• Tech Update

    Oct. 1, 2011
    ABB ABB ACH550 base drives, E-Clipse bypass units and drives with input disconnects are now International Building Code (IBC) seismic-compliance certified.

    ABB

    ABB ACH550 base drives, E-Clipse bypass units and drives with input disconnects are now International Building Code (IBC) seismic-compliance certified. The certificate of compliance qualifies the products for use in applications and buildings in which IBC requires that seismically rated equipment be considered. While principal applications for IBC-certified drives include disaster-prone areas of North America, design parameters recommended by IBC could affect a number of facilities in public and private sectors, such as commercial office buildings, hospitals/healthcare facilities, schools and education buildings, manufacturing facilities and water/wastewater operations. | www.abb-vfd.com

    A.O. Smith

    For the commercial air-conditioning and refrigeration markets, H1054 JuggerNaut inverter-duty condenser fan-replacement motors include a quick-connect voltage-change module, a removable base for rigid-base or belly-band mounting and Class F insulation for 158F maximum ambient conditions. | www.aosmith.com

    Baldor

    Combining a laminated finned-frame RPM alternating-current motor with a permanent-magnet salient-pole-rotor design, the VS1 cooling-tower drive can replace the right-angle gearbox and jackshaft in many cooling towers. Controlled by the cooling tower drive, a fan couples directly to the motor shaft to provide variable-speed performance, quiet operation and reduced energy consumption. | www.baldor.com/products

    Cerus Industrial

    A smart starter for single-phase motors, the BAS-1P incorporates features for energy savings and automation-system control. The starter features voltage and dry inputs for ease of integration, system-override modes and a concealed hand-off-auto operation selection. The starter also functions as a disconnect with a lockable motor-rated switch. | www.cerusind.com

    Danfoss

    Available as a 12- or 18-pulse harmonic-reduction solution, multipulse drive panels combine VLT series drives with harmonic-reduction technology, bypass and disconnect in one package. The drive panels are available in heavy-duty and freestanding National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)-rated 1, 12 and 3R enclosures and various package configurations for a variety of operating needs and environments. | www.danfossdrives.com

    Page 2 of 4

    Eaton Corp.

    The Motor Insight overload and monitoring relay system provides monitoring capabilities, diagnostics and motor and pump protection in one device. The system is designed to provide the information needed to keep motors running at peak performance while maintaining application integrity. The system is available with Profibus communications, in addition to the Modbus and DeviceNet industrial protocols. | www.eaton.com

    LCR Electronics

    LCR Electronics, a leading manufacturer of EMI filters, electronic products, as well as high-end enclosures for military, telecom and commercial applications, now offers two new digital PWM (pulse-width modulation) motor controls. The controls — available in battery-powered and AC-line powered versions — incorporate H-bridge circuitry with high-speed switching to produce precise speed and torque control, bi-directional operation and overload protection.

    The high-voltage EC104 and the low-voltage EC106, with control methods for either two or four quadrant operation, are adaptable to many different DC brush, shaded pole and PSC motor applications including appliances, pumps, compressors, blowers, conveyors and traction systems. www.lcr-inc.com

    McQuay

    By optimizing HVAC-system performance, variable-frequency drives (VFDs) from McQuay can save up to 30% in energy costs and have a payback of four months. The VFDs can be added to motor and pump applications to reduce energy costs during low-demand periods. | www.mcquay.com

    Parker

    According to company sources, iSpeed inverters can save up to 40% of energy usage in refrigeration systems using single-compressor installations and up to 25% with conventional multistage compressor racks. The inverters keep lead compressors running smoothly, and proprietary software limits cycling of the fixed-speed compressors. Compressor wear is reduced on all compressors, minimizing electrical costs and stresses to the electrical infrastructure. | www.parker.com

    Page 3 of 4

    Siemens

    Designed for HVAC applications, SED2 variable-frequency drives (VFDs) support a variety of digital and analog input/output for diverse control capability. Built-in proportional-integral-derivative features control pumps and fans, and an integral system protocol can interface P1/N2 networks. Using the VFDs' multilevel parameter access, operators can pinpoint relevant data quickly. A low-harmonics design reduces noise and interference, eliminating the need for filters/reactors in most installations. | www.usa.siemens.com/industry/us/en/

    Yaskawa

    The E7S slim-configured package provides an E7 drive in a space-saving National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) 1 enclosure that can accommodate as standard an input disconnect as well as several typical options, such as circuit breakers, filters, reactors, etc. The E7S has embedded communications for various building-automation protocols, such as Johnson Controls Metasys N2, Siemens APOGEE FLN and Modbus. An optional LonWorks interface card, EtherNet/Internet protocol and BACnet also are available. | www.yaskawa.com

    AirAdvice

    HomeAdvice IAQ is a web-based IAQ platform providing air quality analysis and reporting for residential HVAC contractors. The report assesses six IAQ parameters for health, safety and comfort, and recommends corrective action when indicated. The contractor can present the report to the homeowner as an independent, third party assessment, as well as use it to determine the appropriate filtration, ERV/HRV, PCO, dehumidification or retrofit solution. Operation is user-friendly. The contractor places the HomeAdvice monitor in the home, where it measures dust particles, chemical pollutants, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, temperature and relative humidity. The monitor automatically sends that data to HomeAdvice servers for analysis by HomeAdvice software. Contractors can log on to the HomeAdvice servers from any Internet-connected computer and generate a report showing the status of each measured variable in a homeowner-friendly red/yellow/green format paired with recommended corrective actions. | www.airadvice.com

