New & Improved Product Detail Page

Posted on by Kele Inc

A whole new level of product info just for you.

Kele.com’s Product Detail Pages just got a major update and we’re here to give you the 411 on what’s been done!

Over 90 thousand product pages were updated to give you an even better sourcing experience. But what changed? Aspects like “brand”, “images”, “product specifications”, and more have been optimized to enhance your sourcing ability. This means that most parts have a detail-rich page to better inform YOU!

There’s not an aspect that our technical experts or product experts left untouched with this latest update. Better up-to-date information. Better product images. Better access to product-specific information. Better everything!

Explore the improved experience geared towards making your next time sourcing with us the best one yet! Start your search now here.

All Things BACnet

Posted on by Kele Inc

Building Automation and Control Networks.

BACnet.

An industry staple that continues to revolutionize both building automation and the world of HVAC. Is it any wonder that more and more suppliers and distributors are broadening their spheres to keep up with the demand from customers? And for good reason!

So how did BACnet get started?

During the summer of 1987, ASHRAE had an inaugural committee meeting* where the topic of conversation was focused on creating a standard open protocol for the building automation industry. The committee was comprised of three distinct working groups: Data Type and Attribute Working Group, Primitive Data Format Working Group, and Application Services Working Group. They all worked together to create a consensus regarding a standard for BACnet. And in 1995, they achieved their goal by creating ASHRAE/ANSI Standard 135.

As an important note—we of course can’t forget the “Father of BACnet” himself, Michael Newman, whose dedication and commitment to what BACnet could one day become truly helped it reach new heights.

But what really makes BACnet so great? Well, as ASHRAE puts it, “BACnet provides a comprehensive set of messages for conveying encoded binary, analog, and alphanumeric data between devices including, but not limited to:

(a) hardware binary input and output values,
(b) hardware analog input and output values,
(c) software binary and analog values,
(d) text string values,
(e) schedule information,
(f) alarm and event information,
(g) files, and
(h) control logic.

It models each building automation and control computer as a collection of data structures called objects, the properties of which represent various aspects of the hardware, software, and operation of the device. These objects provide a means of identifying and accessing information without requiring knowledge of the details of the device’s internal design or configuration.” (Read more about Standard 135-2016 here.)

Another interesting aspect of BACnet is that it’s not proprietary information. So because it’s an open protocol system, anyone can write it. It just needs to follow basic rules, commands, and of course industry standards. Talk about an easily accessible feat of technology that the industry is lucky to have!

BTL Certification

What is BACnet Testing Laboratories (BTL)? The entity was developed and is also operated by BACnet International. They support interoperability testing and compliance testing activities when it comes to all things BACnet, while also overseeing the global product certification program and administering the BTL Working Group (BTL-WG).

Some of the responsibilities of the BTL as defined by them are as follows:

  • Develop and maintain the BACnet product test requirements and testing policies
  • Operate the global BTL Certification Program for BACnet
  • Maintain a public listing of BTL Certified products
  • Recognize testing laboratories suitable for certification testing
  • Organize the annual BACnet International-sponsored Interoperability Workshop (PlugFest)

(Read more about BTL here.)

With BACnet being a leader in communication protocol for building automation and control networks, it’s allowed for an all-new era of communication and reporting for the world of HVAC and BAS. The industry continues to make leaps and bounds when it comes to this technology, and we cannot wait to see where it leads us next.

Our new, improved product detail pages now provide you with more in-depth information on our BACnet offering. Take a look at the following BACnet product detail pages to see what they can offer your customer’s building or facility:

Have a BAS or HVAC need? Kele can help! Call us today or chat with us on kele.com for custom solutions for your unique job specifications.

*To take a look at the original meeting notes from the inaugural committee meeting click here.

Ball Valves vs. Globe Valves: What’s the difference?

