September 9, 2008: Microstaq Inc., a developer of advanced silicon MEMS-based fluid control technology, has launched the Microstaq SEV, a silicon microvalve based on the company’s Ventilum chip, that enables energy and system efficiency gains in AC systems, provides computer control to fluid movement, simplifies design of AC control systems, and promises to extend the life and durability of compressors in AC systems. The company expects these improvements in fluid control to reduce energy consumption in AC systems by 25%.

Current mechanical expansion control is decades-old technology that requires a large evaporator superheat range, which significantly lowers the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator. Relatively small changes in ambient conditions can cause the evaporator to deviate from its designed performance range which translates directly to much higher energy usage. By combining the digital controls and intelligence inherent to semiconductor-based technology, the SEV dynamically responds to rapidly changing system conditions by precisely metering refrigerant into the evaporator, simplifying HVAC system design.

The Microstaq SEV is a 2-way piloted flow control valve for use as an expansion valve in HVAC/R systems.

“Our customers have been asking for electronic refrigerant expansion control systems that are easy to set up and use, and that are robust enough to stand up to the rigors of high-stress deployments,” said Sandeep Kumar, CEO of Microstaq. “SEV is a revolutionary leap forward in electronic refrigerant expansion control which will have huge ramifications in the market and is poised to become the industry standard.”