Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning - Experts & Thought Leaders

Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning won the Red Dot Award for Design Concept 2024 for its Air Conditioning Unit design concept that features a multipurpose digital display.   For its sleek form factor, the concept was a winner in the Design Concept, Heating and Air Conditioning category. The exploratory “airPure” concept consists of a minimalist round-shaped body with a multifunctional, wall-mounted digital display. the airPure concept The OLED screen can be used as an interface for the air conditioning system Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning developed the airPure concept with the future needs of Generation Z homeowners in mind, who aspire to turn their homes into more personalized and attractive spaces. This compact form factor seeks to give the air conditioner a more central role in the user’s lives while enhancing the user experience.  When the AC is on, the OLED screen can be used as an interface for the air conditioning system, enabling temperature control and/or indoor air quality monitoring. Airflow is controlled with retractable air outlets surrounding the unit body and hidden behind the display. This unique structure is not only for visual purposes but more for better user experience of comfort. Room’s temperature Users can control the room’s temperature without being annoyed by the wind directly blowing on them. The air from the unit diffuses all around the room - along the wall, ceiling and floor, and that’s why users will not feel direct airflow.  The digital display can also serve multiple home décor purposes. For example, it could serve as a large ambient light to customize the room’s atmosphere, a picture frame, or even a mirror.  Air conditioning units Users can control the room’s temperature without being annoyed by the wind directly blowing on them "The airPure concept shows the potential of bringing air conditioning units into other home category objects, beyond its primary function as an air blower," explains Lawrence Chu, Global UX Design Director at Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning. Lawrence Chu adds, "Through airPure, air conditioning units can touch many facets of our lifestyle, promising experiences of comfort while being unobtrusive to the environment. It may even change how air conditioners are seen in the future, placing much more emphasis and importance on them in our living spaces."  Future of air conditioners The Red Dot Award is a German international design award for product, brand, and communication designs and concepts, and continues to recognize the best creative works from brands spanning different industries.  While the ‘airPure’ concept is still under exploration stage, it sets a unique vision for the future of air conditioners.

Johnson Controls Hitachi Air Conditioning UK & Ireland has announced a new partnership with HomeServe, one of the UK’s pioneering home assistance providers, to offer Annual Service Plans for Hitachi Air Source Heat Pumps. This partnership ensures homeowners and landlords can keep their heat pumps running smoothly year-round, with services carried out by qualified engineers. Heating and cooling solutions Partnership aims to provide customers’ peace of mind by offering service plans As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting customers, Johnson Controls Hitachi Air Conditioning UK & Ireland entered a partnership with HomeServe on 5 September 2024, an international home repairs and improvements company that helps customers address everyday problems in and around their homes. As the demand for sustainable heating and cooling solutions grows, this partnership aims to provide customers’ peace of mind by offering service plans designed to maintain optimal performance, extend the lifespan of Hitachi heat pumps, and ensure compliance with warranty and safety standards. HomeServe’s heat pump service plans With this partnership, Johnson Controls Hitachi Air Conditioning and HomeServe aim to make servicing sustainable heating solutions simple, convenient, and worry-free. Starting from just £15 per month, HomeServe’s heat pump service plans include a full inspection of the heat pump and its installation pipework to ensure safety and compliance with the manufacturer's guidelines. This includes, where required: Completing an operational and safety check and visually checking the refrigerant circuit for leaks Checking the general condition of the system, including electrical connections, control valves, expansion vessel, and controls Checking the external unit for debris and obstructions Checking the water quality and updating the service record Customers, whether homeowners or landlords, can choose from a range of service plans that best suit their needs. Comfort and energy efficiency “Johnson Controls-Hitachi is committed to delivering exceptional comfort and energy efficiency to homeowners." "Teaming up with HomeServe allows us to extend our commitment by offering servicing that keeps our heat pumps running at peak performance,” Tom Hall, Johnson Controls - Hitachi Air Conditioning Country Manager.

