Lattner Boiler Mfg. Co. featured its new electric boilers, which are 99 percent efficient.

CHICAGO - Warming the crowds at the 2009 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo) was a significant number of new boilers and water heaters. Higher energy efficiency, smaller footprints, and advanced controls were the highlighted items on many of the new products.

AERCO(www.aerco.com) previewed its new design for the Benchmark 2.0 Low NOx boiler. Scheduled for commercial release in March 2009, the 2 million Btuh condensing boiler has been re-engineered to deliver a small footprint and reduced electrical consumption, while providing 20:1 turndown to maximize seasonal fuel savings. The company also introduced the Boiler Management System II (BMS II), which maximizes fuel savings in multi-unit installations of

AERCO’s condensing and fully modulating boilers. The new controller delivers the advantages of the company’s existing BMS in a smaller, less expensive package.

Ajax Boiler Inc. (www.ajaxboiler.com) introduced its Atlas Series of high-efficiency condensing boilers. Spokesman Calvin Wong said the boilers feature up to 97 percent thermal efficiency, a small footprint, full modulation, and NOx emissions of <9 ppm. The equipment is ideal for low temperature applications such as snow melting, pool heating, and low temperature building loops. Also featured was the Ajax WCF Series of high-efficiency near-condensing water boilers. Modular design, low emissions, advanced controls, and easy start-up are some of the product’s key features.

Buderus(www.buderus.net) displayed it new Bosch high output condensing tankless water heaters. Spokesman Chas Kerin said the 94 percent efficient residential water heaters feature outputs as high as 11.2 gallons per minute and inputs of 200,000 Btuh, while the commercial model has the ability to output 180ºF water with 225,000 Btuh maximum input. The new G125GE residential and GB125BE commercial low NOx condensing oil boilers were also on display, as was the new RC35 control, which has the capability for four independent heating zones.

Bradford White(www.bradfordwhite.com) touted its EcoStor SC advanced solar water heating system with gas back-up and low NOx burner, which will be available later this year. The new water heater will join the existing line of EcoStor solar indirect models. The EcoStor SC with gas back-up will activate the burner only when supplied solar energy does not meet the required hot water demand. An integrated double-wall heat exchanger design is located in the lower portion of the tank to optimize solar heating performance.



Burnham Hydronics(www.burnham.com) introduced its Alpine gas-fired, condensing boiler for residential applications. Spokesman Randy Fisher said the 95 percent efficient boiler utilizes a stainless steel heat exchanger that is designed to extract maximum heat from the combustion process. The company also featured its Evolution fully condensing boiler for commercial applications from the Thermal Solutions brand. Spokesperson Bob Wilson said the Evolution features the Sage boiler control, as well as updated piping, a smaller footprint, and improved efficiency.

Cleaver-Brooks(www.cleaver-brooks.com) featured its new Optimized Boiler Package, which helps facilities reduce fuel costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The all-in-one packages include a 250- to 800-hp high-pressure steam firetube boiler that burns natural gas or No. 2 oil, an integral burner, two-stage condensing economizer, Level Master, and a C-B Hawk ICS control system. The company also highlighted its new e+plus condensing economizers, which reduce fuel costs and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 15 percent. A new wireless control, SysteMAX ISD Intelligent System Device, for use with the Clearfire full condensing hot water boilers was also on display. The device can control up to 16 boilers, pumps, variable-speed drives, dampers, and more.

Crown Boiler Co.(www.crownboiler.com) highlighted its new Aruba 3 gas-fired hot water boiler. Crafted with a cast iron heat exchanger and stainless steel burners that are both backed by a lifetime limited warranty, the Aruba 3 offers proven-in-service reliability, simplicity of design, and economy in its purchase price and consumption of fuel. The boiler is available with standing pilot or electronic ignition for greater energy efficiency. Honeywell controls provide reliability, ease, and convenience.

Easco Boiler Corp.(www.easco.com) introduced its Series SM5 “thru-the-door” boilers. These steel modified, horizontal firetube, three-pass waterbacked packaged combustion systems are manufactured for use in low-pressure steam and hot water applications. Designed to fit through a standard 36-inch doorway, these boilers offer efficient operation and low cost maintenance.

