Technology Update: Specialty Comfort Systems

ICM

ICM Controls Corporation introduces its ICM492 digital line voltage monitor. Complete with a backlit digital display, the ICM492 monitors and displays real-time voltage, with the ability to field-adjust parameters at the push of a button to meet the specific needs of the user.

The ICM492 line voltage monitor continuously checks incoming line voltage for faults and displays RMS voltage on the digital display. Adjustable over and under voltage settings set the boundaries for safe operation of your equipment. The response time on the fault condition can also be finetuned to help reduce nuisance trips. Additional features of the ICM492 include; an adjustable anti-short cycle time delay, control mode, universal line voltage input, and heavy duty SPDT relay output. The ICM492 also comes standard with a universal control voltage input to easily integrate a thermostat. Visit www.icmcontrols.com for additional info.

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LG

LG’s MULTI V uses a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) heat recovery system that makes it possible to operate cooling and heating simultaneously using one outdoor unit. Built around LG’s inverter compressors, the MULTI V series delivers one of the highest EER ratings available in the VRF equipment category, along with low noise operation, according to company sources.

The LG Inverter VRF systems use both a variable speed inverter compressor and constant speed compressor. Instead of shutting off once the desired temperature is reached, the inverter compressor continues to operate at a low speed to maintain that temperature, resulting in quieter operation and greater energy efficiency when compared to conventional models that cycle on and off.

The constant speed compressor is utilized only when the overall capacity of the system needs to be increased. Visit www.LGusa.com for additional info.

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Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Electric HVAC has introduced the Mr. Slim® M-Series highefficiency, split-ductless heat pump system.

The MSeries system, which consists of the MSZFD indoor unit and the MUZ-FD outdoor unit, that is Energy Star® Tier 2 qualified due to its increased energy effectiveness and SEER ratings.

The MSZ-FD09NA systems have a rated cooling capacity of 9,000 btu and a rated heating capacity of 10,900 btu, while the MSZ-FD12NA models have a rated cooling capacity of 12,000 Btu/h and a rated heating capacity of 13,600 btu/h.

Mitsubishi Electric’s “i-see” sensor is standard on the MSZ-FD indoor units. The “i see” sensor enables the units to achieve superior cooling and heating performance by eliminating the disparity between the temperature close to the ceiling and the temperature near the floor, sources say. The sensor rotates 360 degrees, measures the infrared radiation generated from the surrounding wall and floor surfaces, computes radiant energy and then converts it into a temperature value, which is introduced into the control system. Visit www.mehvac.com for additional info.

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Rheem

Comfort Control™ provides the perfect balance of comfort and luxury, according to Rheem spokespersons.

Comfort Control″ System™ (CC″S) features a seven segment LED for quick access to system diagnostics and operating history while providing powerful active system protection.

Contour Comfort Control™ tailors its performance to within one degree of the set point, while automatically modulating energy consumption and heating output based on homeowner preference.

The Dual fuel system inherently has the flexibility to minimize the risks associated with rising utility costs, by eliminating the need to predict future gas and electricity prices, company sources say.

The serial communication capabilities of CC″S utilizes the Rheem Series 500 thermostat to provide homeowners with maintenance reminders.

When these two products are matched, the system adjusts airflow to help control humidity for unsurpassed comfort in the cooling mode. Visit www.rheem.com for additional info.

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SANYO

SANYO announces the three-way line of ECO-I products. The three-way series offers the ability to simultaneously heat and cool different zones. Offering all the features of the two-way series, the three-way solution offers heating and cooling coupled with installation. Providing a single refrigerant pipe network means there's only one penetration into the building.

The three-way outdoor heat recovery line includes the CHDZ series, models: CHDZ09053 and CHDZ14053 and the WCHDZ series, models: WCHDZ20053, WCHDZ26053, and WCHDZ32053. All models offer flexible combinations, inverter control compressors, and high-energy efficiencies. Visit www.sanyohvac.com/ for additional info.

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WaterFurnace International

WaterFurnace International, Inc. featured its GeoTank line of geothermal domestic hot water and hydronic storage tanks at HVAC Comfortech 2008. The new line of tanks is designed to provide consistent water temperature and constant hot water in geothermal systems.

Available in 80- or 119-gallon capacities, the storage tanks include two 1-in. and 2 -in. connections on top and two 1 -in. side ports for installation and operation of geothermal hot water assist systems and highflow water-to-water units. A factoryinstalled thermistor mounted in the lower element port ensures accurate tank setpoint control.

Tanks in the GeoTank line use one Sandhog low watt density Incoloy steel-heating element that lasts two to three times longer than standard copper heating elements and increases the overall efficiency of the tank, sources say. The tanks also feature 2-in. (R-16) insulation, a pre-mounted temperature and pressure relief valve, a lower thermostat for synergy control, a pre-pulled wire for the top exit of controls and chilled water capability. Primary and secondary aluminum anode rods offer maximum protection against corrosion. Visit www.waterfurnace.com/accessories.aspx for additional info.

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York

The York Hybrid Comfort System offers homeowners the opportunity to switch between the most efficient and cost-effective method of heating their home. During mild winters, an electric heat pump can be used as the primary heat source, and on the coldest days, when outdoor temperatures drop to a point where the heat pump is no longer efficient, a gas furnace, instead of electric resistance heaters, provides supplemental heat. This hybrid or dualfuel system helps ensure comfortable indoor temperatures while at the same time balancing the utility load for the most economical operation.

In addition to improved comfort levels and increased savings, the selective use of the heat pump and the furnace helps extend the life of each. When a York Hybrid Comfort System consists of an Affinity™ 8T series heat pump and matching Affinity furnace, it qualifies for a limited lifetime compressor warranty and a 10-year system parts warranty. Ratings for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) are provided, as is other compliance information. Visit www.yorkupg.com for additional info.