch of inefficient, synthetic

refrigerant cases on our sales floors, because they would negatively

impact our energy usage and go against our sustainability efforts,

especially in stores where we are utilizing all-natural refrigerants,”

explained Coffin.

Although R-290 was becoming the refrigerant of choice for

retailers looking for a natural, self-contained case option, at the time

there were very few U.S. refrigeration equipment manufacturers

that offered R-290 units. But AHT Cooling Systems USA was on

this short list. AHT National Sales Manager Howell Feig said that

developing R-290 products for the European market enabled AHT

to help early adopters in the U.S.

“We had been manufacturing bunker-style cases for our

European customers since 2002, and around 2010 some of

our environmentally driven U.S. customers started asking for

self-contained, R-290 based equipment,” Feig said. WFM was

among the early adopters of these R-290 cases.

With a global warming potential (GWP) of 3, zero ozone

depletion potential and proven performance benefits,

R-290 offers very minimal environmental impacts and

higher energy efficiencies than hydrofluorocarbon

(HFC) refrigerants.

For years, Emerson has tested R-290 in compressors

and condensing units to help OEMs like AHT make the

transition to environmentally friendly, energy-efficient

technology. In Emerson’s test labs, R-290 consistently

outperforms R-404A in energy efficiencies, up to

30 percent in Copeland™ M-Line condensing units

and more than 20 percent in Copeland hermetic

compressors.

Compression technology designed to exploit R-290 efficiencies

Since the 2013 Brooklyn installation, Coffin said that R-290

self-contained cases have been deployed across the company’s

entire network of stores. He estimated that 50 to 60 stores a year

are installing new cases — as replacements to HFC units, in new

stores, or in new programs being rolling out by WFM.

“While these units make up less than 10 percent of our overall

refrigeration footprint, they have hit a home run for us in that

they’re 10 percent more efficient in most instances, and they’re

using a natural refrigerant,” Coffin said.

Both Feig and Coffin believe that the U.S. food retail industry

is slowly shifting toward R-290 use in self-contained cases. From

AHT’s perspective, Feig explained that early adopters like Whole

Foods Market have served as a proof of concept for less progressive

retailers. As a result, adoption has increased to the point where

AHT will transition its entire equipment platform to R-290 by the

end of this year. Whether for meeting regulatory mandates, seeking

energy efficiency gains or adhering to sustainability objectives, Coffin

believes that R-290 cases are becoming more commonplace — to

the point that some end users aren’t even aware that they’re using

R-290 units.

Sustainability commitment drives innovation

Sustainability is a core value that has driven WFM since its incep-

tion. As a member of the Department of Energy’s Better Buildings®

Alliance, they are participating in a challenge which is focused on

reducing their overall energy use intensity (EUI) footprint 20 percent

by 2020. This initiative comes on the heels of their previous 2010

goal to reduce energy-use-per-square-foot 25 percent by 2015 —

a target Coffin says they nearly hit.

“We’re also a founding partner of GreenChill in support of

what we do around refrigerants, seeking to reduce both direct

refrigerant emissions and overall GWP using natural alternatives,”

added Coffin.

WFM’s mission to provide healthy food with a passion for

preserving the planet has led to experimentation with innovative

system architectures. Coffin explained that there’s no “one-size-

fits-all” solution and every store is evaluated individually based on

the facility’s characteristics and climate impacts.

In 2016, this spirit of innovation led to the opening of their

facility in Santa Clara, Calif.; it features what’s arguably the most

environmentally friendly refrigeration system in the U.S. The

system is based on an R-290/CO2 cascade architecture that reduces

the environmental impacts of refrigerants to near-zero, while

greatly improving energy efficiency.

This unique system uses R-290 to condense CO2 — the most

eco-friendly refrigerant available with a climate impact that is

thousands of times smaller than typical HFCs — which is then

distributed to connected cases throughout the store. CO2’s high

Low Temp

Med. Temp

626

AFE06R-290 AFE10 AFE13 AFE16 RFT22

Capacity(BTU/Hr)

RFT26 RFT37

980 1330 1643 2200 2640 3690

1200

ASE12R-290 ASE17 ASE18 ASE24 ASE32

Capacity(BTU/Hr)

RST37 RST44

1653 1789 2448 3240 3660 4420

RST58

5772

RST53

5304

Emerson Propane Compressor Line UpLow Temp

Med. Temp

626

AFE06R-290 AFE10 AFE13 AFE16 RFT22

Capacity(BTU/Hr)

RFT26 RFT37

980 1330 1643 2200 2640 3690

1200

ASE12R-290 ASE17 ASE18 ASE24 ASE32

Capacity(BTU/Hr)

RST37 RST44

1653 1789 2448 3240 3660 4420

RST58

5772

RST53

5304

Emerson Propane Compressor Line Up

Low-Temperature

Medium-Temperature

Emerson Propane Compressor Lineup

Model ASE — R-290 compressor

6 E360 Outlook Volume 3 Number 3 E360 Outlook Volume 3 Number 3 7

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heat-carrying properties reduce both the amount of refrigerant

needed and the energy required to run the refrigeration system.

Simultaneously, a heat reclaim system captures the heat

generated by the system, and uses it to preheat the store’s hot

water supply and supplement space heating — a strategy that

enables the store to greatly reduce the amount of natural gas

burned to heat water.

“The system uses the least possible amount of the most

climate-friendly refrigerants, while reducing the energy it takes

to operate it and re-using the heat it generates,” said Coffin. The

Santa Clara store also features 10 of AHT’s self-contained cases

for product showcases on the floor.

Safety, serviceability and charge limits

From a safety and servicing perspective, Coffin believes that the

novelty of R-290 in the U.S. brings with it a degree of apprehension

about its impacts to service technicians and end users. While safety

protocols are mandatory with the use of the class A3 (flammable)

refrigerant, Coffin feels that the perceived risks are often not

proportionate to the actual risks.

