Johnson Controls to reveal advanced solutions at the 2023 AHR Expo

Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, will showcase innovative, new technologies and capabilities that address decarbonization and occupant health, safety and comfort along with Johnson Controls-Hitachi at the upcoming 2023 AHR Expo (booth B1617), Feb. 6-8 in Atlanta, Georgia. 

At the show, Johnson Controls will demonstrate its products and solutions that improve sustainability and optimize building performance aligned with pending U.S. government regulations and other building priorities. 

Innovating for efficiency

The need for energy reduction continues to evolve at an astounding rate, and the latest innovations from Johnson Controls that will be on display at AHR operate more efficiently to meet new government standards. 

Choice Ultra-High Efficiency Rooftop Units (RTUs) provide value to owners from start to finish. Designed for simple installation and service, Choice RTUs can use existing curb fits and ductwork and offer single-side access to connections, coils and compressors. With the addition of variable-speed technologies, this platform now delivers among the highest part-load efficiency in its class. 
The 12.5-23-ton Choice Ultra-High Efficiency Rooftop Units have up to 12.7 EER/20.3 IEER and exceed Department of Energy (DOE) 2023 part-load standards by 45%, greatly reducing energy consumption and operating costs over the lifetime of the unit.

With a 40% smaller footprint than standard heat pump units, the YORK HMCG2 Side-Discharge AC is a compact and efficient cooling option that is ideal for higher-density areas with less installation space, such as multifamily apartments and zero-lot-line neighbourhoods. Available in a range of 2-5-ton models, HMCG2 air conditioners can reach efficiency levels up to 18.5 SEER2. Their modulating compressor maintains consistent home comfort, and their streamlined fan design keeps sound as low as 56 decibels, which is similar to the sound level of a residential dishwasher. 

Johnson Controls will also showcase a capacity expansion of the YORK CYK Compound Centrifugal Water-to-Water Heat Pump, which utilizes a two-compressor design to operate beyond the temperature range of typical centrifugal chillers. Designed specifically for high-temperature heating applications, the CYK heat pump can deliver water temperatures up to 170 F, making it ideal for electrification of existing building heating systems. In facilities where simultaneous heating and cooling loads exist, the CYK heat pump is up to five times more efficient than the traditional chiller and boiler combination.

Johnson Controls will also display its award-winning air-to-water heat pump for the North American market. Using the low-GWP R-454B refrigerant, the heat pump delivers efficiency-optimized heating and cooling for commercial building applications. The heat pump will be available in a 130-kilowatt model with modular capabilities, allowing multiple unit pairing to expand cooling and heating capacity.

Driving sustainable outcomes 

AHR Expo attendees can experience the latest Johnson Controls digital building performance solution, OpenBlue Enterprise Manager. Through the OpenBlue platform, Enterprise Manager serves as the unified interface for connected building systems of any age. 

The comprehensive suite of apps available through OpenBlue Enterprise Manager can pull data from a building’s operational technology (OT) and informational technology (IT) systems – as well as external sources such as weather forecasts and utilities. Enterprise Manager continuously scans these data streams for opportunities to save energy, reduce carbon emissions, improve indoor air quality and enhance occupant comfort and productivity, while also managing cost. 

A well-designed building leverages modern building automation and controls technology to help maximize the performance of HVAC and building systems and achieve critical sustainability and occupant comfort. Johnson Controls will showcase its world-class building automation and controls portfolio, designed to meet any building management need, including:

• The Metasys building automation system, which creates intelligent environments by connecting HVAC, lighting, security and protection systems on a single platform to deliver critical information building operators need
• New enhancements to the Facility Explorer building automation system, such as new 3D graphics, to help easily identify and solve issues while in the field
• New EasyIO building automation controllers, such as the FW VAV, designed for flexibility and compliance with the latest IT security standards
• A full range of temperature, pressure and humidity controls from the PENN commercial refrigeration line
• Several new HVAC Controls and Critical Environment Controls advancements, including the rereleased FMS-2000C Critical Environment Controller, which ensures laboratory and healthcare settings are safe for all occupants through continuous room pressure and airflow verification

Optimizing indoor air quality and energy use

In addition to sustainability, occupant health and comfort also remain a high priority. Johnson Controls-Hitachi will showcase its innovative FrostWashTM technology that removes hidden impurities safely and effortlessly and improves indoor air quality. The company will also provide a sneak peek of the new, all-in-one heat pump that uses water for heating, cooling and domestic water heating. It provides a compact solution to year-round comfort without sacrificing power or efficiency. The heat pump also uses a low-GWP refrigerant thanks to its self-contained outdoor unit, which also enables easy installation. 

The prototype system for the next evolution of heat pumps from Johnson Controls-Hitachi will also be on display. The hybrid system is composed of two heat sources – the primary source being an electric, mini-VRF heat pump and the secondary source being the gas furnace – that allow for greater efficiency during peak heating months, utilizing the second heating source instead in extreme conditions with low-ambient temperatures. 

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