Tech Update

Dec. 1, 2010
Commercial: Keep it cool, with refrigeration systems, cases, coolers, and controls
Residential: Keep the water flowing, with hydronic/radiant systems, boilers, valves/controls, pumps, radiant panels, and accumulators

Commercial:

Digi-Cool
Digi-Cool announces the upcoming release of its digital analyzer, the AK-900. The AK-900 has an accuracy within plus or minus .5 of a percent (fs + 1 digit), 30+ common refrigerant profiles on-board, and an intuitive, "no-toggle" screen.

The AK-900 also features Digi-Cool's patented Dynamic Offset bar graph. The bar graph shows changes to LS and HS pressure down to ¼ PSI movements, giving mechanics an advanced way to spot the modulation of control valves and system behavior and faults, company sources say.
digi-cool.com
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Emerson
Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc., announced the upcoming availability of distance learning modules for its new brand of energy-efficient convenience store offerings. These offerings are engineered for small-scale applications and operate using a distributed control strategy.

Courses will become available Jan. 1, 2011 and cover a variety of topics including installation, features, commands, and networking with a supervisory platform. The blended learning approaches used in these training courses provide contractors with practical working knowledge of the controls' functionalities in an operating system. The offerings include a supervisory platform called the XWeb, which can be used in conjunction with controllers for HVAC, refrigeration, and lighting for fast and simple troubleshooting. The XWeb makes it possible for contractors to receive automated text message notifications of critical alarms from the site. Contractors can then use standard web browser for access to all controller statuses and operational parameters, troubleshoot ing and performing remote overrides.
education.emersonclimate.com
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Hoshizaki
Hoshizaki America introduces new Energy Star refrigerators available in one and two section models, (RH1-SSE-FS & RH2-SSE-FS). According to company sources, Hoshizaki refrigerators offer quality performance with a unique variable speed compressor that has "adaptive control" for optimum temperature during slow or peak operation times.
hoshizaki.com
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Jackson Systems
The Warning Watchdog™ from Jackson Systems is an alarm system that monitors individual condensing units and immediately detects voltage interruption, tampering, or refrigerant loss. Besides condensing units, the Warning Watchdog™ can protect hundreds of applications where outside access to line sets or wiring is targeted. When activated, the Warning Watchdog™ sounds an extremely loud siren and can also be tied in with a phone dialer or any other security device.
warningwatchdog.com
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Sporlan
Sporlan introduces the SER-C electric expansion valve with two additional sizes: SER-B and SER-D. This second generation line of patent pending SER valves has unique wide flow control characteristics that cover a range of 0.5 to 11 ton capacities. The advanced pin designs and high-resolution step motors ensure precise low flow control without sacrificing maximum capacity. According to company sources, these features also result in 50% less power consumption over competing designs without sacrificing performance, including the highest MOPD in the industry.

With all new uni-body construction and quad-position cables, these robust, compact and cost effective valves provide installation flexibility, increased corrosion resistance, and reduced leak paths.
parker.com
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Residential:

A.O. Smith
A. O. Smith introduces the Vertex™, a residential gas-condensing water heater. A. O. Smith partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy to develop the Vertex product family.

The Vertex combines an advanced internal heat exchanger with 100,000 BTU input, inspired by A. O. Smith’s time-tested Cyclone commercial design. The end result is a state-of-the-art water heater with 96% thermal efficiency.

With advanced diagnostic capabilities, the Vertex records performance history and has a backlit LCD display that details model functions including accurate temperature control. The system is also equipped with standard electrical/plumbing requirements and footprint similar to conventional models. Due to the side taps that are incorporated on every unit, the Vertex is ideal to use for combination applications like forced air space heating or hydronic applications in addition to the production of domestic hot water, sources state.
aosmith.com
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Daikin
Daikin AC, Inc. introduces the Daikin Altherma™, an alternative heating and domestic hot water solution that’s 3 to 5 times more energy efficient than conventional fossil fuel systems, sources report. The air-to-water heat pump system maximizes comfort and energy savings by capitalizing on Daikin's technological strengths. Additionally, Daikin Altherma features a space cooling ability not common with traditional systems.

Daikin Altherma consists of two main components (outdoor unit and hydrobox) combined with optional accessories such as a water tank and solar thermal kit. For space heating, the Altherma can be connected to low temperature radiators, under floor heating or fan coil units. It’s extremely flexible, and can be configured in many different ways to suit the requirements of the customer. The Altherma uses R-410A refrigerant.
daikinac.com
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Grundfos
Grundfos introduces the Alpha circulator. According to company sources, this energy efficient circulator reduces power consumption by 50% or more because of its permanent magnet motor design. The unique, patented AUTOADAPT™ feature controls pump performance automatically within a defined performance range, ensuring the lowest possible energy consumption without sacrificing comfort.