Electro Industries(www.electromn.com) displayed its new line of industrial electric water boilers. Spokesman John Seefeldt said the boilers are very compact and offer an effective solution to retrofitting old fossil fuel boilers. Each boiler includes built-in digital supply and return temperature sensors, offering the ability to internally set and maintain the correct system design temperature.

These high-efficiency boilers have no combustion waste and come fully assembled with the control box within the front door.

FAFCO Inc.(www.fafco.com) announced the first all-polymer, solar hot water system designed to reduce water-heating bills by up to 50 percent. The solar hot water system replaces heavy, expensive, and difficult to ship glazed copper collectors with lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to ship polymer collectors. It’s designed to work with any conventional residential hot water tank. The entire system fits in a single box and weighs less than 70 pounds. Unique self-locking connectors and flexible polymer tubing avoids sweated fittings and reduces installation time, difficulty, and leak risk.

Fulton Heating Solutions(www.fulton.com) featured its new Vantage 4.0 MM condensing hydronic boiler, which offers dual-fuel capabilities. The Vantage offers operation on No. 2 oil as a backup fuel, with efficiencies up to 93 percent. The boiler also features durable and reliable construction, a simplified system design, and a linkageless modulation control system. Turndown capabilities of up to 5:1 are provided as standard.

Heat Transfer(www.htproducts.com) offered a whole new line-up of products in its booth. The Elite Heating Boiler Series is a more powerful and versatile line of high-efficiency residential boilers, with inputs ranging from 80,000 to 399,000 Btuh and a turndown ratio of 6:1. Company President David Martin noted that each model can be mounted either on the wall or the floor, allowing contractors to handle a wider range of residential applications with fewer SKUs.

Also on display was the high-efficiency Elite Plus residential heating boiler, which features a unique, state-of-the-art, electronic combustion-control system that automatically adjusts to the type and quality of the fuel being used.

Also shown was the Phoenix gas-fired water heater, which maximizes function and efficiency by delivering both domestic hot water and space heating in a single, 96 percent-efficient appliance. Space-heating needs are met by circulating hot water from the storage tank through side tappings in the jacket to a remote air handler. This dual capability for both residential and commercial applications has now been enhanced with the debut of two add-on modules, called Phoenix Heat Packs, that fit right onto the core water heater - the newly named Phoenix Plus hot water generator. Depending upon which Phoenix Heat Pack is chosen, installers and specifiers can combine not only hydro-air space heating with DHW, but also traditional hydronic baseboard or radiant heating.



AERCO previewed its new design for the Benchmark 2.0 Low NOx boiler, which will be available in March.

Hydrotherm (www.hydrothermkn.com) highlighted its new KN-2/4 Series gas-fired condensing cast iron boilers. The boilers feature 92.7 percent efficiency, a 5:1 continuous turndown, low emissions for CO2 and NOx, and a compact footprint to accommodate smaller mechanical rooms. These boilers work well in new construction and retrofit applications. The KN Series is also a perfect fit wherever radiant heat is desired, indoor and outdoor. The onboard HeatNet controls provide constant communication with building automation systems.

KOB(www.kob.cc) showcased its new generation Pyrot rotary heating system that is designed to burn a wide range of wood types. With the newly developed pre-drying system, the Pyrot is now capable of using wet wood chippings. Offering “wood heating with gas burner quality,” the Pyrot provides maximum boiler efficiencies and reliability in terms of emissions - its perfect incineration is made possible by a newly developed modulating output control system with automatic ignition. The result is that for the first time, NOx and CO emissions are lower than with a modern oil heating system.

Laars Heating Systems(www.laars.com) introduced its Mighty Therm 2 hydronic boilers and volume water heaters, which feature convenient, modular construction. The units run on natural or LP gas and deliver efficiency levels up to 85 percent. The systems also feature low NOx emissions and reduced fuel costs. Also featured was the new Pennant residential and light commercial boilers and volume water heaters. The Pennant 200-400 Series is available in 200, 300, and 400 MBtuh sizes with two-stage firing, low NOx, and fan-induced design. The boilers and water heaters operate at 85 percent thermal efficiency.
Lattner Boiler Mfg. Co.(www.lattner.com) featured its new electric boilers, which spokesperson Steve Junge said is 99 percent efficient. These boilers are compact in size and are easy to install and start up, said Junge, because it’s not necessary to run gas lines. The controls can be easily tied into a building automation system, and the turndown ratio is as high as 24:1. The boilers utilize single U-bend Incoloy heating elements, which are spaced 5/8 inches apart for maximum water circulation and heat transfer.

