Automation & Controls - News
The new OmniTherm series of near condensing boilers and volume water heaters includes industry-leading electronic air-to-fuel ratio control, long-life stainless steel heat exchangers, and the LAARS Linc® icon-driven control system. OmniTherm units can easily be installed in Category I, II, III, or IV vent systems for new or replacement applications. Features LAARS Linc's intuitive control system with color touchscreen has an easy to navigate control structure that displays key performanc...
The Met Office has officially declared January the coldest on record since 2010 as average temperatures failed to rise above 2.2oC. For those who battled against the elements this news may come as no surprise, but the freezing weather conditions can be ripe for plumbing disasters? When the temperatures drop below freezing, the water within exposed or uninsulated pipework can freeze. In plumbing systems this can limit water supplies to taps, showers and toilet cisterns. In heating systems this c...
COVID-19 has caused an economic climate that is ripe for rogue trainers and fast-track courses. For those who have been made redundant or those whose priorities have changed post-pandemic, seeking to re-train in a new sector is an attractive prospect. Demand for training On paper, it seems that learning a trade is a good option. Construction can offer a skill for life, is a key industry, with the potential to be one’s own boss and gain more control of the work/life balance. Profes...
Laars Heating Systems Co. (Laars) is pleased to announce that their NeoTherm boiler and volume water heater models 80-500 are now certified to be common vented (up to 8 units) with each other, using Centrotherm InnoFlue polypropylene piping products. Common vent systems These common vent systems require Centrotherm InnoFlue components, as well as non-return valve kits that are now available from Laars. Each Laars kit contains one appliance adapter, one connector ring, one non-return valve, and...
Global water technology company A. O. Smith Corporation announced the nomination of Victoria M. Holt and Michael M. Larsen to the board of directors. Victoria M. Holt recently retired as president and chief executive officer of publicly-traded Proto Labs, Inc., after leading the company since 2014. Headquartered in Maple Plain, Proto Labs engages in the digital manufacture of custom prototypes and production parts, and offers 3D printing, CNC machining and injection molding services. Ms. Holt p...
Plumbing, heating and green energy company, Heatforce (Heatforce Wales Ltd) has joined the Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO), demonstrating their continuous dedication to promoting fair trade and protecting consumer’s rights. Ombudsman scheme The independent, not-for profit, and government approved Ombudsman scheme has offered a range of services to its members and their customers for more than a quarter of a century, including independent alternative dispute resolution,...
Ofgem has appointed EDF to take on supplying Green Network Energy’s approximately 360,000 domestic customers and a small number of non-domestic customers. It has appointed British Gas Evolve, a trading name of British Gas Trading Ltd, to take on supplying Simplicity Energy's approximately 50,000 domestic customers. This follows a competitive process run by Ofgem to get the best deal possible for customers. competitive tariff EDF and British Gas Evolve are offeri...
Every day’s a school day, right? So, if one is sitting comfortably, Intergas would like to explain about Intergas Flexi Flue. Their 10-meter flue kit will line a traditional brick chimney (Class 1) all the way to the top of the chimney pot, leaving the exterior of the property unaffected. This is the answer to every installer’s prayers if they’ve been in the position of wanting to install a gas central heating system in a listed building but couldn’t find a way to flue t...
Limescale build-up can defeat the best heating designs and installations if preventative action isn’t taken. John Lawton, Technical Product Manager at Intergas, believes the HydroFLOW HS38, an electronic water conditioner, should be a vital constituent of every central heating system, to ensure the long-term, efficient operation of domestic central heating systems. HydroFLOW HS38 Features It’s simple to install under the boiler (on the cold inlet pipework) It’s power...
Johnson Controls, the front-runner for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, announced new Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments, science-based targets as well as a net zero carbon pledge to support a healthy, more sustainable planet over the next two decades. The company’s and customers’ emissions reduction will be driven by Johnson Controls’ OpenBlue technologies and innovations which leverage big data and artificial intelligence to optimize buildings s...