“The reality is we use natural gas and propane to heat and

cook for residential and commercial purposes all the time in

this country. It’s simply a matter of educating end users and

technicians about proper safety protocols,” Coffin said. “Plus,

self-contained OEMs have done an excellent job of making these

systems safe and user-friendly, and training their service technician

base,” he added.

Coffin and Feig concur that increasing the charge limit

of R-290 systems (currently at 150g) would open new

opportunities that aren’t currently possible. Coffin said that

an increase to 500g would allow R-290 to be used in open-door

cases as well as walk-in coolers and freezers. This prospect

could potentially even allow for a full-store solution of

self-contained R-290 cases, which would be particularly

advantageous in smaller urban locations where space constraints

prevent the use of centralized racks.

“Increasing the charge limits would enable significant advances

in system design and efficiencies,” said Feig.

Even at the current charge limit, Coffin said that the R-290

cases are a solution they plan on using for many years to come.

“The system uses the least possible

amount of the most climate-friendly

refrigerants, while reducing the

energy it takes to operate it and re-using the heat

it generates.”

“Increasing the charge limits would enable significantadvances in system design and efficiencies.”

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8

NATURAL SELECTIONMore retailers opt for natural refrigerant systems

In an era driven by the necessity to deploy more environmentally

responsible refrigeration systems, very few refrigerants can

achieve regulatory compliance and meet corporate sustain-

ability objectives. On this short list are three natural refrigerant

options: carbon dioxide (CO2 or refrigerant name R-744); the

hydrocarbon propane (refrigerant name R-290); and ammonia

(NH3 or refrigerant name R-717).

With all the debate about which synthetic refrigerant

blends will replace common hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) targeted

for phase-down by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),

some consider these natural refrigerant alternatives to be not

only the best current options, but also “future-proof” in their

ability to support the next generation of system architectures.

Make no mistake: these refrigerants are by no means perfect —

each has its own caveats — but in terms of thermodynamic

properties, operational efficiencies and eco-friendliness,

natural refrigerants are truly in a class by themselves.

The term natural refrigerant refers to substances that

naturally occur in the environment. From a historical perspective,

natural refrigerants were among the first to be used in refrigeration

applications. In recent decades, as synthetic chlorofluorocarbon

(CFC) and HFC refrigerants were found to have either ozone

depletion potential (ODP) or global warming potential (GWP),

natural refrigerants have made their way back into the commercial

refrigeration conversation.

While new synthetic refrigerants are being developed

that offer lower GWP levels and much reduced environmental

threats, many of these substances have yet to be fully vetted

or deemed as acceptable substitutes by regulatory bodies.

In contrast, natural refrigerants are not only the benchmark for

ultra-low GWP and ODP, they’re also listed as acceptable for

use in most refrigeration applications (subject to

use conditions).

R-717 was among the first refrigerants

to be used in refrigeration applications.

Its superior thermodynamic properties

made it a logical first choice, but its tox-

icity (classified as B2L: low flammability

and high toxicity) has been a deterrent

to operators unwilling to risk potential

leaks. The advent of CFC refrigerants in

the mid-twentieth century drove the

refrigeration industry away from R-717

toward lower-risk synthetic alternatives.

To this day, ammonia’s suitability in

low-temperature applications has

made it a mainstay in industrial, process

cooling, cold storage and ice rink

applications. Through leak detection

protocols, careful adherence to safe

application procedures and lower

refrigerant charges, R-717 systems can

be used safely and effectively in a broad

range of refrigeration applications.

PROPANE AMMONIA CARBON DIOXIDEPropane is a hydrocarbon that was

also identified in the early days of

refrigeration as an effective refrigerant.

Its high-capacity, energy-efficient

performance and very low GWP are

offset by its classification as an A3

(highly flammable) substance. But,

as synthetic refrigerants became

available for many refrigeration

applications, R-290 was largely

abandoned in lieu of its CFC-based

counterparts. Since the 2000s, R-290

has been regaining global popularity

as a lower-GWP, effective alternative

to HFCs like R-404A and HFC-134a —

especially in a wide range of low-

charge, reach-in displays.

Non-toxic and non-flammable, CO2

has proved to be a very effective

alternative to HFCs in both low- and

medium-temperature applications.

CO2-based refrigeration systems

have been successfully deployed in

commercial and industrial applications

in Europe for nearly two decades.

Because of its low critical point (87.8 °F)

and high operating pressure (around

1,500 psig or 103 bar), CO2 refrigeration

strategies — such as cascade, secondary

and transcritical booster — must be

designed to account for its unique

characteristics. In light of current

environmental regulations, the pop-

ularity of these systems has increased

significantly in North America in

recent years.

• Potentially toxic

• Slightly flammable

• High pressure

• Low critical point

• High triple point

• Highly flammable

Ammonia (R-717)

Carbon dioxide (R-744)

Propane (R-290)

0

0

0

0

1

3

Natural Refrigerant GW ODP Special Considerations Trends in Refrigeration System

• Very low charge requirements

• Used in the high stage to absorb heat and/or cool R-744

• Far removed from occupied spaces

• Very little danger to occupants in the event of leaks

• Used in medium and low stages

• Pumped into the fixtures used in occupied spaces, rather than R-717

•Very low charge requirements (currently 150 grams is the max)

Know Your Natu ra ls

Director, CO2 Business DevelopmentEmerson

By Andre Patenaude

10 E360 Outlook Volume 3 Number 3 E360 Outlook Volume 3 Number 3 11

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Innovative installations

Today, the use of natural refrigerants is on the rise. As technologies

improve, equipment manufacturers are working closely with early

adopters to develop innovative solutions. This has resulted in sev-

eral creative natural refrigeration applications that belie their tradi-

tional uses — like ammonia being used in supermarket systems and

CO2 playing a larger role in industrial process cooling.

