Top innovators in the HVAC industry awarded at the 2023 AHR Expo innovation awards

The recipients of the 2023 AHR Expo Innovation Awards have been unveiled. Ten industry categories select winners each year, showcasing the most groundbreaking products and technologies poised to enter the market in the upcoming year.

The Innovation Awards draw hundreds of manufacturers designing new and never before seen solutions or improvements upon existing products and technologies launching into the marketplace in the coming year. They encourage exhibitors to submit new products and technologies for recognition via review and selection by a panel of third-party judges of distinguished ASHRAE members. Entrants are evaluated based on overall innovative design, the creativity of the product or service offered, product or technology real-world application, and overall potential market impact.

Indoor Air Quality: BELIMO Americas / Room Sensor
Belimo room sensors accurately measure temperature, humidity, dew point, and CO2 with or without an ePaper touch display. Integrated Near Field Communication (NFC) provides easy field adjustability, commissioning, remote display capabilities, and troubleshooting even without power. These sensors are maintenance-free and provide long-term reliability for a comfortable room environment. Non-powered configuration allows customers to set these room sensors up before being installed in the field, eliminating technician frustration as the sensors can arrive on site fully configured and ready to communicate. Select models offer BACnet, Modbus, or MP-Bus, which enhances communication and reduces installation, cables, and terminal connections.

Sustainable Solutions: Taco Comfort Solutions / System M
System M is an air-to-water heat pump solution for comfortable, efficient heating, cooling, and domestic hot water needs. Its sleek, inverter-driven outdoor heat pump is designed to be ultra-efficient and operates quietly. When paired with Taco’s HydroBox indoor unit, System M offers a complete, integrated HVAC system with only six required pipe connections.

This plug-and-play appliance eliminates the need for refrigerant or gas lines, making the installation less intrusive. System M is highly adaptable and can integrate with most high-efficiency heating and cooling systems. It’s suitable for both new construction and existing HVAC systems, with an installation time that is half of a typical air-to-water heat pump. The six required connections are two to the heat pump, two to the domestic hot water tank, and two to the heating and cooling system