The International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition, better known as the AHR Expo, is a major annual event for the HVACR industry. The next one is scheduled for Jan. 14-16, 2019, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

Among the expo's many offerings is the Innovation Awards competition, which honors inventive and original products, systems and technologies across 10 categories. Winners of the competition will be honored during an awards ceremony at the AHR Expo, which will also feature the announcement of the Product of the Year. The ceremony will be held on Jan. 15, 2019, at 1 p.m.

Here’s a look at some of what this year’s judges selected as the most advanced HVACR technology in the world.

Building automation

The OptiFlex Virtual Integrator from Automated Logic Corporation, a software-based integration platform for data monitoring, was chosen for its ability to provide scalable solutions to large projects such as data centers, hospitals and college campuses. The virtual integrator monitors large volumes of data across building systems, subsystems and devices, regardless of manufacturer. Collected data is shared with Automated Logic’s WebCTRL building automation system, where it is turned into actionable insights to help operators improve overall building performance.

York YZ Magnetic Bearing Centrifugal Chiller. Source: Johnson Controls

Cooling

With an energy efficiency derived from its low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant R-1233zd, the York YZ Magnetic Bearing Centrifugal Chiller from Johnson Controls has the potential to reduce annual electricity consumption by an average of 35%. According to Johnson Controls, each component of the device is engineered for optimization around the refrigerant, resulting in lowered operating costs. The chiller also incorporates technologies including a variable-speed magnetic bearing compressor, high-speed hermetic induction motor, falling film evaporator, adaptive capacity control logic and cloud-based analytics.

Green Building

The molecular air cleaning technology in enVerid Systems’ HVAC Load Reduction module HLR 1000E-M removes hard-to-capture molecular contaminants from indoor air, including carbon dioxide, formaldehyde and a full range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). As a result, the amount of outside air needed for ventilation is reduced by 60% to 80%, along with annual energy savings of 20% to 30%. The system is also scalable to building size, and modules can be retrofitted to an existing HVAC infrastructure.

Heating

Specifically designed for furnace application, the electronically commutated Genteq Ensite Motor from Regal Beloit Corporation complies with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Fan Energy Rating (FER) regulatory requirements, effective July 2019. The motor offers 85% overall efficiency plus IoT and preventative maintenance support through near-field communication (NFC) capabilities.

IAQ SmartAir is a smart tool integrated into the CPS Link app. Source: CPS Products Inc.

Indoor Air Quality

The IAQ SmartAir from CPS Products Inc., is a smart tool integrated into CPS Link, a wireless sensor-linking app available for Android and iOS devices. The tool identifies, diagnoses and solves indoor air quality issues, and offers potential solutions based on data. Wi-Fi connectivity enables remote monitoring and evaluation, as well as on-site customer reports and job quotes.

Plumbing

From AnvilPress Copper, a system of press fitting and coupling systems with a patented green visual indicator confirms proper installation. According to the manufacturer, the system provides 200% more sealing surface than typical leak protection fittings. The components also feature pressure and tensile performance supported by a double-fold sealing characteristic and replaceable O-ring seal design, plus a burr-stop membrane to protect the O-ring from damage.

Refrigeration

Copeland Scroll fractional-power compressors reduce compressor stress and cool discharge temperatures through liquid-injection technology. Intended for low-to-medium-temperature refrigeration duty, the systems are well-suited for applications such as walk-in freezers and reach-ins. According to manufacturer Emerson, the devices are more efficient than standard reciprocating compressors and consist of 70% fewer moving parts for increased reliability. The lower sound and vibration make them a fit for deployment in supermarkets, restaurants and convenience stores.

Software

Taco Comfort Solutions has introduced eLink, a line of cloud services that offers support via mobile platforms. The company’s Taco Tag utilizes NFC technology to access a digital document library containing up-to-date documentation and information for products such as pumps, heat exchangers and tanks. The tag is wrapped in waterproof silicone for durability and requires no batteries because it operates with power from user devices.

Wireless Hydronic Balancing Kit, Series 490W. Source: Dwyer Instruments Inc.

Tools and instruments

Wireless sensors, a versatile handheld device and Bluetooth communication are all factored into the Wireless Hydronic Balancing Kit, Series 490W, from Dwyer Instruments Inc. According to Dwyer, the kit functions as a manometer to measure the pressure drop across up to three HVAC balancing valves simultaneously, allowing a single operator to monitor and balance a hydronic system in less time than traditional methods.

Ventilation

The Energy Wall Universal ERV (U-ERV) is three times smaller and lighter than traditional energy recovery ventilators, allowing it to be hand-carried and assembled on-site, per Energy Wall. It offers a high-efficiency heat and moisture transfer membrane that withstands harsh conditions and deactivates airborne contaminants. The fan-cube design of the module allows for a highly configurable airflow.