Ammonia trials in food retail

In September 2015, the Piggly Wiggly supermarket company

opened a new 36,000 square-foot store in Columbus, Ga., that

utilizes an NH3/CO2 cascade system manufactured by Heatcraft

Worldwide Refrigeration. The all-natural refrigerant system uses

an ultra-low charge of ammonia (53 pounds) located away from

occupied spaces (on the facility’s roof). The ammonia condenses

the CO2 and is circulated to the store’s low-temperature cases via

direct expansion; the medium-temperature circuit is cooled by a

CO2 liquid pump overfeed. Since the total refrigerant charge of the

system has a GWP under 150, this store is one of 10 supermarkets

in the U.S. to receive the highest certification level (platinum) from

the EPA’s GreenChill Partnership. It’s also the fourth supermarket

in the U.S. to use this NH3/CO2 cascade architecture.

CO2 adoption in industrial cooling

In cold storage applications, where ammonia has been the pre-

ferred refrigerant for decades, companies are also seeking

to lower ammonia charges. As older ammonia systems near

replacement, many operators are evaluating the best option

to expand their facility’s low-temperature capabilities. They’re

accomplishing this by adopting NH3/CO2 cascade systems that not

only utilize very low charges of ammonia, but also keep the R-717

circuit out of occupied spaces. There’s also a regulatory driver

behind this trend.

Propane in food retail

When major retailers like Target publicly announce their intentions

to use only propane in their self-contained units, it’s an indication

that the perceptions about the mainstream viability of R-290 are

shifting. The smaller charge limits make R-290 a logical fit for

Target’s smaller, stand-alone refrigerated display cases and coolers.

All of this is part of the retailer’s pledge to become a sustainability

leader in the food retail space.

While efforts are needed to mitigate their associated risks

and ensure their safe use, natural refrigerants represent true

sustainable alternatives without sacrificing performance. As

regulatory bodies and industry organizations work to refine these

standards, natural refrigerants will continue to play a key role in

the future of commercial and industrial refrigeration.

Emerson has developed a useful tool to help retailers make

the transition from higher-GWP HFC refrigerants to lower-GWP

natural and synthetic refrigerant alternatives. The web app

helps decision makers forecast the life cycle climate perfor-

mance (LCCP) of a franchise or store based on their preferred

refrigeration architectures and refrigerant choices. As CO2

systems become more common in larger food retail applica-

tions, this tool will help retailers demonstrate the impacts of

phasing down their current carbon footprint impacts while

phasing in lower-GWP options.

End users start by inputting key information about their

current and proposed system architectures, such as: design

temperatures for stores; store counts of current and future

architectures; leak rates; and refrigerant choice. Then, the

end user can calculate the phase-down impacts and down-

load graphical charts that will help them demonstrate the

impacts. The refrigerant phase-down calculator provides

grocers with the following insights:

• Total carbon footprint impacts and LCCP in individual

stores and across an enterprise

• Forecasts the impacts of phase-down and phase-in

of new refrigerants and system architectures

• Key metrics that can be downloaded as charts,

including: total LCCP per franchise; total LCCP per store;

weighted GWP per store; and total weighted GWP

There are currently several global efforts in effect

and underway to evaluate refrigerant classifications,

ensure safety standards, and govern the charge limits

of R-290 and R-717.

R-290

• International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has

formed a working group to evaluate the potential of

raising the charge limit from 150g to 300g–500g in

the U.S. This has broad implications for expanding

the size and efficiency of self-contained applications.

• $5.2M partnership by AHRI, ASHRAE and the DOE to

study flammable refrigerant behavior in real-world

applications

R-717

• Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA)

created the Process Safety Management of Highly

Hazardous Chemicals (29 CFR 1910.119) standard

to ensure the safety of systems that require more

than 10,000 pounds of ammonia.

• OSHA’s National Emphasis Program (NEP) on

process safety management-regulated industries

has recently stepped up

enforcement, requiring

owners and operators of

large ammonia systems

to maintain continuous

record keeping in

preparation for NEP

inspections.

Grocers can use Emerson’s refrigerant phase-down tool to forecast the impacts of phasing down higher-GWP systems and phasing in new refrigerant architectures.

Refrigerant phase-down calculator

Evolving safety standards

Total LCCP

2017

2022

2027

2032

2037

2042

2047

2052

400 M

200 M

0 M

40

0

-40

LCC

P (lb

CO

2/yea

r)

Perc

ent

Direct Indirect Reduction (-35.2%)

2017 2022 2027 2032 2037 2042 2047 2052

50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 24

50 52 54 56 58 60 62 74

Year

Centralized:

Distributed:

CO2 Booster:

Total:

System Architecture Store Count

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There are a number of well-known factors driving change

in the commercial HVAC market, including advances in

building automation and connectivity, and increasing

focus on comfort and air quality. One factor that might not

be on the radar of many of our readers is a U.S. regulation that

will have a major impact on the type of refrigerants used in

commercial HVAC equipment, specifically chillers.

While this regulation is not in effect yet, as a key supplier to

equipment manufacturers it is important that Emerson prepare

now to help the industry transition. For instance, we have to

“work backward” from the implementation dates to adequately

design, test and supply the components needed to work with

potential new refrigerants.

Part of that preparation also involves helping ensure our

customers stay informed and understand the coming changes

and how they impact their operations and infrastructure. As part

of that effort, this article provides a quick snapshot of where the

Director of Commercial Marketing, Air Conditioning Emerson

By David Hules

Regulations are driving the need for compressors and other components to be optimized for new low-GWP refrigerants.

