The 10 winners of the 2011 AHR Expo Innovation Awards represent some of the most innovative new products in the HVACR industry, according to the judges, members of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), who evaluated submissions based on innovation, application, value to the user, and market impact.

Aside from the fact that an entire separate section of McCormick Place was turned into a tasting room for the International Wine, Spirits, and Beer Event, the main floor at the National Restaurant Association expo had a number of exhibitors showing ways to deal with an apparent growing interest in wine.

According to a report from Pike Research, HVAC innovation over the next five years will be driven by building owners’ desire to cut costs through more efficient energy use and pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Rheem has announced the opening of a new research and development facility focused on developing integrated solutions for the company’s heating, cooling, water heating, and pool/spa heating product lines.

The International Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Exposition (AHR Expo) blew into Chicago on Jan. 23 and provided big crowds, hot topics, and a plethora of new products.

Here is a selection of products and exhibitor booths photographed at the AHR Expo in Chicago.

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) will welcome more than 250 suppliers, service providers, and exhibitors to its Indoor Air Expo, to be held during its 44th annual conference and expo. 

The Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems (CSE) announced 37 industry partners who are participating in its Building Technology Showcase, what the organization says is a first-of-its-kind research and demonstration building for sustainable technologies in the city of Boston’s Innovation District.