Bosch, the supplier of technology and services, is continuing its growth course with a strategic acquisition. For its Energy and Building Technology business sector, the Bosch Group plans to take over the global HVAC solutions business for residential and light commercial buildings from Johnson Controls. As part of this transaction, Bosch also intends to acquire 100 percent of the Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning (JCH) joint venture, including Hitachi’s 40 percent stake. acquisition price The Bosch shareholders and supervisory board have approved the transaction. Binding agreements on the acquisitions were signed by the parties involved today. The acquisition is subject to approvals from the antitrust authorities. The purchase price for the acquired businesses is 8 billion dollars (7.4 billion euros). The acquisition is expected to be closed in approximately 12 months.  A global HVAC position "As the biggest acquisition in Bosch history, this is an important milestone in the systematic implementation of our strategy for 2030. We are dynamically pushing ahead with the strong development of Bosch, and will achieve a globally leading position in the promising HVAC market with this acquisition," says Stefan Hartung, Chairman of the Board of Management of Robert Bosch GmbH. He adds, "In taking this step, moreover, we will strengthen our presence in the U.S. and Asia and achieve a better balance among our business sectors. This is also part of our strategy. In this way, we will open up further growth opportunities and put the company as a whole on a firmer footing." acquisition product portfolio The product portfolio covers the entire spectrum of HVAC solutions for residential and light commercial buildings Together with JCH, the businesses Bosch intends to acquire generated sales revenue totaling roughly 4 billion euros in 2023, and employ some 12,000 people worldwide. The transaction includes 16 manufacturing sites and 12 engineering locations in more than 30 countries. The product portfolio covers the entire spectrum of HVAC solutions for residential and light commercial buildings and includes well-known brands, such as York and Coleman in the U.S. and Hitachi in Asia, for which Bosch will be granted a long-term license. sales revenue growth Christian Fischer, the Deputy Chairman of the Board of Management of Robert Bosch GmbH who is responsible for the Bosch Group’s strategic growth initiatives, and thus for this planned acquisition, said, "With this acquisition, Bosch will accelerate its growth and nearly double its sales revenue in the HVAC market to roughly 9 billion euros." He adds, "Together with our future colleagues, we want to seize the huge opportunities offered by the market for the further growth of this new unit." global HVAC market growth The company expects the global HVAC market to grow 40 percent by 2030, driven by technological progress, the fight against climate change, and new regulations. "The acquired businesses will become part of the Bosch core business – and this will benefit customers, installation partners, and associates," said Christian Fischer, adding "We have proved several times in the past that we can successfully integrate brands, take them forward through investments, and strengthen them." innovative products and services In the words of George Oliver, CEO of Johnson Controls, "Our leading residential and light commercial business and its world-class team perfectly complement the Bosch portfolio. We are confident that under Bosch’s leadership, the business will continue to excel and deliver innovative products and services to its customers. We look forward to seeing their continued success." air condition business expansion Jun Abe, Executive Officer and Executive Vice President at Hitachi, and Executive Officer and General Manager of the Hitachi Connective Industries division, says, "The new partnership with Bosch to establish a global air-conditioning business is an important step." Jun Abe adds, "The market is dynamic and is flourishing. I firmly believe that a global supplier such as Bosch, with its strong European presence and many years of experience in the heating business, is the optimum partner for further expanding the global air-conditioning business of the longstanding Hitachi brand." alternative energy solutions At the same time, air-conditioning technology is growing in importance both in Europe and worldwide The current transformation in technologies and market conditions in the field of HVAC solutions opens up huge opportunities for supplying innovative and energy-efficient solutions for mitigating global warming and the move to alternative energy. Heating technology is moving away from fossil fuels, such as oil and gas toward heat pumps and heat pump-hybrid solutions. At the same time, air-conditioning technology is growing in importance both in Europe and worldwide. innovative, energy-efficient solutions Frank Meyer, the Bosch Management Board Member responsible for the Energy and Building Technology business sector, and thus also for the Bosch Home Comfort Group and the integration of the new unit, says, "Bosch aims to play an active part in shaping the innovative and growing market for energy and building technology