HVAC Technology Innovation: Mobile Diagnostic App as a Key Differentiator

Brand differentiation is becoming more difficult for established small and medium-sized OEMs and start-ups in the HVAC industry, as market consolidation under larger brands intensifies competition.

Consumers are looking for cost-effective ways to reduce energy costs while maximizing their indoor living experience with more sophisticated smart HVAC technology. OEMs seeking to capture this demand will innovate to enhance customer value. However, limited in-house capacity, skills and expertise may restrict some from innovating. Collaborating with an electronics control partner with deep technical experience in product design, can help OEMs develop unique product features that set them apart from their competition.

Avnan offers a unique mobile-enabled IP that perfectly aligns to those seeking to enhance customer value through a new product experience. Avnan’s HVAC diagnostic technology platform can be customized, universally adapted and configured to integrate with various HVAC products including fan coils, heat pumps, ERVs (energy recovery ventilator) and HRVs (heat recovery ventilator).

Why HVAC Uptime Matters

When HVAC systems fail, it is an unpleasant and uncomfortable experience for those affected. An unreliable HVAC brand impacts reputation, consumer confidence and eventually customer preference and demand. Maximizing operational uptime of an HVAC system, especially during extreme weather conditions, is critical in delivering a positive customer experience.

Avnan offers a technology solution that supports quick diagnostics, repair and restore HVAC systems when they break down. This universal HVAC control platform consists of two parts: a WIFI BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) enabled mobile application and the WIFI/BLE advanced control board. The mobile application helps in-field service technicians quickly troubleshoot and repair the areas of concern reducing downtime.

Technicians receive insight into the system’s functions through the app’s BLE connectivity and see real-time data on control parameters such as temperature, fan speed, valve position, system status and more. The app can also provide a troubleshooting guide to help technicians quickly perform repairs. The value of this innovation – less downtime, money savings and better brand experience.

Robust Capabilities and Versatility for Universal Application for Various HVAC Systems

The universal HVAC diagnostic controller platform is designed to be integrated with existing HVAC systems and other modern HVAC environments. The advanced control board features WIFI and BLE communication with integrated BACnet capabilities, enabling versatile HVAC applications and real-time monitoring for seamless subsystem interaction.. The benefit – a streamlined operation that maximizes uptime.

The customizable platform features include EC and PSC motor drive and control, multiple inputs for sensors, RS-485 communication port, multiple valve actuator drives and an IAQ (indoor air quality) sensor. It supports additional control features such as a multi-tap PSC motor and multi-valve actuators. The key differentiator of this platform is the BLE feature that retrieves data and parameters for troubleshooting. BLE is designed for short-range data exchange with low power consumption making it ideal for IoT devices and smart home applications.

The mobile application (soon available for both Android and iOS), displays parameters to help track, monitor and diagnose operational failures in specific areas of the system providing convenience and saving troubleshooting time.  The dashboard displays real-time temperature sensor information, motor speed and status, humidity and IAQ information.

A New Value Proposition for a Range of HVAC Products

Stand-alone or Integrated Fan Coil System

Avnan’s universal HVAC controller platform can be integrated to both stand alone or integrated fan coil units. The advanced control board of this platform supports fan coil operation which requires precision control of airflow, temperature and energy consumption to enable value actuation and variable speed operation of the fan motor. The diagnostic system can be embedded in the firmware which transmits data to the mobile application.

With residential and commercial fan coil units, BACnet capabilities allow for easy integration to larger, more complex building automation systems. Though the function and features may differ from the stand-alone units, the operation and use case is similar for in-field technicians.

HRV / ERV Units

With demand for ERV units growing due to the mandatory requirements of new building construction in the US and the push for cost-saving energy efficiency, OEMs in this market will experience a surge in sales. Fan coil integration into ERV is growing in popularity because of the desire for space optimization and the benefits of improved air quality. With more units installed, higher incidences of failures and their potential impacts on customer experience are inevitable.

The universal HVAC diagnostic platform can be customized to integrate with a fan coil ERV unit or a stand-alone ERV and can accommodate a combination of features including BACnet for building automation integration. The platform ecosystem is similar to the fan coil version with the advanced control board, power board and the mobile app. Combining the fan coil with the ERV system requires only one controller and results in savings.

Heat Pumps

Heat Pumps have become more affordable as more competitors enter the market. With the government incentivizing sales through rebates, consumer demand has increased. It replaces furnaces and air conditioning units to create cost savings, comfort and streamlined operation. Similar to the fan coil, Avnan’s universal HVAC diagnostic controller can be integrated into the heat pump stand-alone unit or those integrated with other HVAC systems.

Creating a Competitive Advantage with Avnan’s Solution

Avnan’s universal HVAC diagnostic tool offers benefits to both in field service technicians and OEMs. By accommodating customization, the platform has broad appeal and universal application across various HVAC products yet, like a blank canvas, it can support an OEM’s innovative ideas.

As a diagnostic tool, this platform performs a critical function in ensuring that the HVAC system is operating as expected with minimum disruption and maximum benefit for end users and technicians alike. A well-operating HVAC system that can be quickly repaired produces a positive brand experience that customers can trust.

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