Posted on by Kele Inc

Contributed by Belimo (Jason Tables)

Picking the right components can make a significant difference in how well an HVAC system runs. Among these components, Globe Valves and Ball Valves often play a key role. Globe Valves are especially useful when precise flow control is required, whereas Ball Valves are ideally suited for applications requiring quick opening and tight close-off. In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between these two valves, how they work, and where they’re commonly found in HVAC systems.

A Ball Valve controls the flow of fluid using a rotary ball with a hole running through the center. When the valve is open, the hole is aligned with the pipeline, which allows the flow to pass. When it’s closed, the hole is perpendicular to the flow, stopping the passage of fluid. A Ball Valve uses the rotation of the ball (increasing and decreasing its opening) to control the flow.

Most of the time, Ball Valves are used for chilled or hot water with up to 60% glycol concentration. They can be used for water-side control of air handling units in ventilation and air-conditioning systems, and water/steam control in heating systems.

Belimo offers a full line of industrial 2-way & 3-way Ball Valves that are available with non-spring return, spring return or electronic fail-safe actuators offering high close-off capabilities. The actuators operate using a standard voltage, allowing for on/off, modulating, or floating-point control, which moves the valve to the position specified by the control system.

Ball Valves such as the Belimo QCV and PIQCV are specially designed zone valves that are known for their reliability, cost-effectiveness, and easy installation. The Belimo CCV integrates the robust close-off functions of a Ball Valve with a specialized disc, ensuring an equal percentage flow characteristic for consistently accurate flow control. Less expensive Ball Valves are a common choice for shut-off valves due their ability to provide a quick and tight seal with a low pressure drop.

A Globe Valve is comprised of a linear travel plug which fits into a seat enclosed within a spherical body, which is where it gets its name. The flow is adjusted by moving the plug up or down, in proximity to the seat. When fully closed, the plug seals off the flow. Globe Valves are used in HVAC systems to regulate, throttle, or isolate flow. They are especially useful when precise flow control is needed, such as in hot water heating systems, steam systems, or in chillers where modulating flow is important for system performance.

Belimo offers Globe Valves in a range of sizes from ½” to 6”, which meet both ANSI 125 and ANSI 250 standards. They are available with bronze or stainless-steel trim options and can be equipped with spring return, non-spring return, or electronic fail-safe actuators. Belimo Globe Valves are ideally suited for HVAC devices, including air handling units, terminal equipment, and hydronic systems operating in primary and secondary loops for water or steam service.

The choice between a Globe Valve and a Ball Valve depends on the specific needs of the application, but in general, for precise flow control, a Globe Valve is preferable, while for on/off operations or where a minimal pressure drop is desired, a Ball Valve is more suitable. Also, Globe Valves can be more expensive than Ball Valves, which too is a consideration.

Fire Safety & Prevention

Posted on by Kele Inc

And just like that, it’s fall again! Cooler temps are here which means your customer’s systems are breathing a sigh of relief and taking a break from battling high temps. But don’t let your guard down just yet!

With October (“Fire and Safety Month” to all of us HVAC folk) just a few days away, it’s time to ensure that you have a solid fire safety and prevention plan for your customers.

Fire Prevention

This year, Fire Prevention Week is happening from October 8th-October 14th, 2023. This yearly reminder is around to help get you all up to speed so you’re ready to tackle the month. Get those checklists ready and be prepared to go over your customers’ systems and make sure that nothing system-related has the potential to become a fire hazard.

Tips & Tricks for Fire Prevention

To get the most bang for your buck when it comes to fire safety and prevention, it’s imperative that your customers’ systems are in compliance with National Fire Protection Agency Codes (NFPA) 105, 90a, and 90b.

These codes will have you covered when it comes to fire and smoke systems, and all things HVAC and BAS, ensuring that they are up-to-date and fully functioning. (Want to take a look at all of the NFPA codes? Visit the NFPA here and start reading!)

