TOPIC:
The Evolution of and Application of Heat Pipes in the HVAC Industry
By: Darrell Sandlin
Piedmont Natural Gas - 4320 Yancey Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217
Abstract:
This presentation will provide insight into the evolution of heat pipes and their eventual application into the HVAC industry. The Heat Pipe provides the ability to passively transfer BTU heat energy from a higher temperature environment to a lower temperature environment.
The technology provides design engineers the ability to efficiently improve the dehumidification performance of a given air handler by passively transferring sensible heat off and around the dehumidification coil in the air handler. The sensible heat is then discharged into the cold saturated air leaving the dehumidification coil, therefore lowering the relative humidity. This “shift in the sensible heat ratio” at the dehumidification coil provides reduction in load, also energy consumption, at both the cooling and heating systems.
The heat pipe is one of several technologies that provide this “Latent Enhancement” and are frequently incorporated into dedicated outdoor air handling systems.
Heat pipes also provide a safe means of duct-to-duct energy recovery, when needed between harsh or otherwise questionable air streams. When you absolutely, positively, cannot allow cross contamination between air streams.
Speaker Bio:
Mr. Sandlin is the President of Carolina Heat Pipe. He has 40 years of Engineering Experience including roles as a Process Engineer, Manufacturing Facility Manger, Construction Manager, Global Energy Manager and Consulting Engineer.
He is a member with the Association of Energy Engineers and is a Certified Energy Manager.
Darrell is an active member with ASHRAE for 24 years and a member of the Greenville chapter. He is currently a voting member and the Programs Chairman for ASHRAE Technical Committee 8.10 – “Mechanical and Desiccant Dehumidification Equipment, Heat Pipes and Components” and he is the 2024 Region IV Membership Vice Chair.
In 2018 Darrell began his current role as President of Carolina Heat Pipe, designing and integrating heat pipe solutions for energy efficient dehumidification and air to air energy recovery applications.
Darrell earned his Batchelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology from Indiana State University and his Master of Science in Building Construction and Facility Management from The Georgia Institute of Technology.
Darrell and his wife reside in Anderson, SC.
Meeting Schedule
11:30 - Registration/Network
Noon - Lunch and Presentation