The AHR Expo (International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition) announced the winners of the 2024 AHR Expo Innovation Awards.
Winners are chosen annually in ten industry categories, representing the most innovative products and technologies in the market.
Innovation Awards
“There’s no shortage of innovation in HVACR right now,” said Show Manager, Mark Stevens, adding “To be recognized as an award winner is a true honor and an indication that we as an industry are responding to real problems with creative solutions. The Innovation Awards aim to highlight this innovation trajectory and celebrate those that are pushing the bar.”
Evaluation criteria
All entries are reviewed and selected by a panel of third-party judges made up of distinguished ASHRAE members
The Innovation Awards draw hundreds of manufacturers to enter breakthrough designs for new and never-before-seen solutions or improvements upon existing products and technologies.
All entries are reviewed and selected by a panel of third-party judges made up of distinguished ASHRAE members. Evaluations are based on overall innovative design, creativity of the product or service offered, product or technology real-world application, as well as overall potential market impact.
Efficiency, cost, and energy savings
“It’s encouraging to see so many entries and the growth the awards program brings year to year,” continued Mark Stevens, adding “Manufacturers across the industry are responding with solutions for cost savings, energy savings, and production efficiency and are filling performance gaps in product and technology. Congratulations to our 2024 winners, we look forward to supporting your innovation journey in Chicago and beyond!”
AHR Expo Workforce Development program
In addition to celebrating innovation in HVACR, the Innovation Awards provide a means to strengthen the industry by allowing for the AHR Expo Workforce Development program, which aims to grow the industry through programming geared to inspire future members of the HVACR community.
Funds collected from the entry fees are donated to programming at the student level, including show field trips, curated introductions to professionals and manufacturers, laboratory equipment, and monetary donations to student programs in the hosting city.
Winners for the 2024 AHR Expo Innovations Awards include:
BUILDING AUTOMATION
- Winner: 75F
- Innovation: 75F HyperStat Split
- AHR Booth: #S6374; S6277
The 75F HyperStat Split enables contractors to upgrade RTUs with advanced rooftop control with unprecedented ease.
Using only two existing wires from the RTU to the thermostat, HyperStat Split provides a dual enthalpy economizer, demand-control ventilation, and VFD control. What’s more, an onboard PIR occupancy sensor enhances energy savings with auto-away.
Two design considerations
Devices like the HyperStat Split encourage the building controls industry to make two design considerations
Devices like the HyperStat Split encourage the building controls industry to make two design considerations the norm. First, HyperStat Split’s ability to work with the existing two wires provided for a standard temperature sensor while still delivering advanced control sequences demonstrates that hardware can work with existing infrastructure without excessive complexity.
Second, the device’s eight onboard sensors and native cloud connectivity for real-time analytics prove that the rising demand for excellent indoor air quality management can be met in a straightforward, modern, and user-centric manner.
- Finalists: Carrier, i-Vu Express Connected Building Automation Appliance (Booth #S7510); Copeland, Copeland CC200 case controller (Booth #S7110)
COOLING
- Winner: Danfoss
- Innovation: DSG Compressor
- AHR Booth: Booth #N2510
The DSG compressor has been specifically designed for low-pressure refrigerants such as R1234ze with low global warming potential. Applications include chiller systems, with a wide range of compressor capacities available to support unit design requirements.
The DSG has been specifically designed for low pressure low global warming potential refrigerants such as R1234ze. These refrigerants would usually require a much larger compressor size to have the same capacity as high-pressure (R410A, etc.) refrigerants.
Medium and low-density refrigerants
The DSG with its same size will enable a smooth transition without a significant increase in physical compressor size
As chiller manufacturers will need to transition to lower global warming potential refrigerants <700 GWP they will need to move to medium and low-density refrigerants.
The DSG with its same size will enable a smooth transition without a significant increase in physical compressor size. It is qualified for R1234ze which is an excellent replacement for the market that has been dominated by R134a for many years but will be phased down due to its impact on the environment.
Flexibility
The DSG can also be used with other refrigerants with similar properties, so it offers a great deal of flexibility for manufacturers to choose from without requiring a new compressor design. This will also support future refrigerant changes and regulations without requiring significant modifications.
