International. As is the case every year, AHR Expo, ASHRAE and AHRI announced the winners of the 2024 Innovation Award, taking into account the technological and commercial contribution of each nominee to the HVAC Industry.
In total, there are nominations in ten categories, the winners of which are considered to be the products and technological developments that will set the tone in the market next year.
Building Automation
Winner: 75F
Innovation: 75F HyperStat Split
Using only two existing wires from the RTU to the thermostat, HyperStat Split provides a dual enthalpy economizer, demand-controlled ventilation, and VFD control. In addition, a built-in PIR occupancy sensor improves energy savings with automatic walk-away mode.
Finalists: Carrier and Copeland.
Cooling
Winner: Danfoss
Innovation: DSG Compressor
The DSG compressor has been specifically designed for low-pressure refrigerants such as R1234ze, which has low global warming potential. Applications include refrigeration systems, with a wide range of compressor capacities available to meet the design requirements of the unit.
Finalists: Daikin and Innovair.
Heating
Winner: Ephoca
Innovation: Nextac - The next generation of PTAC
Nextac transforms the PTAC into a feat of total comfort. It uses R32 and has dual rotary compressor, heat pump performance down to -10°F, integrated ERV, MERV13, zero air leakage, self-cleaning coils, 27 dB(A) operations, 40 STC, and paintable metal cabinet. Plus, no drainage is required for cooling or heating.
Finalists: Caleffi Hydronic Solutions and Intellihot Inc.
Indoor Air Quality
Winner: WellStat
Innovation: WellStat
WellStat is an indoor air quality and energy management software platform that reduces costs and increases operating revenue. This solution has been FCC tested and UL listed. It provides beneficial data to achieve various sustainability certifications (LEED, WELL, RESET, U.S. energy policy laws).
Finalists: ECM PCB Stator Technology and Sensirion, Inc.
Plumbing
Winner: Rheem Water Heating
Innovation: Triton Light Duty (50- and 75-gallon)
Commercial gas water heater with smart monitoring and leak detection. The unit prevents downtime, manages heater issues, and keeps the heater running. Perfect for retrofit or new construction, thanks to its sustainable and energy-efficient design, in line with new regulations.
Finalists: Bonomi North America, Inc. and ECM PCB Stator Technology
Refrigeration
Winner: AirGreen
Innovation: AirGreen-BMIL Brine-based DX Cold Room Heat Pump
The innovative DX refrigerant system essentially creates a low-dew point "heat pump" for cold room applications. Thus, it provides supply air with a dew point <26°F in a single process step. This packaged unit design allows for up to 50% energy savings and reduces capital costs.
Finalists: Honeywell and Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US.
Software
Winner: Interplay Learning
Innovation: SAM (Skill Advisor and Mentor)
SAM (Skill Advisor and Mentor) is the first AI-powered skilled trades instructor, providing teams with instant, personalized guidance so they can acquire skills faster and more efficiently. Technicians can then ask SAM questions and get immediate assistance while they learn.
Finalists: Conduit Tech Software and IES Ltd.
Sustainable solutions
Winner: Midea Residential Air Conditioning
Innovation: Midea PWHP
Midea's window heat pump has a cold weather air source and is designed for energy-efficient heating and cooling. Developed to support multi-family buildings' transition to electrification, Midea PWHP provides a cost-effective solution that meets sustainability requirements.
Finalists: Blue Frontier and Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US.
Tools & Instruments
Winner: INFICON
Innovation: FLUE-Mate Combustion Analyzer
This combustion analyzer is equipped with a pressure gauge, thermometer, CO test, cracked heat exchanger test, and provides draft analysis. FLUE-Mate can even generate a QR code that can be scanned with a smartphone for a quick scan report.
Finalists: MSA Safety and Snap Drill AS.
Ventilation
Winner: HVAC Manufacturing and Technology Inc.
Innovation: SAV - Smart Air Valve
With a reduction of 100-1 and an airflow accuracy of down to a few CFMs, this air valve operates with a low WG of 0.03 inches. Match the ventilation rate to hazard risk with advanced demand control ventilation and keep EUI low with a single unit size. SAV adds value by making fixed-hole plate technology obsolete.
Finalists: ECM PCB Stator Technology and LG Electronics U.S.A. Inc.
