What is Near Field Communication, and how does it work? Near Field Communication (NFC) is a wireless communication protocol defined by ISO/IEC 14443. It operates at a frequency of 13.56 MHz between an active reader (e.g., smartphone) and a passive device (e.g., Belimo actuator). For communication to occur between two devices using NFC, the NFC interfaces must be placed close to each other. Belimo NFC works best with direct contact. However, communication works without direct contact at distances of up to 1.18" [3 cm] away from the actuator. For Apple devices, a Bluetooth to NFC dongle is required.

Belimo products with integrated NFC provides application data access. With a smartphone and the Belimo Assistant App, you can easily program, commission, and troubleshoot your Belimo products with integrated Near Field Communications (NFC). Some of the functionalities you have access to when working with one of our NFC enabled products are; device type, current position, operating data, and setting parameters. NFC provides the data access you need to ensure peace of mind installation and optimal performance.

Airside Economizing is a great way to reduce operating costs; it also provides the correct ratio of outside air and return air to deliver the proper indoor air quality (IAQ) to meet the codes and ensure occupant comfort. Studies have shown that up to 70% of economizers are not functioning correctly. Many times economizer systems are set up incorrectly or are left to operate in factory default mode. Many failures go undetected, costing building owners unnecessary expense and energy standards and building IAQ requirements are not met.

Belimo devices can be found in a wide range of building applications across the globe – silently and reliably helping to improve occupant comfort and reduce energy consumption through HVAC system optimization. In recent years, advancements in IoT and digitalization have allowed these devices to become “smarter” by generating valuable data that can be used by building owners and managers to continuously improve system performance. Several Belimo devices available today have built-in capabilities that enable this data to be pushed to the Belimo Cloud where it can be stored and viewed by technicians and personnel tasked with managing building systems. Some examples of these devices include those with Ethernet interfaces, like the Energy Valve and -IP actuators.  They also include devices with NFC communication capabilities, like the 6-way Electronic Pressure Independent Valve (ePIV), PR actuators, and the new line of airflow control actuators.

AHR Expo in Orlando, Florida, was a huge success. It attracted over 80,000 industry professionals from around the globe. The show provided a unique forum for manufacturers of all sizes to share ideas and to display future HVACR technology solutions. Belimo had a special celebration at the booth with its 100 millionth actuator hand-off to Darryl Boyce, President of ASHRAE. The celebration was a monumental moment, and was shared with many customers and associates.

Belimo celebrates 100 million actuators delivered worldwide, continuing its success story of optimizing energy efficiency in buildings without sacrificing comfort. At the beginning of this year, Belimo delivered its 100 millionth actuator; in doing so reached another milestone in the company's history. Belimo, the Swiss world market leader for field devices for controlling and regulating heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems, confirms its growth course by reaching this milestone along with meeting the demand for innovative products that sustainably increase comfort, energy efficiency and safety in buildings.

Designed to meet LEED Gold standards, Belimo Americas’ Danbury, Connecticut headquarters was constructed from the ground-up using some of the most innovative green building techniques on the market today. The facility also incorporates many of our very own energy-saving products and puts them on display so that visitors can see how they are being used in real-world applications. LEED for Building Design and Construction (LEED BD+C) provided us with the framework for building our holistic green facility and allowed us to maximize its sustainability by taking full advantage of the benefits provided by our innovative line of products.

AHR Expo in Atlanta was a huge success. It attracted the most significant amount of industry professionals from around the globe. The show provided a unique forum for manufacturers of all sizes to share ideas and to display the future HVACR technology solutions. Belimo’s booth this year illustrated how our small products (actuators, valves, sensors) make a big impact on water and air applications.