Lochinvar(www.lochinvar.com) introduced the Sync condensing boiler with an advanced touchscreen control system (Smart Touch). Sync combines stainless steel heat exchanger technology with modulating/condensing com- bustion to deliver thermal efficiency as high as 98 percent. Smart Touch makes it easier to set up a perfectly synchronized green system and allows access to a complete onboard database of real-time operations data and performance history. The company also displayed the innovative new Shield™ commercial water heater, which features inputs up to 500,000 Btuh, 96 percent thermal efficiency, and storage up to 125 gallons.



Heat Transfer introduced a number of new products. David Martin explained the different features of the company’s Elite and Phoenix products.

Miura Boiler(www.miuraboiler.com) highlighted new controls on its boilers. The EXW gas/oil Series hot water boiler now features the XJ1 microcomputer boiler control, while the LX Series steam boilers now feature the BL microcontroller boiler control system. The new BL boiler control offers significant advancements, including many new individual monitoring points. It also helps in troubleshooting problems, as it can identify problems and suggest solutions on an easy-to-read display.

Parker Industrial Boilers(www.parkerboiler.com) showcased its new Power Burner Water Wall Hot Water boiler. Spokesperson Mike Alzona said the narrow unit can fit through doorways and that the water-tube design offers an efficient, reliable hot water boiler built for ease of maintenance. The sealed combustion chamber offers efficiencies of 86 percent with low excess air levels, and there is less heat loss due to the Water Wall sealed combustion chamber design.

Patterson-Kelley(www.pkboilers.com) introduced its ModuFire 3000MFD boiler, which has 50 percent more capacity than the company’s 2000MFD boiler without a larger footprint. The company has a “through-the-door” design philosophy, which means all boilers are specifically designed to fit through a standard 32-inch door. The 3000MFD has big boiler capacity in a small, lightweight package. PK also introduced a new control platform, which allows users to control and monitor boilers remotely. Advanced outputs include modulating pump control, discrete alarms, and proof of operation.



Randy Fisher from Burnham showed off the company’s new Alpine gas-fired, condensing boiler for residential applications.

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Peerless Boilers(www.peerlessboilers.com) displayed its new PureFire high-efficiency gas-fired condensing boiler. Spokesperson Ron Payer said the boilers are easy to service, as the tool-less entry provides full frontal access. The wiring is done from the top down, and all the electrical connections are in front, making the equipment easier to maintain and service. The boilers feature state-of-the-art control boards, fully modulating burners, and low emissions ratings. The high-grade stainless steel burner and heat exchanger are packaged in a sleek, modern design.

Quietside(www.quietside.com) featured its new ODW on-demand water heater, which is available in four capacities, from 99,000 to 199,000 Btuh. The unit uses Quietside’s S line heat exchangers, which allow it to achieve efficiency levels above 90 percent. The easy-to-use controller allows several preset water temperatures from 98º to 158ºF. Also displayed was the company’s new dual purpose water heater, which provides both closed loop heating water for radiant, fan coil, and other hydronic applications, with the convenience and efficiency of on-demand domestic hot water.

Raypak(www.raypak.com) showcased its new XTherm modulating vertical high-efficiency boilers and water heaters. Spokesperson Bob Ellis said the equipment can achieve up to 99 percent thermal efficiency and features a small-installed footprint and stainless steel secondary heat exchangers. Ellis noted that the units are simple to work on and troubleshoot, and they are easy to handle and install. The XTherm tracks the heating load with its built-in TempTracker Mod control, which eliminates costly overshooting. The on-board diagnostic center offers plain English with no codes.

RBI(www.rbiwaterheaters.com) introduced its Futera XLF boiler and water heater. The unit is designed with a 5:1 turndown and up to 88 percent efficiency. The XLF features the HeatNet control, which acts as a boiler management system, networking up to 16 units without requiring any external control panel. Spokesperson John Looes said the XLF has the smallest footprint in the industry, enabling a 3 or 4 million Btuh unit to be installed in a small space. The small vent diameter is easy to work with and reduces vent material costs.

