The DC-5 features a compact and lightweight direct drive design with a high-efficiency EC motor and factory-installed VFD. It offers smart technology features including electronic protection from changing electrical conditions (voltage or current fluctuation) and fan impact detection to protect a building owner’s investment. In addition, it has installation features like factory-installed safety systems and plug-and-play wiring that reduce contractor labor, saving time and lowering total costs. Factory-programmed VFDs and touchscreen controls simplify fan startup and operation, allowing technicians to run fans within minutes of completing installation.

Mike Meehan is project manager at Best Mechanical, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He and his team installed the Greenheck HVLS fans at Central Wisconsin Airport.

“HVLS fans have been around for a while, but they’re really being used more frequently now. Almost everywhere, even at libraries,” he said. “End users like the control and the ability to interface with it — good ease of use. And you can count on it to be working out of the box right away.”

The lightweight fan design (23-91 pounds total weight, depending on fan size) and plug-and-play wiring reduce installation time by over 50%. Its universal mounting bracket is designed to quickly mount to a variety of ceiling structures, including fan-rated junction boxes (size dependent), I-beams, steel trusses or bar joists, wood beams, and z-purlins. Mounting brackets include an adjustable pivot joint to accommodate a variety of ceiling pitches, meaning technicians are able to quickly adjust to changes in fan mounting locations or unforeseen site conditions. Touchscreen controls are also available with optional BACnet integration and temperature/humidity sensors for automatic operation of DC-5 fans based on BMS schedules or environmental conditions, eliminating the need for third-party start-up services.

The DC-5 is designed for commercial or light industrial buildings with low to medium height ceilings, such as offices, schools, restaurants, fitness centers, and automotive facilities. Over two years of research and development went into the design of model DC-5, including digital modeling and simulation of the fan to focus groups and surveys on aesthetic design features.

The DC-5’s direct drive design offers up to 30% more airflow, 20% higher efficiency, and 5-10 dBA quieter operation. End-client benefits of the DC-5 include reducing HVAC system first-cost, plus reducing HVAC system energy consumption up to 30% by allowing building owners to run their HVAC system less frequently or adjust temperature set points to conserve energy.

It improves health and safety by circulating air throughout the building to remove pockets of stagnant air, eliminate condensation on floors and hard surfaces, and prevent mold or mildew growth. Finally, it improves comfort for occupants through air distribution and regulating temperature in spaces that are traditionally hard to condition, such as large and open spaces, rooms with tall ceilings, and areas where large numbers of people gather.

Greenheck plans to continue development on the DC-5 product line with additional fan sizes, voltage and phase options, and accessories. The company will be expanding its publicly available HVLS selection tools in eCAPS(R) to make it easier to select and specify model DC-5.

The Silver award in the ventilation category goes to the HZ700MD Extreme Performance Louver by Ruskin.

The HZ700MD is a double-frame extreme-performance Miami-Dade louver. It was designed for applications needing a horizontal blade appearance but a vertical blade level of performance with Miami-Dade approval, and is ideal for properties whose building codes demand the highest level of water protection and enhanced missile protection. It is 7 inches deep and comprised of two pieces: a 4-inch horizontal front and a 3-inch vertical rear louver. It has visible mullion construction featuring horizontal front blade design for architecturally-pleasing aesthetics.

The HZ700MD meets AMCA 550 and AMCA 540 standards for enhanced protection, and has a low pressure drop that delivers greater energy savings. It can be paired with equipment that requires high-energy filters, resulting in improved air quality in critical facilities. The high-velocity wind-driven rain qualification allows the HZ700MD to be used in essential facilities, such as hospitals and data centers, where high air quality is necessary in extreme weather.

Future plans for the HZ700MD include adding hidden mullions so the front blade will have a continuous look. In the near future, it will be TDI (Texas Department of Insurance) listed and FBC (Florida Building Code) approved. Currently, these approvals are pending.

The Bronze award in the ventilation category goes to the CAR3® - Next Generation in Precise Airflow by Aldes Ventilation Corp.

This patent-pending airflow technology’s dual-side airflow adjustment dial and cfm indicator allows users to set or change the airflow quickly, in supply or exhaust applications, without removing the CAR3 from the duct. Each CAR3 is built in the U.S. using a proprietary blend of amorphous thermoplastic resin treated with antimicrobial, anti-static, and flame-retardant materials to provide reliability and longevity. The regulator requires no maintenance under normal conditions and is guaranteed for seven years.

The CAR3 - Constant Airflow Regulator by ALDES North America will be capable of maintaining constant airflow within +/-10% of the scheduled flow rates, within the operating range of 0.12 to 1.2 in. w.g. differential pressure for low-pressure models (CAR3-L), or 0.4 to 2.8 in. w.g. with high-pressure models (CAR3-H). CAR3 solely operates on duct pressure and requires no external power supply or sensors, and will be rated for use in air temperatures ranging from -25°F to 140°F (-32°C to 60°C).

CAR3 must be equipped with double lip gasket to provide a secure, leak-free installation into rigid round duct, take-offs, collars, etc. Each regulator will feature dual-side adjustment dial to allow changes in airflow setpoint while installed in either the supply or exhaust direction without removing the regulator from the duct. Regulator is classified per UL 2043 and carries the UL mark indicating compliance.