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This article has been updated from the initial announcement of winners, posted on October 16, 2023.

The International Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) hosts the annual contest, and winners were selected by a panel of third-party ASHRAE member judges who evaluated each award entry based on overall innovative design, creativity of the product or service offered, product or technology’s real-world application, and overall potential market impact.

The winning companies will be celebrated on-site, through an award ceremony.

“There’s no shortage of innovation in HVACR right now,” said Mark Stevens, show manager. “To be recognized as an award winner is a true honor and an indication that we as an industry are responding to real problems with creative solutions. The Innovation Awards aim to highlight this innovation trajectory and celebrate those that are pushing the bar.

“It’s encouraging to see so many entries and the growth the awards program brings year to year,” continued Stevens. “Manufacturers across the industry are responding with solutions for cost savings, energy savings, and production efficiency and are filling performance gaps in product and technology. Congratulations to our 2024 winners — we look forward to supporting your journey of innovation in Chicago and beyond.”

The winners of the 2024 AHR Expo Innovations Awards are:

Building Automation

Winner: 75F
Innovation: 75F HyperStat Split
AHR Booths: S6374, S6277

75F’s HyperStat Split earned the top honor in the Building Automation category.

“The unit enables contractors to upgrade RTUs with advanced rooftop controls using only the two existing wires from the RTU to the thermostat,” said Bob French, chief evangelist, 75F. “It provides dual enthalpy economizer, demand-control ventilation, and VFD control.”

The device utilizes eight onboard sensors and native cloud connectivity for real-time analytics, providing IAQ management in a straightforward, modern, and user-centric manner.

The unit offers contractors numerous benefits, said French.

“Upgrading RTUs with ARC typically requires pulling additional wires, adding cost and complexity to the job, but the HyperStat Split makes the work easier for contractors and more attainable for the buyer, helping contractors get jobs that may have previously been turned down.”

Finalists: Carrier, i-Vu Express Connected Building Automation Appliance (Booth S7510); Copeland, Copeland CC200 Case Controller (Booth S7110)

Cooling

Winner: Danfoss
Innovation: DSG Compressor
AHR Booth: N2510

Danfoss’s DSG compressor has been specifically designed for low-pressure refrigerants, such as R1234ze, with low global warming potential (GWP). Applications include chiller systems with a wide range of compressor capacities available to support unit design requirements.

Single compressors are available from 20-40 tons of refrigeration, and larger capacities are available in manifolded configurations to offer enhanced system design flexibility. The DSG platform has been designed so that the physical compressor size is virtually the same as with R-410A. To achieve this, the entire compressor has been newly designed internally from the ground up to take advantage of all the available area inside the compressor shell. The DSG also has an optimized intermediate discharge valve inside the compressor to further enhance part-load capacity operation and energy efficiency.

“The DSG enables a smooth transition to low-GWP refrigerants without a major increase in compressor size,” said Nick Mislak, regional segment marketing director for HVAC at Danfoss. “Its optimized design makes it one of the most innovative compressors on the market today, and we are proud to be recognized with this award.”

Finalists: Daikin Applied Americas Inc., WMT (Booth S7549); Innovair, DuoTec (Booth N3060)

Heating

Winner: Ephoca
Innovation: Nextac - The next generation of PTAC
AHR Booth: S9914

Ephoca’s Nextac is designed to optimize PTAC performance. Features include R-32 refrigerant, a twin rotary inverter compressor, heat pump performance to minus 10°F, an integrated energy recovery ventilator (ERV), MERV-13 filtration, zero air leakage, self-cleaning coils, 27 dB(A) operations, a sound transmission class (STC) of 40, and an all-metal cabinet. No drain is required for cooling or heating.

The Nextac is designed to compel manufacturers to enhance their PTAC lineups, making them more efficient, aesthetically pleasing, and better insulated for quieter operation and a better seal.

Finalists: Caleffi Hydronic Solutions, Caleffi XF (Booth S7981); Intellihot Inc., Electron iE1 (Booth S10323)

Indoor Air Quality

Winner: WellStat
Innovation: WellStat
AHR Booth: N3417

WellStat is an IAQ and energy management software platform used by property and facility management teams to deliver healthy air quality conditions, lower operating costs, and increase operating revenue.

