Last week I was in Chicago where I attended the world’s largest HVAC expo. There I walked about 10 miles at the McCormick Convention Center where over 1,900 exhibitors from over 30 countries were showing off their goods. Frictionless compressors, solar hot water, dashboard controls, smart phone operated thermostats, steam on demand boilers, ductless units by the dozens and one Big Ass Fan…that is the actual brand name (see below).
So as a last minute idea, I decided to snap some pictures and post via Twitter as soaked it all it. There was so much information it was like trying to drink from a fire hydrant. Below is a list of the pictures I took from the Expo and also a couple of videos for your review. If you are interested in any of the products shown, please give me a shout and our team can design an application for your building. Also, be sure to scroll through all the pictures and videos to see a bonus (non HVAC) video of some local Chicago talent. Enjoy!
McQuay 700 Ton Magnitude “Magnetic Bearing” Chiller.
http://www.mcquay.com/Magnitude
Heating domestic hot water with Solar panels. This is a proven solution. I can’t remember the name of this particular brand, but here in Memphis, Sharp Manufacturer is cranking out solar panels everyday. Our engineers at S.M. Lawrence Company, would be happy to design a system for your building’s domestic hot water needs.
That’s one BIG pump by Bell & Gossett. B&G is to pumps as Kleenex to tissue and Coke to Cola…leaders in the circulating pumps!
Check out this control system builder by J2 Innovations. This is their Fin Builder. Easily create BAS systems and dashboards FAST and they operate on all systems including smartphones, Apple, Windows, Android and iPad. Check the quick video I took below and click here for more information: http://www.j2inn.com/
This little fan caught my attention. With all the distribution facilities in Memphis, this could be a good application for destratification. Click here to learn more: http://www.zoofans.com/
I finally got to lay my hands on a Nest Thermostat!
For more information on how these little gems operate, check my previous blog titled “Steve Jobs and the Thermostat”. http://www.nest.com/
Impressive booth by Tower Tech Cooling Towers. http://www.towertechinc.com/
My favorite cooling tower on the market: Marley by SPX. The most reliable and easiest to maintain. http://spxcooling.com/en/
In just a few weeks, I will be installing two of these Honeywell Prestige Thermostats with the Total Comfort Honeywell app for my iPhone! Once they are installed, I will create a video and post the results. Stay tuned.
http://yourhome.honeywell.com/home/Products/Thermostats/7-Day-Programmable/Prestige.htm
Fabric duct by FabricAir. http://www.fabricair.com/net/
Lochnivar Boilers had a fantastic booth. These high efficiency boilers are made here in Tennessee. http://www.lochinvar.com/
This company makes me giggle every time. Big Ass Fans have risen in popularity due to their high volume of delivered CFM, lowered energy costs and creative marketing. http://www.bigassfans.com/
These are the most energy efficient steam boilers on the market. Miura boilers are on demand steam boilers. We have installed several in our market and one currently under way with Coke Cola bottling in Arkansas. http://www.miuraboiler.com/
Another great product by Daikin McQuay coming in 2012 is their new rooftop unit called the Rebel. This package unit is available from 3-15 tons and is one of the most efficient on the market. For more info, go to this website and watch the video: http://www.mcquay.com/main/McQuay/ProductInformation/RooftopSystems/Rebel
Harsco / Patterson Kelley (my favorite of the modular condensing boilers) now offers their MACH Condensing boiler in a 4 Million BTU! These are the boilers S.M. Lawrence Company has installed at FedExForum and the Commerical Appeal in Memphis. http://www.harscopk.com/products/group.aspx?GID=1008
I hope you have enjoyed the products and videos in this edition of Mechanical Matters. Remember if any of the products peak your interest, please give me and my team a call. We can design the right system for you buildings HVAC needs. As promised, I have included one more video below. While in Chicago you have to eat a Hot Dog, Deep Dish Pizza and listen to some great blues. Check out this little video of some of the blues I heard at Kingston Mines. Enjoy and until next time, “Stay Cool”.
Jimmy Veteto