2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

A2L — IEC/UL/ASHRAE Safety Standards

A2L Into Building Codes

Building Code Adoption

DOE Residential SEER Standard 1-1-23

DOE Commercial RTU’s IEER Standard

1-1-18 EL1

1-1-23 EL3

EPA Ruling — Delist Chillers1-1-24 Chiller

industry currently is regarding pending refrigerant changes.

Under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s)

Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program, current

popular refrigerants R-410A, R-407C, R-134A and others will

be delisted in chiller applications effective January 1, 2024. This

is prompting the evaluation of low global warming potential

(GWP) replacement refrigerants for use in commercial chiller

applications.

In this ongoing industry effort to identify low-GWP

replacements for R-410A and other refrigerants, four main

criteria are being considered. When combined with technology,

a viable alternate refrigerant must:

• Have proven safety properties and conform to building codes

and safety standards

• Be environmentally friendly with zero ozone depletion

and low GWP

• Offer long-term availability at reasonable capital cost

• Provide performance equal to or better than current refrigerants

to keep energy consumption low

While there are a few low-GWP, high-performance natural

refrigerants listed as acceptable by the EPA (i.e., ammonia,

propane and CO2), they are rarely used in chiller applications,

primarily because of toxicity, flammability and efficiency concerns,

respectively. Currently, the most viable, low-GWP replacements

approved by the EPA fall into the A2L safety classification.

Of course, A2Ls present their own set of challenges that the

industry is working to solve or minimize. The main challenge

being that the refrigerants are mildly flammable (although not as

flammable as propane). As a result, there is an effort underway

to update safety standards (e.g., UL standards) that will neces-

sitate an update to building codes. To be included in the next

building code cycle, these updates need to be ideally finalized and

approved by the beginning of 2018. Any delay in approval likely

delays the timeline by which A2L-compatible new equipment

becomes available in the market.

With an eye on all these moving pieces, equipment manu-

facturers are diligently redesigning systems to utilize these new

refrigerants. While safety and building codes are still being drafted,

the delisting deadline of January 1, 2024, is a known quantity that

is driving the chiller design cycle, including the optimization of

components around A2L use.

So at this stage, what should end users do to prepare for the

coming refrigeration transition in commercial chiller applications?

For right now, the best thing you can do is stay informed and be

aware that this transition is coming. Know that depending on the

refrigerant options and building code updates, the equipment will

be changing.

Industry experts and equipment manufacturers are working

closely together to ensure that the transition is seamless and

viable refrigerant options are supported. The hope is that this

process will better position the industry and each individual end

user to reduce carbon footprints and minimize the impact of

climate change through responsible energy use.

Key Events and Regulations

Regulations Bringing Refrigerant Change to Commercial HVAC Market

14 E360 Outlook Volume 3 Number 3 E360 Outlook Volume 3 Number 3 15

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credential that validates proficiency in an apprentice-able occupation.

Technical schools and colleges play a vital role

The OA is also focused on helping educators build college-to-career pipe-lines in a variety of occupations through the Registered Apprenticeship College Consortium (RACC). RACC is a national network of post-secondary institutions, employers, unions and associations working to create opportunities for apprentice graduates who may want to further enhance their skills by completing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

Even high school level vocational institutions and career centers can get involved in pre-apprenticeship programs to help students explore career opportunities and become an apprentice while they’re still in high school. To learn more about this opportunity, we reached out to Tony Trapp, apprenticeship coordinator at the Upper Valley Career Center (UVCC) near Emerson’s Sidney, Ohio, location.

Trapp said that the UVCC program is registered with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Apprenticeship

Council — currently known as Apprentice Ohio — which gets its funding from the DOL. The UVCC pre-apprenticeship program is also recognized by the Department of Education’s career and technical education (CTE) program.

“We went through the process to become one of two career centers in Ohio to be approved as registered pre- apprenticeship programs,” said Trapp. “Upon graduation, our students can continue their apprenticeship in a regis-tered apprenticeship program, starting as second-year apprentices,” Trapp added.

Under Trapp’s guidance, UVCC has grown the number of participants in the pre-apprenticeship program from 8 to 59 students. He said that the program’s advisory council gives students access to hundreds of business and labor organizations that are RA sponsors or participating members.

He also said the program produces high-performing, quality students who then become exemplary employees.

The on-the-job experience helps with employee retention by showing apprentices how they can advance within their companies and how their salaries will also grow.

The program’s success has even

extended to a neighboring community college, Edison State, which also recently became a Registered Apprenticeship sponsor in Ohio.

Turning apprentices into great employees

While we were excited to learn more about the potential of the RA program, the relative obscurity of the program and lack of participating sponsors are still barriers to more widespread utilization. By raising awareness of the issue and getting more businesses and institutions involved, we’re hoping to grow the number of HVACR participants from 3,135 today to more than 30,000 in five years.

What the UVCC story tells us is that it may take the efforts of local stakeholders to establish a thriving apprenticeship program. But if attracting, training and retaining highly qualified refrigeration technicians is the goal, then becoming a sponsor of an RA program or seeking out participating institutions may be a small price to pay. For more information about the RA program, visit the DOL website or contact the appropriate apprenticeship agency in your state.

R A J A N O N … T EC H SH O RTAG E / A P P R E N T I C E SH I P S by D R . R A J A N R A J E N D R A N

Apprenticeship OpportunitiesMining this largely untapped resource to bridge the refrigeration gap

My colleague Bob Labbett and I have talked at length in these pages about the growing techni-

cian shortage facing our industry; it’s what we call the refrigeration gap. Through our E360 Forums, we’ve assembled stakeholders to develop strategies that address this very real challenge. Already, we’ve formed the basis of a solution that focuses on four key areas: awareness, recruitment, training and retention — and we are always looking for creative ways to achieve these objectives.

