With state-of-the-art training facilities in place in Texas and California, Samsung HVAC recognized that the eastern part of the U.S. and Canada could use more of a training presence. Population density on the East Coast also translates to real estate challenges. So last year, the manufacturer decided on a better strategy: going mobile.
The Mobile Training Center took a break from touring to welcome visitors at the sizable Samsung HVAC booth at this year’s Expo. The vehicle has hosted training for about 1,500 people since last June, the company said, often 10 to 12 at a time.
In addition to a rolling product display, the center has hosted instruction ranging from basic HVAC courses to advanced installation tips. It has also proven useful for events like design-build seminars and sales events.
ON THE INSIDE
Once up the steps and into the mobile training center, visitors spot a few pieces of equipment in place. One piece is the round 360 Cassette.
Samsung designed the unit with three booster fans, which can be set at the same angle or independently at different angles within a 10- to 60-degree range. Users also have the option of employing fewer than three of the fans if they wish.
These elements join bladeless technology to deliver even, horizontal airflow while minimizing occupants’ sense of direct airflow. Customers can choose between the open-type (circular) model and a more typical square ceiling-type version, either in white or black. Regarding service, techs can access all of the wiring and components from below.
The training center displayed another improvement in the form of a revised VRF box that saves six braze points compared to previous models and cuts down on installation time and labor accordingly.
WINDFREE 2.0
WindFree 2.0 represents a separate example of the company’s attention to any unwanted sense of direct airflow. This advanced cooling technology, which is expected to be available in early March, will find roles in Samsung’s residential, light commercial, and commercial solutions.
Wind-Free™ models can be configured for two-step operation, cooling the space with the louver open until the room temperature comes close to the desired set point. Wind-Free operation will then start automatically closing the louver and using the face of the fascia panel to gently cool the space with still air (as defined by ASHRAE 55-2013) without blowing air directly onto occupants. The Wind-Free feature is optional and can be enabled using central or local control options.
Wind-Free residential heat pumps are built to provide end users with the ideal condition by maintaining the desired room temperature using Wind-Free cooling to gently disperse cold air through 21,000 micro air holes.
This approach can also reduce energy consumption by up to 72 percent compared to Fast Cooling Mode, according to the company.
Wind-Free residential models are Wi-Fi enabled, allowing control and monitoring from anywhere through Samsung’s SmartThings application. Users can remotely regulate temperature, adjust settings, receive real time updates about performance and daily energy usage, as well as troubleshoot solutions when a repair is needed.
On the nonresidential side, Wind-Free 1-Way Cassette models boast a wider supply air outlet opening and angle to increase air-throw across the space while in standard operating mode. Blade angles can vary from 30 to 80 degrees to better serve any part of a room.
Wind-Free 4-Way and Mini 4-Way Cassette models feature motion detection sensors to allow monitoring of occupancy to adjust unit operation according to its configuration.
As with the 360 Cassette, these models feature independent louver control. The four louver blades can be individually set to operate at a single angle or at their own to within a 32- to 65-degree range to suit a given space configuration.
The 4-Way Cassette features a removable EEPROM chip on its main circuit board. That chip holds unit option settings, basic unit info, and other field-programmed data. Techs can use the info whether performing startup and commissioning, product registration, or later service.
Select Wind-Free™ Cassette models have the ability to provide 100 percent heating performance at F (minus 15°C), with high heating output at minus 13°F (minus 25°C).
THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT
“We know time is money for contractors,” said Russell Tavolacci, senior vice president and COO of Samsung HVAC America. One way the manufacturer is showing it is through its Samsung HVAC Mobile app specifically for contractors.
“On this app, they can register products, manage their installations, and process warranty, all from the palm of their hand. In addition, they can look up service history, product information, and tech manuals and videos,” Tavolacci explained.
The convenience of wireless management crossed over into Tavolacci’s response about any under-the-radar item contractors should know about.
“All Samsung heating and cooling products come with built in Wi-Fi and can be controlled through our SmartThings app,” he said. “This is another way Samsung is leveraging technology to make life easier.”
Team members at the booth added to that, noting the expanded IoT capabilities that Samsung now offers across its entire array of household devices. While the company works in multiple other sectors beyond HVAC, it views all of these as opportunities to begin and grow customer relationships that can naturally lead to a connection on the HVAC side as well.
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