“The system’s ability to meet extreme conditions without backup heat sources enables year-round operation without reliance on fossil fuels, saving installation time, improving energy efficiency, and reducing the space needed to accommodate mechanical systems,” said Michelle Robb, director of product planning, Mitsubishi Electric. “The H2i R2-Series features exceptional design and installation flexibility. The unique 2-pipe configuration and compact system components allow for convenient applications to both historic retrofits and new building construction.”

According to the company, one system can connect up to 48 indoor units, with a variety of indoor unit styles available to cater to the project’s specific needs. The H2i R2-Series also features up to 150 percent connected capacity. Available up to 16 ton, the H2i R2-Series system is designed for commercial applications in Northern climates where subfreezing temperatures are the norm. The inverter-driven compressor technology and simultaneous cooling and heating capability make the system uniquely suited for service buildings where varied cooling and heating points are needed.

“In addition to its small footprint, the H2i R2-Series system has less need for installation space due to the elimination of the need for backup heating such as fossil fuels or supplemental systems,” said Robb.

“The 2-pipe configuration conserves the required pipe space, as well. The unit can be as light as 552 pounds and has the ability to distribute across a building rooftop or on the ground instead of a central location. Top discharge gives the H2i R2-Series the ability to have multiple units side by side, further reducing the system’s footprint, and the system’s components can be accessed through the front of the unit.”

Some models of the H2i R2-Series feature a pre-installed base pan heater. Built-in self diagnostics
and fault notifications from the integrated control system direct technicians to specific issues. Indoor units can be serviced individually without disrupting the operation of other indoor units within the same piping system. Minimal maintenance is required due to easily accessible filters, with no long runs of ductwork to keep clean, and simple wiring.

“This product has outstanding heating capabilities,” said a contractor judge. “It is a great product and is extremely efficient.”

The company plans to continue to expand the available capacities and enhance the capabilities of the H2i R2-Series in the future.

Silver Winner

Taking the silver award is the AAON Heating and Cooling Products’ LN Series. The compact air-cooled condenser chiller and outdoor mechanical room provides energy-efficient full- and part-load operation while being easy to install and maintain because of the large service access compartments, the company said. Available from 45-140 ton, the high-performance LN Series is available with variable-frequency drive (VFD)-controlled variable-capacity scroll compressors, VFD-controlled variable-speed condenser fans, and double-wall rigid polyurethane foam-injected panel construction with lockable hinged service access doors.

Optimal applications include areas that require precise chilled water temperature control without sacrificing serviceability, said the company. Five-plus years of research went into the product design. Feedback from sales representatives, contractors, service technicians, customers, and owners, as well as market research component performance testing, were all a part of the design process.

In one contractor judge’s opinion, “AAON has the most logical control panel layout in the industry.”

AAON reps said the company plans to expand the features and options of the LN Series to meet the demands of its customers in the future.

Silver Winner

Laars Heating Systems Co., a subsidiary of Bradford White Corp., also earned the silver award in the HVAC Commercial Equipment category for its MagnaTherm, a 95 percent thermal efficiency modulating-condensing boiler or volume water heater available in 2, 3 and 4 million Btuh sizes. The units offer a 5:1 turndown, small footprint, slim vertical design with removable top section, stainless steel heat exchanger, and multiple voltage options to match building service.

Designed and made in the USA, the MagnaTherm meets all American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) requirements and is Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) certified. According to the company, the boiler features a Vari-Prime pump control that matches the boiler firing rate to pump flow, reducing boiler pumping costs. The boiler offers onboard control functionality that balances combustion, airflow, and water flow to optimize boiler efficiency. Its large, color touchscreen displays results in quick setup and diagnostics. Up to eight MagnaTherms can be controlled in a cascading boiler bank, and the system has a sealed condensate trap that does not need to be primed at startup.

In the future, the MagnaTherm will be expanded in the range of sizes available by the end of 2014. The company expects to add 2.5, 3.5, and 5 million Btuh versions as well as a Conformité Européenne, (CE)-certified version for expanded export.

Publication date: 7/21/2014

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