A recent announcement by the Trump administration about doubling the budget of the federal apprenticeship program piqued our curiosity. Not only were we largely unaware of the program, we were intrigued about its potential for addressing our industry’s technician shortage. But we needed to learn more about this program before determining its feasibility. So, we put two summer interns at The Helix to work on researching it with the following goals in mind:

1) Gain a basic understanding of how the program works.2) Learn how companies, technical schools and students access the program.3) Uncover which technical colleges and vocational schools are participating.4) Understand the benefits to the companies and students.5) See which industries have successfully utilized this program, and replicate their efforts.

One of the first things we discov-ered was that HVACR participation in the program was quite low. While there were more than 200,000 active participants in

Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs in 2016, HVACR only accounted for 3,135 of these. Electricians topped this list with 41,489 active apprentices. We quickly realized that our industry has a runway of opportunity that is largely untapped.

Federally funded, state operated

After digging through the Department of Labor’s (DOL) apprenticeship section of their website, we uncovered a key fact about the program: “the Office of Apprenticeship (OA) works in conjunction

with independent State Apprenticeship Agencies (SAAs) to administer the program nationally.” What this means is that RA programs are enacted at the state level after meeting the DOL’s OA standards.

An individual employer, group of employers, or an industry association can sponsor an RA program, sometimes in partnership with a labor organization. Upon finishing the training program, an apprentice earns a Completion of Registered Apprenticeship certificate — an industry-issued, nationally recognized

Registered Apprenticeship programs are offered by tens of thou-sands of employers, employer associations and labor-management organizations. The RA program utilizes a proven and structured “earn and learn” model that pairs paid on-the-job training with related technical classroom instruction in numerous career fields. An RA program offers many benefits to apprentices and employers.

Apprentice benefits:

• Secure immediate employment opportunities that typically pay higher than average wages and continued career growth

• Learn highly sought-after technical and life skillsets• Earn portable credentials from the DOL and recognized by

the Department of Education that are nationally and often globally recognized

• Gain the opportunity to apply apprenticeship training to two- and four-year college programs

Employer benefits:

• Helps recruit and develop a highly skilled workforce• Improves productivity and the bottom line

• Provides opportunities for tax credits and employee tuition benefits in some states

• Reduces turnover costs and increases employee retention• Creates industry-driven and flexible training solutions to meet

national and local needs

Recent data from the DOL indicates a steady increase in

participation and sponsorship over the past five years:

• In FY 2016, more than 206,000 individuals nationwide entered the apprenticeship system

• Nationwide, there are over 505,000 apprentices currently obtaining the skills they need to succeed while earning the wages they need to build financial security

• 49,000 participants graduated from the apprenticeship system in FY 2016

• There are more than 21,000 registered apprenticeship programs across the nation

• 1,700 new apprenticeship programs were established nationwide in FY 2016

What is a Registered Apprentice?

An RA program typically starts with a business sponsor to provide on-the-job training, incorporates technical education and culminates in national accreditation — all while giving the apprentice an

opportunity to earn a competitive wage. Source: Department of Labor

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The new ZB*KA compressors represent an extension of the

medium-temperature line of compressors to better serve today’s

wide range of walk-in cooler requirements. OEMs can now integrate

reliable Copeland Scroll technology into their complete lineup of

walk-in refrigeration equipment, while achieving compliance with

environmental and energy efficiency regulations.

Simplify the design cycle

As foodservice refrigeration OEMs complete the design cycles

needed to comply with EPA and DOE regulations over the next few

years, the new fractional HP Copeland Scroll compressors will

offer them many distinct advantages. In low-temperature, walk-in

applications, the liquid-injected ZF*KA models will enable reliable

operation without the need for complex heat-mitigation techniques.

And in medium temperatures, where larger coils, evaporator fans

and other components may be needed to meet AWEF targets, the

efficiency of Scroll technology alone will often get the job done.

Compared to its hermetic reciprocating counterparts, Copeland

Scroll is simpler to incorporate into new designs without additional

engineering, development and design costs.

P RO D U C T SP OT L I G H T : CO P E L A N D S C RO L L ™ CO M P R E SS O R S

Copeland Scroll ZF*KA fractional HP compressors offer superior efficiencies

needed to exceed the DOE’s minimum efficiency requirements in walk-in freezers.

Hermetic reciprocating compressors on their own are unable to meet

low-temperature requirements.

Copeland Scroll technology in small-HP, medium-temperature

applications allows OEMs to avoid investing in other

components needed to achieve AWEF efficiency levels.

W hen it comes to regulatory

compliance, foodservice

refrigeration equipment

manufacturers have their work cut out for

them over the next few years. In 2018, the

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

will be phasing out the use of R-404A in

new remote condensing units for walk-in

coolers and freezers (WICF). Then, the

Department of Energy (DOE) has proposed

the enforcement of its new WICF efficiency

mandate in 2020, as measured by the

annual walk-in efficiency (AWEF) standard.

The challenge for foodservice OEMs is to

design new condensing units and stand-

alone equipment that comply with both

requirements.

Our new 3⁄4 to 11⁄ 2 horsepower (HP)

offerings extend the existing Copeland

Scroll ZF*KA and ZB*KA compressor lines,

allowing OEMs to combine compliance

into a single design cycle for smaller low-

and medium-temperature applications.

As with any Copeland Scroll compressor,

these smaller offerings deliver high

efficiencies and reliable performance.

As the EPA phases down the use of

hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) with higher

global warming potential (GWP), new re-

frigeration platforms must be designed to

accommodate the performance character-

istics of lower-GWP alternatives. The new

fractional HP Copeland Scroll compressors

are rated for use with new alternatives

R-448A/449-A as well as existing

lower-GWP HFCs such as R-407A.

