The rooftop unit is expensive and critical to the building’s performance. Getting data to and from that unit would make control much easier. Trane, a well-known brand in the climate-control market, is working on it.
Trane, Trane Technologies, is seeking to deliver greater energy efficiency with Air-Fi Wireless Sensors for Trane/Mitsubishi Electric CITY MULTI VRF (variable refrigerant flow) and updates to the IntelliPak 1 HVAC Rooftop Unit. The enhancements provide building owners with equipment, data, and controls to help stay ahead of efficiency standards, meet their decarbonization goals, and make retrofits easier and more cost-effective.
Building owners using VRF systems can now benefit from wireless sensing technology that enables enhanced, individualized comfort. Air-Fi Wireless Sensors, which integrate with Tracer SC+ or Tracer Concierge, are now compatible with Trane/Mitsubishi Electric VRF systems. Air-Fi Wireless Sensors detect and monitor temperature, humidity, occupancy, and CO2 (carbon dioxide) from a single device.
Air-Fi Wireless sensors offer:
- Reduced wiring for faster project completion and easier installation
- Industry-leading battery life for worry-free maintenance
- Maximized network reliability – wireless mesh technology self-heals and re-directs communications paths instantly in case of interference or link failures
The other unit, the IntelliPak 1, has been upgraded to meet the U.S. DOE (Dept. of Energy) ) 2023 minimum efficiency requirements and now comes equipped standard with the Trane Symbio800 controller. The IntelliPak 1 delivers an industry-leading part-load efficiency rating of up to 18.5 IEER (Integrated Energy Efficiency Ratio), depending on the system configuration, and meets ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2019. It provides three tiers of efficiency for most tonnages to meet specific application and regulatory needs: standard efficiency, high efficiency, and eFlex ultra-high efficiency, Trane’s highest-efficiency unit.
Available in capacities ranging from 20-130 tons, the IntelliPak 1 offers durability, low operating costs, easy customization, fast installation, and great value. The dimensions of the new units match the legacy footprint to accommodate easy upgrades.
With the Symbio 800 connected controller, owners can monitor and service their buildings remotely, troubleshoot issues, and take advantage of Trane’s energy management tools and intelligent services. The controller easily integrates with all standard building communication protocols and offers easy building connectivity. The Adaptive Controls algorithm in the Symbio 800 software helps keep IntelliPak 1 units running even during the most challenging conditions. Features include:
- Simplified integration with common building communication protocols.
- A rugged 7-in touchscreen with intuitive navigation simplifies access to data and alarms for quick resolutions.
- Local scheduling, capable of operating without a building automation system and connection to building management system through TraneConnect.
- Data logging for standard, local or remote intuitive review and analysis of equipment, zone, and building performance.
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