LS ELECTRIC America debuts HVAC VFD with BACnet connectivity

Variable frequency drives are increasingly used in HVAC systems to reduce energy use, stabilize control at low speeds, and generate operational data for maintenance. At the 2026 AHR Expo in Las Vegas (February 2–4, 2026), LS ELECTRIC America will present the H100+ Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) for HVAC fan and pump applications.

AHR Expo showcase focused on HVAC fan and pump control
LS ELECTRIC America plans to exhibit the H100+ at Booth SU2516 in the South Upper Hall at AHR Expo 2026, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The product is positioned for typical variable and constant torque HVAC loads such as air handling units, cooling towers, exhaust fans, and water pumps, where speed control and protection logic directly affect energy consumption and equipment life.

Sensorless Vector Control built for low-speed torque without encoders
For HVAC operators, one practical concern with VFD retrofits is maintaining stable torque and speed at low RPM without adding encoder complexity. The H100+ is designed around Sensorless Vector Control (SVC) to deliver speed and torque control without an encoder, which can simplify installation and reduce component count in fan and pump systems.

The drive is intended to handle both variable torque and constant torque loads, allowing it to be applied across mixed HVAC plant configurations rather than being limited to a single equipment type.

Energy-saving modes and embedded payback visibility
The H100+ includes energy-focused functions aimed at reducing unnecessary runtime and compensating for load behavior. The feature set includes Sleep/Wake operation, Auto Torque Boost, and an integrated Payback Counter that displays energy savings information in real time. In HVAC deployments, these modes are typically used to reduce energy draw during low-demand periods and maintain controllability without oversizing the drive or sacrificing stability.

By bringing these functions into the drive layer, the H100+ is positioned as part of a broader energy-management approach that facility teams can apply across multiple assets, particularly where energy reporting and system optimization are tied into building-level KPIs.

Building automation integration via BACnet, Modbus and Metasys N2
A key technical requirement in modern HVAC modernization is clean integration into building management systems, especially when the control stack needs consistent data across multiple vendors. The H100+ includes built-in BACnet MS/TP, Modbus-RTU, and Metasys N2 communications, supporting straightforward connection into BMS environments without external gateway hardware.

For commissioning, monitoring and diagnostics, the drive supports DriveView7 software and a keypad interface, with connectivity via USB or RJ45. This aligns with common workflows where setup and troubleshooting need to be performed quickly onsite, often across large device fleets in commercial buildings and industrial HVAC plants.

This type of native protocol support also supports a more traceable digital supply chain for operational data, where performance and status information can be carried from installed equipment into facility analytics platforms.

Safety and protective functions aimed at maintaining system integrity
The H100+ includes embedded protective and operational support functions, including Fire Mode, Underload and Pipe Break Detection, Pre-Heat Function, and Soft Fill and Ramp Control. In fan and pump systems, these mechanisms are typically used to protect mechanical assets and stabilize operation during transient conditions such as startup, pressure shifts, or unexpected flow anomalies.

Mechanical format and ratings for installation flexibility
From an installation perspective, the H100+ is designed for compact cabinet layouts and serviceability. It supports side-by-side mounting to save space and includes an integrated EMC filter and DC reactor, with an accessible cooling fan intended to simplify maintenance.

For HVAC environment compliance, LS ELECTRIC America lists the drive as UL Plenum Rated and notes availability in IP54 flange-mounted models. The product is offered in three-phase 200 V (1–125 HP), 400 V (1–800 HP), and 600 V (7.5–125 HP) variants to cover both commercial building systems and larger industrial applications.

www.lselectricamerica.com