The NEWS - February 18, 2008 - (Page 8)

FOCUS By Joanna R. Turpin Of The NEWS Staff AHR EXPO POST-SHOW ISSUE: UNITARY EQUIPMENT New Heat Pumps and A/Cs Line the Aisles EW YORK — Given the chilly temperatures outside, air conditioning probably wasn’t the main concern of those attending the 2008 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo). However, manufacturers definitely had cooling systems on the brain — and in their booths. Products featuring higher SEER ratings and improved comfort levels were highlighted, as were totally new heat pump designs that haven’t been seen at the expo before. N NEW DESIGNS Daikin AC (Americas) Inc. (www.daikinac.com) showcased its new heat pumps that can be installed as ducted or ductless systems. The Multi-Split system can serve from two to four rooms, using only one outdoor unit. Spokesperson Lee Smith noted that the ducted indoor fan coil is less than 8 inches deep and can fit easily into the ceiling, so it cannot be seen. “This approach gives contractors a different angle, and it’s something the market has been asking for. It’s also good for contractors, because they don’t have to size the piping, and there is very little installation work required.” The units feature 19.5 SEER, 9.9 HSPF, and all utilize R-410A. They are also very quiet, with condenser noise averaging around 50 dBA. Energy Saving Products Ltd. (www.hi-velocity.com) featured its new Hi-Velocity Systems-HE unit that surpasses the 13 SEER plateau. This new unit incorporates a mass flow variable-frequency drive, utilizing smart motor technology that runs on six preprogrammed settings and adapts to various conditions. The small duct system can be installed fast and easily and is an intelligent system that automatically detects voltage and frequency. No matter where the systems are installed in the world, the intelligent controllers will automatically recognize their environment and run accordingly. The company stated that compared to standard HVAC equipment on the market today, end users can expect to save up to 50 percent in energy costs. Fujitsu (www.fujitsugeneral. com) unveiled its mix-and-match Halcyon line of R-410A inverter multi-zone air conditioners and heat pumps. The new equip8 Andy Armstrong, director of marketing-unitary products, Johnson Controls, shows off the new York® Latitude™ air conditioners with MicroChannel technology. ABOVE: Josh Gomer (left) and John Miles show how Samsung’s new compact Slim Duct and MSP Duct heat pump systems can offer flexible installation. LEFT: Lee Smith shows that Daikin’s Multi-Split system can fit easily into the ceiling. ment offers high-efficiency, with ratings of up to 16.5 SEER and 9 HSPF, and contractors can select wall-mounted or concealed ceiling indoor units. All models feature R-410A, quiet operation, increased energy efficiency, and up to four zones cooled or heated by one outdoor unit. Contractors can create 41 different systems using only eight components. The indoor unit can be wall mounted or concealed in the ceiling. Gree (www.gree.com.cn) highlighted its new series of 13 SEER condensing units designed especially for North American users. The heat exchanger and motor used in the units result in efficient performance and quiet operation. The diagnosis function makes repair and maintenance easy, while high-quality filters help keep the air clean. A 13 SEER dc inverter series is also available. Haier (www.haieramerica. com) showcased its new 13 SEER condensing units, which are available in sizes ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 tons. The units feature a new color, as well as galvanized steel cabinet construction and a full metal jacket for coil protection. Regional manager Drew Dougherty said that the units have a small footprint, which makes them easier to install in retrofit applications. Contractors will like the product line because of the easy-access service panel. Hallowell International (www. gotohallowell.com) introduced its Acadia™ heat pump, which company president Duane Hallowell said is the first air-source heat pump that can operate with efficiencies similar to a geothermal system. The system does not require supplemental heat and can keep a home’s indoor temperatures comfortable even when outdoor temperatures reach as low as -30˚F. The Acadia won the AHR Expo Innovation Award in the heating category and is definitely a green product, said Hallowell, because “The Acadia cuts home heating and cooling costs by up to 70 percent, lessening dependence on fossil fuels and helping consumers have a smaller carbon footprint.” Features include fourstage heating up to 9.7 HSPF and two-stage cooling up to 14 SEER. Johnson Controls (www. johnsoncontrols.com) displayed its new York® Latitude™ air conditioners with MicroChannel technology. This mid-tier offering of air conditioners in the 1.5- to 5-ton range is positioned between standard Latitude products and the premium Affinity™ line. With their small footprint, the units are a perfect fit in any application where cooling is essential and space is limited. The MicroChannel coil with enhanced heat transfer characteristics enables the units to achieve desired performance levels with 50 percent less refrigerant. The units are available with R-410A and feature a SEER of 15-plus, when the unit is matched with a variablespeed air handler or gas furnace. Robur (www.robur.com/us) featured its new GAHP-AR line of reversible gas-fired absorption heat pumps. These air-source water-ammonia absorption heat pumps use natural gas as the primary energy source, supplying hot water up to 140˚F or chilled water down to 37.4˚. The same ■ AIR CONDITIONING, HEATING & REFRIGERATION NEWS February 18, 2008

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The NEWS - February 18, 2008 Turnout Contents Newsline FYI Unitary Oil-Fired Products Furnaces Hydronics Ductless Rooftops Drives & Motors Controls Transmitters, Sensors Zoning Valves Refrigerants Condensers & Coils Heat Exchangers Cooling Towers Chillers Duct Products Humidification IAQ Monitors, Instruments Trucks Tools Software Installation, Maintenance of HVAC Coils Munters MCS Dries Up Water Concerns at Hospital Michigan Home Show Brings out Contractors Investigating Furnace Failures Mold/Bacteria Protection of A/C Coil Learning Center Classifieds Advertisers Opinions

The NEWS - February 18, 2008

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