- Finalists: Daikin Applied Americas Inc., WMT (Booth #S7549) ; Innovair, DuoTec (Booth #N3060)
HEATING
- Winner: Ephoca
- Innovation: Nextac - The next generation of PTAC
- AHR Booth: #S9914
Nextac transforms the PTAC into a tour-de-force of total comfort control. R32, twin rotary inverter compressor, heat pump performance to -10°F, integrated ERV, MERV13, zero air leakage, self-cleaning coils, 27 dB(A) operations, STC of 40, sleek, all-metal, paintable cabinet. No drain is required for cooling or heating.
For many years, PTACs have seen minimal advancement. Often considered a "cheap, low-end" product, installers have favored them for their affordability and ease of installation.
High-efficiency and quality PTAC
Nextac aims to disrupt this status quo with this new high-efficiency and quality PTAC
However, those living with PTACs in their homes have endured poor performance with no better options to fit existing sleeves.
Nextac aims to disrupt this status quo with this new high-efficiency and quality PTAC by compelling manufacturers to enhance their PTAC lineup, making them more efficient, and aesthetically pleasing and adding more insulation for quieter operation and a better seal.
- Finalists: Caleffi Hydronic Solutions, Caleffi XF (Booth #S7981); Intellihot Inc., Electron iE1 (Booth #S10323)
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
- Winner: WellStat
- Innovation: WellStat
- AHR Booth: #N3417
WellStat® is an indoor Air Quality + Energy Management Software platform used by property and facility management teams to responsibly assure healthy air quality conditions, lower operating costs, and increase operating revenue.
It is the goal to optimize an asset's performance while promoting a safer and healthier work environment. WellStat is FCC-tested and UL-listed. It provides data beneficial for achieving various sustainability certifications (LEED, WELL, RESET certified, US Energy Policy Acts).
Hardware, software, and mobile platform experience
WellStat is completely integrated, and customizable and provides a single, unified enterprise hardware
WellStat is completely integrated, and customizable and provides a single, unified enterprise hardware, software, and mobile platform experience. With WellStat, customers can optimize their asset's performance while promoting a safer and healthier work environment. Additionally, WellStat uses the highest caliber sensors available and maintains systemic accuracy through persistent, over-the-air calibration that never requires maintenance.
Monitoring systems are tested, calibrated, and always accurate, all the time including 14+ IAQ sensors monitoring: temperature, relative humidity, particulate matter, carbon dioxide, ozone, total volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, reset TVOC, dew point, wet bulb, light level, carbon monoxide, occupancy, pressure, sound DB, duct flow.
- Finalists: ECM PCB Stator Technology, Ultra-light, Premium Efficiency 6hp PCB Stator Air Blower Motor (Booth #S10334); Sensirion, Inc., SEN6x (Booth #S6156)
PLUMBING
- Winner: Rheem Water Heating
- Innovation: Triton® Light Duty (50- and 75-gallon)
- AHR Booth: #S7569
A smart, robust solution for small businesses, Triton Light Duty is the most intelligent high-efficiency commercial gas water heater on the market. Boasting built-in smart monitoring and precise leak detection, the unit prevents downtime, manages water heater issues, and keeps businesses running smoothly.
Perfect for retrofit or new construction. With changing regulations, Rheem designs with sustainability in mind. Triton Light Duty (LD) is designed to promote energy efficiency and environmental responsibility and holds the potential to drive transformative changes in the way water heaters are conceptualized and manufactured.
Maximum thermal efficiency and durability
The latest Triton offers up to 97% thermal efficiency and eliminates downtime
With a capacity ranging from 50 to 75 gallons, Triton Light Duty’s patented combustion system and helical coil heat exchanger provide maximum thermal efficiency and durability.
The latest Triton offers up to 97% thermal efficiency and eliminates downtime with the ability to detect and prevent water heater problems before they occur thanks to LeakGuard™, an all-inclusive leak detection and prevention system capable of limiting water leakage outside the tank. The helical coil heat exchanger offers maximum thermal efficiency and energy savings.
Built-in condensate neutralizer
With porcelain/ glass-coated steel, corrosion is minimized, extending the life of the tank while the unique minimum weld joint construction increases durability.
Most importantly, the unit features a built-in condensate neutralizer, which eliminates the need for a separate device to raise the pH of the condensate for safe draining.
Energy efficiency
Triton LD is part of a decarbonization portfolio to transition away from less efficient water heaters, reducing carbon emissions and environmental impacts. This signals a strong direction for the future, where new product development is likely to be influenced by an increasing emphasis on sustainability.
