DALLAS - Several manufacturers of zoning products and systems introduced or featured new innovations to their product offerings at the 2007 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo).

Arzel Zoning Technology Inc. (www.arzelzoning.com), for instance, introduced Zonocity, described as “high-velocity zon-ing for the most challenging architecture.” According to Mark Votaw, vice president of zoning products, small-duct, high-velocity (SDHV) comfort systems offer contractors a tremendous opportunity to provide comfort to the larger and ever-changing residential and commercial HVAC markets. He said historical buildings, structures with architectural constraints, or buildings that incorporate radiant, steam, or hot water heating are a match for a high-velocity cooling system.

“Zonocity adapts these technologies and controls them to provide an even greater level of comfort in every area of the home or office, many times with just a single air handler,” said Votaw.

Zonocity consists of branch dampers, trunk feed, high-velocity air handler, patented 2-inch damper, and the Ezyslide™ trunk damper. In the end, Votaw said Zonocity can integrate up to three zones with a hydronic or any other secondary heating source “so that one control can be used in all seasons.” If you add a zone valve interface, it can integrate SDHV cooling with radiant, hydronic, or steam heat, too. Votaw said there must be a minimum of 3.5 outlets per ton in each zone.

Duro Dyne Corp. (www.durodyne.com) introduced several new DuroZone products, including its 24-volt, spring-return, multiblade damper; 24-volt, spring-return, multisize damper; and its round, spring-return motor damper. The company also featured its new ED3 and ED4 zoning panels.

In regard to the multiblade damper, it can be placed inside ductwork to control airflow in warm air and air conditioning systems. A feature of the multi-size damper is a single-set screw securing the motor, and 10 models are available, in heights of 6 to 14 inches. The return motor damper is available from 4 to 20 inches in diameter.

Meanwhile, the new line of cable-drive zone balancing dampers from Ruskin Air and Sound Control (www.ruskin.com) keeps expanding. The ZMDRS25 is the latest addition to the company’s cable-drive products. The rugged frame design has rolled-stiffening beads, designed to assist in sealing, “making this a perfect solution for spiral duct applications,” said the company.

The damper blade is mechanically fastened to a 3/8-inch square shaft, held at each end with synthetic sleeve bearings that are molded to the axle shape, designed accordingly to reduce duct leakage. The unit comes standard with a 3-foot long cable and worm and gear drive.

Zone First (www.zonefirst.com) featured its new H3 zone control panel, designed to control single- and two-stage heat pumps plus dual-fuel systems all from one control panel. According to president Richard Foster, “Built-in switches can be field set for each specific type of equipment.”

The panel also has a built-in, dual-fuel kit and remote sensors for outdoor air sensing for dual-fuel systems, he said. It also has a “leaving air” sensor for zoning applications. “The panel is simple to wire, using push-in wiring blocks, eliminating the need to screw in each wire,” said Foster. “All wiring blocks are color-coded to avoid wiring mistakes.”

Publication date: 02/19/2007