and to occupy a globally leading position." He adds, "With this acquisition, we are improving our position, especially in air conditioning. In addition, we will be able to globally expand our heat pump business and achieve greater economies of scale. With our technology and our products, we can work together to make a bigger contribution to energy efficiency, more comfort, and a better quality of life for many people in light of global warming. That’s ‘Invented for life’ in its truest sense." Home Comfort Bosch intends to integrate the acquired businesses into the Home Comfort Group. The 14,600 associates of the existing Bosch Home Comfort Group generated sales of roughly 5 billion euros in 2023. Home Comfort is excellently positioned in the major segments of the heating market, the heat pump market, and the market for heat pump-hybrid solutions, which comprise a heat pump and a fossil fuel-fired boiler for peak loads. Complementary portfolio Following the transaction, the new unit will have a workforce of more than 26,000 and be able to benefit considerably from economies of scale and a complementary portfolio at the interface between heating and cooling. Jan Brockmann, President of the Bosch Home Comfort Group, says, "With our successful heating technology in Europe, we already have a strong team and a sound foundation. Now is the right time for a bold step toward a global presence. Demand for air-conditioning solutions is growing especially fast." established brands, and a strong team In the U.S., for example, Bosch expects to see more than 50 percent growth by the end of the decade In the U.S., for example, Bosch expects to see more than 50 percent growth by the end of the decade, and in Europe, as well, strong growth of approximately 30 percent is forecast up to 2030. "Together, we will be able to build on strong, well-established brands. We are looking forward to shaping the future of the Bosch Home Comfort Group with our future colleagues and their innovations and ideas," adds Jan Brockmann. HVAC business Bosch plans The HVAC business Bosch plans to acquire from Johnson Controls has an especially strong presence in the United States and Asia. In the United States, its portfolio focuses on ducted solutions in which air passes from a central source through ducts to heat or cool all rooms at the same time. In Asia, it especially sells ductless solutions, where interior units in each room can heat or cool individually, as well as modern air-conditioning systems based on variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems. This technology is used in commercial applications ranging from light commercial premises, such as retail stores to large projects, such as hotels and hospitals. The portfolio in these regions is supplemented by efficient air-water heat pumps, which Johnson Controls offers above all in Europe.

AHR Expo 2024 was abuzz with activity, befitting a dynamic industry in the throes of change.  Industry developments such as electrification and the refrigerant transition render business opportunities on the AHR Expo show floor, where exhibitors display a determination to meet the challenges and thrive in the process. Walking from booth to booth during the three-day show in Chicago, I saw the best the HVAC industry has to offer, up close and personal. Innovation and adaptability are the watchwords as the industry journeys into 2024 and beyond. Refrigerant Transition Top of Mind  Patented R-454B refrigerant enables a simpler transition without redesigning equipment The technology transition is well underway for OEMs seeking to meet a pending AIM Act deadline at the end of the year. OEMs are choosing to embrace either R-32 or R454-B refrigerant to replace legacy R-410A, which is being phased out. Patented R-454B refrigerant enables a simpler transition without redesigning equipment, while R-32 offers advantages such as higher capacity, higher efficiency, and easier cradle-to-cradle management. Arkema Arkema is the only producer of R-32 refrigerant in the United States. The newer refrigerant is being embraced as HVAC OEMs seek to meet the deadline of Jan. 1, 2025, to use lower-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerants in their products. The technology transition is just part of the AIM Act implementation that will also limit allocation and require refrigerant management. Chemours Chemours is a manufacturer of R-454A, R-454B, and R-454C refrigerants. At AHR, they presented hourly education sessions on a variety of subjects. The refrigerant transition will impact everyone in the industry, including refrigerant producers, equipment manufacturers, contractors, and end users. R-454B refrigerant provides identical performance in HVAC systems compared to the previous refrigerant (R-410A). There is less need to redesign equipment; just adding sensors for leak mitigation can address the mild flammability of A2L refrigerants. Because of the 2025 deadline, 2024 will be the “year of new products” in the HVAC market. OEMs pioneering Innovation  Carrier and others are offering smaller footprints, seeking to meet environmental targets Innovation in the HVAC market is led by companies such as Carrier, which has introduced 100 new products each year for the past eight years. Carrier and others are offering smaller footprints, seeking to meet environmental targets, and providing flexibility for customers. New products include the AquaSnap 30RC air-cooled chiller and the AquaEdge 19MV chiller with low GWP refrigerant to meet pending regulatory requirements.  