The newest innovation available is the Alpha, with a terminal box for conduit connection applications. In retrofit installations, contractors can use the existing conduit connection, as long as it’s feasible and safe. For new installations, contractors can use either our Alpha with a terminal box or our Alpha plug with line cord, which requires no wiring. The replaceable terminal box, with two-hole conduit access, uses Grundfos’s standard pushpin power terminal connections.
grundfos.us
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Jackson Systems
The WR-400™ wireless relay kit from Jackson Systems, allows contractors to wirelessly “add” additional connections to hundreds of applications. The WR-400™ can energize a relay up to 200-ft. depending on the construction of the building. Also, up to six WR-400™ wireless relay kits can be installed in the same building.

The WR-400™ contains two four-channel transceivers. The base module has three transmitting channels and one receiving channel. The satellite module has three receiving channels and one transmitting channel. Each transceiver module uses a redundant transmission protocol for fail-safe protection. If either module does not receive a valid ON or OFF transmission signal within 60 seconds, the output or outputs will be turned off.
jacksonsystems.com
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Lochinvar
The Lochinvar Knight® heating boiler is now available in wall mounted units with a new fire tube design. The Knight wall mount fire tube models are available in seven models with inputs from 55,000 to 399,000 BTUH, which makes them ideal for residential or light-duty applications such as small hotels, schools and office buildings, sources state. For higher demand applications, Lochinvar's exclusive Smart System™ operating control features a built-in cascading sequencer that allows up to eight units to be installed, delivering up to 3.2 million BTUH heating capacity.
lochinvar.com
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Peerless
The PureFire® gas-fired condensing boiler from Peerless® Boilers is a high-efficiency boiler for residential and commercial applications and is available for either natural or LP gas. The direct vent, sealed combustion boiler has an efficiency of up to 97.3% (residential) while the commercial-sized PF-399 boiler offers a combustion efficiency of 95.5%. Residential models are Energy Star® approved. All six PureFire sizes have ASME and ETL certifications for both the U.S. and Canada and are thoroughly tested.

A unique condensate system with a built-in neutralizer component and a float switch protection is a top feature of the boiler. Other features include a high-grade stainless steel burner and heat exchanger, 120-volt convenience outlet and LoNOx operation for the good of the environment. The PureFire's fully modulating burner assures dependable operation and maximum boiler efficiency.
peerlessboilers.com
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Quietside
The DPW by Quietside is a wall-mounted gas fired dual-purpose hydronic heating system capable of space heating in addition to "on demand" DHW supply. The unit is available in 99,000,120,000, and 199,000 BTUH capacities with a 90% AFUE efficiency level, and Energy Star approval. According to company sources, these units are easy to install, have sealed combustion, and are vented with Schedule 40 PVC.
quietside.com
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Raypak
Raypak introduces the all new XPak modulating wall hung condensing hydronic boiler, in sizes 85 and 130 MBTU. Other unique features include modulation with 4:1 turn down, synchronized with a three-speed non ferrous pump; two section heat exchanger to minimize condensate dwell time; 3-in. CPVC, stainless steel or polypropylene vent. All are U.S. certified. The unit is constructed using a state-of-the-art extruded aluminum heat exchanger, built of aircraft grade extruded aluminum, with an ASME H stamp.
raypak.com
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Superior Radiant Products
The Series GR infrared heater is factory assembled and packaged ready for the jobsite. All hanging, venting and connection accessories are provided in one convenient box, reducing installation costs and time, sources state.

The Series GR infrared heater is available in rates of 30,000 and 45,000 BTUH. The heater is supplied with direct spark ignition for reliable performance. The unique 'balanced flue' and 'U' tube design of the Series GR provides 82%+ thermal efficiency. The Series GR is approved to CSA's residential requirements including outdoor installation. Options of natural gas or propane are available as well as an optional deco grill kit to further enhance the sleek profile of the Series GR.
superiorradiant.com
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Uponor
New from Uponor, the Climate Control™ network system is a modular, expandable, integrated hardware and software package that connects all of a structure's HVAC components to a single system for better energy efficiency, control and monitoring. The design of the wall sensor and thermostats in the network system are less obtrusive to better flow with home or building décor, sources state. The wall sensor is a white, flat, circular piece that fits into a small, 1-in. hole. The thermostats come in a slim, flush-mount style and are available in two models, horizontal and vertical, for versatile placement.
uponor-usa.com
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