Smart strategies, insights via apps for commercial projects

Sensor-equipped hardware, smart building applications and software-generated analytics — all working together — are making inroads in the HVACR industries.

Equipment manufacturers are, in some cases, taking the lead with innovative hardware and software solutions that can improve operation of HVACR systems, enhance occupant comfort and save owners and management money.

Specifically recent innovations in HVAC equipment technology that take advantage of dedicated interconnected hardware and software are enabling insights that can result in proactive service of HVACR equipment by identifying issues into building operations earlier than otherwise. These types of proactive data collection can support cloud-based data analytics that can enable greater efficiency from HVACR systems, extend equipment life and reduce operating costs.  

For example, Smart Equipment, developed by Johnson Controls, is a system that seamlessly connects HVAC equipment with a control system. Equipment with embedded smart controls can self-identify without requiring any special programming tools. Smart Equipment enables a bundled solution that connects data streams from equipment to the cloud, allowing insights into operations that are traditionally not uncovered or discovered at such an early stage.

How it works: Contractors who want to use the Smart Equipment solution install HVACR products that carry the Smart Equipment icon, indicating they already have “smart” controls embedded by the manufacturer(s). The icon makes it easy to identify each piece of smart equipment onsite that, once connected to the system, will be monitored.

Monitored, connected products can result in early detection of faults and other problems that, if unaddressed, can lead to longer downtime.

The contractor then connects the smart equipment-enabled products to third-party software (a smart control system) that will monitor them and configures the solution to specific desired parameters. The smart control system delivers actionable insights into building operations, ensuring proactive service by identifying issues before they lead to unplanned downtime and, potentially, costly repairs. Monitored, connected products can result in early detection of faults and other problems that, if unaddressed, can lead to longer downtime.  

Example of software that works with smart equipment: The plug-and-play Verasys controls system, www.verasyscontrols.com, leverages smart equipment technology from any manufacturer to control and optimize single-site and multi-site enterprises. Designed for light commercial buildings and featuring auto-connect to Smart  Equipment-enabled pieces of HVACR equipment, Verasys is sold pre-programmed, ready for field configuration or as a bundled solution of equipment and controls for a complete HVACR system, with no special programming tools required. The system, which will be available in early 2017, features predictive, proactive, and preventive building controls, with intent to keep building occupants comfortable and HVACR systems efficient and reliable.   

Verasys gives users remote access over a secure Internet connection, with built-in control flexibility with respect to scheduling, alarms, setpoints and other parameters. Optional fault detection and diagnostics immediately deliver alarm notifications via email or text.

Verasys communicates using BACnet MSTP for easy integration into other building automation systems and works with third-party package equipment for greater flexibility and to protect existing investments.    

Mobile apps to select and specify chillers and rooftop units: Carrier, www.carrier.com/commercial, recently added new capabilities for the Carrier chillers, a mobile app that offers a quick, easy way to select a Carrier commercial packaged chiller. The app, which takes advantage of Cloud technology, enables users, in three steps, to obtain key technical data and product features for Carrier air-cooled and water-cooled chillers. The Cloud technology allows for on-the-spot updates for users looking for information on equipment and sales office data, potentially reducing search time while providing the most accurate and up-to-date results.

The Carrier Chiller app allows heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system and design engineers to input a chiller type, capacity and compression and then receive key technical data and product features for the individual units that meet those specific requirements. By entering their zip code, users can also connect with a local sales expert to obtain further information and sales support.

The latest updated version of the app provides increased device compatibility by running on the latest operating systems, including Apple* iOS 6.0 and above (including iOS 9.0), Android** 4.0 and above; and Windows*** 8.0 and above. The app also features automatic app updates (when open with internet connection).

The app includes information on the expanded Carrier air-cooled chiller offering including the 30RB, 30XA and 30RAPs. The app, which is free, is available for download at carrier.com/commercial for the iPad tablet, iPhone, Android, and Windows smart phones. For more information, visit carrier.com/commercial.

Carrier also offers the Carrier Rooftops Mobile App (version 2.0.2), developed to allow users in the United States and Canada to perform on the spot selection of HVAC rooftop units for both replacement and new construction and to estimate energy savings between Carrier Weather Series units. Users can input an existing model number for Carrier or competitive equipment, or desired unit specifications, and obtain the optimal Carrier model for their rooftop requirements. The app is available free at the Apple App Store, Google Play App Store, Windows App Store, or www.carrier.com/commercial.   

Bill and Patti Feldman write articles and web content for trade magazines and manufacturers of building products. They can be reached at [email protected].