2015 AHR Expo Sets Chicago Attendance Record
The 2015 AHR Expo claimed the title for the best-attended event ever held in Chicago. Preliminary figures for the world’s largest HVACR marketplace show that more than 61,000 total attendees, including 42,400 visitors, participated in the 2015 AHR Expo, January 26 – 28, at McCormick Place.
According to Clay Stevens, President of International Exposition Company, five Chicago records were shattered by the successful 2015 event:
- Total number of registered attendees – 61,990
- Number of visitors – 42,400
- Net square footage – more than 480,000
- Number of exhibiting companies – over 2,100
- Number of international exhibitors – 592
“Chicago is the site of some of our largest Shows and we are thrilled that we set so many new records this year,” Stevens said. “These impressive results also show how vital AHR Expo is to the industry. We’ve had tremendous support from the 41 sponsors and endorsing associations that participate, as well as from our exhibitors who rely on the Show to introduce new products and meet customers and prospects from around the world.”
Diversified Heat Transfer has expanded its line of steam fired shell and tube type domestic water heaters. The existing SuperTherm water heaters are now joined by the advanced plate type boiler water fired SuperPlate units.
SuperPlate incorporates the proven DHT PID controller coupled with the high efficiency plate and frame or brazed plate heat exchangers. The DHT SuperPlate water heater is designed to satisfy potable water heating needs in commercial and institutional environments. The packaged system utilizes simple, easy to understand, real-time load tracking and responsive controls to maintain accurate hot water temperatures under various load patterns.
DHT SuperPlate can be coupled with medium temperature, normal temperature and low temperature condensing type boiler water to achieve high efficiency within an optimized space.
Grundfos was highlighting its PACOpaQ that combines the reliability of PACO-brand centrifugal pumps with the intelligence and efficiency of the Grundfos MLE motor and integrated variable frequency drive. The systems also feature a dedicated HVAC control, which automatically determines the most efficient speed and optimum number of pumps needed to meet desired flow and pressure. Heat exchangers are included in the PACOpaq as well as expansion tanks, hydraulic separators, and tangential air separators – also available separately. These components work together to provide lower initial cost, longer pump life, reduced maintenance, maximum efficiency and quieter operation for the end user.
RW Beckett was showcasing the Lorax LineGuardian as a new offering in its booth. LineGuardian is not a spill containment system, but a leak prevention system. LineGuardian prevents spills and leaks by monitoring the integrity of the line and its connections. If the line is compromised, LineGuardian immediately detects the problem and the valve halts the flow of fuel at the tank. For example, the built-in fire-safety features include fuseable plugs at both ends of the fuel line (valve and termination fitting), as well as a new fuel line technology that triggers the valve to stop the flow of oil from the tank in the event of a fire.
Also on display was the CG4 gas burner, designed and using technically advanced components to meet the increasing demand for improved gas burner performance in high-efficiency appliances and modern well-insulated homes.
Riello Burners has been producing and selling burners for over 85 year and has been present in the North American market for over 25 years. The company was showcasing its “R” series commercial line that was specifically for the North American Market. They are specifically designed to accommodate the many different controls and options required for the North American market and come in gas and dual-fuel variants.
TACO had a variety of new solutions on display. Most notable was Project Builder a web-based app that promises to saves time, eliminates paperwork and increases the accuracy of commercial and residential project development. It was developed to allow the user to create and save projects on line; select products; aggregate all relevant schedule files; create accurate, conservative budgets; provide fast coordination with electrical and structural and make changes quickly and easily. Projects can be saved and stored.
TACO was also displaying the Viridian VT2218 circulator, which is a temperature sensing, self-adjusting, variable-speed wet rotor circulator with an ECM permanent magnet motor. Operating modes include Delta-T differential temperature, 4 fixed speeds, set point heat, set point cool and boiler protection.
Delta-T operation maximizes system efficiency and comfort, and a high-efficiency ECM motor uses up to 85% less electricity.
LECTRO-TRUCK had their popular hand trucks on display, noting their 40 years in the industry. The most popular item at the show, according to company president Kevin Peters was the LTA6512E, designed for commercial deliveries. The high-torque 1 1/2 horsepower motor, extension handle, tripod and on-board charging system wheels keep everything in one unit without the need for additional peripherals. The new flagship model builds on the versatile cart platform that LECTRO-TRUCK has manufactured in Wisconsin for decades.
