The Helix is a joint effort between the University of Dayton and Emerson Climate Technologies. What sets this project apart from other innovation centers is the creation of collaborative space where engineers, researchers, academics, and industry professionals work with customers to advance new technology concepts in real-world environments. In addition to the buidling itself being a space to test HVAC controls and technology, there are four fully operational model research laboratories to simulate real-world issues and challenges.

These include a 2,500 square foot supermarket complete with refrigerated cases, dry goods shelving, and point-of-sale systems; a 1,000 square foot data center which replicates precise temperature and humidity requirements; a commercial kitchen which simulates warm and cold environments; and lastly a 2,000-square-foot two-story, three-bedroom “home inside a building”, which serves as a working laboratory to test innovations in comfort, energy savings, and technologically connected home concepts. The fully furnished home module features ambient controls to simulate a range of global weather conditions, from sub-zero to hot and humid.

The Innovation Center also contains three learning labs, and a large collaboration area strategically located for close interaction with the labs. Students, educators, and commercial partners describe the building as a 40,000 square foot sandbox where they can experiment and play.