Hosted by Clifford Milligan from KMC Controls, this webinar focuses on a new, innovative solution for accurately measuring outdoor airflow in HVAC systems. This technology addresses the growing need for precise airflow measurement, particularly in light of increased standards for indoor air quality (IAQ) and the push for more efficient ventilation systems in buildings.
Clifford begins by explaining why measuring outdoor airflow is critical, especially in modern HVAC design. IAQ has become a top priority, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has emphasized the importance of proper ventilation to prevent the spread of infectious aerosols. Beyond health concerns, ensuring adequate ventilation is also important to prevent “sick building syndrome” and to meet ASHRAE and other industry standards. Additionally, bringing in outdoor air is costly from an energy perspective, making it essential to measure and balance ventilation rates to avoid over-ventilation, which wastes energy and increases costs.
Historically, measuring outdoor airflow has been challenging due to limitations in traditional sensor technologies. Outdoor environments present unique problems such as contaminants, varying weather conditions, and space constraints that make it difficult to accurately measure airflow. Traditional methods, such as using louvers, dampers, and flow stations, are not only prone to inaccuracies but also require extensive maintenance.
The TruFit technology from KMC Controls offers a breakthrough solution. This system leverages a tilt sensor, also referred to as an inclinometer, mounted on the damper to measure the angle of airflow. It utilizes an ASHRAE standard mixed air equation to calculate airflow based on the damper’s position, removing the need for temperature sensors in the outdoor air stream. The system runs an automatic calibration process, creating a characterization table that provides accurate airflow measurements across all damper positions.
One of the key benefits of the TruFit system is that it eliminates the issues caused by contaminants and environmental factors that often affect traditional airflow measurement sensors. By keeping sensors out of the direct airstream, maintenance requirements are significantly reduced. Additionally, the system is capable of detecting damper leakage, even when the damper is fully closed, providing valuable diagnostic information that helps maintain system efficiency.
The system also offers flexibility in installation and can be applied to a variety of HVAC units, from small fan coil units to large custom air handlers. This adaptability, combined with the system’s ability to provide real-time diagnostics and fault detection, makes TruFit a valuable tool for building owners and facility managers looking to optimize IAQ and energy efficiency.
TruFit provides a more accurate, low-maintenance solution for outdoor airflow measurement, addressing the challenges faced by traditional methods. This technology not only improves IAQ by ensuring proper ventilation but also reduces energy costs by preventing over-ventilation. Clifford’s presentation highlights the potential of TruFit to revolutionize the way outdoor airflow is measured in commercial HVAC systems, offering a reliable and efficient alternative for modern building designs.
