Air to Water Heat Pumps

The World's Most Efficient Air-to-Water Heat Pumps

Chiltrix stunned the USA heat pump market with the 2016 introduction of its first Air-to-Water Heat Pump, claiming nearly double the efficiency rating of the average system in its class, and  40% higher efficiency than the current top-rated unit. Subsequently, official AHRI testing and certification confirmed that the Chiltrix AWHP actually exceeded its “impossible” claims.

Fast-forward a decade: Chiltrix still leads the air-to-water heat pump industry with three units currently holding First Place, Second Place, and Third Place in the race for highest efficiency ratings among all officially certified air to water heat pumps. The CX35 and CX50 have also achieved the top ratings for water heating with these units tied with each other for the USA’s #1 highest-ever domestic hot water rating (US Dept. of Energy UEF 4.95).

Multiple Models To Choose From Below:

Unlimited Flexibility

Thousands of designs are possible. Up to 14 ductless indoor units (IDUs) can be used per outdoor unit. The ODUs (outdoor units) can also be used with ducted air handlers, mini-duct systems, ductless units, and radiant heating and/or cooling, and can be integrated with existing boilers or solar heating. And, as mentioned, Chiltrix air-to-water heat pumps are also a highly efficient source of domestic hot water.

Easily combined, you can mix/match any of these models in double or triple systems to create the perfect match to your requirements. Here are some example concept designs:

Radiant heating
Ductless Fan Coil Units
Ductless Fan Coil Units w/ Radiant Cooling
Ductless, Ducted, Radiant, Hot Water, Optional Backup Heat

Ultra Efficient Heat Pump / Chiller Technology

The CX-series air-to-water heat pumps work by cooling or heating a water or water/glycol fluid distribution loop using a high-efficiency DC-Inverter compressor, and pumping the fluid through a system that may include ductless fan coils, hydronic air handlers, and/or radiant systems. Any or all of these types of indoor equipment can be used, and can be used in combination with each other if desired, including domestic hot water. The fluid is returned to the heat pump/chiller ODU (Outdoor Unit) to heat or cool it back to its required operating temperature. The fluid contains water with 0-60% glycol, depending on the location and expected winter conditions. The CX units use top-quality German-made variable speed pumps for water/fluid flow control, and of course variable speed condenser fans. This is not an “evaporative” chiller; it consumes no water and works fine regardless of humidity, performing strong dehumidification as needed. The water/glycol is used only to distribute heating and cooling between the outdoor unit and indoor units, no water is consumed.

The Chiltrix systems use a DC-inverter compressor and a DC-inverter water pump (both are variable speed) controlled together to achieve the best possible balance of water flow rate and compressor speed. A micro-controller continuously monitors the ΔT between the leaving and returning water, senses the flow rate, calculates the cooling load, and adjusts the pump and compressor speeds independently of each other to maintain the needed capacity with the lowest possible total power draw. All units are RS485/MODBUS Compatible.

All Chiltrix units use R32 refrigerant. Compared to R454B, the R32 choice uses less total refrigerant and has higher heating and cooling efficiency. R32 is also a single-component refrigerant that has many additional advantages.

Psychrologix Controller
Psychrologix main screen
The DHC (Dynamic Humidity Control) function is designed to dynamically control humidity in real time and operate the chiller above its already high efficiency rating. DHC manages humidity and prevents over-dehumidification and wasted energy. The Chiltrix heat pump with DHC dynamically manages and adjusts its loop temperature as needed to tightly manage humidity and increase efficiency. DHC control allows the chiller to operate well above the IPLV rating at times when humidity is under control, resulting in EER far in excess of the official ratings. Most of the Psychrologix features are now incorporated in the included Chiltrix controller, however it remains available as a stand-alone item.

