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A good indication of the improvement of the global economy was that the 62nd AHR Expo in Orlando, Florida at the end of January attracted 1 813 companies and 28 582 registered visitors. This represents a nearly eight per cent increase from the 2005 event. Visitors hailed from 120 countries, helping make this one of the most important global occasions on the HVACR calendar.
“The timing of the 2010 AHR Expo was very beneficial to the HVACR industry and the overall economy,” said Clay Stevens, president of International Exposition Company, the show organiser. “We expect there is already some pent-up demand for new products and technologies, and that thousands of buyers from around the world came to the show to make purchasing decisions.” This is being fuelled by the growing demand for energy-efficient and ‘green’ products. “There is great interest and demand for sustainable products and technologies,” added Stevens.
A highlight of the event was the AHR Expo Innovation Awards, given each year to recognise the most innovative and useful products showcased in nine separate categories. Winners were determined by a panel of judges, appointed by the ASHRAE Journal for their knowledge and expertise in the HVACR industry.
From the top nine products recognised at this year’s Innovation Awards Competition, the Danfoss Apexx VSH series variable speed scroll compressor, from the cooling category, was chosen as the ‘Product of the Year’. Winners were presented with their awards at a ceremony attended by Bill Harrison, the president of ASHRAE and Keith Coursin, the chairman of AHRI. The winners and categories were as follows:
Building Automation: AIC – Wireless WBT900
The WBT900 from AIC Wireless provides wireless transmission of BACnet MSTP information over 900 MHz. The plug-and-play unit requires no network setup, and baud rate changes can be configured through HyperTerminal. Point-to-multipoint configuration allows multiple devices or entire building networks to be shared from one location. It ranges up to several miles. It is suitable for many possible remote metering applications.
Cooling: Delphi – Micro Channel Evaporator
The all-aluminum Micro Channel Evaporator from Delphi is an indoor heat exchanger for air-conditioning systems. The design evenly distributes refrigerant. The evaporator is only 60% of the mass of traditional designs with the same energy-efficient rating. In addition, the micro channel evaporators solve copper formicary corrosion that affects indoor coils. It is 100% recyclable.
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Green Building: Danfoss – Performer VSD
The Performer VSD from Danfoss is a cost-efficient, green home HVAC solution for SEER 18 and higher. It integrates a variable-speed scroll compressor, drive and control electronics for EEV, condenser fan and reversing valve. It offers load matching from 900 to 4 500 rpm, using a newly-designed IPM motor. It is a clean drive with virtually no harmonics and an active power factor correction (PF0.98+). It has a dehumidification mode without reheating, and operates down to 55 dBa.
Indoor Air Quality: Samsung Electronics (Samsung Compressor Direct) – SPi
SPi is an ion generator that eliminates harmful contaminants, bacteria, allergens, viruses and fungi in closed environments. It uses microplasma discharge to generate hydrogen atoms and oxygen ions. The active hydrogen bonds with the active oxygen radical, which is a strong oxidant and a toxic substance, and neutralizes it. It does not require a filter and is safe to people, pets and plants.
Refrigeration: Muller Industries Australia – 3C Condenser
The 3C Condenser is an adiabatic remote air-cooled condenser for commercial refrigeration systems. It has an advanced microchannel technology and adiabatic precooling that enable substantial savings in energy and refrigerant, while improving reliability. The product demonstrates that using a small amount of water (on extreme days) can offer water-cooled energy efficiency without high water consumption and the downside of chemical treatment.
Software: AEC Design Group – ArtrA 0&M
ArtrA O&M (Operations & Maintenance) allows HVAC contractors to attach operations and maintenance documentation and data to 3D models to more efficiently install and maintain HVAC systems. It allows contractors to attach any type of documentation or data (including live data from sensors).
Tools: LA-CO Industries – Cool Gel-Heat Barrier Spray
Cool Gel-Heat Barrier Spray is a gelled formula that, when sprayed on prior to torch use, protects vital valves and components from overheating. Cool Gel can be applied on finished surfaces, valves, hardwood flooring or any other heat-sensitive surfaces.
The level of innovation showcased at the AHR Expo 2010 bodes well for the global future of the HVACR industry as it promotes energy-efficiency and sustainability. Many of the major exhibitors there are also active in the MENA region, so it is highly likely the industry here will soon be able to benefit from many of the latest developments and insights.
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