A line of oil-free, variable-speed, magnetic-bearing centrifugal compressors and electronic expansion valves, both from Baltimore-based Danfoss, captured 2015 AHR Expo Innovation Awards.

In the green building category, Danfoss’ Turbocor VTT Series centrifugal compressors took top honors for its IntraFlow, a patent-pending technology that improves efficiency and provides an extended stable operating range while simplifying capacity control. IntraFlow eliminates the need for inlet guide vanes or mechanical variable geometry diffusers.

Intended for water-cooled chillers and with capacities of 350 tons per compressor, Turbocor VTT – or Variable Twin Turbo – compressors are suited for industrial process cooling or commercial air-conditioning chillers reaching up to 1,000 tons. The new drive technology on the compressors is exclusive to the VTT Series, says the company. The VTT drive offers reliability and performance in a small frame size made achievable only with refrigerant-controlled heat removal.

In the cooling category, Danfoss earned an honorable mention for its new ETS Colibri electronic expansion valve. The electronic expansion valves enable precise evaporator flow control for increased energy efficiency and reliable compressor operation. According to Danfoss, they are suitable for lower-GWP refrigerant systems and variable-speed air-conditioning.

The 2015 AHR Expo Innovation Awards recognize creative, effective and ingenious products and technologies. The annual trade show for which the awards are named is planned for January 26-28 in Chicago.