Below: Standard On All CX Models

The Chiltrix Outdoor Units (ODUs) are a complete source of heating, cooling & hot water. With our technology there is no additional supply side needed, although according to your load report you may wish to add integrated dynamic backup heat (V18). You may also integrate with a boiler, solar thermal, solar PV or just about anything you can think of. The CX air-to-water heat pumps are air sourced, and efficiently exchange heating or cooling with the outdoor air, even when it is -22 °F or +122 °F outdoors. Even up to 131 °F outdoors, the T3-rated EVI MAX (example, CX40X, CX65X) can continue to operate. Wells, other ground or water sources, or cooling towers are not needed. You can use the CX-series air-to-water heat pump outdoor units with any brand of industry-standard hydronic equipment including ductless fan coils, ducted or mini-duct type air handlers, radiant systems, etc. We also offer our own ultra-thin DC-Inverter CXI-series fan coil units, “mini split”-type high-wall fan coils, ceiling cassettes, standard and small-duct air handlers, mini-duct systems, tanks, etc.

In the outdoor unit we have incorporated the complete refrigeration system including the evaporator, condenser, all controls, valves, etc., as well as all refrigerant into a sealed self-contained outdoor unit. No refrigerant enters the building envelope which is more important than ever as the industry moves towards more efficient but more flammable and toxic refrigerants. The unit leaves the factory as a sealed, tested “appliance” ready to connect and operate.

Chiller ODU with cover removed CX30 Chiller ODU with top open

No refrigeration gauges, vacuum pumps, extra Freon, or special refrigeration/HVAC licenses or skills are needed to install the system. The installer will use basic PEX plumbing and electrical skills. System designs are provided free of charge by Chiltrix.

Full Inverter Variable Speed Components Including Compressor, Internal Pump, and Fan.

Full Inverter Variable Speed Components Including Compressor, Pump, and Fan
Above left, standard AC unit running at full speed, either on or off. Above right, variable capacity DC inverter unit running to match the load and avoid the on/off cycle. In addition to using less watts per BTU at a given speed, the ability to vary the speed to match conditions saves even more since part-load efficiency is greater than full speed efficiency.

Anti-Corrosion Technology

Anti-Corrosion technology is used on all outdoor units to protect against salty air in coastal environments, and ensure a longer life in any environment. See complete anti-corrosion details. The anti-corrosion treatment is impregnated into the outdoor coil at the time of manufacturing, it is not an added coating that can interfere with heat transfer or wear off over time.

Advanced Controls

The patented CX-series technology uses a controls methodology that, among other things, accurately matches compressor speed and water flow rate (BTU/h capacity) directly to the cooling/heating load using real-time dynamic control. In certain implementations, the heating or cooling loop operating set point itself may also dynamically change in response to indoor humidity requirements as explained here or in response to outdoor temperatures.

Dynamic & continuously variable control of the Chiltrix air to water heat pumps allows normal cooling operation between LWT (Leaving Water Temperature) 44 °F and LWT 62 °F, with an average up to EER 30 or higher. Operation is also possible as low as LWT 40 °F or below for extreme dehumidification, when needed. Heating operating supply temps can reach 131 °F (149 °F for EVI MAX models).

Industry Standard De-rate For Elevation & Glycol

chiltrix heat pump derate tables for elevation and glycol percentages
At high elevations, air is thinner and a fan can blow less mass flow (lbs. of air). This causes a de-rate of capacity as shown in the chart above-left. About glycol, there is no arbitrary capacity de-rate for adding glycol, however according to the percentages above, the pump speed must be increased to deliver the same BTU/h. And glycol raises the viscosity. Generally, there is a net loss of COP of around 0.0011 per each percent of glycol added. For example, if one started with a COP of 4.0 and added 30% glycol, the new COP would be around 3.968.

Defrost De-rate:

All heat pumps must periodically stop heating, run for 1-2 minutes in reverse cycle, then wait a few minutes, and then resume heating. How frequently this will happen is a function of temperature and humidity. The above can be used as an approximate de-rate for high humidity heating conditions. In low humidity there may be little need for defrost. Fortunately, in most locations in North America we see very low humidity in the winter.
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