Fire Prevention Checklist

  • Check for leaks
  • Ensure clear, unobstructed ducts
  • Ensure all lines are connected and that there is no damage
  • Make sure that all sensors and alert systems, especially emergency stop systems, are in working order and functioning as intended

And as always, practicing the 3Ms of HVAC will help your customers stop a future fire or some other disaster in its tracks:

  • Maintenance: do regular work to maintain the system
  • Management: manage the different aspects of the system to ensure peak performance
  • Monitoring: monitor the system and its many sensors and applications so that it is running effectively and efficiently

Kele is here to help you help your customers. Check out our favorite fire safety products on kele.com. Need additional help? Call and speak with one of our technical experts today!

 

Heat Pumps vs. Gas Furnaces

Posted on by Kele Inc

With the heat turned up to “crispy hot” outside (if you’re in the south like us—you get it), we know that even thinking about all things heating is the furthest thing from your mind right now. But fall is just around the corner and with it comes cooler temps that will eventually slide us straight into winter.

Heat Pumps or Gas Furnaces

If you’re planning ahead (i.e., what all of you should be doing!!!), then thinking about heating systems is already on your mind. And with that comes the age-old heat pump vs. furnace debate!

Pros & Cons

Heat pumps run on electricity whilst furnaces typically run on either gas, oil, or electricity (we’ll dive into all three in October—keep your eyes peeled!). What are some factors that should be considered when talking about options with customers?

  • Climate
  • Budget
  • Maintenance and size requirements
  • Efficiency standards
  • Safety

Generally speaking, heat pumps produce less heat because they pull in heat from outside air and then transfer it indoors. So if you’re working in a climate that trends towards warmer temperatures, then a heat pump is more than likely what you’ll want to recommend to your customers. They’re more versatile AND they can also act as air conditioners in the summer months.

And while furnaces only provide heat, if you’re working in a cold climate—well then your customers are going to want to be toasty warm 24/7. In climates that are colder than what a heat pump would work in, gas furnaces work and fare much better than some heat pumps when it comes to energy efficiency. Plus, with the lower cost of natural gas vs. electric costs (it’s all relative these days, though), lifetime costs should be calculated as a win for this option!

Getting Down to Business

When it comes to deciding on which is better suited, sometimes having a helping hand is well…helpful! Kele is here to help you assess your needs, discuss all those pros and cons mentioned above, and create a custom solution that you’ll be proud to take to your customer. Visit us on kele.com or call today—Kele’s got you covered!

R-454b: The New Refrigerant on the Block

Posted on by Kele Inc

As we discussed earlier this year (read more here), new SEER ratings have been put into place by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for 2023 and beyond. But are those the only changes in store for HVAC this year? We don’t think so!

Refrigerant Standards Are Changing

One of the final changes that have been rumored to begin at the end of 2023 and early 2024 deals with all things refrigerant. But to better understand why these changes are happening, you first need to know what HFC is. *As concrete dates become available, we will update to reflect those changes.

What is HFC?

HFC stands for hydrofluorocarbon—say that five times fast! HFCs are a group of synthetic gases typically used in refrigeration and cooling. It’s also important to note that HFCs are considered and termed as greenhouse gases by the EPA. Now why is this important? Well, in recent years both the EPA and DOE have ramped up initiatives to combat climate change and the impact that carbon emissions/greenhouse gases are having on the environment.

But what does this mean for refrigerant(s) used in commercial HVAC?

It means that two types of refrigerants, that have been linked to having negative effects on the ozone, are being switched to a newer type that is more environmentally friendly. Refrigerants R-22 and R-410a are being moved away from and allegedly, the newer R-454b will be taking their place. The EPA is committed to reducing hydrofluorocarbon emissions as a whole and this will be a large step in moving towards that goal. (Read more on the EPA’s actions and position on reducing HFCs here.)

It also means that you are likely to see system overhauls in relation to newer refrigeration begin to pop up. Retrofits will not be an option for a variety of reasons with the use of these newer refrigerants. Older parts will begin to get phased out by the industry, opening up new project opportunities for you. Both you and the environment get a win!

To better familiarize yourself with the EPA’s standards and position on this new move towards more environmentally friendly refrigerants, read up on it here and here.