Danfoss has announced its partnership with Hydronic Technology, Inc., which will provide the states of Louisiana and Mississippi with knowledgeable sales and service of Danfoss’ portfolio of hydronic comfort controls. Founded in 1951, Hydronic Technology is a supplier of water-side HVAC and domestic water equipment. It has three locations: New Orleans, Louisiana; Shreveport, Louisiana; and Jackson, Mississippi. Hydronic comfort controls “Hydronic Technology has great expertise in...
Ajax Systems is delighted to announce that Karl Robb joined Ajax’s Board, as an Independent Board Member. Karl’s 9 years of public board service, as well as his NYSE IPO experience, will assist Ajax Systems to greatly enhance corporate governance and compliance on the way towards its IPO. Additionally, Karl’s senior executive credentials within the global technology sector, will provide a strong sounding board and offer guidance for Ajax’s leadership team, as Ajax contin...
Facilio, an AI-driven property operations platform, and Italy-based Evogy, a digital energy service provider specializing in the Energy-as-a-Service model, announced a strategic partnership to deliver IoT-led solutions and services to drive sustainability and improve operational efficiency for real estate portfolios. Commenting on the partnership, Stefano Zanin of Evogy, CTO, and Co-Founder, stressed the need for a proactive response to climate change and adherence to sustainability, in real es...
When temperatures dip below freezing in Indianapolis and across the Central Indiana area, homeowners rely on their furnace or heating system to keep them warm and comfortable. But like all appliances, furnaces tend to break down over time, typically during the worst possible time such as the middle of the night when it’s frigid outside. Furnaces are important to homes during the winter months. One needs the furnace to work just as well at the end of the season as it does the first time wh...
Are users finding that certain rooms in the home are colder in the winter or hotter in the summer than the rest of the home? Are users wondering how to reduce the home energy bill? Now that the family is spending more time at home, are users looking for ways to improve the comfort of the home? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, investing in the energy efficiency of the home would be an excellent investment. These types of investments can provide extensive cost savings every year fo...
Aggreko, the pioneer in the temporary energy market, announces its ambition to be net zero by 2050 or sooner, aligning with the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5° Celsius. Aggreko also commits to offering cleaner technologies and fuels to support its customers through their energy transition - using flexible and competitive energy solutions to meet their environmental sustainability targets. 2030 and 2050 goals By 2030, Aggreko will: Reduce the amount of fossil diese...
Panasonic Corporation has developed VIXELL, a vacuum-insulated box that can store items in -70ºC environment for up to 18 days, using refrigerants such as dry ice. The transport of vaccines and other medical supplies requires strict temperature control. Up until now, conventional insulated boxes have been manufactured by joining vacuum-insulated panels (VIPs) together, but a drawback of this structure has been that cool air leaks through the gaps where the panels join. Panasonic has long b...
Ofgem has recommended the creation of an independent body to help lead the United Kingdom's (UK) path to net zero at the lowest cost to consumers. The body would be fully separated from the National Grid and run the electricity system, helping to charge millions of electric vehicles and enabling a huge increase in renewable power while maintaining secure energy supplies. Managing energy system The UK government committed to consult on reviewing the management of the energy system Last month,...
Daikin, one of the pioneers in climate control systems, is pleased to announce its appointment of SK Sales as a new mass distribution channel (MDC) partner in the UK, with the wholesaler now an official stockist of Daikin’s solutions for the air-conditioning sector. At a time when air quality and ventilation are at the forefront of building design, the new partnership is an excellent result for the HVAC industry, providing installers and building service engineers with extended acce...
Stand outdoors on one of those days when the weather feels perfect, take a few deep breaths, and enjoy the fresh air. Later, take another deep breath—only inside California home. How does it compare? Improving the indoor air quality (IAQ) at Los Angeles home or business makes sense on so many levels. Consider health, comfort, and household budget. It’s hard to imagine a more important investment than improving the air users breathe! At Tassio Temp Control, they specialize in heating...
