The industry's best and brightest technology is taking center stage at the 2015 AHR Expo, Jan. 26-28, in Chicago, and the winners of the 2015 AHR Expo Innovation Awards are displaying their top-notch products during the Expo. Representing the major segments of the HVACR marketplace, the winning entries were selected in 10 categories as the most innovative new products. The winning products were selected from among numerous entries by a panel of judges consisting of ASHRAE members who evaluated the products based on innovation, application and value to the user and market impact.
And the Winners Are...
BUILDING AUTOMATION CATEGORY
AspectFT Web Enabled BAS by American Auto-Matrix
The AspectFT-Matrix Area Controller is a base hardware platform designed to provide flexible area control applications to a building automation system. Through the use of AAM's Facilitating Technology (FT), AspectFT, the controller has the ability to provide traditional control features such as alarming, trending, scheduling and extensive custom programming. It allows a PC, tablet or smart device to integrate easily and efficiently. Features include the ability to push and pull data with popular networked databases, and to serve graphical user interface pages – eliminating the need for a dedicated operator workstation or expensive add-on software to view a system.
COOLING CATEGORY
EZ-In Mini-Split Cable by Southwire Company
EZ-In is a new cable designed to be as durable as it is easy to work with. Its protective outer coating makes it the only cable designed for both inside and outside use. EZ-In cable makes mini-split installation easier and more efficient by eliminating the use of conduit or cable trays. It also saves you the hassles of running two wires through a junction box.
GREEN BUILDING CATEGORY
Turbocor VTT Series Compressors by Danfoss
The new VTT series of Danfoss Turbocor compressors are oil-free, variable speed, and use magnetic bearing technology. Based on the proven Danfoss Turbocor TT series compressor technology, VTT (Variable Twin Turbo) compressors feature IntraFlow technology and provide the highest full- and part-load efficiency in the industry as well as superior turndown. The VTT series also extends Danfoss' existing compressor capacity range up to 350 tons/1230 kW. VTT runs on R134a.
HEATING CATEGORY
H2i MXZ Multi-zone Heat Pump System by Mitsubishi Electric U.S. Inc. Cooling & Heating Division
The MXZ H2i family of Hyper-Heating INVERTERTM residential systems offer year-round, high-efficiency heating and cooling for a variety of rooms. Indoor units provide zone comfort control while the INVERTER-driven compressor and electric LEVs in the outdoor units provide closer control and higher efficiency with minimal power usage. Features include: 19.1 - 17.0 SEER, 11.3 - 9.8 HSPF, INVERTER-driven compressor; quiet outdoor unit operation as low as 49 dB(A); hyper-heating performance down to minus 13°F outdoor ambient; 100 percent heating capacity at 5°F outdoor ambient; and factory-installed base heater that prevents ice buildup in extreme environments.
INDOOR AIR QUALITY CATEGORY
DuraMax 4vS-16 Minipleat Filter by Koch Filter Corp.
DuraMAX provides an unequaled combination of low pressure drop and high efficiency through the use of an innovative minipleat design. The DuraMAX 4vS-16 contains 200-sq.ft. of synthetic filter media in a standard 24x24x12" frame to help ensure a low pressure drop, which in turn helps to lower energy costs to the user. The filters have a MERV 16 performance rating. They are 99 percent efficient at 1 micron size particles. The durable synthetic filter media provides low resistance to airflow and extended filter life. Features include an all-plastic frame construction.
PLUMBING CATEGORY
NPE-S Series Condensing Gas Tankless Water Heater by Navien Inc.
The NPE-S Series of tankless heaters uses ½" gas pipe capable up to 24'. The gas system is field convertible. The high-efficiency units can deliver up to .99EF. Features include dual stainless steel heat exchangers, low NOx emissions (≤ 20ppm), and SCH 40, 2" venting up to 60'. They are cascading capable and available in models with maximum inputs of 150,000, 180,000 and 199,900 Btuh.
REFRIGERATION CATEGORY
Limitrol+ Head Pressure Control System by KeepRite Refrigeration
While conventional head pressure control systems maintain a constant head pressure regardless of ambient temperatures, LIMITROL+ intelligently responds to ambient conditions to float head pressure without sacrificing system performance at lower temperatures. It helps reduce compressor energy consumption and run time. EC motor technology further saves energy and reduces electrical requirements. It delivers a lower environmental impact through reduced refrigerant use.
TOOLS & INSTRUMENTS CATEGORY
SMART Service Tool Kit Wireless Temperature Clamps and Sensors by Sporlan – Parker Hannifin
The Sporlan SMART Service Tool Kit was developed to make HVACR diagnostic readings faster, easier and more accurate. The kit includes lightweight wireless sensors that conveniently sync with an iPhone or iPad app, enabling the user to read a system's real-time pressures and temperatures without using cumbersome hoses or manifold gauges. The app automatically calculates and displays superheat and subcooling eliminating manual calculations. All of this data can be easily recorded, saved and emailed from the app, allowing technicians to diagnose issues faster, look at trends over time and provide proof of work.
VENTILATION CATEGORY
Coolerado ERV50 Energy Recovery Ventilator and Super Cooling System by Coolerado Corp.
Coolerado's ERV supplies ASHRAE Standard 62.1 ventilation rates while reducing energy consumption. The Coolerado ERV can be installed separately or in series with a rooftop unit (RTU). During summer months, HMX technology leverages work already done in conditioning the space to go beyond the tempering provided by typical ERVs, making it a super cooling unit. This powerful configuration enables Coolerado's ERV to supply fresh air at 65°F, even in the hottest weather. Summer enthalpy recovery effectiveness ranges from 70 percent to more than 200 percent at full flow, with winter heat recovery effectiveness of 70 percent at full flow. There are no rotating parts or moving seals, making air cross-contamination impossible and eliminating wheel or sump maintenance.
SOFTWARE CATEGORY
Fluke Connect SmartPhone App by Fluke Corp.
Fluke Connect works with more than 20 different Fluke test tools and allows the user to identify and diagnose problems quickly and confidently, while securely sharing data. EquipmentLog helps users make decisions quickly by viewing all measurements for a piece of equipment – thermal, mechanical, electrical and vibration – in one location. A secure cloud backup means never losing important data. View temperature, mechanical, electrical and vibration measurements from test tools, and reduce paperwork with the AutoRecord feature.