Advancing Smart HVAC Technology Through Strategic Partnership between Internet of Team and University of Nebraska-Lincoln
In a significant move towards innovation in HVAC technology, the Internet of Team (IofTeam) has announced a strategic partnership with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Peter Kiewit Institute (PKI). This collaboration is set to enhance smart HVAC systems, primarily focusing on advanced methods for detecting refrigerant charge levels in variable refrigerant volume (VRF) systems. Dr. Haorong Li and his dedicated research team at UNL have developed a novel approach, culminating in a provisional patent application that underlines the potential impact of this partnership.
The essence of this collaboration lies in the integration of Dr. Li's innovative refrigerant detection methodology into IofTeam's leading cloud-based platform, DigiMEP. By utilizing this technology, the platform aims to elevate its capabilities in predictive maintenance and energy optimization, which are crucial as the HVAC industry pivots towards next-generation refrigerants in response to the new EPA standards. The need for precise refrigerant leak detection is becoming increasingly critical, as even small leaks can cause energy waste, diminish performance, and have adverse environmental effects over time. The technology developed through this partnership is designed to offer field-ready accuracy, thereby empowering technicians and operators who manage VRF systems at scale.
DigiMEP stands as IofTeam’s flagship digital HVAC services platform, which standardizes field measurements and transforms them into validated mechanical truths. By embedding Dr. Li's algorithm, the platform is poised to further enhance its core functions, such as equipment optimization, measurement verification, and technician support. This enhancement will aid service companies in achieving consistent diagnostics, ultimately reducing performance variances across multiple sites.
Under the agreement, IofTeam will take full responsibility for the patent refiling and prosecution process, ensuring that the technological advancements are duly protected. In collaboration, Dr. Li and his team at PKI will contribute their technical expertise, fostering an environment of shared knowledge and innovation. Joint research initiatives will also explore universal artificial intelligence models for building energy systems, aimed at securing additional funding from industrial and federal sources. The collaboration is designed to not only advance smart HVAC technologies but also to elucidate the collaborative power between academia and industry.
Patrick Davis, the Founder and CEO of Internet of Team, expressed, "This partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration between academia and industry. Together, we're not only advancing cutting-edge HVAC technology but also creating a model for innovation that benefits both public institutions and private enterprises." This sentiment underscores the commitment to advancing technology for broader applications.
The initiative, which began on November 1, 2025, is proposed to span 15 months. A joint steering committee will oversee its progress, ensuring that both IofTeam and PKI remain aligned throughout this transformative journey. The partnership will also actively seek out new intellectual property opportunities, providing a robust framework for recognition of foundational contributions from PKI through co-inventorship and licensing. Such collaborative efforts can lead to groundbreaking advancements in HVAC technology, contributing significantly to the sustainability and efficiency of building operations in the years to come.
The essence of this collaboration lies in the integration of Dr. Li's innovative refrigerant detection methodology into IofTeam's leading cloud-based platform, DigiMEP. By utilizing this technology, the platform aims to elevate its capabilities in predictive maintenance and energy optimization, which are crucial as the HVAC industry pivots towards next-generation refrigerants in response to the new EPA standards. The need for precise refrigerant leak detection is becoming increasingly critical, as even small leaks can cause energy waste, diminish performance, and have adverse environmental effects over time. The technology developed through this partnership is designed to offer field-ready accuracy, thereby empowering technicians and operators who manage VRF systems at scale.
DigiMEP stands as IofTeam’s flagship digital HVAC services platform, which standardizes field measurements and transforms them into validated mechanical truths. By embedding Dr. Li's algorithm, the platform is poised to further enhance its core functions, such as equipment optimization, measurement verification, and technician support. This enhancement will aid service companies in achieving consistent diagnostics, ultimately reducing performance variances across multiple sites.
Under the agreement, IofTeam will take full responsibility for the patent refiling and prosecution process, ensuring that the technological advancements are duly protected. In collaboration, Dr. Li and his team at PKI will contribute their technical expertise, fostering an environment of shared knowledge and innovation. Joint research initiatives will also explore universal artificial intelligence models for building energy systems, aimed at securing additional funding from industrial and federal sources. The collaboration is designed to not only advance smart HVAC technologies but also to elucidate the collaborative power between academia and industry.
Patrick Davis, the Founder and CEO of Internet of Team, expressed, "This partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration between academia and industry. Together, we're not only advancing cutting-edge HVAC technology but also creating a model for innovation that benefits both public institutions and private enterprises." This sentiment underscores the commitment to advancing technology for broader applications.
The initiative, which began on November 1, 2025, is proposed to span 15 months. A joint steering committee will oversee its progress, ensuring that both IofTeam and PKI remain aligned throughout this transformative journey. The partnership will also actively seek out new intellectual property opportunities, providing a robust framework for recognition of foundational contributions from PKI through co-inventorship and licensing. Such collaborative efforts can lead to groundbreaking advancements in HVAC technology, contributing significantly to the sustainability and efficiency of building operations in the years to come.
Topics Consumer Technology）
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