Aggreko, the provider of mobile and modular power solutions, has renewed its partnership with women’s golf champion, Mel Reid. Six-time winner of the Ladies European Tour and vice-captain of the winning European team at the 2019 Solheim Cup, Mel Reid has been an Aggreko ambassador for two years. She is also a champion for the LGBTQ+ community and gender equality in sports. After a successful 2020, which included winning the ShopRite LPGA Classic (her first LPGA title), Reid will be...
DENSO, a pioneering mobility supplier, announced a partnership with U.S. LiDAR and perception systems company, Aeva, to develop next-generation sensing and perception systems. Together, the companies will advance Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) LiDAR, a groundbreaking solution that measures velocity, in addition to depth and reflectivity, and bring it to the mass vehicle market. Advanced driver-assistance systems At present, most LiDAR systems use the Time of Flight (TOF) method to...
Among companies in Japan, Panasonic is well-known for its long-term commitment to environmental sustainability. This commitment is underlined by Panasonic Corporation’s Founder, Konosuke Matsushita's belief that ‘a company is a public entity of society’. It would be nonsensical for industrial activities to wreak havoc on the environment and as a result, detract from people's happiness. The founder's philosophy continues to live on. Panasonic Environment Vision 2050 In June 2...
Johnson Controls, the globally renowned company for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, has announced results of independent surveys of 800+ building decision makers showing a clear shift to increased investment in healthy building trends and technologies. “At the center of a vision for a healthy world must be healthy buildings, and that means delivering on the most critical elements to serve People, Places and Planet,” said George Oliver, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of John...
In Germany, up to three children die every week due to domestic violence. This circumstance has been further exacerbated by the Corona pandemic. The Viessmann Foundation is supporting a nationwide study by the PETRA research group on the welfare of foster children with a total of 50,000 euros. Their goal: to significantly reduce the time it takes for a child who has been proven to be affected by domestic violence or abuse to be removed from his or her family. This is because the official p...
The Danfoss Group has announced the full acquisition of Artemis Intelligent Power Ltd (AIP), an R&D and engineering company based in Edinburgh, Scotland specializing in hydraulic system development. The acquisition is a crucial component of Danfoss’ plans to roll out its innovative Digital Displacement® technology worldwide. Danfoss previously announced the acquisition of the majority shares of AIP in October 2018, at that time creating a joint venture with Mitsubishi Heavy Indust...
Aggreko, the Glasgow-headquartered global provider of mobile, modular power, temperature control, and energy services, has announced an upgrade of its production facility in Dumbarton, with an investment totaling £4.5million. Net Zero As part of Aggreko’s Net Zero strategy, the site will turn into a future energy hub, replacing all diesel with low-emission HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) as well as exporting surplus power generated during production tests of Next Generation Gas ge...
The DLX-N™ high output NEMA-4 ultraviolet fixture from UV Resources efficiently and affordably inactivates pathogens including the SARS-CoV-2 virus on surfaces and in airstreams. The dual, high-output UV-C fixture delivers the necessary germicidal dose to inactivate pathogens in virtually any airstream and its NEMA-4 outdoor rating makes installation possible on any exterior return, supply, or exhaust duct. The antimicrobial fixture can inactivate disease-causing agents, including the vir...
At Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2021, Panasonic Corporation announced the future opening of AkeruE, a new center dedicated to providing creative learning experiences for children. AkeruE is an expansion of RiSuPia, the science museum for the next generation of leaders, located in the Panasonic Center Tokyo (3-5-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo), a Corporate Global Communications Hub for Panasonic and is set to open April 3, 2021 RiSuPia museum In 2006, Panasonic opened RiSuPia, a hands-on museum, w...
The Clifford H. ‘Ted’ Rees, Jr. Scholarship Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), announces scholarship awards totaling $83,000 to 44 students, including five military veterans, studying to become technicians in the HVACR and water heating industry. "Each year, the Foundation provides aid to these aspiring technicians, helping to promote careers in the...
