Microstaq

Based in Austin, Texas, DunAn Microstaq (DMQ) operates as a technology firm specializing in Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) for flow control solutions. The company was established in 1997 and directs its products primarily toward the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC-R) and automotive industries. After raising a total of $32.7 million over four funding rounds from investors like Yaletown, Good Energies, and Polygon, the company was acquired by Zhejiang Dun'an Artificial Environment Equipment on December 1, 2011.

DMQ’s business model centers on the design, development, and manufacturing of these MEMS-based silicon valves. The company's core technology, the silQflo® Silicon Servo Valve (SSV), is a microfluidic MEMS microvalve designed for incorporation into any flow control-related system. This technology is positioned as a replacement for traditional solenoid technology, offering significant energy savings. The product lineup includes the Modular Silicon Expansion Valve (MSEV) and the Universal Superheat Controller/Sensor (USHX), which are specifically designed for HVAC-R applications. These products are engineered to provide precise superheat control and quick mass flow adjustments. The company also offers retrofit kits that allow existing HVAC systems to be upgraded with their electronic expansion valves and autonomous superheat controllers.

The client base for DMQ consists of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and repair and maintenance companies within the HVAC-R and automotive sectors. By providing solutions that accelerate product development cycles and enhance system efficiency, the company helps its clients overcome design challenges and improve performance. For instance, their valves are compatible with newer refrigerants like R410A and can improve system efficiency by 10-15%. DMQ also offers an intelligent cloud solution that tracks HVAC-R system performance in the field, which can be monitored via a mobile platform for preventive maintenance. The company holds a significant intellectual property portfolio, with 74 patents issued worldwide and 39 pending as of late 2019.

Keywords: Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems, MEMS, flow control solutions, HVAC-R, automotive industry, silicon valves, refrigerant control, expansion valves, superheat controllers, energy efficiency, fluid control, MEMS actuators, control valves, sustainable engineering, smart valves, electronic expansion valve, flow control technology, HVAC components, refrigeration systems, automotive fluid systems