Innovation is key to maintaining comfort and efficiency within buildings, particularly when older systems become outdated. Trane, a leading company in the industry, is the only manufacturer of SWUDs (self-contained, water-cooled unitary devices.) While Trane continues to be the only manufacturer producing SWUDs on a commercial scale, the lack of alternative suppliers has created a scarcity in the market.
However, a recent project led by Coward Environmental Systems, Inc. (CESI) in partnership with Petra, an innovative manufacturer from Jordan, has showcased the power of customization in addressing this issue.
The Popularity of Trane SWUDs
SWUDs are designed to offer a compact and efficient solution for cooling and heating needs, particularly in commercial settings where space is at a premium. Bryan McManus, Sales Engineer for CESI, explains, “These units are so popular because they have a very small footprint. They typically go indoors, and they could be moved in and out in pieces, like through doorways, so that, again, ease of installation, and they’re extremely efficient because they’re water-cooled.”
The compact design and water-cooling capability make SWUDs ideal for indoor use, where space constraints and efficiency are critical considerations. However, the challenge with these units is that they require a method to reject heat, typically through a cooling tower or geothermal system. This means that while they offer numerous advantages, they are not a complete standalone solution; they must be integrated into a broader HVAC system.
The Challenge: Replacing Aging SWUDs
Recently, CESI was approached with an opportunity to address a common issue in the HVAC industry: replacing aging SWUD. McManus recalls receiving a picture of 20-year-old Trane SWUD from a property needing a custom replacement solution. “The property asked us to come up with a custom solution to replace these style units,” McManus explains. “This request presented a significant challenge. The existing Trane units had served their purpose well, but as technology advanced over the past two decades, the property needed an upgraded system that could fit within the existing infrastructure without requiring extensive modifications.”
The Solution: Custom Engineering with Petra
To tackle this challenge, CESI partnered with Petra, a Jordan-based manufacturer known for its expertise in HVAC customization. The goal was to create a SWUD replacement that would not only fit within the existing footprint but also incorporate modern HVAC innovations to improve efficiency and performance.
McManus details the collaborative process: “We worked with Petra, an industry-leading manufacturer out of Jordan, and they basically built a SWUD replacement from the ground up. It matches everything that is in the footprint now. Together, we re-engineered the technology of the existing Trane units. We matched the footprint. We figured out what was in the unit and its capacity, and we knew it was going into a very tight space.”
The precision required to match the existing footprint while upgrading the technology was no small feat. The new unit had to be carefully designed to fit into the same space as the old Trane SWUD, all while incorporating advancements that would enhance its efficiency and ease of installation.
One of the most practical innovations in the new unit was breaking it down into smaller, more manageable pieces. “Petra was able to not only match the footprint of the existing Trane units,” says McManus, “but they were able to improve the installation process. Originally, a SWUD was delivered in two pieces, but we were able to figure out how to break it down into four pieces to make installation even easier.”
This modular approach not only facilitated easier installation but also allowed for greater flexibility in tight spaces, ensuring that the new unit could be installed without the need for significant structural changes.
Balancing Tradition and Innovation
The collaboration between CESI and Petra exemplifies how modern HVAC solutions can balance the need to maintain existing infrastructure with the desire to incorporate cutting-edge technology. By re-engineering the SWUD, Petra and CESI provided the property with a system that offers all the advantages of a traditional SWUD, such as compact design and water-cooling efficiency, while integrating modern advancements that improve performance and usability.
McManus explains that a new unit from a different manufacturer would likely have required a complete overhaul of the existing infrastructure, a costly and time-consuming process. Instead, the customized Petra unit fits seamlessly into the existing footprint, preserving the property’s infrastructure while delivering enhanced performance.
A Model for Future HVAC Solutions
The collaboration between CESI and Petra serves as a model for how the HVAC industry can address the challenges of replacing aging systems while integrating modern technology. By focusing on customization and engineering expertise, they were able to deliver a solution that meets the specific needs of the property, providing a balance of tradition and innovation.
As buildings continue to age and technology continues to advance, the demand for custom HVAC solutions will only grow. Companies like CESI and Petra are leading the way, demonstrating that with the right approach, it’s possible to deliver cutting-edge systems that enhance comfort, efficiency, and performance—all while preserving the existing infrastructure.
Coward Environmental Systems, Inc. proudly represents Petra in select regions. If you’re interested in creating a custom solution for your next project, contact us today to learn more.
