Swedish HVAC manufacturer IV Produkt has launched its next-generation ThermoCooler HP reversible heat pump integrated into an Envistar Flex air-handling unit (AHU), available with propane (R290) or the synthetic refrigerant R454C.
The integrated heat pump provides space heating and cooling in a single unit for commercial and public-sector applications, including hospitals, hotels, offices, schools and shopping centers, according to IV Produkt. The Envistar Flex range comes in 18 sizes, offering airflows from 0.10‒13m3/s (212‒27,545CFM).
“With ThermoCooler HP, we are combining lower-GWP refrigerant choice with an integrated reversible heat pump design that can reduce plant space, simplify installation and lower the environmental footprint of the overall system,” said Manuel Swärd, Export Director of West Europe at IV Produkt, in ACR Journal. “It is a win–win–win for consultants, contractors and building owners.”
The new ThermoCooler HP unit meets the EU f-gas Regulation’s 150-GWP limit for monobloc heat pumps and air-conditioning equipment below 50kW (14.2TR) from 2027 and above 50kW from 2030. IV Produkt, headquartered in Växjö, Sweden, officially launched the next-generation unit in the U.K. on July 1.
Additional details: When integrated with the AHU, the heat pump heats or cools supply air, reducing the need for additional boilers, chillers or heat pumps, according to the manufacturer. For cooling-only applications, IV Produkt’s AHU EcoCooler is also available with the new ThermoCooler HP using either R290 or R454C.
- Developed for northern European heating demands, the system prioritizes heating, with the DX system and the rotary heat exchangers positioned on the warm side of the thermal wheel. This arrangement prevents frost accumulation, while providing comfort cooling during the summer.
- A control algorithm supports energy efficiency by optimizing use of the thermal wheel in heating mode and taking advantage of free cooling before activating the DX cycle in cooling mode.
- The units also support refurbishment projects, with modules sized to pass through standard doors for on-site assembly.
An example: To date, the company has not disclosed specifications for a full product range of the new R290 ThermoCooler HP. However, it has been documented in a Flex 600 configuration.
- In cooling mode, the Envister Flex 600 unit with an integrated R290 ThermoCooler HP delivers 53.8kW (15.3TR) of cooling capacity at an airflow of 3.9m3/s (8,264CFM) with an EER of 7.9 using a total propane charge of 15.5kg across two circuits.
- In heating mode, the configuration delivers 185.4kW (52.7TR) of heating capacity, with a COP of 6.3 at an outdoor temperature of −20°C (−4°F).
- When combined with the rotary heat exchanger for heat recovery, the COP increases to 14.9 at −20°C.
The development: IV Produkt reports investing more than €14 million ($16.4 million) over the past three years in R&D, risk assessments, CE (European Conformity) marking and manufacturing facilities for its new generation of AHUs with integrated heat pumps.
- Operational assessments of the new range included more than 45,000 hours of testing over three years.
- Both the R290 and the R454C heat pumps include calibration-free leak detectors. The R290 version also includes a patent-pending device designed to dilute and evacuate flammable refrigerant in the event of a leak.
- The company built a 5,000m2 (53,800ft2) facility to produce the new units.
Quotable: “We have invested in facilities, competence and product development to bring a strong and sustainable product range to the market,” said Mattias Sjöberg, CEO and owner of IV Produkt. “This launch reflects our long-term commitment to energy-efficient air-handling solutions that create a good indoor climate while saving energy.”
“With ThermoCooler HP, we are combining lower-GWP refrigerant choice with an integrated reversible heat pump design that can reduce plant space, simplify installation and lower the environmental footprint of the overall system.”
Manuel Swärd, Export Director of West Europe at IV Produkt
