Amvic EcoAIR Residential Package
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AMVIC ECOAIR™ RESIDENTIAL PACKAGE PRECONDITIONING VENTILATION AIR IN HIGH-PERFORMANCE, LOW-ENERGY RESIDENCES AMVIC ECOAIR is an SDR 35 PVC subterranean piping system used to geothermally precondition incoming ventilation air. The Residential Package (Art. No. E730203-R01) is a single article consisting of three components that are delivered directly to the job site. This package delivers superior energy performance and is a value added upgrade for customers who have already committed to the construction of a high-performance, low-energy home. Why Preconditioning Ventilation Air is Important The building sector of North America (NA) consumes 40% of the total energy consumption, 70% of the electricity and 50% of the natural gas. To address strategic geopolitical situations and critical environmental challenges, the federal governments of the United States and Canada, states, provinces, communities, schools, retailers and individuals are proactively working to reduce the energy consumption of the building sector. Engineering standards which define national codes are rapidly changing and voluntary programs such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) have achieved broad support. This type of cooperation is redefining the future of the building environment. As of September 2011, there are more than 61,512 registered LEED homes and 13,443 certified homes, with 68% of these homes being considered “affordable homes.” Although there are currently no LEED points awarded for the installation of an earth tube such as AMVIC ECOAIR, such an installation can positively influence the awarding of points in a number of categories such as innovation, energy and indoor air quality. Updates to this publication, visit amvicsystem.com The information contained herein is believed to be reliable, but no representations, guarantees or warranties of any kind are made as to its accuracy, suitability for particular applications or the results to be obtained therefrom. Before using, the user will determine suitability of the information for user’s intended use and shall assume all risk and liability in connection therewith. © 2011 AMVIC

Fundamental to LEED and the newer building codes is a significant increase in the two factors that define a highperformance, low-energy building which are insulation and air infiltration (sealing). These low energy buildings are increasingly becoming thermos bottles.” This “thermos bottle” design is becoming the new standard as pioneered by Passive House. Passive House is fundamentally a highly insulated structure with very low air infiltration. A 2,000-square foot Passive House, for example, can be heated with 5,000 Btu/h, the energy consumption of a toaster oven. Contrast this with a...

undisturbed soil temperature - Inlet Temperature Time Period When ECOAIR is used to precondition this ambient air (blue), temperature extremes are significantly reduced. Preconditioning provides a meaningful reduction in the amount of energy (carbon/fossil fuel) that needs to be supplied to reach the desired heating or cooling temperature set point. AMVIC ECOAIR significantly reduces the energy impact of ventilation. Operating 24/7, such energy savings can equate to energy output of more than 20 solar PV panels with a material cost of 1/2 to 1/3 that of solar PV. Paybacks are typically in...

The AMVIC ECOAIR Residential Package is a simplified 'earth tube" installation based on climate zones defined by the Energy Information Agency as shown in the figure below: Climate Zones Zone 1 Is less than 2rOOO COO and greater than 7,000 HDD. Zone 2 is less than 2,000 CUD and 5,500-7,000 HDD. | Zone 3 is less than 2,000 CUD and 4,0O0-5J49'9 HDD. | Zone 4 Is less than 2,000 COD and less than 4,000 HDD. | Zone 5 is 2;0Q0 CUD or more and less than 4,000 HDD. Source: http://www.eia.gov/emeu/cbecs/climate zones.html Similar to retail air conditioners, AMVIC has established a standard-sized...

Three Components Equal Simplicity ECOAIR Pipe The Residential Package is made up of 180 ft (55 m) of ECOAIR pipe. This is a standard packaged unit or pipe “module.” These are large, heavy pipes, so we have found a practical balance between thermal performance and the logistics of pipe packaging, handling and shipping. During the cooling season, condensation can occur in the ground-air heat exchange pipes in regions with high humidity. This moist environment can be conducive to microbial growth. To grow, microbes require moisture and a food source. The first defense against microbial growth...

The Accessory Box is an assortment of fittings suitable for most installations. If the seven 90° elbows or four couplings are not sufficient, the customer can order additional items separately according to the list price and discount structure. Note: Purchasing the Accessory Box represents a 30% discount compared to purchasing the items individually. AMVIC wants to encourage this “packaged approach” to keep it simple. Installation of ECOAIR pipe Installation of air inlet tower Installation of wall penetration

Typical connection to Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) Note: AMVIC does not provide the Heat Recovery Ventilator at this time. This is the cross-flow heat exchanger shown in the installation diagram above. The installing HRV/HVAC technician simply connects a flex duct to the AMVIC condensate tee where he would otherwise have to construct his own wall penetration to draw in outside air. All existing manufacturer’s instructions for installing the HRV remain unchanged. AMVIC does not provide for the exhaust wall penetration; the HRV installing contractor has such accessories and preferences....

3. Delivers renewable energy efficiently. Delivers the thermal energy equivalent of 26 (200w @ 80% eff) solar PV modules on an annual basis. 4. Reduces energy consumption. For high-performance homes (e.g., Energy Star), AMVIC ECOAIR can provide10% of the heating load (assuming 40,000 Btu/h designed heat load) and 25% of the cooling load (assuming a cooling requirement of about 2 tons). a. Can deliver more than 3,600 Btu/h heating capacity. b. Can deliver up to 1/2 ton of cooling capacity during the hottest hour of the year. 5. Achieves 12-year payback. AMVIC ECOAIR pays for itself....