Need help with your next job that involves refrigerants? Give us a call today or visit kele.com to get what you need—Kele’s got you covered!

Particulate Matter Sensors

Posted on by Kele Inc

Cue The Magic School Bus theme song folks because today we’re going on a journey to learn more about particulate matter!

But first…what exactly is a particulate?

Particulates are microscopic liquid or solid particles of matter that exist suspended in the air. Such particulates are commonly referred to as atmospheric particulate matter, particulate matter (PM), atmospheric aerosol particles, and suspended particulate matter (SPM).

*Image courtesy of the EPA. To learn more about PM visit the EPA’s website here.

What causes particulates?

Particulates can be formed by natural forces or by human action/inaction. An example of a particulate that’s formed by natural forces would be particulates from forest fires. An example of particulates that are due to human forces would be emissions from vehicles.

*Image courtesy of the Global Weather and Climate Center

 

So why do these tiny things even matter?

Based on the size of the particulate, they can either cause you no issues whatsoever or they can do some serious damage to you via your lungs and in some cases affect your overall health. The size of particulates is what determines whether they get filtered out by the lungs or if they end up settling in your lungs and/or bronchi.

It’s been generally agreed upon that particulates smaller than 10 micrometers (coarse particulate matter, PM10) can settle into the deepest parts of the lungs and cause damage within the bronchioles or alveoli. Along with that, particulates that are fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are able to penetrate the alveoli and even smaller particulates (ultrafine particulate matter, PM0.1), are able to pass through the lungs completely and affect both organs and blood.

How the heck are we measuring this?!?

Traditionally, particulate matter is determined using the measurement of micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³). And the technology we have in place makes measuring PM overall easy by measuring the PM concentration or particle size distribution.

*Image courtesy of the U.S. National Park Service

Being able to measure particulate matter gives us the ability to differentiate between good and bad air quality and all that comes with it. Isn’t it wonderful that the technology we need to monitor and measure it exists?

As more and more instances begin to pop up requiring monitoring and measurement of particulate matter, it’s time to get ahead of the game so you can keep your customer’s buildings safe and secure. Particulate matter sensor units can come with or without display, field adjustable alarm relays, BACnet/Modbus, and in some cases tricolor LCD for visualization of the overall air quality index.

Browse our offering of particulate matter sensors here or call us today to get what you need. We’re here to help you make sure your next job gets done the easy way—the Kele way!

Bypass Valves in Pressure Independent Hydronic Systems

Posted on by Kele Inc

Contributed by Jason Tables from Belimo

The West Coast of the United States is known for being ahead of the curve when it comes to energy efficiency. California, Oregon, and Washington in particular, have more aggressive energy efficiency standards than most other parts of the country and the world. These states have implemented rigorous policies and regulations that promote energy efficiency, and the use of clean, renewable energy sources. Because of these measures, the West Coast is widely regarded as a leader in energy efficiency, often signaling policy changes that are eventually implemented in other regions of the country.

“The Seattle Energy Code is very progressive as they move away from all fossil fuels,” says Ken Duncan, Belimo District Sales Manager for Washington, Idaho, and Alaska. “The Seattle code prohibits the use of traditional gas-fired boilers in commercial buildings, so the typical mechanical HVAC hydronic systems are beginning to utilize heat pumps and heat recovery chillers to heat and cool buildings. This is a completely different style of hydronic heating system, and it requires properly sized and selected control valves to have a trouble-free mechanical system.”

Because of these stringent rules, the industry is largely moving towards pressure independent systems, “without any 3-way valves in any of the piping,” and “at least one or two bypass valves in the system to maintain minimum flow,” Ken explains.

To illustrate this kind of design, the diagram above shows a typical primary pumping system serving two chillers and a water-to-air heat exchanger. When it is cool enough outside, the cooling water is circulated through the heat exchanger and cooled by using the outdoor air instead of using the chillers. This conserves energy and leads to significant energy savings.

