Introduction:
Saskatoon Public Schools in Canada, comprising 48 elementary schools and 10 secondary schools, was looking to replace aging condensing units in their schools. Their primary objectives were to improve the school HVAC performance, stay within budget, and reduce operational costs.
Challenge:
The school district was exploring variable speed compressor solutions but was hesitant about the complexity and expense of digital scroll technology. They also expressed concerns about the reliability of hot gas bypass systems (HGBP), which were previously used in the existing units.
Solution:
Alex Barnes, Associate Account Manager at Trane Saskatoon, leveraged his previous experience with adding the APR Control in the Saskatoon Catholic Schools HVAC systems. He recommended Rawal Devices’ APR Valves as a cost-effective and efficient alternative to digital scrolls. APR Valves offer variable capacity control without additional electronics, making them simpler to install and maintain.
Understanding that the school engineers were initially seeking variable speed units, there was extensive discussion around sizing, performance, and cost. Knowing the existing units used HGBP, Alex emphasized how the APR Control offered much better performance and was a cost-effective option. He also mentioned their prior success with APR in other schools HVAC upgrades in the area.
To further support his recommendation, Alex utilized the Rawal Devices website as a valuable resource. The website’s comprehensive information, diagrams, and videos helped the engineer gain a deeper understanding of the APR Control’s benefits.
Key Factors that Convinced the School Engineer:
- The APR Control is NOT HGBP: The APR Control is distinct from hot gas bypass, offering a different method of compressor unloading.
- Contractor-Friendly (Ease of installation): The installation process is straightforward and technician-friendly, with everything installed in the condensing section of the unit with no additional piping required.
- No Additional Construction or Electronics: The APR Control is completely mechanical, eliminating the need for complex construction or additional electronic components.
“This is not hot gas bypass. We can unload the compressor in a different way. Everything is contained to the unit and it’s a very contractor friendly solution. There’s no additional electronics, it’s a strictly mechanical variation to the equipment.” – Alex Barnes
Results:
Alex successfully secured the project for Saskatoon Public School HVAC upgrades by advocating for field-installed APR Controls on standard condensing units. This approach delivered significant upfront cost savings compared to variable speed systems with digital scrolls. Leveraging the same experienced contractor from the previous school jobs ensured a seamless installation. The APR Controls’ ability to dynamically modulate capacity will provide efficient dehumidification, reduce wear and tear, and ultimately extend equipment lifespan. Previous successes with similar APR Control installations suggest substantial energy savings for the school district.
Conclusion:
Saskatoon Public Schools’ decision to install APR Controls reflects a growing trend towards cost-effective and efficient school HVAC solutions. Rawal Devices APR Controls’ simplicity, affordability, and performance make it an attractive solution for school systems or other organizations seeking to optimize their systems and reduce energy consumption.
Additional Insights:
Overcoming Skepticism: Trane Saskatoon addressed concerns about hot gas bypass by providing detailed information and resources about the APR Valve’s distinct operation.
Customer Education: Clear communication and readily available educational materials were crucial in securing the project.
Value Proposition: The APR Valve’s success is attributed to its ability to deliver significant cost savings, improved performance and energy consumption – while simplifying the installation process.
Shifting the Conversation: Customers often equate “variable speed” with digital scrolls. It’s essential to reframe the discussion around “variable capacity” and highlight the APR Control’s superior benefits in terms of cost and performance.
Overcoming Misconceptions: Clear communication and readily available resources like the Rawal Devices website are crucial in dispelling misconceptions about the APR Control and hot gas bypass.
Our engineers are ready to help you find the right solution for your school’s HVAC challenges. Call Rawal Devices today at 800-727-6447 to schedule a consultation and discover the benefits of APR Control.
