Two Danfoss hydronic products—NovoCon® S and AB-QM™—named Honorable Mentions in the prestigious AHR Innovation Awards program

Danfoss, a leading manufacturer of high-efficiency electronic and mechanical components and controls for heating, air-conditioning, refrigeration, industrial and water systems, introduced the new NovoCon® S Digital Actuator during the 2016 AHR Expo in Orlando, Fla.

NovoCon® S digital actuator

Ideal for installation in fan coil units, chilled ceilings, air handling units, VAV boxes, induction units, and baseboards, the intelligent, 4-in-1 NovoCon® S digital actuator is a motorized, modulating digital actuator that combines the functionalities of a digital actuator, bus communication device, flow indicator, and data logger. The digital actuator is engineered to fit onto the Danfoss AB-QM™ pressure independent control valve to provide precise control and communication between a hydronic system and a building automation system.

Minimizing installation and maintenance

The NovoCon® S digital actuator enables a connection to a building automation system via Fieldbus, which allows information to be collected from each individual actuator. By using Fieldbus cables with pre-fabricated plugs for daisy-chain connections, wiring is minimalized and the risk of fire is reduced. And, by making features such as commissioning, flow indication, and flushing remotely available, time and costs can be saved on installation and commissioning and daily operation and maintenance.

Enabling the use of valuable data

NovoCon® S also enables status feedback and alarms for instant troubleshooting and, by facilitating the collection and storage of data, facilitates the benchmarking and real-time tracking of building performance and energy consumption for ongoing efficiency improvements and cost savings.

“Historically, hydronic balancing and control systems have not been compatible with the building automation systems of most modern buildings,” explains James Hoctor, national sales manager, Danfoss Heating. “The Danfoss NovoCon® S changes that – and, by combining its intelligent capabilities with the precision of the AB-QM™ pressure independent control valve, helps provide the complete, energy-saving, and cost-reducing control and access that buildings today demand.”

AB-QM™ pressure independent control valve

The Danfoss AB-QM™ pressure independent control valve (PICV) is an all-in-one balancing valve and differential pressure controller, providing 100 percent valve authority, accurate flow limitation and precise system control of hydronic systems. Available in a full range of sizes from ½-inch to 10-inches with a compact design able to handle any size application, the AB-QM™ is ideal for small spaces such as fan coil units and VAV boxes, as well as large buildings like offices, universities, hospitals, and buildings where accurate temperature control is critical, such as laboratories and research facilities.

Tested accuracy for energy savings, improved comfort

With third-party verified balancing and control accuracies of ±5 percent of setpoint, the AB-QM™ is the most accurate valve on the market and can increase energy savings by 20 to 50 percent, improve overall system efficiency, and enhance indoor comfort.

Compared to traditional balancing valves, the Danfoss AB-QM™ PICV eliminates the need for authority calculations and will save time on installation and commissioning.

“The AB-QM™ pressure independent control valve helps to put an entire hydronic system into perfect balance by providing flows that match loads, even at partial loads, while minimizing maintenance and the horsepower required by the pump,” explained Hoctor. “This enables chillers to operate at designed capacities and improves energy efficiency and indoor comfort.”

Recognized for innovation

Both the new Danfoss NovoCon® S digital actuator and AB-QM™ pressure independent control valve, third generation, were named Honorable Mentions—in the Building Automation and Heating categories, respectively—in the 2016 AHR Innovation Awards program. This is the first time Danfoss products for hydronic heating systems have been recognized in the competition. In total, Danfoss has now been recognized 23 times over 13 years of the competition’s history.