DOMETIC ENVIRONMENTAL

•   challenge
  
  • Dometic Environmental (Pompano Beach, FL and Richmond, VA) is the leading U.S. manufacturer of heating and cooling systems for marine and truck applications through their MARINEAIR and CRUISAIR brands.
    
    Dometic's new Split AC System — a separate condenser and evaporator — is based on the revolutionary engineering advancements of the Turbo Vac, a self-contained AC system co-developed with SPARK. Designed for smaller leisure boats, the Split AC System mounts the condenser in the engine room for quieter operation while the evaporator (air handler) is installed close to the cabin for better cooling efficiency.
    
    Based on our TurboVac work with Dometic, the client again challenged SPARK to add measurable value to the foundation of the Split AC System — the molded, plastic chassis that functions as both the structural base of each unit and the drainage pan. Dometic also wanted a perceived level of quality to appeal to the high-end, marine market.
    
    Even though a workhorse marine AC system functions out of sight, customers want to see and appreciate the level of design detail and excellence of such components in the engine room because it reflects a high level of performance in often demanding maritime conditions.
    
•   solution
  
  • SPARK designed a separate chassis for the TurboVap evaporator and Emerald condenser, with numerous value-added features:
    
    85% reduction of standing water in the TurboVap drain pan and 85% reduction in condensate drainage in the Emerald chassis (8x less than the normal drain pan).
    
    Rust-free, molded, plastic drain pans for the TurboVap and Emerald rapidly remove standing water or condensate by way of two easy-toplumb drain locations.
    
    Evaporator drain pan has anti-slosh ridges and "positive flow" channels to ensure condensate does not spill even in the roughest seas.
    
    The TurboVap Evaporator chassis design facilitates installation and features built-in isolation points to reduce vibration. The Emerald Condenser features built-in hand holds for ease of handling and a square chassis shape for a minimal footprint.
    
•   result
  
  • The TurboVap Evaporator and Emerald Condenser chassis designs were enthusiastically received by Dometic and are on the market. Learn more about the TurboVap and Emerald products at www.dometic.com.