Energy efficiency will take center stage as manufacturers strive to align with evolving regulations and meet strict carbon emissions reduction targets set by state and local governments.
- Finalists: Bonomi North America, Inc., LOCPOWER Energy Harvesting Control Valves (Booth #N2560); ECM PCB Stator Technology, Ultra-light, Premium Efficiency 3HP PCB Stator Pump Solutions (Booth #S10334)
REFRIGERATION
- Winner: AirGreen
- Innovation: AirGreen-BMIL Brine-based DX Cold Room Heat Pump
- AHR Booth: #S9377
The innovative AirGreen-BMIL brine-based DX refrigerant system essentially creates a low dewpoint “heat pump” for cold room applications providing <26F dewpoint supply air in a single process step.
Because of its simplicity and efficiency, this packaged unit design provides up to 50% energy savings while also significantly reducing capital costs. Solid desiccant products can only supply air at 55F with a 40-45F dew point, and to lower the dry bulb temperature to as low as 33F requires three or more pieces of equipment at considerable capital and energy penalty.
Eliminates downtime
This low-temperature hybrid brine system is uniquely suited for cold storage applications
The unique low-temperature brine solution achieves this performance because it simultaneously cools and dehumidifies. For customers, it also eliminates the downtime related to multiple defrost cycles, or worse, downtime for cleaning if condensation forms.
Further, the AirGreen product only needs low regeneration temperatures (~110F), compared to solid desiccants requiring 180F or more. This low-temperature hybrid brine system is uniquely suited for cold storage applications and addresses a $5.1B market. Customers will benefit both from precise supply air temperatures and the demonstrated energy savings of this design approach.
- Finalists: Honeywell, Honeywell Solstice N71 (R-471A) (Booth #N2137); Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US, Mitsubishi Electric Variable-Speed Scroll Compressors (Booth #S7177)
SOFTWARE
- Winner: Interplay Learning
- Innovation: SAM (Skill Advisor and Mentor)
- AHR Booth: #S10537
SAM (Skill Advisor and Mentor) is the first AI-powered advisor for the skilled trades. SAM gives teams instant and personalized guidance so they can gain skills faster and more efficiently.
Technicians can ask SAM questions and get immediate assistance while they’re learning, helping enhance comprehension and sharpen critical thinking. SAM is the first of its kind. Interplay’s unique approach to on-demand mentorship and training provides considerable value, such as:
1) Fast Tracks Learning: SAM meets technicians where they are, assisting to suit their specific needs. It’s like an approachable study buddy who understands them perfectly and helps them learn faster.
2) Sharpens Critical Thinking: SAM doesn’t shortchange learning with easy answers. It guides them toward “aha” moments and helps them develop problem-solving skills.
3) Saves Time and Boosts Productivity: When newer techs ask SAM for help first, it can free senior techs and managers from answering basic questions and give them more time to grow the business.
4) Taps Into Expert Knowledge: SAM uses data from SkillMill, which has been carefully crafted by seasoned subject matter experts, to ensure techs learn skills right the first time.
- Finalists: Conduit Tech, Conduit Tech Software (Booth #S10064); IES Ltd., IESVE Software (Booth #N3452)
SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS
- Winner: Midea Residential Air Conditioning
- Innovation: Midea PWHP
- AHR Booth: #S10371
Unit performance is 9,000 BTU/hr heating and cooling, with the category’s highest CEER of 16.0
Midea’s Packaged Window Heat Pump is a window-mounted cold climate air source heat pump, designed for DIY installation and high-performing, energy-efficient heating and cooling. Developed to support multi-family buildings’ transition towards electrification, the Midea PWHP provides a cost-effective solution for buildings looking to meet future sustainability requirements quickly.
Midea’s PWHP stands out in innovation and uniqueness as a window-mounted unit. Unit performance is 9,000 BTU/hr heating and cooling, with the category’s highest CEER of 16.0, as of the application date, a 2.35 COP @ 17F, up to SEER2 21.8 and HSPF2 11.6. This is done without the use of auxiliary heat.
Innovative saddle design
While high-efficiency heat pumps typically require professional installation including new electrical circuits, the Midea PWHP operates on a 120V/15A circuit mounting to hung-type windows, allowing for DIY installation.
