Canadian manufacturer Transom (recently acquired by Mestek) is set to launch a CO2 (R744) air-to-water commercial hot-water heat pump soon in the North American market.

Transom’s SIMCOE-branded model was among several CO2 hot-water heat pumps showcased by exhibitors at the AHR Expo (International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Exposition), held in Atlanta on February 6 to 8, 2023. Solar Hot Water Collector

In an interview at the trade show, Graham Waechter, a Product Designer for Transom based in Ontario, revealed that the new CO2 heat pumps are awaiting ETL (Electrical Testing Laboratories) certification and are set to launch in the market soon. Transom is also working on getting UL (Underwriter Laboratories) certification that lists all the individual approved components.

According to Waechter, “The product is mostly expected to cover the wide range of the West Coast commercial market.” The heat pump is suitable for multi-family dwellings and long-term facilities to produce hot water.

“A similar product was launched with R410A previously, which is now replaced with R744, and this is considered the next step in water heater technology,” Waechter said.

The unique operating conditions and key features of this transcritical CO2 heat pump have made it possible to generate hot water from 54.4 to 87.78°C at -23.3°C (130 to 190°F at -10°F). In addition, “the use of a flooded evaporator and electric defrost element have added advantage to its refrigeration approach,“ he said.

Waechter said some operating conditions and key features of the SIMCOE CO2 heat pumps include:

Transom was among several commercial domestic hot-water heat pumps showcased by exhibitors at the AHR Expo.

For example, Japanese manufacturer Mayekawa unveiled a CO2-based hot water heat pump for the U.S. market at the event. Mitsubishi, ECO2 Systems, and Lync also have similar products available in the U.S.

While relatively new in the U.S., CO2 hot water heat pumps have been extremely successful in Japan and other Asian markets, like South Korea, for many years.

“A similar product was launched with R410A previously, which is now replaced with R744, and this is considered the next step in water heater technology.”

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