INNCOM Introduces Variable-Speed Fan Drive to Reduce HVAC Noise & Control Mold Spore Growth

June 22, 2004

VFD-4 Operates HVAC Equipment in Whisper, Quiet, Standard & Performance Modes

Niantic, CT, June 22, 2004: INNCOM International announces another winning concept for hotel guestrooms: variable-speed fan control. The VFD-4 Variable Fan Drive assembly is designed to provide a variable fan speed capability for virtually any fan coil unit (FCU) or packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC). When operated at slower fan speeds, acoustic noise is reduced and dehumidification is enhanced.

The VFD-4 was developed under an accelerated program to meet requests from hoteliers who want to reduce or eliminate guest-disturbing noises from existing HVAC equipment.

Many HVAC units are noisy or they create noticeable shifts in background noise when fan speeds are changed. To eliminate the noise, the VFD-4 provides an infinite number of fan speeds, from high to ultra-slow, and it smoothly and automatically transitions through the entire range in a manner which is virtually unnoticeable to guests. This combination provides precisely the right amount of air flow to maintain temperature settings.

"In addition to reducing acoustic noise, the VFD sub-low fan speed offers a tremendous advantage in our ability to execute sophisticated de-humidification strategies without impacting guest comfort," said Philipp Roosli, INNCOM CTO. "Mold spore growth in guestrooms is a high profile issue in the lodging industry, and maintaining proper humidity levels is an important element in combating this growth."

INNCOM CEO Duane Buckingham credited two industry leaders for initiating the concept behind the VFD-4.

Many months ago, Gus Newbury, Starwood vice president of engineering, mentioned how great it would be great if the same type of variable-speed AC systems used in luxury automobiles was available for hotel guestrooms. The idea intrigued our R&D staff, and we began investigating possibilities. Then more recently, Ludwig Scherdel, area director of engineering for IHG, called with a request for a creative solution for an HVAC noise problem at an InterContinental property. He felt it might be solved with variable-speed controls for the hotels fan coil units. Within 30 days of his call, Philipp (Roosli) and INNCOMs R&D staff turned design thoughts into practical reality, and we successfully field-tested the VFD at InterContinental Chicago.

INNCOM expects to proceed with a full installation at the Chicago property and has already received commitments from other upscale hotels, according to Buckingham.

Beyond acoustic noise reduction, better dehumidification control and greater guest comfort, several other benefits accrue from VFD use. Among these are increased energy savings by being able to run fan motors at optimal speeds, extended motor life due to fewer start-stop and speed change cycles, and more precise temperature control by being able to make more gradual fan speed changes to meet heating and cooling demand. Each of these benefits further enhances the integrated guestroom controls and energy management systems that INNCOM designs and manufactures.

The VFD-4 is another in a long list of development firsts for the Connecticut-based company. Founded in 1986, INNCOM invented diffuse-mode infrared control for lighting, HVAC and motorized drapes. It produced the first touchscreen panel for bedside control, developed the first wireless on-line lock control system using infrared, and was the first to implement wireless mini-bar access reporting. More recently, INNCOM created the first shared Ethernet backbone at a Westin property, where both broadband services and guest room control functionality utilize a single wiring structure. It has a number of issued technology patents and several more are pending. The company is focused solely on the global lodging industry and has installations in many of the most prestigious hotels in 18 countries.

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