Liquid-injected for low-temperature

efficiencies

Walk-in freezers that rely on outdoor

condensing units will require compressors

that can mitigate the higher discharge

temperatures produced when using

new refrigerant alternatives in low-

temperature applications. The Copeland

Scroll ZF*KA fractional HP models utilize

liquid-injection technology to cool

discharge temperatures

and reduce compressor

stress. Traditional

hermetic reciprocating

models will require

additional modifications

and heat-reduction strategies in these

low-temperature scenarios that can’t

match the inherent simplicity and

efficiency advantages of Copeland Scroll

technology.

Copeland Scroll ZF*KA fractional HP

compressors are the basis of Emerson’s

X-Line outdoor condensing unit, enabling

it to simultaneously meet both DOE

(AWEF efficiency) and EPA (lower-GWP

refrigerant) requirements in low tempera-

tures. Other condensing unit manufactur-

ers can achieve similar benefits with the

expansion of Copeland Scroll into smaller

HP ranges.

Wide applicability in medium temperatures

For medium-temperature, walk-in coolers,

the new fractional HP ZB*KA compressors

deliver enhanced AWEF efficiencies in WICF

condensing units. It’s important to note

that incumbent hermetic reciprocating

compressors cannot achieve the same

efficiencies without modifications to other

system components (e.g., coils, cooling

fans, etc.). Patented Copeland Scroll

technology enables significant efficiency

improvements in medium-temperature

WICF applications without the investments

in additional components or engineering,

design and development (ED&D) costs.

Less Is MoreCopeland Scroll™ compressors now available in fractional horsepower range

ZF*KA: Exceeding low-temp outdoor

AWEF efficiency targets

Assumptions: 20F TD, 4 defrosts per day, 175 W fan power, using R-407A

0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000

AWEF Capacity

4.00

3.50

3.00

2.5

2.0

DOE minimumefficiency requirement

AWEF

ZF

.

ZB*KA: Enhanced medium-temp outdoor AWEF efficiencies

• Competitive hermetic reciprocating compressors

cannot meet AWEF medium-temp outdoor without

additional components

• New ZB*KA models are designed to pass AWEF

medium-temp outdoor condensing unit

• Superior to the restricted envelope of hermetic

recip. compressors

Superiority of fractional HP ZB*KA models to incumbent hermetic reciprocating compressors

9.0

8.5

8.0

7.5

7.0

6.5

6.0

5.5

AWEF

Sco

re

MT Outdoor (20°F TD)AWEF MT Outdoor: Evap. = 23°F, RG = 41°F, SC = 5°F, Fan Power = 175 W

14,00012,00010,0008,0006,0004,0002,0000

DOE minimum efficiency requirement

Emerson ZB08

Emerson ZB07

Competitor Model Emerson

RST64C1E-IAV

CompetitorModel

AWEF Capacity

. ..

Refrigerants Ready

Energy Ready

18 E360 Outlook Volume 3 Number 3 E360 Outlook Volume 3 Number 3 19

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CO N T R AC TO R CO N N EC T I O N

Keys to Servicing CO2 Systems

by A N D R E PAT E N AU D E

The global implementation of CO2

systems in food retail has grown

significantly in the past two

decades. Sustainability objectives and

regional regulations have given retailers

renewed motivation to explore greener

commercial refrigeration strategies. A

recent study on natural refrigerant adop-

tion estimates there are up to 9,000 CO2

installations in Europe, and more than

260 CO2 stores currently in the United

States. With zero ozone depletion

potential (ODP) and a global warming

potential (GWP) of 1, all-natural CO2

(or refrigerant name R-744) has become

a leading alternative to higher-GWP

hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants.

But from a service technician’s perspective, CO2 has unique

performance characteristics and operating peculiarities that dictate

system design and impact maintenance requirements. Following are

the key considerations to be aware of when servicing CO2 systems.

Low critical point (subcritical vs. transcritical) — R-744 has a

relatively low critical point (1,055 psig or 87.8 °F) that determines its

modes of operation. Subcritical mode refers to systems operating in

regions with colder climates and lower ambient temperatures where

the refrigeration cycle takes place below 87.8 °F. Transcritical mode

takes place above this point (also referred to as supercritical); this is

common in warmer regions or periods during the summer heat.

Higher operating pressure — one of the common reservations when

using CO2 is its relatively high operating pressure. But, it’s important

to realize that high pressure only takes place in the beginning

stages of the refrigeration cycle. Refer to the enthalpy diagram and

accompanying transcritical booster system architecture.

Point 1 is the start of the refrigeration cycle and the suction

of medium-temperature compressors. As R-744 compresses on a

hot day in a supercritical zone, pressures can reach 1,400 psig at

240 °F (Point 2), where the refrigerant goes through the gas cooler/

condenser up on the roof. From there, it returns to the machine

room where a high-pressure valve (Point 3) reduces the pressure to

400–500 psig and stores the liquid in a flash tank (Point 4). The rest

of the refrigeration cycle operates at pressures like that of a

traditional R-410A high-side system. In most instances, the only

true high pressures are during the heat of the summer and even

then, it’s generally confined to the roof. To handle these high

pressures, piping is typically stainless steel, although high-pressure

ferrous alloy copper piping has recently been introduced.

High triple point (possibility of dry ice formation) — triple point is

the point at which the three phases of CO2 coexist (60.4 psig or

-69.8 °F). While the temperature seems low, the pressure is relatively

high by refrigerant standards. As the pressure approaches that point

in CO2 systems, the refrigerant will turn to dry ice (an unusable state

that’s neither a vapor nor a liquid). This can occur during main-

tenance when a contractor mistakenly thinks the lines are clear,

taps the system and discovers the formation of dry ice. Typically,

they will then have to wait until dry ice sublimes (i.e., evaporates)

and ensure that the lines are dry before charging the system.

