Carrier Introduces Innovative Smart Valves and Smart Damper Actuators for the i-Vu Building Automation System

Carrier’s lineup of communicating peripherals for the i-Vu® building automation system has been expanded to include smart valves with Characterized Control Valve (CCV™) technology and smart damper actuators. These intelligent devices further enhance Carrier’s range of peripherals designed for the i-Vu system, helping operators improve comfort and efficiency in their buildings. Carrier is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions. 

"We are committed to pushing the boundaries of HVAC technology, and these new smart solutions are a testament to Carrier’s dedication to sustainability and forward-thinking engineering,” said Mark Jones, Business Manager, Carrier Controls. “We believe these advancements will set a new standard in the industry and help our customers achieve their operational and environmental goals more effectively than ever before.” 

Key features and benefits include:

Direct Connectivity: The new smart actuators can connect directly to the actuator sub-network (Act Net) bus on any Act Net-enabled i-Vu controller, allowing precise valve and damper position management via serial commands without using physical I/O on the controller. They also support analog (2-10V) connections.

Enhanced Control Precision: The smart valves and damper actuators adjust to any position as directed by the controller, providing exact position feedback to the i-Vu system.

Simplified Setup: Up to eight smart devices can be connected to the Act Net bus on each i-Vu controller, helping to reduce installation time. The smart devices also support Act Net auto-addressing for quick setup. 

Efficient Selection and Ordering: A new intelligent selection tool enables contractors to define an application, choose a valve size, and specify the valve flow coefficient (Cv). The tool then provides a range of suitable valves along with compatible actuators. Choices can then be exported to an Excel valve schedule report for project submittals. 

Remote Accessibility: The smart valves and damper actuators can be accessed both locally and remotely via the i-Vu system, enabling thorough analysis and rapid error detection with fault detection and diagnostics (FDD). Operators receive automatic alerts if a valve or damper fails, gets stuck, or shows signs of cycling or leakage, ensuring timely and efficient maintenance. Precise position feedback is also communicated to the i-Vu system, ensuring proper operation. 

Advanced Valve Technology: Smart valves feature Characterized Control Valve (CCV™) technology, ensuring stable flow and energy efficiency across various thermal conditions. CCV combines the high close-off capabilities of a ball valve with a specialized disc that ensures an equal percentage flow characteristic to meet specification requirements. Paired with rotary actuators, these valves offer increased durability and superior value compared to traditional manual ball valves. The valve is bubble-tight, preventing energy losses and helping reduce operating costs. 

Sophisticated Valve and Damper Control: Smart valve/damper actuators use Multi-Function Technology (MFT) for precise valve/damper control, with models offering spring return, non-spring return, or electronic safeties to maintain normal valve/damper position during power loss. Auxiliary end switches and up to 95° rotation further enhance functionality. A diverse range of valve/damper actuators are available to meet any application need, offering torque options between 22 and 360 in-lbs. 

The new smart peripherals are versatile and can be used in various applications such as air handling units, heating and cooling coils, fan coil units, unit ventilators, and VAV re-heat coils. They work with both Carrier and non-Carrier HVAC equipment. 

Carrier’s new smart valves and damper actuators will be available for order in the United States and Canada starting on October 2, 2024, with shipments beginning at the end of October. For more information on the i-Vu building automation system, please visit www.carrier.com/ivu, or contact your local Carrier Controls Expert.

About Carrier

Founded by the inventor of modern air conditioning, Carrier is a world leader in high-technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions. Carrier experts provide sustainable solutions, integrating energy-efficient products, building controls and energy services for residential, commercial, retail, transport and food service customers. Carrier is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions that matter for people and our planet for generations to come. For more information, visit https://www.carrier.com/commercial/en/us/ or follow us on LinkedIn and @Carrier on X.