If the heat exchanger is unable to accommodate the building’s cooling load, or the outdoor air conditions are unsuitable for “economizer cooling” alone, the chillers will be enabled and staged as needed to meet the cooling demand. As the chillers are placed in operation, the minimum flow rates through each chiller and chilled water distribution pump must be maintained. Since the primary chilled water system does not have a 3-way valve, a bypass valve must be utilized to provide a flow path when the pumps are at minimum speed, and the flow through a single chiller is less than the minimum flow rate for the pump and VFD (variable frequency drive). A primary loop bypass valve ensures that each chiller receives a sufficient minimum flow as they stage on and off or change capacity. This type of primary system typically sees high flow rates and the bypass valve tends to be larger than bypass valves in a secondary system.

In many buildings, the hydronic system also consists of a secondary pumping system to distribute water to the terminal loads, like the one shown above. Chilled or heated water is pumped out to terminal devices in the building, such as VAV boxes, fan coil units, air handlers, and chilled beams.

“The same situation is going to happen here in the secondary system, where we need to maintain minimum flow,” explains Ken. “The two-way valves in the secondary system will at some point be fully closed, and the pumps will have to operate at a minimum speed; this minimum speed corresponds to the minimum flow rate that must be handled by the bypass valve.”

In this kind of design, when all the valves out in the system are closed, the water needs somewhere to circulate. To avoid deadheading the pumps, a bypass line is used to ensure minimum design flow, like the 3-inch two-way pressure independent modulating control valve shown in the upper right corner of the diagram above. This bypass line is typically located somewhere out in the building, far away from the pumps to allow for the overall volume of water in the system to act as a thermal sink, preventing rapid temperature changes to the secondary loop.

A second flow meter in the chilled water return can be seen in the lower right corner of the diagram. The purpose of this flow meter is to measure the flow on the return line and to communicate with the bypass valve when adjustments to its position are needed to maintain the minimum flow. For example, if the minimum volume of the pumps is 100 gallons a minute, and the system is not achieving 100 gallons per minute on the return line, the flow meter will signal the bypass valve (via the DDC system) to open until 100 gallons per minute is reached.

Bypass Valve Selection

When selecting a bypass valve, it is important to select a valve with a linear flow curve to ensure stable and responsive bypass flow control. Control valves with an equal percentage flow characteristic, on the other hand, are not well suited for bypass flow control. This is because the flow curve is nearly flat in the range between the fully closed position and around 50% open.

As the chart below shows, an equal percentage of valves do not reach 50% of the rated flow until they are around 70% open. This results in very slow changes to the flow rate when the valve is operating between 0 and 70% open, and once 70% is exceeded, minor changes in valve position greatly affect the volume of water passing through.  When an equal percentage of valves are used for bypass flow control, the control response from the valve is difficult to tune and usually leads to unstable flow control.

A linear flow characteristic is more suitable for bypass valve applications than an equal percentage curve because made changes to the position of the valve, will have a linear effect on the flow. So, for example, if the valve is 50% open, 50% of the rated flow will be passed through the valve. This allows for responsive, stable flow control.

The pressure-independent Belimo ePIV makes a great bypass valve, as it can be programmed to have either a linear or an equal percentage flow characteristic. Since the flow characteristic is selectable, the valve performs well as a bypass valve or a temperature control valve. The ePIV also features an ultrasonic flow sensor, which allows the actual bypass flow rate to be monitored in real-time. The ePIV is backed by a 5-year warranty.

BACnet: Put Control Back in Your Building

Posted on by Kele Inc

As repairs and retrofits take off for the summer season, it’s time to start thinking of how you’ll get all the different aspects of your customer’s system integrated and running smoothly. That’s where BACnet comes in!

So what is BACnet?

It stands for Building Automation and Control Networks. BACnet is a communication protocol designed to allow HVAC & BAS, lighting, emergency, fire, safety controls, and other building automation functions the ability to integrate though they may not all be created by the same manufacturer.

