Ascend Air-to-Water Heat Pump Model ACX

2023 NED Innovation Award Winner

The first packaged, non-modular, air-to-water heat pump in North America, the Ascend Air-to-Water Heat Pump Model ACX combines chiller and heat pump technology to both heat and cool a building using electricity. It helps facility operators meet current HVAC regulations, attain certifications, and achieve a net-zero energy building with its all-electric functionality.

In cooling mode, it moves heat from the inside of the building to the outside of the building. In heating mode, a reversing valve changes the energy flow to bring heat from the outside of the building to the inside. The heat pump moves heat using a compressor rather than simply generating heat, making the heat pumps up to 3x more energy-efficient than other forms of electric heating.

The heating efficiency exceeds ASHRAE standard 90.1-2019: 2.77 COP and the cooling requirement 9.215 EER. It's available in ranges from 140 to 230 tons for cooling and 1,500 to 2,500 MBh for heating.

Other energy-efficient features include:

• Variable-speed fans, intermediate discharge valves on the compressor, and a braze plate heat exchanger enhance efficiency.
• Dual expansion valves optimize efficiency: One for heating mode and one for cooling mode to improve system reliability.
• The heat pump generates hot water temperatures up to 140°F (60°C). It can also operate in heating mode down to ambient temperatures as cold as 0°F (-18°C).
• The Symbio 800 unit controller responds to building conditions to maintain efficient chiller plant operations.
• A scroll compressor makes electrification more affordable and practical without compromising efficiency or sound.