by Brianna Crandall — January 9, 2017 — Johnson Controls will showcase several innovative HVACR technologies at the 2017 AHR Expo January 30 to February 1 in Las Vegas (booth numbers C2929, C3124 and C3329). The technologies include Verasys, YORK YVFA chiller, YORK EcoAdvance, BlueStream Hybrid Cooling System and VRF Smart Gateway.
These new HVACR technologies, described below, are designed to advance energy efficiency and increase building intelligence.
Verasys
Verasys is said to be the first plug-and-play solution that integrates heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) equipment and controls. Designed for light commercial buildings, this controls system provides a simple user experience with configurable controllers that seamlessly connect to a vast array of mechanical and electrical equipment, controls and sensors, without requiring any special programming tools. The result is “unprecedented” real-time, remote access to critical information to ensure energy efficiency and lower operating costs throughout a building’s lifecycle.
Quickly integrate HVACR equipment and controls with Verasys — the first plug-and-play controls system that lets users configure a vast array of controls without tools or engineering, for one building or an entire enterprise (shown on iPad).
Verasys empowers contractors to offer the latest controls system or a complete bundled solution of smart equipment, controls and mobile user experience. And because the system communicates using BACnet MSTP, Verasys integrates with Metasys or any third-party BACnet system. Contractors will also appreciate new opportunities to service equipment, thanks to optional fault detection and diagnostics that immediately deliver alarm notifications via email or text.
For facilities managers, Verasys provides unprecedented, remote access anytime, anywhere over a secure Internet connection using PCs, smartphones and tablets. The controls system connects users to data streams from smart controls in rooftop units, fan coils, zone dampers, heat pumps, refrigeration systems, lighting panels and more. With real-time data, building operators can identify and troubleshoot issues remotely and take advantage of insightful solutions that deliver the quality and value their facilities require.
Building operators will also appreciate simple graphics that provide fast access to information, enabling them to take advantage of a new level of insight into building operations. Immediate access to critical information ensures energy efficiency and lower operating costs throughout a building’s lifecycle. Users can identify issues before they result in unplanned downtime, and equipment life is extended. The advanced level of control flexibility, including scheduling, alarming, setpoints and more, also saves time, increases productivity and results in facilities that better serve occupants, says the company.
YORK YVFA chiller
The YORK YVFA free-cooling air-cooled screw chiller is a finalist in the Cooling category of the 2017 AHR Expo Innovation Awards competition. Available in nominal sizes 150-450 yielding more than 600TR (2110kW), the YVFA provides the industry with the first AHRI-certified, integrated variable-speed drive (VSD) screw chiller with free cooling, says Johnson Controls. The chiller’s advanced technologies include VSD compressors engineered to ensure efficient operation across all cooling-load and ambient temperature conditions.
The chiller’s integrated high-efficiency, air-to-air liquid free-cooling coils reduce or eliminate the need for mechanical cooling when ambient conditions allow, and intelligent controls optimize energy use year-round, constantly evaluating conditions and controlling bypass valves to reduce pump energy when free cooling is not available.
YORK EcoAdvance
YORK EcoAdvance is said to be the first HVAC industry technology that captures and removes molecular contaminants from indoor air and manages the flow of outside air into a building. Integrated controls manage the flow of outside air into a building, which substantially reduces HVAC peak loads by more than 40 percent and achieves an average 20 percent in annual energy cost savings. As a result, the technology substantially reduces HVAC loads and energy costs. The YORK EcoAdvance won the prestigious 2016 R&D 100 Award, an international competition that recognizes the 100 most technologically significant products introduced over the past year.
BlueStream Hybrid Cooling System
The Johnson Controls BlueStream Hybrid Cooling System is a cutting-edge solution that reduces water consumption in traditional cooling tower systems by 25 to 80 percent compared to all-evaporative heat rejection systems. BlueStream features an innovative thermosyphon cooler, a unique solution that addresses water and energy challenges. In addition to reducing water consumption, BlueStream maintains peak process output and energy efficiency on the hottest summer days, helping customers achieve a balance between air-cooled and water-cooled heat rejection systems, while reducing water use and operating costs.
VRF Smart Gateway
The Johnson Controls VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) Smart Gateway is said to provide “unprecedented” control for network management centers. Offering fast, simple integration into the Metasys building management system, the small yet powerful gateway brings data for all YORK VRF components into a building management system for comprehensive control of the entire system. Data is available in any format and on-demand from any connected device. The VRF Smart Gateway works over Ethernet to discover all data points from YORK VRF indoor and outdoor units.
In addition to the new HVACR technologies being launched at AHR Expo, Johnson Controls will feature a presentation theater, where subject matter experts will present on a variety of industry-related topics. For more information, visit booth numbers C2929, C3124 and C3329 or the Johnson Controls Web site.