Originally, BACnet was created/developed in 1987 under the American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and is even a registered trademark of ASHRAE

Why was BACnet created?

The HVAC and BAS industries have made leaps and bounds when it comes to innovations in technology and BACnet is just one facet of that innovation.

The purpose of this technology was to define both data communication protocols and services for the control and ability to monitor HVAC and BAS. And it did just that. Today there is ASHRAE Standard 135-2016 that deals with data communication protocols for building automation and control networks.

Per ASHRAE, “BACnet provides a comprehensive set of messages for conveying encoded binary, analog, and alphanumeric data between devices including, but not limited to:

(a) hardware binary input and output values,
(b) hardware analog input and output values,
(c) software binary and analog values,
(d) text string values,
(e) schedule information,
(f) alarm and event information,
(g) files, and
(h) control logic.”

Benefits of BACnet

  • No more needing every part to be from the same manufacturer or technological leaning
  • Standardized communication for all building automation data and analysis
  • Allows for retrofits and break/fix to function normally while preserving that initial investment
  • Works as a comprehensive solution for all areas of BAS
  • Works with IT capabilities already in place rather than against

With more and more buildings looking to mesh and integrate products from a variety of manufacturers, BACnet has never been more important to the overall success of a building’s automation functions. So don’t drag your feet on automating your next building—get ahead of the game and let data flow effortlessly between networks to make your life easier!

Looking for more information or how BACnet can help out on your next job? Visit kele.com or call today—Kele’s got you covered.

Bidding for Back-to-School

Posted on by Kele Inc

Bidding for back-to-school jobs is here and it’s getting serious. With school about to be out for summer vacation, you only have a few more weeks to finalize all your plans, proposals, and the how and when you’re going to get your sourcing done.

School and Districts

According to the National Center for Education Statistics 2019-20 data breakdown, there are around 128,961 public and private K-12 schools in the U.S. For pre-k, elementary, and middle there are around 88,909, secondary and high schools make up 27,155, and other various institutions make up the final 12,897.

And with student numbers rising in each district, HVAC systems in schools are continuing to be run ragged. Upgrades are needed not to mention full system overhauls. That’s where you come in!

What should my bid proposal look like?

Start your bid proposal off with why you should be their final choice. Confidence is key! Give prior work experience, why you want to be the one to successfully tackle this job, and whatever else that might catch the individual’s or committee’s eyes. Things such as having children in the district or having once been in a school in the district make great examples. Other great examples would be wanting to make a positive difference in the children’s and staff’s lives by providing them with a safe and healthy building to work and learn in.

You’ll also want to give an estimate on both timelines and project cost. Provide a timeline that works in considerations for if things go sideways such as part back orders or discovering something new within the project that needs to be addressed. The shorter the time in which you can complete your project is important but so is honesty in addressing any number of things that could derail your carefully planned timeline.

Your total project cost should also be provided along with how long key features of the project will last. What is the life expectancy for certain parts and components should be answered along with how often something should be replaced and the long-term savings that could be accumulated if you were to make one choice over another.

Experience and Work Ethic

Remember, it’s not always the lowest bid that wins. Experience and work ethic also come into play. Questions like “Will the work last?” or “Would your child or mine be safe in this environment?” will be asked and answered before your bid is accepted or rejected. It’s jobs like these that make the 3M’s of HVAC more important than ever. The work you do is important but so is the education to your customer so they can keep up with it and manage it. Need a refresher so you can educate your customer as to what they need to do so your work lasts through the school year? No worries—

  • Maintenance: do regular work to maintain the system
  • Management: manage the different aspects of the system to ensure peak performance
  • Monitoring: monitor the system and its many sensors and applications so that it is running effectively and efficiently

When you combine all of this, you’ll be in good standing for having your bid accepted! Kele is here to help you tackle your homework and get you back to school and ready to succeed. Call or visit us at kele.com today and let us help you shop…we mean source…for back to school! Good luck and we know you’re bound to ace your school projects this summer.