The 2018 AHR Expo — touted as the world’s largest HVACR exposition — will return to Chicago’s McCormick Place Jan. 22-24.

According to the International Exposition Co., which organizes the event, more than 2,000 exhibitors will set up booths, and 86 percent will exhibit new or upgraded products since last year’s show in Las Vegas. Approximately 65,000 people are expected to attend the event.

Here are a few of the new products visitors can expect to see while in Chicago.

BLUE DIAMOND

Booth: 1051

The MicroBlue™ condensate pump is the newest and smallest pump in the BlueDiamond range. With a maximum flow of 1.3 gallons per hour, head of 16 feet, and lift of 6 feet, the MicroBlue performs very well for its size.

The MicroBlue is quiet, operating at 17 dBA, and can be mounted in any orientation whilst operating both wet and dry continuously, which eliminates the risk of burn outs, therefore, reducing the risk of premature failures.

Ideal for condensate water removal in split air conditioning systems, the MicroBlue is a dual voltage pump that uses proven thermistor level sensing technology. This can be seen in the reservoir to remove the risk of stuck or sunken float switches. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/MicroBlue.

BOSCH THERMOTECHNOLOGY

Booth: 4962

Bosch Thermotechnology Corp. will exhibit the Buderus SSB Industrial Boiler. These boilers are available in 798- and 1,024-MBtuh stand-alone units or 1,024-MBtuh cascading units. The units are designed to meet demands up to 4,096 MBtuh.

Engineered with contractors in mind, the Buderus SSB Industrial Boiler models’ single-platform design allows for easy installation and startup. In addition, the unit features flanged supply and return connections on both sides of the units as well as a compact footprint, giving contractors install location flexibility. For more information, visit www.boschheatingandcooling.com.

C&D VALVE

Booth: 4658

C&D Valve will exhibit its new TekEdge product line. The TekEdge product line expands the company’s solutions, which includes the TES-1 Refrigerant Charging Scale, the TEL-1 Refrigerant Gas Leak Detector, the TEP-5D Vacuum Pump, and TEP-G/Q Vacuum Pump Oil.

“C&D Valve has long been known as a premier manufacturer of access fittings and related tools in the HVAC industry,” said Lance Gill, president, C&D Valve. “Now, as we celebrate our 50-year anniversary, we are excited to present the TekEdge brand of products and continue to be the supplier of choice for the next 50 years.”

The TES-1 Refrigerant Charging Scale features a compact, touch-key design with a 110-pound capacity and charging and recovery capabilities.

The TEL-1 Refrigerant Gas Leak Detector features a long-life, heated sensor technology with three adjustable sensitivity levels for detection of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), hydrofluoroolefin (HFO), and hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerants and blends. For more information, visit http://www.cdvalve.com.

COVERTECH

Booth: 7054

The rFOIL BIG-8 Duct Insulation is constructed using a bubble core and sandwiched between two highly reflective metalized foil facings.

“Because the rFOIL BIG-8 is made of non-fibrous insulation, there is no itching or exposure to glass fibers, and no protective equipment or clothing is required,” said John Starr, vice president and partner, Covertech.

The rFOIL BIG-8 is specially designed to reduce radiant heat gain/loss and help control condensation by providing an airtight thermal break around the ductwork. The rFOIL BIG-8 Duct Insulation has been evaluated and approved under the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) by ICC Evaluation Services (ICC-ES) evaluation report No. 1236. For more information, visit www.rfoil.com.

DANFOSS

Booth: 2510

Danfoss’s Turbocor® TTH/TGH high-lift compressors received the 2018 AHR Expo Innovation Award in the green building category.

Featuring oil-free, variable speed, magnetic-bearing operation, the TTH/TGH high-lift compressors offer outstanding full- and part-load efficiency, low vibration and sound, a small footprint, and reduced maintenance while providing an expanded operating map suitable for high-lift applications, like air-cooled chillers and heat recovery.

“The new Danfoss Turbocor TTH and TGH compressors give chiller manufacturers a new high-efficiency, oil-free compressor option for use in air-cooled chiller, heat recovery, and water-to-water heat pump applications,” said Ricardo Schneider, president and CEO, Danfoss Turbocor Compressors. “Up until now, positive displacement compressors have been the commonly used compressors in these applications. But now, for the first time, chiller manufacturers have an oil-free option that can significantly boost full- and part-load efficiency by 25 percent and lower sound by as much as 8 dBA in an oil-free platform with no performance degradation over the life of the product.”

Danfoss Turbocor high-lift compressors are available in two versions — a nominal 325-kW (90 ton) model using R-134a or R-513A (TTH325) and a nominal 250-kW (70 ton) model using low-GWP HFO-1234ze (TGH250).  For more information, visit www.danfoss.com.

DELTA

Booth: 3923

Delta’s BreezSignature 110 CFM fan with Bluetooth® Stereo Speaker enables users to enjoy their favorite music or hear real-time news, weather, traffiic, or sports while the energy-efficient fan quietly ventilates the bathroom. It easily pairs with most Bluetooth wireless devices, and its low-noise, ceiling-mount, ventilating fan with Bluetooth speaker is rated for continuous running. The fan has been awarded Energy Star-certification; is Home Ventilating Institute (HVI)-, UL-, and cUL-certified; and can be used to comply with ASHRAE 62.2 (local and whole building intermittent operation). For more information, visit www.deltabreez.com.

