Future Trends in HVAC

When developing new technologies, it's important to always be one step ahead of the competition. Manufacturers are constantly searching for ways to reduce operating costs for the end-user and at the same time increase the efficiency of the equipment. HVACR Distribution Business magazine interviewed Karl Zellmer, vice president of air conditioning sales at Emerson Climate Technologies, to find out what Emerson is doing to stay on the cutting edge of energy-efficiency trends in the HVAC industry.

Innovation and improvement are always top of mind at Emerson Climate Technologies, and the Copeland Scroll® variable speed compressor is proof of the research and hard work that goes into their technologies. “The Copeland Scroll variable speed compressor provides improvements in SEER as well as superior heat pump performance and year-round energy savings,” Zellmer says. “This technology is currently being applied to achieve an unprecedented 13 HSPF in heating. That's 29 percent better than the current best in class that does not use the Copeland® variable scroll.”

“In general, there was an extensive effort across multiple Emerson divisions and technology groups which developed the motor and technology drive designed to achieve OEM efficiency targets and provide the reliability and durability contractors expect from Copeland Scroll.”

Zellmer explains that there are new improvements on the horizon from the compressor division of Emerson. “We have a new variable speed compressor and drive now in production for residential systems. We will be expanding that product offering over the coming months with additional displacements and we're also working on the commercial side of variable speed. Also, we are working on variable speed dedicated water heating applications in Europe.”

“In addition to our variable speed and drive offering, there's new technology and improved mechanical modulating technology in the next generation Copeland Scroll Ultratech®,” Zellmer says.

Communication Advances

Emerson's products have communicating capabilities that help monitor and diagnose issues. According to Zellmer, the Emerson communicating system features system elements that communicate with each other and allow contractors to easily install and connect all the parts. “Using ClimateTalk^™ open standard, systems equipped with Emerson's communicating technology also provide monitoring and diagnostic capabilities after it's installed,” Zellmer says.

Emerson is a member of ClimateTalk Alliance, which is an alliance of more than 20 companies who are committed to developing a common communication infrastructure to enable the interoperability of residential systems.

Emerson has also created apps for mobile communicating devices.