The innovative saddle design allows window view and functionality while simultaneously reducing indoor noise levels.
Telescoping center section
The first integrated inverter compressor offers the ability to quickly install into windows
A distinguishing feature of the Midea PWHP is a telescoping center section that adjusts to various wall depths and a hinged outdoor section allowing for rotation during installation.
This along with ~50% footprint reduction from the industry's first integrated inverter compressor offers the ability to quickly install into windows while maintaining optimal performance.
- Finalists: Blue Frontier, Blue Frontier, Liquid Desiccant DOAS (Booth #N1440); Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US, Mitsubishi Electric, Hybrid VRF® (Booth #S7177)
TOOLS & INSTRUMENTS
- Winner: INFICON
- Innovation: FLUE-Mate ™Combustion Analyzer
- AHR Booth: #N2934
FLUE-Mate Combustion Analyzer is designed to improve combustion efficiency and safety. This tool is equipped with an integrated manometer, thermometer, CO test, and cracked heat exchanger test, and provides draft analysis.
FLUE-Mate can even generate a QR code that can be scanned with a smart device for a quick analysis report. FLUE-Mate provides a host of useful features for user convenience and safety, like the easily visible water trap and filter, easy operation, cracked heat exchanger test, automatic pump shut-off, and ambient CO monitoring.
FLUE-Mate mobile app
FLUE-Mate displays efficiency, O2, CO2, CO, and flue gas temperature readings all on one screen
The free FLUE-Mate mobile app is a major advantage that allows the user to do even more with their combustion analyzer. FLUE-Mate generates a QR code that can be scanned using the app for a quick analysis report without the need for a Bluetooth® connection.
All important readings and information are on your smart device with just a quick scan of the code. The app also allows the user to save and share reports. Unlike many other combustion analyzers, FLUE-Mate displays efficiency, O2, CO2, CO, and flue gas temperature readings all on one screen. This makes FLUE-Mate more user-friendly and helps techs get the job done quicker.
Water trap and filter assembly
FLUE-Mate's water trap and filter assembly is designed to always be upright and easy to see, so you always know when to change the filter or empty the trap and keep FLUE-Mate protected.
The automatic pump shut-off feature stops flow when a high level of CO is detected, saving the CO sensor from being poisoned and saving customers an expensive repair bill.
- Finalists: MSA Safety, Legend Series HFC (Booth #S6536); Snap Drill AS, Snapdrill (N3165)
VENTILATION
- Winner: HVAC Manufacturing and Technology Inc.
- Innovation: SAV® - Smart Air Valve
- AHR Booth: #S9220
SAV® adds value and mitigates risk by creating a new simplified and economical value chain
The SAV-Smart Air Valve is an economical self-commissioning air control solution. Featuring a 100-1 turndown and precision airflow accuracy to within a few CFM operating as low as .03” W.G.
It matches the ventilation rate to the risk of hazard featuring advanced Demand Control Ventilation & low EUI with a single unit size. The SAV® adds value and mitigates risk by creating a new simplified and economical value chain leading to a paradigm shift by obsoleting fixed orifice plate technology.
Variable Orifice Plate Technology
The Variable Orifice Plate Technology solves a complex fluid dynamic problem of measuring a fluid accurately over a wide dynamic range, obsoleting currently fixed orifice single venae contracta fluid measurement/fluid control air terminals.
Offers a variable dimensional aspect ratio footprint. It solves current issues for end users, Architects/engineers, contractors, and TAB entities.
User-centric healthy flexible space
This innovation allows the controls companies/system integrators to supply and warranty the zone-level devices as part of their scope of work, optimize their software/network architecture with self-balancing flexibility, eliminate GIGO (garbage in garbage out) data, and mitigate risk for the life cycle of the building.
SAV-Smart Air Valve transforms an infrastructure into a user centric healthy flexible space without mechanical infrastructure upgrades.
- Finalists: ECM PCB Stator Technology, High-Performance, Lightweight 12hp PCB Stator Blower Motor (Booth #S10334); LG Electronics U.S.A. Inc., LG Split Compact M3 DOAS with Multi V S® (Booth #S8345)
Product of the Year winner
In addition to category winners, one overall Product of the Year winner will be announced and awarded in Chicago. This prestigious honor is awarded based on exceptional leadership in HVACR innovation.