Precision-Engineered HVAC Applications With Polaris Plate Heat Exchangers

Polaris Plate Heat Exchanger Applications

Applications | HVAC Applications | Specialty Products & Applications

Nowhere is technological leadership from Polaris better expressed than in the heating/ventilating/air conditioning (HVAC) field. With engineering and manufacturing backed up by unsurpassed field experience, Polaris Plate Heat Exchangers meet the demanding requirements of multiple HVAC applications.

“Free Cooling” (Chiller bypass)
Structure management often requires year-round cooling to handle heat from computers, lights and other building sources. Polaris Plate Heat Exchangers offer the ideal way to take advantage of the free cooling or chiller bypass concept to reduce hours of mechanical chiller operation. When ambient temperatures are at or below 50F, tower flow can be diverted to the Polaris heat exchanger and the chiller turned off, achieving substantial operating savings.

In typical free cooling installations, retrofit is easy (systems require no extra ductwork as is needed with air-side economizers) and the payback period is less than two years. Chiller bypass applications extend chiller life, and Polaris PHEs’ close approach temperatures allow more operating hours than are possible with other types.

Pressure interceptor (static head isolation)
In tall buildings, static head pressure can be a problem – especially when glycol or water brines are used as cooling fluids. Pressure interceptor systems are an excellent solution, providing static head isolation. If separate loops at terminal units are employed, a Polaris plate heat exchanger can be installed to isolate the chiller or boiler from the system’s high pressure. Pressure interceptor arrangements permit the use of substantially less expensive low-pressure pumps, valves, and other components.

Cooling tower isolation
It’s common for cooling tower water to be contaminated with solids and atmospheric debris. If foul water is pumped through expensive chillers or heat pumps, it may damage them. Using Polaris PHEs to achieve cooling tower isolation avoids costly maintenance and component replacement.

Thermal storage
Thermal storage systems maximize economy by operating refrigeration equipment in low-demand hours, chilling liquid in thermal storage tanks to provide cooling during peak demand periods. Building in a Polaris PHE to support the thermal storage system makes it possible to separate glycol brine from storage water and increase system efficiency.

Waste heat recovery from boiler blowdown and condensate
Boiler blowdown, a major source of waste heat recovery, makes many systems more economical. When Polaris PHEs are used to preheat incoming boiler feed water, the savings are magnified. (Returning condensate in these waste heat recovery systems is cooled so it won’t flash when drained to atmospheric pressure.)

District cooling and heating
Polaris plate heat exchangers are often used with low-pressure steam, hot water, or chilled water in district cooling and heating systems. Hot or cold water is sent through insulated pipes to buildings served by the system. PHEs in the buildings serve as instantaneous heaters or coolers, also providing building loop isolation and constant pressure drop to the central plant.

Geothermal heating
While geothermal energy sources can save a lot of money, the water containing the heat is usually dirty and corrosive. Low fouling tendencies make Polaris PHEs (with properly specified plate material) the ideal equipment for isolating geothermal water from the building loop.

Water-source heat pumps
Where heat pumps rely on a water source loop instead of outside air, Polaris PHEs can improve both the efficiency and the sanitation of the system. Open cooling towers served by plate heat exchangers replace less efficient, more costly closed-circuit coolers. And where the system employs well or river water, the PHE isolates the system using water-source heat pumps from possible contamination.

Waste heat recovery from condenser water
Water directed from a chiller condenser to a cooling tower is often hot enough to preheat water – if a Polaris plate heat exchanger is installed on the line. It’s an excellent method for waste heat recovery from condenser water. Many users employ this method to inexpensively heat swimming pools.

For more information, e-mail us or call 732-225-3100.