System charging — the high triple point affects R-744’s charging

procedures. After pulling a vacuum, the internal pressures of the

system will be well below 60.4 psig. Since standard atmospheric

pressure is 14.696 psig, the process cannot start with liquid

charging. Instead, contractors must vapor charge the system

(roughly to around 145 psig), and then wait until the system has

equalized with 145 psig of vapor before charging with liquid. This

ensures that no dry ice will form in the charging lines or anywhere

of your system.

Managing scheduled shutdowns and power outages — when a

CO2 system shuts down for longer periods of time, pressures will build

more quickly than in an HFC system. There are strategies to preserve

the system charge if you don’t want to evacuate R-744 through pressure

release valves. The most reliable method is to install a generator with

a standby condensing unit. When the power goes out, the generator

powers a condensing unit that has a loop within the flash tank (i.e.,

receiver) designed to cool the volume of liquid within the tank and

keep pressures down. Smaller systems may utilize a fade-out vessel,

which is essentially a large container that can accommodate the

refrigerant to keep pressures low and maintain volume in the system.

Resumption of power — the electronic expansion valve (EEV) on

every CO2 case utilizes a stepper motor or a pulse-width-modulated

type of valve. When the power goes out, the stepper motor is

frozen in that exact position, leaving the system’s CO2 evaporators

susceptible to flooding. R-744 naturally migrates quickly to these

cold evaporators, and when the system resumes, this can cause

considerable damage to compressors. To avoid this, liquid line

solenoids placed upstream of the EEV, supercapacitors or battery

back-ups are often used on case controls to force the valves closed

during a power outage. Many contractors perform power outage

trials to give their technicians a chance to practice and understand

the different issues that can occur before the store opens.

Form a refrigerant plan — managing CO2 is different than what

contractors may be accustomed to with traditional HFCs. Operators

and contractors alike need to understand the local codes for storing

R-744 cylinders (inside or outside the building), and develop an

appropriate strategy. In a typical store that requires 2,000 pounds

of refrigerant charge on hand, each cylinder that holds 50 pounds

of gas may weigh as much as 200 pounds. This means it would

take 40 bottles — or 8,000 physical pounds of refrigerant cylinders

on hand — to prepare for the worst-case scenario of losing a full

refrigerant charge. Contractors must make sure the facility can

handle this storage requirement and plan accordingly to deliver

refrigerant when needed.

Other peculiarities

Aside from the aforementioned scenarios, there are also other

idiosyncrasies to consider when dealing with CO2.

• Since CO2 is already abundant in the atmosphere, it can be

difficult to detect refrigerant leaks.

• Because CO2 is so unlike traditional HFCs, it’s a best practice to

keep a dedicated set of CO2 gauges, high-pressure hoses and

miscellaneous CO2 parts at each installation.

• Like any system, preventative maintenance is critical to managing

the total cost of ownership.

• It’s important to understand the consequences of trapping

R-744; always have a pressure relief or check valve in place in the

event R-744 gets trapped in the system.

• For contractors, training of service personnel is critical. For end

users and facility operators, using a company with CO2 expertise

is equally as important.

• System cleanliness and dryness are keys to efficient operation.

• CO2 systems require the use of high-pressure controllers, elec-

tronic expansion valves, pressure transducers and temperature

sensors to optimize pressures and refrigerant quality to the cases.

Clearly, there will be a learning curve when adding CO2 servicing

to your list of qualifications. But already many contractors are

enjoying some of the perks of working on CO2 systems. Namely,

the abundance of pressure transducers and temperature sensors

gives contractors ready access to pressure and temperature

readings at the controllers.

Because CO2 transcritical booster systems are prone to declining efficiencies in warmer climates, equipment manufacturers have developed several techniques to offset the impacts of high ambient air temperatures.

Spray nozzles — condenser that mists water to cool air across condenser coils

Adiabatic gas cooler — wet pads that line the outside of the condenser are used to cool air and keep the system from going into transcritical mode

Parallel compression — the flash tank feeds refrigerant to an independent compressor with increased suction pressure and smaller motor

Sub-cooling — cools the gas to reduce the BTU/lb. on the enthalpy curve and increase overall system efficiency

Gas ejectors — a means of using high-pressure gas energy to redirect medium pressure suction gas to the parallel compressors via the flash tank

Improving the efficiencies of CO2 transcritical booster systems

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Applying Machine Learning for Facility Management

I N N OVAT I O N I NSI G H T S

Advanced machine data combined with expert insights yield actionable results

by J O H N WA L L AC E

Machine learning is a subfield of computer science that refers to a computer’s ability to learn

without being programmed. In theory, machines should be able to learn and adapt through experience, but human interaction is still needed to produce the desired results. There are two primary types of machine learning: supervised learning that utilizes historical data to train an algorithm and predict an outcome from a series of inputs and unsupervised learning based on algorithms that operate by picking out relationships in the data and lead to specific conclusions. Today, most applications utilize a supervised learning approach. In either case, the output of a machine-learning algorithm is entirely dependent on available data and used to train the machine-learning model.

Machines learn by studying data to detect patterns or by applying known rules. Typical machine learning objectives include:

• Categorizing or cataloging like people or things

• Predicting likely outcomes or actions based on identified patterns

• Identifying previously unknown patterns and relationships

• Detecting irregular or unexpected behaviors

The processes by which machines learn are known as algorithms. Different algorithms learn in diverse ways. As new data regarding observed responses or changes to the environment is provided to the machine, the algorithm’s perfor-mance improves, thereby resulting in increasing intelligence over time.

The concept of machine learning isn’t new. When you search the internet, the search engine uses machine-learning technology to deliver search results. As you probably have observed, these search engines also learn from your previous searches — all through the continuous application of algorithms to refine the results.

Recently, there have been significant advancements in the machine learning field, including: lower storage costs, more intelligence/computing power, abundant networking, and affordable subscription access to powerful analytics platforms. As machine learning becomes more accessible, the question is how to apply this technology to generate a competitive advantage.

