HVAC going wireless
When televisions developed the capability to turn on and off and change channels remotely, it revolutionized the way we experienced televised entertainment. Cordless receivers and cellphones did the same for the telephone, Wi-Fi for the internet. HVAC, a necessity in most American lives, is too evolving into a wireless and automated system. You may have already experienced the fledgling large-scale integrations of wireless HVAC and electrical systems in hotel chains such as the Comfort Inn, and this new trend is only gaining force. Leviton Manufacturing Company, the largest private manufacturer of electrical wiring equipment in North America, announced this month its expansion of commercial wiring occupancy sensors. These devices are eco-friendly, self-powered, and are able to reduces costs in commercial-sized buildings.
Leviton’s wireless control devices boast a variety of capabilities, the main feature being the ability to sense when someone is occupying a certain room or space. In addition, they can be used for automated on/off switching, multi-location switching, HVAC control, and motor control. Wire-free, battery-free, and with no external power requirements, wireless controls all but eliminate maintenance and replacement-part costs.
Does this mean that those in HVAC training to be technicians will soon be out of a career? Absolutely not.
Wireless HVAC systems are ideally suited as energy savers in the large-scale hospitality sector. For example, many (including those featured at the Comfort Inn) are linked to key-cards, so that the lights and temperature controls will return to a neutral setting when patrons are not in the room, and reactivate when indicated with an occupant’s key card. In most businesses, small-scale buildings and homes, wireless occupancy detection is unnecessary.
It is important to note, though, that in tough economic times and a nation-wide focus on greener, more sustainable forms of energy, HVAC careers will have to evolve to stay current with trends.
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