Rinnai(www.foreverhotwater.com) displayed its new LS Series tankless water heaters, which use natural gas or propane to heat water only when needed. When water flow is detected, the Rinnai begins heating water as it passes through its copper heat exchanger. The design of the unit allows it to capture up to 84 percent of the heat energy, making it highly efficient and cost effective. When the demand for water ceases, the tankless unit shuts down and uses no more electricity.

Riverside Hydronics(www.riversidehydronics.com) introduced the Centauri condensing/modulating firetube boiler. Spokesperson Mike Doychak said the high-efficiency boiler features up to 95 percent thermal efficiency and low NOx levels. The medium mass design allows for simplified, primary-only piping and seamless integration into heating loops with VFDs. Using its individual onboard control allows for the following modes of operation: Set point, outdoor reset, and network connection to building automation system.



Peerless Boilers’ new PureFire high-efficiency gas-fired condensing boiler is flanked by Ron Payer (left) and Gerry Hogan.

Slant/Fin (www.slantfin.com) highlighted its new animal themed condensing gas boilers. The Bobcat features 93 percent efficiency, 4:1 modulation, and an advanced low mass heat exchanger design that makes it reliable and robust. The Jaguar features up to 96.7 percent efficiency in a compact, lightweight design for easy hanging. This new generation design incorporates a cast aluminum heat exchanger that is corrosion resistant. The Lynx features 95 percent efficiency and is ideal for radiant and baseboard applications.

Takagi (www.takagi.com) featured three new commercial tankless water heaters. The T-M50, T-M32, and T-K3-Pro offer true commercial-grade materials that are designed to withstand heavy-duty conditions, said spokesperson Ryan Baylen. The thicker heat exchangers provide strength and durability, and the T-M50 model has two heat exchangers, providing redundancy and reliability. The units can be used in any type of application, from small residential to large commercial, and their compact size take up much less space than conventional tank-type water heaters or boilers.

Thermal Solutions (www.thermalsolutions.com) introduced its Solaris boiler and water heater, which are designed to be affordable heating resources for a wide variety of commercial and institutional applications. The units are ideal for multiple unit operation, are stackable, and offer multiple venting options. The SAGE control system offers boiler pump control, outdoor reset, lead/lag operation, boiler operating history, and many other functions. All critical components are fully accessible from the front and rear to make service calls easier.

Triad Boiler Systems (www.triadboiler.com) showcased its new Triumph high-efficiency boilers that can reach efficiencies up to 99 percent. Spokesman Ken Womack said the units’ small 28-inch footprint fits through almost any doorway, and the boilers are very simple to install and start up. The highly efficient heat exchanger maximizes heat transfer when loop temperatures are below 130°F, and the cast aluminum boiler is impervious to corrosive condensate.

TriangleTube (www.triangletube.com) displayed its new Smart Series of stainless steel, indirect fired water heaters. Spokesperson Ken Shockley said the exclusive design allows for continuous production of domestic hot water without the use of a coil. Hot water from any boiler is circulated around a corrugated stainless steel tank for safe, efficient hot water at the lowest possible operating cost. The units feature tank-in-tank design, two inches of polyurethane foam insulation, and a self-cleaning/self-descaling heat exchanger.

Viessmann (www.viessmann-us.com) featured its new Vitorond 200 VD2 Series of oil- and gas-fired sectional cast iron boilers. This boiler’s sectional, triple-pass design, combined with the Eutectoplex heat exchanger surface, ensures easy installation, economical energy consumption, high operational reliability, and a long service life. This commercial heating solution reduces operating expenditures by up to 50 percent and features efficiencies of 85.5 percent for gas and 88.1 percent for oil.

Weil-McLain (www.weil-mclain.com) introduced the Ultra Series 3 condensing high-efficiency gas boiler, which features efficiencies in the range of 92-93 percent and when used in low-temperature applications, efficiencies up to 98 percent. The Ultra Oil boiler was also displayed, which features 86 percent efficiency, three-pass cast iron heat exchanger, and new burner options. The CGi and CGs Gold Series gas boilers were also featured and now qualify for Energy Star ratings.

Publication Date: 02/16/2009