Wireless Making Waves

Staff -- Consulting-Specifying Engineer, 3/1/2006

Wireless technology for HVAC systems is becoming a regular point of discussion for facility managers. At least that's what one industry expert had to say following the recent National Facilities Management & Technology Conference in Baltimore earlier this month.

According to Jim Kohl, senior product manager, wireless and sensor products for Trane, who presented an overview of wireless systems at NFM&T, facility managers are looking for new ways to improve efficiency and performance while cutting costs. Wireless technology is helping them do so, he said, as it helps simplify projects as little to no sensor wiring is involved. In fact, he noted research firm Frost & Sullivan reports 50% of HVAC sensors will be wireless by 2008.

As things stand now, wireless zone sensors have unique benefits for users in "hard-to-wire" masonry buildings, including historical buildings, high profile spaces, frequently renovated spaces, critical climate-control properties and high-tech properties.