Johnson Controls Frick FPHE-R
Johnson Controls introduced its new Frick freezer penthouse evaporator-retrofit (FPHE-R) model that includes updates designed to improve ease of installation and service for contractors while maintaining product efficiency.
“Our line of freezer evaporator units has been proven in the field for the past four decades, and we’ve heard our contractors’ input and advanced this product line to meet today’s industrial refrigeration challenges,” said Chris Paraskevakos, vice president of product management at Johnson Controls. “These new updates to the unit’s reliability and serviceability help provide a cost-effective solution for building owners. The product line will further expand in the next year.”
The new FPHE-R unit weighs less than its predecessor thanks to a lowered height, making it more cost-effective to purchase while allowing for easier shipment. A rerouting of the low-voltage junction box brings electrical access to the exterior of the unit, eliminating the need for electrical penetrations by the contractor. Larger service doors provide easier access for maintenance and service.
Additionally, a new exterior finish improves the aesthetics of these rooftop units and reduces adhesion of dust and dirt. An added single-layer rubber roof membrane creates a weatherproof seal between outside environmental conditions and roof seams, helping to prevent air and water infiltration that could cause ice build-up and other issues in the unit.
By maintaining the same footprint and duct openings as the Frick RTF, the FPHE-R can be installed as a drop-in replacement for previous RTF units without the need for new roof openings or curbs, making these ideal for retrofit applications.
The FPHE-R model is designed to sit on roof curbs open to cold rooms below. Building owners can choose from a variety of convenient options that come with this freezer evaporator, including factory-mounted and wired fan motor starters, removable cooling coil access panel in the enclosure, and more configurations. End users can log on to the Frick Coolware platform to select the appropriate industrial refrigeration product for their application, including food and beverage, and cold storage facilities.
Danfoss Thermostatic Radiator Valve Operators
Danfoss Climate Solutions introduced a new product line of thermostatic radiator valve operators to meet the demands for greater energy efficiency and customer needs. The new line replaces the RA2000 series of valve mounted thermostatic operators. The new product includes Danfoss’ gas-filled thermostats, including features from previous thermostat ranges paired with new functionality.
Edwin Hipolito, product manager for hydronic controls at Danfoss Climate Solutions, said customer feedback played a vital role in developing these new products.
“Our contractors tell us that they need thermostats that are more intuitive and that give customers audible feedback when they are adjusting the temperature,” Hipolito said. “We have kept critical features such as our click-connection, appreciated by contractors everywhere for giving them an easy solution when installing thermostats.”
For example, the regulation precision of a thermostatic radiator valve is determined by its control accuracy (CA) classification. The lower the CA value, the more precise the thermostat maintains the desired room temperature, avoiding overheating and achieving better comfort. Danfoss’ new thermostat range achieves a CA of 0.2K, the highest ranking possible.
The new Danfoss Aveo thermostatic radiator valve operators feature gas bellow technology. Research shows that gas thermostats regulate more accurately based on the desired set temperature than liquid thermostats, thereby lowering the amount of energy consumed. This results in up to 2% additional energy savings.
An anti-theft plug-in accessory offers additional protection for the Aveo thermostatic operator. This small plug-in makes it harder to remove the thermostat, which can only be done by using a special tool. The Aveo thermostatic radiator valve operators also have built-in temperature limitation options so building managers can limit room occupants from changing the thermostat temperature.
York YVAM Air-Cooled Magnetic-Bearing Centrifugal Chiller
Johnson Controls announced the launch of the York YVAM air-cooled magnetic-bearing centrifugal chiller operating with the low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant, R-1234ze, for hyperscale and colocation data center cooling.
Data centers and other mission critical facilities require non-stop cooling. A power failure could jeopardize operations and lead to costly downtime and performance penalties.
“Johnson Controls and the York brand have a long history of serving the mission critical industry since 1998, and as such, owners and operators can have confidence in our equipment improving their operations, reducing the total cost of ownership and accelerating payback,” said Chris Paraskevakos, vice president of product management for chillers and applied equipment at Johnson Controls.
To maximize uptime, the York YVAM features Quick Start technology with integral uninterruptible power supply (UPS) backup, allowing the chiller to return to full load in as little as three minutes after power is restored.
The York YVAM chiller’s magnetic-bearing technology allows the system to operate very efficiently at low lift conditions. This means the chiller doesn’t need free cooling coils.
The York YVAM chiller uses a variable-speed drive with active front-end to lower energy consumption and total harmonic distortion.The York YVAM full-load sound is only 65 dBA at a distance of 10 meters. The machine’s lubrication-free design also eliminates the complexity of subsystems and reduces the costs of routine maintenance and system checks.
Fujitsu General America Kagami Controller
Fujitsu General America introduced the Kagami Controller, offering touchscreen control of Airstage H, J and V-Series systems, designed to blend with interior designs.
The new two-wire remote controller features a backlit touch panel that displays room temperature when activated, or this can be displayed at all times, along with current time and a variety of other information. The nearly five-inch-square controller’s display is a half-mirrored, anti-fingerprint LCD.
The Kagami Controller allows the occupant to switch between custom auto, cool, dry, fan and heat modes. An emergency heat function is also provided. A multi-color LED indicates the current operating mode of the indoor unit. Adjusting settings, like room temperature, is accomplished by swiping up or down. Scrolling through setting options simply requires a left or right swipe. A weekly operation schedule can be set, and a human sensor setting is available on select models.
Select sensor values, including the connected heat pump’s EEV pulse value, can be monitored from within the new controller, and room temperature offset can also be modified. Both individual and group control is available with the Kagami Controller. Up to 16 individual Fujitsu indoor units can be simultaneously controlled from a single unit, making the controller equally attractive for commercial or residential applications.
Initial setup and adjustments are accomplished via Bluetooth connection with Fujitsu’s Remo Set smartphone app. Settings can also be read from one controller and copied to another in the same manner.
The controller can retain and display HVAC contractor contact information, and a logo feature allows hotels to display their corporate logo on the touch screen when not actively in use. Settings can also be masked for hotel installations.