RTU Retrofits Facts and Considerations with JCI

In this episode recorded live at AHR Expo 2023, Matthew Schlegel, the Commercial Product Manager of Ducted Systems from JCI (Johnson Controls) joins Bryan to talk about rooftop unit (RTU) retrofit facts and considerations.

When doing an RTU retrofit, you want to make sure you know the budget before anything else; larger budgets will allow you to implement things like VFDs and even VAV technology. In many cases, you may consider adding an economizer for “free” cooling and energy savings. You also want to know what you will get out of a retrofit in terms of value, especially when it comes to system efficiency and longevity.

Some common IAQ upgrades for RTUs include improved filtration, especially with MERV 13 filters. Economizers also allow you to control the amount of outside air with the help of an exhaust system or even barometric relief. UV lighting can also be used in light commercial RTUs.

When doing a retrofit, you'll want to pay attention to the existing equipment's footprint. Sticking to that footprint will make the replacement aspect easier. The utility and electrical infrastructure are also important to consider, as you won't want to replace the existing piping, wiring, and connections.

With regulations and technology constantly changing, it helps to be able to contact the manufacturer to assist with the retrofit process. Companies like JCI are trying to assist contractors with installations by providing guidance and education in the field.

Matthew and Bryan also discuss:

Matthew's professional experience at JCI
Adding economizers and VFDs
Convertible filter racks
Cost-benefit analysis resources
Changing regulations
Interfacing with the manufacturer during the retrofitting process

To learn more about JCI, visit https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/.

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In this short podcast episode, Bryan talks about the CPS Molecular Transformator and what it does.

The Molecular Transformator is a version of a tube-in-shell heat exchanger, which is a method of exchanging heat from one fluid medium to another fluid medium. Tubes containing a fluid pass through a shell containing water or glycol, and there is a heat exchange between that secondary fluid and the fluid being circulated in the tubes. In a Molecular Transformator, the fluid being circulated is recovered refrigerant, and the secondary fluid is water (in a bucket), which absorbs heat from the refrigerant and cools it down to make sure that the refrigerant enters the recovery tank as a liquid.

Refrigerant recovery machines have condensers inside of them, but they are quite small and don’t hold a lot of refrigerant by design; many recovery machines use microchannel coils. A lot of the time, the refrigerant leaving a recovery machine is a liquid-vapor mix and too high-temperature; a lot of people run a hose over the tank or put it in a bucket of ice. The “Molecular Transformator” tries to settle the vapor molecules down into a liquid; it transforms the vapor molecules using the same mechanism as a tube-in-shell heat exchanger.

The main issue is that there will be leftover refrigerant in the Molecular Transformator after recovery. However, you can mitigate this problem with ball valves and proper purging. Do so responsibly to avoid venting refrigerant.

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