Copeland Copeland, recently divested from Emerson, also emphasizes innovation, including 12 research and development (R&D) facilities, 1,700 engineers, and more than 3,000 patents. At a press conference at AHR Expo, the 100-year-old company announced it is a “new” company owned by Blackstone Private Equity.  Products featured Among the featured products at AHR are Copeland’s oil-free centrifugal compressor with Aero-lift bearing technology; and Copeland’s CC200 case controller, specifically designed to handle the unique challenges of the current retail grocery refrigeration environments. Copeland also pledges to play a role in educating the market about new trends and the transition to new refrigerants.  Emphasizing a Smaller Footprint  Trailblazer AGZ-F is an R-32 air-cooled scroll chiller that delivers 10% greater capacity and efficiency Daikin Daikin highlights the Atmosphera, a single-zone ductless split system (using R-32) that can reduce carbon emissions by 80% (compared to R-410A). Also, Trailblazer AGZ-F is an R-32 air-cooled scroll chiller that delivers 10% greater capacity and efficiency. Products emphasize a smaller footprint and less weight than their predecessors. Rebel Applied is a packaged rooftop unit that continually adjusts operation to address the building load, consuming less energy. Trailblazer HP is an air-to-water heat pump chiller with a reversing function that allows the product to switch between cooling and heating based on temperature requirements.  Friedrich Air Conditioning Friedrich Air Conditioning features the Breeze universally flexible inverter heat pump, a ducted mini-split for upgrading traditional equipment. It works with any furnace or air handler, has side discharge, is 40% smaller, and is cold weather capable to minus 13. Friedrich's new Vert-I-Pak is a line of M1-compliant single package Vertical Heat Pumps (available in 9K, 12K, 18K, and 24K Btu), supporting decarbonization efforts with heat pump operation down to 10°F. High Efficiency for Commercial and Residential Johnson Controls Johnson Controls exhibits their highly efficient residential and commercial HVAC solutions designed for Department of Energy (DOE) 2023 compliance and helping customers achieve Net Zero goals through decarbonization. On display was the York High-Efficiency 18 SEER2 Side-Discharge Heat Pump with up to 30% smaller footprint than vertical-discharge equipment. Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning's Aircore 700 single split system is aimed at light commercial and residential. Midea Their 3-ton model achieved 118% of rated capacity heating output at minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit Midea, known for selling consumer products, has kept a low profile in the professional sector, selling products that are either OEMed for Carrier or private-labeled by a contractor company. Seeking to promote the Midea brand, the Chinese company is staking its claim on the trade market with an emphasis on performance: The company exceeded performance in the Department of Energy’s “ColdClimate Heat Pump Challenge:” Their 3-ton model achieved 118% of rated capacity heating output at minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat pump awareness Results of a survey conducted by Midea show that more than half of homeowners are not fully aware of heat pumps and their function. Awareness lags among contractors, too: 70% of contractors indicate they do not know that the current’s advanced heat pumps can generate 100% heat output to a minimum temperature of minus 4 F. Wide Selection of New Products Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US emphasizes all-electric heat pump solutions. The Deluxe Wall-mounted H2i sumo System connects with an outdoor unit, and the intelli-HEAT dual fuel system can determine the best source of heat – electric or gas – on cold days. Among commercial products, Heat2OHeat Pump Water Heaters are designed to produce high-volume domestic hot water for commercial facilities in any climate. LG Electronics LG Electronics’ booth includes a wide product range, including advanced heating, ventilating, air conditioning LG Electronics’ booth includes a wide product range, including advanced heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and building management solutions for residential and commercial applications. Home electrification products include the LG R32 Air-to-Water Heat Pump Monobloc system; the LG Inverter Heat Pump Water Heater the LG Electronics Home 8 Energy Storage System, and ThinQ, LG’s mobile app. LG Art Cool Gallery multi-zone wall-mount indoor unit The LG Art Cool Gallery multi-zone wall-mount indoor unit features a customizable picture frame that doubles as a cooling and heating vent. Also, LG’s Medium and High-Temperature Hydro Kit Systems use a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger to produce chilled or heated water. LG’s Split Compact M3 DOAS with Multi V S is suited to light commercial