THE LoadMatch single-pipe hydronic system from Taco, a US-based specialist in hydronic systems and components, has made its regional debut in an air-conditioning project at a Qatar facility for ABB, a global leader in power and automation technologies.
The Swiss ABB recently completed a retrofit project that turned a 20,000 sq ft warehouse outside Doha, Qatar, into a new electronic components assembly facility. Taco’s LoadMatch was selected to deliver air-conditioning.
The company’s area sales representative Mutasim Al Ghadir presented the LoadMatch system concept to ABB, employing Taco’s Hydronic System Solutions (HSS) software design program to lay out the system and provide pipe and valve sizing for the building’s air-conditioning system.
“The LoadMatch single pipe system, employing small but powerful LoadMatch circulators and Twin Tee fittings, reduces the amount of pipe needed by some 40 per cent and eliminates control valves and most balancing valves,” says Al Ghadir.
“Self-balancing, the LoadMatch system assures the required flow of system water to all heating and cooling units at all times, despite different temperatures at the terminal units. Taco estimates that the system can reduce operating and maintenance costs by up to 30 per cent of typical lifecycle costs,” he adds.
Inside the ABB assembly facility are 15 exposed LoadMatch circulators hooked up to fan coil units provided by Blue Star, an Indian manufacturer. Taco FI Series pumps and multi-purpose valves were also specified for the building’s mechanical room. The air-conditioning system is powered by a York-supplied chiller.
The ABB facility was completed six months ahead of schedule, and according to Al Ghadir the customer was “very pleased” with the results. He says LoadMatch’s benefits in materials reduction plus its demonstrated energy efficiency, making it an attractive option for other projects in the region.
LoadMatch has been successfully installed in more than 200 different buildings to date in North America, the Caribbean and now in Qatar. The system qualifies for Leed (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification points.
Established in 1920, Taco develops and manufactures hydronic-based components for use in heating and cooling applications across the building spectrum – residential, commercial, industrial and institutional.
Its wide range of hydronic and radiant systems and components include pumps, heat exchangers, expansion tanks, flow measurement devices, air separators and valves, and zone control products. It is also one of the best-known brands in the hydronic industry, long associated with continual product innovation and development.