While I am not a P.E. I’ve worn many hats covering the HVAC/R industry for the better part of my life. From working the family-owned residential plumbing contractor job as a young adult to editing the pages of an industry trade magazine after college and now strategizing with OEMs on their Marcom campaigns I’ve always thought of the HVAC/R industry as one that embraced new technologies.

While recently reading “A four-step process to energy control” by Jim Plourde and Carl Castellow P.E. of Schneider Electric (Plant Services Sept. 1) and in reviewing the latest winners of the 2010 AHR Expo® Innovation Awards I once again realized that belief is strong as ever. But within the past two weeks while attending a trade show I got drawn into a discussion with a trade publication editor about HVAC/R technology.

The 2010 AHR Expo Innovation Awards call attention to innovative new technology and encourages manufacturers to pursue creative and practical solutions.

The discussion essentially revolved around what the value of technology is today in a field where many business models are based on old philosophies and the natural reluctance to commit to capital purchases for something so new that a facility would be the first to use it.

My main point to the editor certainly wasn’t new. It was that building HVAC/R systems and equipment incorporating new technology is readily available while the tools needed to improve HVAC/R system performance and reliability to reduce energy are mainstream too.

Yes some of these proven technologies have been slow in making inroads and as a result companies looking for sustainable solutions are missing opportunities to improve operations and energy efficiency. So the impetus to create innovative technology will be critical as we continue to improve our economy in 2010 and beyond.

Even President Obama seems to agree. He recently spoke at MIT about his challenge for the United States to become the leader of the clean energy economy. “The world is now engaged in a peaceful competition to determine the technologies that will power the 21st century” he said. “From China to India from Japan to Germany nations everywhere are racing to develop new ways to produce and use energy. The nation that wins this competition will be that nation that leads the global economy. I am convinced of that. And I want America to be that nation.”

To embrace the many benefits and capabilities of new HVAC/R technologies and to be effective they must be compatible with the users’ needs. Even the most technologically advanced system will not be of much value if it cannot be used effectively. When considering investing in new HVAC/R technology start with a detailed examination identify the HVAC/R needs and how those needs could be better addressed then select the system most appropriate for that application. It should be the end goal to reduce energy costs by identifying systems and components that will provide the greatest impact.

Another important piece to embrace and consider with new technology is the need to be more knowledgeable on the latest industry best-practices. The next opportunity to find a one-stop shop with over 100 educational sessions workshops and product presentations many of them free to all attendees will be at the 2010 AHR Expo where I am sure you will find a seminar or two that will help you meet the challenges presented with new and innovative technology.

If you go to the AHR Expo in Orlando in January don’t forget to go see the nine companies (see below) offering a variety of exciting new and innovative products that were selected as winners of the prestigious AHR Expo Innovation Award. They’re taking us into 2010 and beyond.

The winners of a 2010 AHR Expo Innovation Award

• Building Automation: AIC Wireless WBT900 Wireless Device
• Cooling: Delphi Micro Channel Evaporator
• Green Building: Danfoss Inc. Performer VSD
• Heating: Daikin AC (Americas) VRV® III – C Heat Pump System
• IAQ (Indoor Air Quality): Samsung Electronics SPi Bacteria Eradication Technology
• Refrigeration: Muller Industries Australia Pty. Ltd. 3C Condenser
• Software: AEC Design Group ArtrA O&M
• Tools: LA-CO Industries Inc. Cool Gel-Heat Barrier Spray
• Ventilation: DuraSystems Barriers DuraDuct HP Blast Duct System