Research and Development

ClimaStat is a refrigeration-science technology that can be factory installed in new air conditioning equipment as well as field-retrofitted to existing equipment. The technology is based on a new paradigm for control of major elements of unitary HVAC equipment, including refrigerant management, compressor, cooling coil, and supply air fan. The technology involves modifications to the conventional DX system that result in more precise control of supply air over system evaporator coils, along with optimized refrigerant management, resulting in lower pressure differentials at compressors. ClimaStat advances unitary system technology by responding to varying latent (moisture) loads in addition to conventional sensible (temperature) load control. ClimaStat components are relatively simple readily available parts from the food and industrial refrigeration industry that are reliable, proven, easily maintainable, and low cost. The results of ClimaStat lab & field tests have demonstrated a 15 to 30% increase in Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER), relative to conventional HVAC unit baseline performance.

Implementation of ClimaStat technology can lead to increased energy efficiency, along with superior humidity control and fresh air ventilation, for DX air-conditioning units in both stationary and mobile applications. Substantial reduction of energy use by unitary HVAC systems in buildings is the primary benefit. Additional benefits are longer HVAC compressor life due to reduced refrigerant pressure differential and reduced operating hours. Energy use reductions of up to 60% can be realized in systems utilizing reheat for humidity or temperature control. ClimaStat technology, both as a retrofit to existing unitary systems and as an enhancement to new equipment, will provide a solid basis for technology deployment in unitary DX equipment and significant cooling loads.

Unitary HVAC systems are readily available in a range of capacities from 5 to 100-tons, have a relatively low first cost, and are easily serviced. However, even best-in-class EER-14 commercial unitary equipment do not give the 30% increase in efficiency over ASHRAE Standard 90.1 desired to meet federal energy reduction goals. Current energy efficiency specifications for new unitary air conditioning and heat pump systems establish EERs of 9.7 to 14.0, depending on system capacity. However, the substantial base of installed unitary systems have an EER of 9.0 or less, dependent on system condition and maintenance history.

AdvanTek is actively developing more than a few leading edge HVAC and energy technologies. The focus of these projects is on developing high performance, advanced technology products that can succeed in the highly price and first-cost driven building construction and retrofit market. We actively seek out unmet challenges and attempt to do things that have not been done before. A team of highly motivated experts develops incisive, unconventional, innovative solutions to tough applications with an eye toward nurturing the results into marketable products and services.

Related Projects & Files

• ClimaStat: Product Sheet
• ClimaStat: What is Climastat Sheet
• ClimaStat: How it Works
• Download PDF: Improvement of IEER Rating and Dehumidification Capability in Unitary DX Equipment
• Download PDF: Improvement of Integrated Energy Efficiency and Latent Cooling Capability by Refrigeration Cycle Variation with Evaporator Coil Optimization in R-410a Unitary Equipment
• University of Alabama Monitoring