Redesigned SHIELD™ Commercial Water Heater Named Finalist in Product of the Year Awards

Press

by Lochinvar Marketing Department | 04/22/2014

Lochinvar’s reengineered SHIELD™ commercial water heater has been named a finalist in Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s Product of the Year Awards. The 10th annual awards program spotlights innovative new products demonstrating technological advancement. Based on its features and design, the judges selected the SHIELD Water Heater as one of the 2014 finalists in the HVAC/R category. 

About the Redesigned SHIELD Commercial Water Heater
Originally introduced in 2008, the SHIELD Water Heater features a unique design that allows for thermal efficiency of up to 96 percent without the risk of lime scale buildup inside the tank. In 2013, the SHIELD line was updated to include three additional models, extending the offering from 125,000 Btu/hr to 500,000 Btu/hr, and an extensive list of upgrades that are all designed to improve performance, accessibility and – ultimately – customer satisfaction.

The three new models include the introduction of the 125,000 Btu/hr unit, which offers storage of 65 gallons, and two new ASME versions of existing sizes. Both the 150,000 Btu/hr and the 200,000 Btu/hr models are now available in ASME construction, as well as the original standard construction. With the addition of these new units, the SHIELD line includes a total of eight models to meet the needs of any commercial application.

Based on extensive focus group research, Lochinvar implemented numerous updates to improve the design and overall performance of SHIELD. Providing easy access areas for simplified installation, all of the water, gas, air and vent connections are now located at the top of the unit. This key enhancement allows for an improved fit and increased flexibility, adding new options for installation footprints. 

In order to reduce leak potential, the number of connection points in the water recirculation piping, such as solder joints, ProPress connections and threaded connections, has been reduced considerably. The original SHIELD models featured 23 connections, while the updated units have a total of 11. 

The Lochinvar development team also decreased the footprint and height of the unit to allow it to more easily fit through doors and in tight spaces. To further simplify installation and service, the integrated control board on the unit has been relocated to the front of the appliance. This new positioning allows for easy access behind the bezel on the front of the unit.   

In addition, several key control operations have been added to the interface. Among these additions are password security, adjustable pump delay and the ability to enable contacts from the control module.
 
About the Product of the Year Awards
The Product of the Year Awards are voted on by qualified Consulting-Specifying Engineer subscribers who have the responsibility to buy and/or specify products. Eligible professionals can cast their vote online for finalists in each category through June 27, 2014. The winners of the Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards in each category, as well as the Most Valuable Product, will be featured in the September 2014 issue of Consulting-Specifying Engineer and online at www.csemag.com/POY.