JOHNSON CONTROLS

Booth: 5349

Johnson Controls Inc. will showcase an expanded heating and cooling product portfolio at the AHR Expo, including the York® Affinity™ Variable Capacity Residential Systems, a 2018 AHR Innovation Award finalist.

The new York Affinity Variable Capacity Residential Systems feature inverter-driven variable capacity technology, which dynamically adjusts capacity and airflow. Air circulates more precisely and quietly, which maximizes comfort while reducing energy consumption. The systems are Energy Star Most Efficient-qualified and feature up to 20-SEER YXV air conditioners and YZV heat pumps designed to reduce energy costs.

The units also include Charge Assurance™ charge monitoring, which provides a direct readout of the high and low system pressures and the suction and liquid line temperatures while also calculating system superheat and system subcooling.

“By expanding our overall portfolio of HVACR, controls, automation, fire protection, and security products, we can now offer customers a broader range of connected buildings solutions,” said Bill Jackson, president of global products, building technologies & solutions for Johnson Controls. “As building technology converges, we’re in position to solve greater facility challenges and empower distributors, dealers, and contractors to grow their businesses.” 

Also on display will be the Metasys® Building Automation System, Verasys™ Plug-and-Play Controls System, and more. For more information, visit www.york.com/next.

LG

Booth: 7591

LG Electronics USA Inc.’s Component Solutions division will reveal three new compressors at the 2018 AHR Expo.

“Through a combination of rigorous research and extensive testing, LG has built compressors to exceed the most stringent testing standards for decades, creating unmatched value for contractors and business owners,” said DJ Kang, senior vice president, LG Electronics USA Component Solutions. “By listening to industry experts, our engineers have developed innovative design enhancements created to improve performance, efficiency, and reliability in a wide range of applications.”

New for 2018 are LG’s scroll compressor for commercial refrigeration along with a two-stage compressor and rotary compressor for residential HVAC systems.

LG’s two-stage modulating scroll compressor is the first the manufacturer has produced for unitary residential HVAC applications. The compressor’s design features a weather-resistant solenoid that makes service easy and an AC connector that simplifies electrical troubleshooting.

LG will also release a scroll compressor for commercial refrigeration and a rotary compressor for split- and packaged-system unitary residential HVAC applications. For more information, visit http://www.lg.com/global/business.

PERFECT AIRE

Booth: 3367

Perfect Aire recently launched its HyperTek Mini Splits as part of the company’s continuing effort to bring comfort to its customers.

The system is comprised of an indoor unit that either hangs on the wall or is mounted low, and an outdoor unit that is aesthetically similar to a traditional heat pump or air conditioner. Some models will achieve an efficiency rating of 26 SEER and provide heating when the temperature falls below 0°F outside.

“We continue to bring new developments to the marketplace in air comfort,” said Lou Rasmussen, CEO, Perfect Aire. “Our Hyper Tex mini-split line defeats the old problem of heat pumps not producing sufficient heat at very low outside temperatures. The new Perfect Aire Hyper Tec mini-split line brings warm, comfortable heat when outside temperatures are below zero.”

Low-temperature heating has been extended to minus 13° with up to 90 percent capacity and maximum operational heating down to minus 22°. For more information, visit http://www.perfectaire.us.

SOUTHWIRE

Booth: 5486

Southwire has enhanced its EZ-In™ Mini-Split cable offering with connectors and tools created to make installations faster and easier.

“The best connectors and tools for EZ-In Mini-Split cables are those designed to work with mini-split solutions in mind,” said Chuck Eddy, vice president of HVAC sales. “Our connectors fit perfectly with both our mini-split cables and offer easy installation with many different types of equipment. The rotary cutter, scorer, and wire stripper quickly remove the PVC [polyvinyl chloride] insulation, armor, and wire insulation, making connections even easier.”

Using appropriate tools for mini-split installations also reduces the chance of damage to internal wires that could lead to improper functioning and wiring safety concerns.

The connectors are liquid-tight and steel- and zinc-plated. Tools include a rotary cutter that easily handles all common armored (MC and BX) cables; a compact jacket cutter/conduit scorer with a reamer blade; and heavy-duty, stainless steel wire strippers.

The EZ-In Mini-Split cable is constructed from stranded bare copper THHN/THWN conductors with PVC insulation and a nylon jacket cabled together with an aluminum interlocking armor applied over the assembly. It is moisture-resistant, sunlight-resistant, and flame-retardant thanks to an over-armor PVC jacket.

Mini-split heating and cooling systems allow for individual room heating and cooling, said Eddy. They are relatively uncomplicated to install and do not require ductwork. The systems are used in whole-house and new construction but also are an option for houses that have non-ducted heated systems and for room additions where extending or installing ductwork isn’t feasible.
For more information, visit www.southwire.com.