use where single-phase power is available and as an HVAC solution for outdoor air treatment. Easier Access for Technicians  Rheem Manufacturing New equipment at the Rheem Manufacturing booth at AHR Expo includes true multi-zone operation, smaller footprints, lighter weights, and components that are positioned for easy access by technicians. An LED in the control cabinet displays a fault code that identifies the problem to service technicians. The Resolute and Renaissance lines are commercially packaged heat pump units. The company is emphasizing the transition from R-410A to R-454B refrigerant by the end of 2024. Aeroseal Whether a new install or a retrofit, the product saves energy, saves money, and keeps customers compliant Aeroseal seals ducts by spraying a vinyl acetate polymer substance to increase HVAC efficiency. Whether a new install or a retrofit, the product saves energy, saves money, and keeps customers compliant, and a 30% tax deduction is available through the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).  Airzone Airzone is a Spanish company that controls inverters and VRFs (variable refrigerant flow units). Their communication gateway controller incorporates protocols from various manufacturers, and the Easyzone is an easy-to-install zoning system.  Infinitum Infinitum manufactures a motor system that leverages a printed circuit board as a stator, making the motor system lighter weight and also smaller, quieter, and more efficient. The Aircore EC uses a standard printed circuit board manufacturing process to eliminate bearings. The component is used in blowers by OEMs Lau, Acme, Canarm, and Peerless, whose products are displayed at the booth.  Bell & Gossett Bell & Gossett debuts its line of smart, connected products designed to improve sustainability Bell & Gossett, a Xylem brand, debuts its line of smart, connected products designed to improve the sustainability of commercial buildings and reduce complexity in the design process. Combining pumps and smart motors are the e-1510 end-suction pump, e-80 vertical in-line pump, and TECHNOFORCE e-HV packaged booster system.  NIBCO Simplifying the job of an HVAC installer is the PressACR copper press connection system from NIBCO, which connects copper pipes without brazing, which involves soldering and high temperatures, thus a fire hazard. The patent-pending groove design and crimp pattern support the higher-pressure requirement of an HVACR system. Pipes are pressed together using PressACR jaws and adapter jaws in a variety of sizes. NIBCO also displayed its Webstone brand of residential and commercial valves.  Control Products Provide Data  Resideo Resideo displayed home system products, including the Honeywell Home T10+ thermostat with RedLINK 3.0; sensors enable temperature balancing for hot and cold spots. Pro-IQ Services provides software tools designed for the connected home, including insights on heating, cooling, water, and indoor air quality devices to help contractors track customers. Professional-grade water damage prevention, the First Alert L2 WiFi Water Sensor and Switch provide alarms if there is a water leak.  Schneider Electric The EcoStruxure Building Operation system is open system software for building and facility management Schneider Electric seeks to be “digital partners for our customers,” working with Fortune 500 companies seeking to achieve ESG (environment, social and corporate governance) goals. They help customers establish where they are currently vis-à-vis their goals and then deploy science-based key performance indicators (KPIs) to direct them to where they want to be. The EcoStruxure Building Operation system is open system software for building and facility management, including two products for the small and medium building (SMB) market. Energy measurement Schneider measures energy usage through power meters, indoor air quality, and energy spent to achieve efficiency, compiling data according to what the customer wants to achieve. They sell through a national sales team, direct branch business (20 branches), and 200 system integrators (EcoXperts). Their customers include QSR (quick-service restaurant chains) that control climate centrally with data compiled in the cloud.  Siemens Siemens displays solutions for smart, adaptable buildings for a sustainable tomorrow, including the Building X system and the Sustainability Manager application, providing an understanding of a building’s performance and tracking it against sustainability and compliance targets. The Building X Lifecycle Twin tracks operational building performance via a “digital twin,” providing an augmented reality (AR) headset through which one can view equipment with information superimposed on the screen. Uponor  Uponor seeks to leverage the capital cost of heating systems to deliver heating and hot water. They make pipes and connectors and other technologies, including the AuqaPort, which improves water quality and energy savings in domestic hot water (DHW) applications. They seek to future-proof buildings by combining energy efficiency and comfort. Water recirculates and provides hot water on demand using 40% less piping. A “radiant roll-out mat” is preconfigured piping that can be rolled out to simplify installation.