Leveraging valuable data can help businesses evolve from a reactive stance to a more proactive and predictive one. Most businesses have an abundance of data available to them that is not being used or is difficult to access. With the advent of the Internet of Things (IOT) and the wealth of sensor data, this information is now more readily available. But how can businesses effectively use this data? By harnessing its potential, operators can uncover oppor-tunities for value creation such as driving increased efficiencies or creating new revenue streams.

How to create a machine-learning model in your enterprise

Businesses can take some relatively simple steps to create a supervised-learning model. This process can be summarized in six steps:

1. Have a keen idea of what problem you are trying to predict or solve.

2. Develop a data collection strategy. Data is made up of inputs from gathering a variety of information, including temperatures, pressures, on-off activities (from motors, etc.) as well as the actions that result from these inputs. Your goal will be to predict the action that will occur for a given set of inputs. The more relevant data you can gather, the better. The data you have gathered will be used to both train the learning model and validate the model’s performance; these data sets are typically separated.

3. Use the training data to create a machine- learning model. This is where math is used to create a model that predicts an action based on inputs. There are different types of models that perform better or worse for a particular data set, so you might need to create multiple models (different math) and then pick the one that performs best based on your data.

4. How closely does your model predict the action or result that came out of your training data? A perfect model would anticipate the result every time. While that usually doesn’t happen, the goal is try to get as close as possible to that result. Once you develop a standard and are achieving the desired results, use that model moving forward.

5. Test the validation data from step two. That validation data contains the inputs and the actions that occurred, but it’s completely independent from the training data. You used the training data in step four to select and train the model. In step five, use the validation data to see how good the model performs based on the data set. If

the validation data doesn’t match up, you may need to step back and select a different training model, and then confirm it with the validation data. This is an intricate process. When and if the results do not match expectations, you may have to start from the beginning. Make sure you are collecting the right types of data before running the process again.

6. Let the machine learning begin. Upon completion of your efforts, you should have a model that can be used to predict an action or result based on the available inputs. At some point, input parameters may change or another system modification may be required; in this event, you will need to go back periodically and update the model based on new data.

HVAC example

Many large food retailers use numerous roof top units (RTU) to maintain a comfortable in-store environment. Typically, these oper-ate independently without any coordination among them. During typical operation, all the units may or may not be operating

simultaneously. This situation can create unwanted energy demand spikes.

By capturing the data being generated in that space, such as: ambient air tem-perature, space temperatures, compressor staging (on and off on the individual RTUs), we should be able to create a machine learning model that can predict when the RTUs are turning on or off. Once the model establishes this pattern, we can use that data to better coordinate multiple RTUs coming on at the same time. The key is to compare the data streaming into the model’s predictions and decide the best action to take. If you have multiple RTUs running simultaneously, you’re likely to have higher demand charges and use more electricity. Being able to better control the RTUs will result in lower demand charges.

Refrigeration example

There are countless commercial refriger-ation scenarios where a machine-learning model could improve system reliability and efficiencies. In a perfect world, facility managers would be alerted to a system anomaly. By tracking energy consumption

data, machine-learning can provide valu-able insights. Given the proper inputs (i.e., outdoor air temperature, indoor tempera-ture, time of day, etc.) and some historical data, a machine-learning model could be created to predict what the energy usage should be for a particular set of condi-tions (the inputs). Then, when the actual (measured) energy usage falls outside of a prediction range based on the inputs, there is a high probability that something has changed in the system (faults, param-eter changes, etc.) and warrants further investigation.

In conclusion

With access to more data inputs, machine- learning techniques are becoming increas-ingly popular—especially as the ability to interpret huge datasets continues to improve. Facility managers can discover and utilize various analytic approaches to build pertinent machine-learning models for their needs, quickly determine which are most effective, and then put the models into practice. In the end, these techniques will only bring more value to their brands.

Analyze and understand

what you are trying to predict.

Create training data set(s)

and validation data set(s) from

inputs and results.

Use training data to evaluate

different models’ performance

accuracy.

Select initial model based

on training data performance.

Use validation data to check performance.

Utilize new model to predict results based on

new inputs.

1 2 3 4 5 6

Simplified Machine Learning Process;Creating a Model Is a Data-Intensive, Iterative Process

22 E360 Outlook Volume 3 Number 3

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Emerson1675 West Campbell RoadP.O. Box 669Sidney, OH 45365-0669

PRSRT FIRST CLASSU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT #1315DAYTON, OH

Thank you for reading this edition of E360 Outlook! At Emerson,

we believe the challenges faced by the refrigeration industry

cannot be solved in a vacuum. Only through collaboration and

a commitment to innovation will we discover answers to the

difficult questions before us.

We hope the information provided here will spark conversations

and open all of our eyes to new perspectives. But for that to happen,

we all need to contribute. And that starts with you. Feel free to

contact us with your feedback, questions and insights. We look

forward to hearing from you.

We’d like to hear your feedback.

© 2017 Emerson

Emerson has boldly transformed itself to create value for our

customers and innovate the solutions that will become their

successes. We will continue to offer the technologies and services

that keep homes and businesses running smoothly while creating

comfortable, controllable environments with our energy-efficient

HVACR solutions. Look to Emerson to solve the toughest industry

challenges with our market-proven compressors, controls,

thermostats and related equipment. Learn more at Emerson.com.

Emerson Climate Technologies is now part of the Emerson

Commercial & Residential Solutions business platform. Leading

product brands include: Copeland Scroll™, ProAct™, Sensi™,

RIDGID® and InSinkErator®.

Commercial & Residential Solutions is focused on delivering

value through:

• Ensuring human comfort

• Protecting food quality and sustainability

• Advancing energy efficiency and environmental conservation

• Creating sustainable infrastructure

• Innovating at The Helix

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