    Aprilaire

    Aprilaire offers the “One Touch” control on all 4000 series media air cleaners and the Model 5000 electronic air cleaner. The control offers these specific settings to allow homeowners to easily customize, based on their needs and lifestyle:

    • Constant cleaning: air cleaner is active for 24 hours a day, seven days a week;

    • EWC Controls

      Automatic: air cleaner will run a minimum of 30 minutes per hour;

    • Fieldpiece

      Event clean: air cleaners will run for three hours continuously and then turn off;

    • Allergies: air cleaner will run continuously for 24 hours and then turn off.

    Page 4 of 4

    Jackson Systems

    Installed next to the thermostat or on the air-cleaning unit, the new control also provides validation that the air cleaner is working by indicating through a sequence of bars that rise when the blower on the heating and cooling system is energized. | www.aprilairepartners.com

    The IZT-100 Internet zone thermostat from EWC Controls takes full advantage of Ethernet networks and the Internet to use the converged in-home or business network for HVAC control. Internet zone thermostats feature standard browser-based configuration and control over a secure Ethernet connection. Remote management and monitoring are available over secure and authorized broadband connections to the Internet. Internet zone thermostats can deliver e-mail status and alerts to any personal computer or mobile text-messaging device. A service provider or monitoring service can monitor, diagnose and control HVAC systems from a remote central location. | www.ewccontrols.com

    Rheem

    This all-in-one kit includes all of the accessory heads used with the HVAC Guide® System Analyzer to automatically input data. Users can test target and actual superheat, sub-cooling, find target evaporator exit temperature and perform and record combustion analysis with this kit. The HG2K9 also includes the ACH4 amp clamp to take amp draw readings directly with the HG2 for the CheckMe!® test. It all comes in the ANC3 large briefcase style bag, with room to add to a kit as new tests for the HVAC guide are developed.

    As new switch positions are added and software is updated, downloads are posted right on the site. Version upgrades and new switch positions will be available for a nominal fee. Firmware/software improvements will be made available free of charge. | www.fieldpiece.com

    Supco

    The Jackson Systems' WEB Comfort communicating thermostat system delivers exceptional value by enabling multiple thermostats to be wirelessly networked throughout the building or home. The system provides a web-based dashboard for programming, monitoring and control.

    TIF

    The WEB Comfort™ communicating thermostat system is compatible with most commercial and residential HVAC systems and supports remote access and controls up to 1,000 thermostats simultaneously. Multiple locations can be managed and accessed remotely with a single customer account. | www.jacksonsystems.com

    Rheem introduces an improved RXIH-AS series whole-house steam humidifier, which is designed to maintain an adequate moisture level to the air in a home. Offered in six-, nine- and 12-gallon capacities, the Rheem RXIH-AS series steam humidifier works by warming water in a tank, which is then turned into steam and allowed to flow throughout a home.

    The Rheem whole-house steam humidifier features a logical LED interface with six lights that show status and indicate when service needs to be performed. By monitoring the humidifying processes, the steam humidifier uses the LED lights to clearly display the status of operation and any error codes. The LED interface also indicates when cleaning is required and detects needed service updates. Should a service issue arise, this feature arms the HVAC professional with dependable information for faster, more accurate service. | www.rheem.com

    Trane

    The IAQ50 and IAQ55 are used to measure and monitor indoor air quality (IAQ) issues that may arise with carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature and humidity. Using a non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) CO2 sensor, each instrument provides fast, stable measurements for CO2, while the audible and visual alarms notify the user when user-programmed alarm thresholds are violated. The multi-parameter display provides simultaneous readings for CO2, temperature and humidity. The IAQ50 is a wall mounted or desktop monitor, while the IAQ55 provides portable hand-held IAQ measurements. | www.supco.com

    The TIF family of tools for HVAC-system-performance test instruments with infrared capabilities includes: thermocouple thermometers (P/N 3310/3320), a psychrometer (P/N 3110), anemometer (P/N 3220) and differential pressure meter (P/N 3420 infrared probe not included). According to company sources, the instruments enable technicians to target non-contact surfaces and quickly take accurate differential temperature, pressure and airflow readings. Technicians can also store min/max and average readings with these tools.

    • TIF 3310/3320 takes differential temperature readings with dual type-K thermocouple probes and non-contact surface temperatures.

    • TIF 3110 provides speedy checks on indoor air quality in offices, production rooms, warehouses and more.

    • TIF 3220 measures air speed and temperature.

    • TIF 3420 allows technicians to measure differential, absolute and static pressures in most HVAC systems with its dual input pressure manometer.

    Other features include large, easy-to-read LCD display and rugged design for easy grip and hold. The instruments also come in a carrying case, allowing technicians to conveniently transport the equipment. | www.tif.com

    Trane CleanEffects utilizes patented, breakthrough air cleaning technology to remove up to 99.98% of airborne allergens from the air that passes through the filter, company sources say. It also features:

    • Cleaning indicators easily visible on the outside of the unit.

    • Easy to clean filters — just vacuum or rinse once every three to nine months (depending on usage). | www.Trane.com