“WellStat is engineered for buildings,” said Chris Ziccardi, CEO, WellStat. “With WellStat, enterprise customers have the technology they need to deliver healthy and efficient decisions for their buildings. We provide a unified enterprise hardware, software, and mobile platform experience.”

WellStat uses high-caliber sensors and maintains systemic accuracy through persistent, over-the-air calibration that never requires maintenance.

“With the ability to measure, monitor, manage, and alert on 14-plus IAQ sensors, WellStat is able to narrow down potential problem areas regarding a building’s IAQ in real-time, and report back to approved on-site and off-site personnel, improving operating procedures and efficiency,” said Ziccardi.

Finalists: ECM PCB Stator Technology, Ultra-light, Premium Efficiency 6hp PCB Stator Air Blower Motor (Booth S10334); Sensirion Inc., SEN6x (Booth S6156)

Plumbing

Winner: Rheem Water Heating
Innovation: Triton Light Duty (50- and 75-gallon)
AHR Booth: S7569

Rheem’s Triton Light Duty (50- and 75-gallon) water heater is designed for small businesses.

Boasting built-in, smart monitoring and precise leak detection, the unit is built to prevent downtime, manage water heater issues, and keep businesses running smoothly.

"Rheem is committed to leading the industry with innovative, sustainable, and smart products," said Michael Lloyd, senior manager, global product management, Rheem. "Guided and influenced by plumbers and perfected by Rheem engineering, Triton Light Duty provides value in the commercial marketplace."

Amidst changing regulations, Rheem designs with sustainability in mind. Triton Light Duty (LD) is designed to promote energy efficiency and environmental responsibility and holds the potential to drive transformative changes in the way water heaters are conceptualized and manufactured.

Triton Light Duty’s patented combustion system and helical coil heat exchanger provide exceptional thermal efficiency and durability. The latest Triton offers up to 97% thermal efficiency and eliminates downtime with the ability to detect and prevent water heater problems before they occur thanks to LeakGuard — an all-inclusive leak detection and prevention system capable of limiting water leakage outside the tank.

Finalists: Bonomi North America Inc., LOCPOWER Energy Harvesting Control Valves (Booth N2560); ECM PCB Stator Technology, Ultra-light, Premium Efficiency 3HP PCB Stator Pump Solutions (Booth S10334)

Refrigeration

Winner: AirGreen
Innovation: AirGreen-BMIL Brine-Based DX Cold Room Heat Pump
AHR Booth: S9377

AirGreen’s BMIL brine-based DX refrigerant system essentially creates a low dew point “heat pump” for cold room applications, providing less than 26°F dew point supply air in a single

process step.

“We are honored to receive this year’s award and would like to recognize the contributions of our development partner, BMIL Technologies,” said John Hammond, CEO of AirGreen. “The combination of BMIL Technologies’ leadership in refrigeration and AirGreen’s novel approach to dehumidification make for an innovative new solution.”

This packaged unit is designed to provide up to 50% energy savings while also reducing capital costs. Solid desiccant products can only achieve supply air at 55° with a 40°-45° dew point. Lowering the dry bulb temperature to as low as 33° requires three or more pieces of equipment at considerable capital and energy penalty.

“The AirGreen technology allows us to reliably refrigerate makeup air to temperatures at or below freezing without a defrost cycle,” said Tom Backman, president, BMIL Technologies.

Finalists: Honeywell, Honeywell Solstice N71 (R-471A) (Booth N2137); Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US, Mitsubishi Electric Variable-Speed Scroll Compressors (Booth S7177)

Software

Winner: Interplay Learning
Innovation: SAM (Skill Advisor and Mentor)
AHR Booth: S10537

Interplay Learning’s SAM (Skill Advisor and Mentor) is an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered advisor for the skilled trades. SAM provides teams with instant and personalized guidance, so they can gain skills faster and more efficiently.

“SAM takes a distinctive approach to skilled trades mentorship, going beyond providing quick answers that undermine learning,” said Ariana Dugan, vice president of product, Interplay Learning. “Instead, SAM uses the Socratic method of learning by asking questions and providing additional context to help learners comprehend the content while also sharpening their critical thinking. It’s like having a friendly conversation, where we guide them towards ‘aha’ moments and help them develop problem-solving skills like a pro.”

Technicians can ask SAM questions and get immediate assistance while they’re learning, helping enhance comprehension and sharpen critical thinking.

