In last month's issue, I wrote about the new 13-SEER residential air conditioning products and discussed why most manufacturers aren't making the change to R-410A more quickly. However, despite all the hubbub about meeting the new efficiency standards, there were some other interesting new technologies and ideas shown at the Exhibition that are certainly worth discussing.
In last month's issue, I wrote about the new 13-SEER residential air conditioning products and discussed why most manufacturers aren't making the change to R-410A more quickly. However, despite all the hubbub about meeting the new efficiency standards, there were some other interesting new technologies and ideas shown at the Exhibition that are certainly worth discussing.
LG Electronic's Picture Frame Airhandler
If I were to award a prize to the most outstanding new idea in the field of residential HVAC (where I did get a picture), it would have to go to the Korean manufacturer, LG Electronics, for they have finally come up with a way to make wall-mounted airhandlers far more socially acceptable and attractive. What have they done? They've drastically slimmed down the coil and turned its front into an attractive picture frame!The coil area recesses into the wall, leaving the picture frame extending just far enough out to allow for passage of conditioned air. The air returns at the bottom and heated/cooled air flows out from the sides. And what's more, they supply several attractive pictures for use in the frames, but consumers may also use their own!
Currently, their line of photo airhandlers is only available in 9,000 and 12,000-Btuh sizes, but a little probing indicated that they are considering using the front picture frames on a broader range of products.
Pulsar Advanced Technology's Microwave Water Heater
Now, the next product isn't really HVAC in nature, but I will make it my choice as the most outstanding new product technology. It is Pulsar Advanced Technology's wall-mounted microwave water heater. I want one at my house!This very attractive 26 inch by 10 inch by 16 inch tankless electric water heater, I was told, will retail for about $900 and will supply enough hot water for two hot showers and a dishwasher simultaneously. And what's more, it has an easy-to-read, consumer-friendly readout and adjustment on the front side. It is available from Pulsar Advanced Technologies Inc. of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Nordyne's 23-SEER Air Conditioner
One of the most secretive was the private showing of Nordyne's new 23-SEER air-conditioning system. It was so secretive that the marketing manager wouldn't allow me to go in and take a photo of the product, despite the fact that the company president had given me his permission! But still, I was able to probe him enough to learn what they are doing differently.The secret to their technology is a new compressor that was developed for them by the Japanese manufacturer, Panasonic. It is a rotary compressor that uses a variable-speed drive. And the reason why this is startling new technology is that until now, no one has been able to manufacture a rotary compressor that works well above the range of two tons. Yet, the new Nordyne system has rotary compressors across their line to five tons!
What we will discuss next month is two great new ideas in HVAC thermostat designs and some other interesting component technology.