SUNTEC Industries has long been invested in B20 fuel, and displayed their new line of B20 equivalent pumps that launched in January 2015. The new pumps are compatible with biodiesel as defined in ASTM D6751. Standard pumps only cover #1 and #2 fuel which limits their classification to 5% biodiesel content. The new pumps allow for fuel up to 20% biofuel.
Weil-McLain was displaying it’s newly designed wall-mounted boiler in the ECO line of components. The boiler makes use of a compact design that includes a stainless steel fire tube heat exchanger with a dimpled tube design for higher efficiency. The new unit exceeds Energy Star ratings and is eligible for tax credits at 95% efficiency.
Weil-McLain were also displaying their high-efficiency oil boiler with new burner options. The Ultra Oil Series 2 builds upon the proven three-pass cast iron exchanger and adds new options from Beckett NX, AFY, Carlin and Riello. The new jacket and side panels make the unit more attractive and easier to access for maintenance. All the connections are located on the back of the unit for a cleaner look. The entire housing and top control tray can be removed easily for hand trucking.
US Boiler displayed several new and updated items, their K2 condensing gas boiler and the MPO-IQ chimney vented cast iron water boiler. Both systems promise Energy Star certifications and easy connection to another new item, the new IQ Zone Control Circulator Panel. The new panel promises to optimize any Burnham brand boiler. Programmed to precisely calculate heating demand from different zones and “re-size” boilers for optimum efficiency.
Bard had their new GeoTec high efficiency geothermal pump on display. The step capacity compressor increases efficiency by reducing cycling losses and delivers four to five times more energy than it consumers. It uses R-410A non-ozone depleting refrigerant. All the piping is easy to access making it easy to install in many different combinations. The pump comes with a 10 year warranty on parts.
Field Controls was showing off their new iAQ app at AHR. Version 3.0 of the Healthy Home iAQ App is now available and has been updated for all mobile platforms. The new app includes enhanced quoting capabilities to assist the contractor in making custom quotes. The look is fully customizable with logos, colors and custom pricing.
RevSmart is on the way to market to help determine how marketers should price their fuel. The online tool was designed with heavy dealer feedback and beta testing by Myson. The online tool promises to help gain competitive insight based on competitor prices and can determine business health in real time. The software tool promises to help marketers get their pricing dialed in or provide a roadmap to profitability by tallying bulk costs, delivery costs, worker salary and delivery price. The entire system is easily customized and is available now with several pricing tiers for different sized businesses.
Danfoss had the new Turbocor VTT Series Compressor on display and walked away from AHR with the coveted 2015 AHR Expo Product of the Year award. The Innovation Awards named the compressor was chosen from among the top Innovation Award winners in 10 industry-related categories. Intended for commercial air conditioning or process cooling applications that require a high efficiency solution, the innovative compressors qualified to compete for the top award by taking top honors in the “Green Building” category. Widely recognized as one of the most prestigious awards in the HVACR industry.
Bard General Aire was showing off the new DH70 and DH90 dehumidifiers. The units were part of a popular trend in healthy air products that was a buzz at the show. The units come with a five-year warranty on compressor and two on parts. Both run on standard 110-120VAC. The units can be incorporated with a furnace or stand alone and are both Energy Star rated. Both also feature an easy-access filter enclosure.
Fujitsu had the newly introduced ductless split systems, offering up to 33 SEER, now the world’s most efficient mini-splits to operate with optimal efficiency at ambient temperatures of -15°F. The new 9,000 (9RLS3H), 12,000 (12RLS3H) and 15,000 BTU (15RLS3H) inverter systems are available with these capabilities right off the shelf with no modifications needed for low ambient operation. Fujitsu’s Extra Low Temp Heating (XLTH) models feature a built-in base heater and drainage holes so that condensation doesn’t freeze and can drain out when ambient temps are low.
Heat Flo’s Model 40 was on display with a glance at the inner workings of the 150,000 BTU boiler that pushes up to 150 gallons per hour of hot water. It also boasts an operating cost of less than 50% of a comparable electric boiler. For easy installation, all the plumbing connections are located on top of the unit. The stainless steel, smooth heating coil promises long life without any limits to water flow.