Electric heat kits are available for easy installation and servicing in the field, and a pre-painted steel cabinet with foil insulation to prevent condensation extends the life of the air handler. In addition, the unit is factory sealed, achieving a 2 percent or less total airflow leakage rate at duct blaster field test conditions for system airflow verification, the company said.

One of the judges remarked about the air handler’s position flexibility, saying that being “ready to install in multiposition is a time saver.”

Silver Winner

The Jackson Systems LLC VCS Ventilation Control System is a low-cost fresh-air control system designed to improve residential IAQ; it can also be used in light commercial settings. This is accomplished by introducing fresh air through an intake damper controlled by the VCS logic panel. The VCS dramatically increases IAQ by decreasing VOCs. VCS features include a microcontroller logic panel, status LEDs, single adjustment setup, “damper closed” override switch, exhaust fan control option, outdoor temperature and/or humidity limit option, and remote “damper open” override option.

A quick reference chart is supplied that helps the contractor simplify the selection of the ventilation cycle to meet ASHRAE Standard 62.2. The math has already been done for the contractor and suggestions are made for him. The easy-to-use dial allows the contractor to set the minutes of ventilation desired, thus meeting the suggested requirements specified in ASHRAE 62.2. There is also an override switch that can be used to place the damper in the auto or closed mode. Status LEDs located on the panel help the contractor verify that the system is operating properly or diagnose a potential issue.

A judge commented that its “easy setup is a great feature.”

Bronze Winner

The Titus HVAC Solar Plexicon Heating/Cooling Displacement Diffuser, Model DVRI-HCS, is a dual-function displacement diffuser in that it provides both cooling and heating from a single diffuser assembly. The unit has a motor/damper/actuator assembly that auto-
matically changes the airflow discharge from cooling to heating without any external power requirements. This is achieved by a wireless, energy-harvesting platform that is internally mounted and utilizes solar or light energy from the room to power the unit. The standard application and use for this product is any occupied space along the perimeter of a building that requires both heating and cooling.

The Plexicon comes with an installation kit that includes trim pieces, mounting base, and hardware, and instructions to make it easy for the installing contractor. In addition, there is a telescoping piece at the top of the duct cover to make it very easy for the contractor to trim out the cover and match it exactly to the ceiling height for a neat and precise look. The unit comes with a piece of tubing connected to the inlet for balancing. All contractors have to do to balance is connect the manometer, read the pressure, and apply the K-factor that is labeled on the unit; they don’t have to use flow hoods or take several velocity readings. The unit has pattern controllers located behind the perforated face that control the direction of the discharge airflow. If the contractor finds that the space design in the room has changed, he doesn’t have to physically move the diffuser to another location, but can adjust the pattern controllers to change the airflow direction.

Sidebar: 2012 Honorees — Ventilation Products

Gold Winner
Manufacturer: Johnson Controls Inc., Unitary Products Div.
Product: Luxaire® Climasure™ Single-Piece Air Handler AHR
www.joinluxaire.com

Silver Winner
Manufacturer: Jackson Systems LLC
Product: VCS Ventilation Control System
www.jacksonsystems.com

Bronze Winner
Manufacturer: Titus HVAC
Product: Solar Plexicon Heating/Cooling Displacement Diffuser, Model DVRI-HCS
www.titus-hvac.com

Publication date: 7/9/2012