“SAM is the first of its kind,” said Dugan. “It meets technicians where they are, providing assistance to suit their specific needs. It’s like an approachable study buddy who understands them perfectly and helps them learn faster.”

Finalists: Conduit Tech, Conduit Tech Software (Booth S10064); IES Ltd., IESVE Software (Booth N3452)

Sustainable Solutions

Winner: Midea Residential Air Conditioning
Innovation: Midea PWHP
AHR Booth: S10371

Midea Residential Air Conditioning’s Packaged Window Heat Pump (PWHP) is a window-mounted, cold climate, air-source heat pump designed for DIY installation and high-performing, energy-efficient heating and cooling.

"Midea is honored to receive the prestigious AHR Expo Innovation Award, underscoring our innovative approach and commitment to promoting sustainable energy solutions for multifamily buildings," said Kurt Jovais, president, Midea America. "This award marks a key milestone, emphasizing the crucial role of innovative, cost-effective solutions in advancing global sustainability."

Developed to support multifamily buildings’ transition towards electrification, the Midea PWHP provides a comfort solution for buildings looking to quickly meet future sustainability requirements. Midea’s PWHP offers 9,000 Btuh heating and cooling with a CEER of 16.0, a 2.35 COP @ 17F, up to 21.8 SEER2, and 11.6 HSPF2.

The Midea PWHP operates on a 120V/15A circuit mounting to hung-type windows, allowing for DIY installation. A saddle design with a telescoping center section that adjusts to various wall depths, the Midea PWHP utilizes a hinged outdoor section that rotates during installation, a breakthrough innovation enabling installation into windows with lower opening heights.

Finalists: Blue Frontier, Blue Frontier, Liquid Desiccant DOAS (Booth N1440); Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US, Mitsubishi Electric, Hybrid VRF (Booth S7177)

Tools & Instruments

Winner: INFICON
Innovation: FLUE-Mate Combustion Analyzer
AHR Booth: N2934

Inficon’s Flue-Mate Combustion Analyzer is designed to improve combustion efficiency and safety. This tool is equipped with an integrated manometer, thermometer, CO test, cracked heat exchanger test, and it can provide draft analysis. Flue-Mate can even generate a QR code that can be scanned with a smart device for a quick analysis report.

Flue-Mate provides a host of features for user convenience and safety, like the easily visible water trap and filter, easy operation, cracked heat exchanger test, automatic pump shut-off, and ambient CO monitoring. The Flue-Mate mobile app is designed to be user-friendly, displaying efficiency, O₂, CO₂, CO, and flue gas temperature readings all on one screen.

Flue-Mate's water trap and filter assembly is designed to always be upright and easy to see, so users always know when to change the filter or empty the trap. The automatic pump shut-off feature stops flow when a high level of CO is detected, saving the CO sensor from being poisoned and saving customers an expensive repair bill.

Finalists: MSA Safety, Legend Series HFC (Booth S6536); Snapdrill AS, Snapdrill (Booth N3165)

Ventilation

Winner: HVAC Manufacturing and Technology Inc.
Innovation: SAV — Smart Air Valve
AHR Booth: S9220

HVAC Manufacturing and Technology Inc.’s SAV - Smart Air Valve is a self-commissioning air control solution. Featuring a 100:1 turndown and precision airflow accuracy to within a few cfm, it operates as low .03-inch water gauge (wg). The unit matches the ventilation rate to the risk of hazard, featuring advanced demand control ventilation and low energy use intensity (EUI) with a single unit size.

The SAV adds value and mitigates risk by creating a simplified and economical value chain, leading to a paradigm shift by obsoleting fixed orifice plate technology. The Variable Orifice Plate Technology solves a complex fluid dynamic problem of measuring a fluid accurately over a wide dynamic range, obsoleting current fixed orifice single venae contracta fluid measurement/fluid control air terminals. It offers a variable dimensional aspect ratio footprint, helping to solve current issues for end users, architects/engineers, contractors, and TAB entities. This innovation allows controls companies/system integrators to supply and warranty the zone-level devices as part of their scope of work, optimize their software/network architecture with self-balancing flexibility, eliminate garbage-in-garbage-out (GIGO) data, and mitigate risk for the life cycle of the building.

For more information about the 2024 AHR Expo or the Innovation Awards, please visit ahrexpo.com.