2023 Dealer Design Awards: Commercial Controls
SERVICE TOOL: With the KE2 Service Tool app, technicians can access KE2 Therm controllers' built-in webpage with a smartphone or tablet. (Courtesy of KE2 Therm Solutions)
The Gold award in the Commercial Controls category goes to KE2 Therm Solutions Inc. for its KE2 Service Tool app. With this app, service technicians can access KE2 Therm controllers’ built-in webpage with a smartphone or tablet without on-site hardware dependencies. The app is compatible with the majority of the KE2 Therm controller lineup, which means that it can be used in nearly any refrigeration application where a KE2 Therm controller is used.
According to Jeff Kavanagh, vice president of sales at KE2 Therm Solutions, the KE2 Service Tool app was created to address two needs. The first was to reduce the on-site service call time required to service refrigeration equipment by providing a simple solution that would utilize smartphone and tablet technology to diagnose issues quickly and determine if corrective actions provided resolution for the problems.
“Second, we wanted to easily update controller firmware from any smart device,” he said. “For example, KE2 Therm recently added the ability to allow for redundant operation setup of two independent systems in a single refrigerated space with a lead/lag set point. This feature helps extend equipment life and improve temperature control.”
The KE2 Service Tool app is unique, said Kavanagh, as most refrigeration systems utilize a variety of single-function components that act as stand-alone devices (e.g., thermostats, time clocks) to perform specific functions. There is no visibility to how these specific devices are performing, and a contractor would typically have to manually review each device independently to verify operation, as well as utilize other tools (e.g., gauges), to understand system operation.
“The KE2 Service Tool app allows a contractor to view total system operation to improve diagnosis and service call efficiency,” said Kavanagh. “The product allows for quick, mobile access to refrigeration controllers, including the ability to view system operation in real time and make set point changes as desired. And it’s free — there is no cost to contractors, and the app is easily accessible from the app store for Android or iOS devices.”
KE2 Therm Solutions has developed a strategic relationship with Cold Tech Refrigeration in Boise, Idaho, as a certified installer and monitoring service provider. Matt Garrabrant, a certified ColdTech service technician, is a fan of the KE2 Service Tool app.
“I love the design, layout, and ease of use of the app,” he said. “It is literally dummy-proof. Being able to monitor everything saves time and money for both customers and service providers. It allows our team of technicians to find problems and resolve them instantly.”
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In creating the app, KE2 Therm Solutions gathered feedback from experienced technicians, like Garrabrant, in the field. Many of these technicians reported arriving at sites where the controllers were not plugged into a network and there was no KE2-Edge Manager Plus installed for easy access to the controller, said Kavanagh. However, technicians still wanted to see the system running in real time, check graphs, and adjust set points on the controller via the webpage.
“The KE2 Service Tool app addresses that need by allowing easy, cost-effective access to any KE2 Therm controller,” said Kavanagh. “The majority of service contractors have a smartphone or device, and the app allows any smart device to become a valuable service tool at no extra cost to the contractor.”
WI-FI CONTROLLER: Lennox’s VRF Wi-Fi Controller is compatible with Lennox VRF and Mini-VRF units and features a 4-inch touchscreen. (Courtesy of Lennox)
The Silver award goes to Lennox’s VRF Wi-Fi Controller, which is designed to meet end users’ performance, convenience, and flexibility needs. The 4-inch touchscreen includes a full-color LCD display and intuitive navigation, and its compatibility with Lennox VRF and Mini-VRF units allows configuration through the same app and local interface.
“This product is the first of its kind for Lennox VRF products and opens the doors to various application opportunities,” said Crystal Ramirez, product manager at Lennox. “Its Wi-Fi connectivity feature allows users to control their home or office temperatures through the app for simplicity. Paring the device is intuitive, done via Bluetooth, and can be completed in less than a minute.”
The controller offers seven-day scheduling functionality and is Wi-Fi connected with remote operation via a mobile app. The user-friendly app allows customers to easily set operation modes, such as cool, heat, and fan only. With its touchscreen interface and compact footprint, it can work in many applications and designs, from residential to high-end light commercial.
“The Lennox VRF Wi-Fi controller is very convenient from an installation and flexibility standpoint,” said Ramirez. “The controller can control up to 16 indoor units on the same system, allowing contractors to easily install the product in a single-family home or a condominium. The product is small, lightweight, and only requires a four-wire cable, easing connection to the indoor door units and saving time on installation. When accessing the mobile app, users have the flexibility to support multiple controllers on one account, giving contractors various application installation options.”
Two years of research went into the design and innovation of the VRF Wi-Fi controller, which included voice of customer focus groups with contractors, engineers, and manufacturer reps. Lennox plans to continue making improvements based on customer and sales feedback.
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