Bill,
I wish I had first hand experience with these folks. What I can comment
on is that they were IMHO the premier technically competent exhibitor
pitching solar HVAC at the AHR show. Several exhibitors shared that they
had a $10K commitment to exhibit (for just the base 10 x 10 foot booth)
and yet some folks didn't know heat transfer basics.
I can imagine that the inadequate installation of the mini-splits
resulting in unsatisfactory operation doesn't surprise you. The well
designed, well manufactured equipment is still dependent upon proper
installation to deliver the advertised capability. Even here in
Missouri, an EPA certification is theoretically required to purchase
refrigerant. Unfortunately, just like the solar industry, certification
is no guarantee of quality workmanship.
There are similar groups to the RE-wrenches in many other technical
areas. The first that comes to mind in the HVAC arena is
HeatingHelp.com
Undoubtedly there has already been discussion of the mini-split products
as they have been actively promoted for well over three years and have
justifiably been very well received by consumers. The mini-split
promotes the concept of modular HVAC something our non-oil subsidized
neighbor nations have been onboard for some time already.
I cannot agree with you more about the tech support offered by the HVAC
_manufacturers_. What helps is to understand how their supply chain,
etc. is structured. In the example of International Comfort Products
(ICP) they manufacturer quite similar products for no less than nine
"quality brand name private label products" (oftentimes distinguished
only by the label and perhaps a paint stripe). The distributor is the
front line tech support. When the distributor cannot solve the problem,
a three way conference call is requested with the manufacturer, which is
hopefully returned the same day. Not exactly timely support for the
field tech. Makes the solar tech support model look like perfection. I
don't know that other HVAC manufacturers (Nortec, Johnson Controls,
Trane, Goodman, et.al.) work the tech support any differently.
Best, please keep us informed of your results,
Bill Loesch
Solar 1 - Saint Louis Solar
314 631 1094
On 3/10/2016 10:34 PM, William Dorsett wrote:
Thanks, Bill. Do you have any fairly close connection to anyone who
has used HotSpot’s equipment, tech support etc? I’ve put in perhaps a
dozen Fujitsu minisplit’s as an alternative to trying to find small
efficient furnaces…and mostly in the early installs mistakes were made
by HVAC techs who didn’t want to take the time to make sure there were
no refrigerant leaks under very high pressure. They’ve otherwise been
very good. Tech support…mixed bag.
The heat recovery focus of HotSpot looks very promising.
Again thanks
Bill Dorsett
Manhattan, KS
*From:*RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org]
*On Behalf Of *Bill Loesch
*Sent:* Thursday, March 10, 2016 4:12 AM
*To:* RE-wrenches
*Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] PV-direct air heating?
Dan & Bill,
If mini-split equipment is what you are using/considering you might
want to look further at
www.hotspotenergy.com <http://www.hotspotenergy.com>
John Williams who runs the place was at the AHR show in Orlando
earlier this year and has DC and solar HVAC equipment.
Hope it helps,
Bill Loesch
Solar 1 - Saint Louis Solar
314 631 1094
On 3/9/2016 9:40 PM, William Dorsett wrote:
Dan, I think it is Gree that has a PV direct mini-split heat pump
for both heating and air conditioning. It may have run on two 250
watt modules. When in non-PV mode, I believe the AC is rectified
to DC and run through an inverter. And there are now a few others
as well….possibly Fujitsu.
Bill Dorsett
Manhattan, KS
*From:*RE-wrenches
[mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of
*Dan Fink
*Sent:* Wednesday, March 09, 2016 8:07 PM
*To:* RE-wrenches
*Subject:* [RE-wrenches] PV-direct air heating?
I have an interesting question I haven't run into before, using
existing equipment, some in place, some just waiting for an install.
Has anyone here ever done an MPPT PV-direct install to DC air
heaters?
Advanced Energy used to have a PV-direct MPPT water heating
controller, but the residential division of their company no
longer exists. We are looking at 1200-1500 watts of PV.
How would one program a Midnite Classic (for example) to most
efficiently connect PV to DC heating elements without a battery
bank/diversion load setup, whether for water or air?
This one's new to me; I've never tried PV direct heating before.
Thanks in advance for any input.
Dan Fink
Adjunct Professor of Solar Energy Technology, Ecotech Institute
IREC Certified Instructor™ for:
~ PV Installation Professional
~ Small Wind Installer
Executive Director, Buckville Energy
NABCEP Registered Continuing Education Providers™
970.672.4342 <tel:970.672.4342>
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