CHICAGO - The rooftop units and accessories at the 2009 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) were as diverse as the structures on which they are installed. Emphasizing increased efficiency, easy installation, aesthetics, and simplified maintenance access, these rooftop products proved that this category is more than large metal boxes. New components, add-ons, and designer covers all contributed to the rooftop offering on the show floor.

Johnson Controls Inc.(www.johnsoncontrols.com) expanded its line of Commercial Comfort Systems to include variable air volume (VAV) boxes. According to the company, the Series 10, 20, 40, and 100 single packaged units are by-products of the union between York and Johnson Controls. The Series 10 offers efficiency ratings up to 11.5 EER/80 percent SSE and the system offers a cooling capacity of 6 ½ to 12 ½ tons using R-410A refrigerant. Factory-packaged controls include self-tuning algorithms. The system manager has an integrated, browser-based interface for remote monitoring, accessible by its own color touch screen display. A single cabinet size and common footprint assist in installing the Series 10 on a curb, slab, or structural steel. A rigid, full perimeter base rail allows three-way forklift access, and overhead rigging helps simplify the installation process. Each unit comes completely wired, piped, charged, and tested.

Series 10 features two compressors, independent refrigeration circuits, and microchannel all-aluminum condensers. It is available in cooling only, cooling with electric heat, and cooling with gas heat configurations.

Ostberg Americas Inc.(www.ostbergamericas.net) offered a new line of roof fans to the industry. The TKK fans are a range of vertical discharge roof extractors that are mounted on roof curbs. The units feature an external rotor motor and backward-curved impellers. Manufactured from polyester coated galvanized sheet metal, they are corrosion resistant. A silencer can be fitted on the outside on all sizes from the TKK 560 and upward. Speed controllable motors have sealed-for-life ball bearings. The line also features a swing out design to assist in cleaning and maintenance.

Spinnaker Industries Inc.(www.spinnakerindustries.com) showcased its rooftop screening system as an answer to local zoning ordinances. The system hides the rooftop equipment, while maintaining easy access for service and repairs. According to the company, the covers are easily installed requiring no complicated assembly or rooftop penetration, “guaranteeing an attractive custom appearance at less than custom cost.” Suited primarily for commercial or industrial applications, the standard colors offered are white, dark brown, cream, bone white, or gray. Optional custom color matching is available.

Publication Date:02/16/2009