Italian HVAC&R manufacturer Enex Technologies has announced the launched of Emicon’s new range of propane (R290)-based reversable heat pumps for residential, commercial and industrial applications.

The Everest290 range consists of three air-cooled models of modular R290 heat pump that can produce high-temperature hot water up to 70°C (158°F) in ambient temperatures down to -20°C (-4°F), offering an effective alternative to common boilers, according to the company.

In cooling mode, the units can provide cold water temperatures down to 5°C (41°F) – or around -8°C (17.6°F) with glycol – depending on the model and ambient temperature.

“We are excited to launch the Emicon Everest290,” said Luis Crespo Barber, President of HVAC & Commercial Refrigeration at Enex. “We believe that the Everest290 range will revolutionize the heating and cooling industry leveraging on its innovative features like modularity and top-notch connectivity solutions.”

Enex acquired the Emicon Group in 2022, which comprises Emicon, Hidros and Ethra Tech, to strengthen its portfolio of commercial propane heat pumps, dehumidification equipment, close controls for data centers and chillers.

Emicon’s Everest290 heat pumps will be available for order from October 2023.

“We believe that the Everest290 range will revolutionize the heating and cooling industry leveraging on its innovative features like modularity and top-notch connectivity solutions.”

Luis Crespo Barber, Enex Technologies

Benefits of modularity

According to Enex and Emicon, up to 10 Everest290 units, which are suitable for outdoor installation, can be combined within a single system to meet larger cooling and heating demands.

For added flexibility, end users are able to extend their system with new units whenever necessary, even after system start-up, explained the manufacturer.

In addition to ensuring high efficiency at partial loads, the modular design of the Everest290 heat pumps also offers minimal refrigerant charge for each unit. Furthermore, with each refrigerant circuit being isolated, refrigerant waste is kept to a minimum in the event of a leak in the system.

The “slide in/slide out” design of the system allows for easy maintenance of the units and the “Master in rotation” logic ensures uninterrupted operation of the system if one of the modules needs to be removed, such as for servicing.

“The hydraulic circuit includes a connection kit between the various modules,” explained Enex in a LinkedIn post. “It allows the isolation of part of the circuit when removing and reinserting the individual unit from the modular system, without draining the hydraulic circuit.”

To make maintenance even easier, all of the units’ main components are “frontally accessible.”

“The concept of modularity guarantees maximum operational flexibility,” it said.

Diverse range

As detailed in the Everest290 product catalogue, the three models offer a range of functions and heating and cooling capacities – as well as the product’s modularity – to suit the varying needs of different applications.

The PAE Kp monoblock for two-pipe systems, which is the standard version of the Everest290 range, offers a cooling capacity of 66kW (18.8TR) and a heating capacity of 88kW (25TR) per unit.

The PAE WA Kp monoblock for two-pipe systems, which is the “warm application” version, has a cooling capacity of 105kW (29.9TR) and a heating capacity of 88kW per unit.

Meanwhile the multifunctional GPE Kp unit for four-pipe systems has a cooling capacity of 72kW (20.5TR) and a heating capacity of 101kW (28.7TR) per unit and is capable of simultaneously provide heating and cooling at the “highest efficiency values on the market,” according to Enex.

To ensure peak performance of each unit, the Everest290 series comes with remote monitoring and live assistance through HIWEB software. Remote connection is available via Wi-Fi, ethernet cable or SIM.

“This range of propane chillers and heat pumps is a testament to our commitment to providing innovative and sustainable solutions to our customers,” said Barber.

“This range of propane chillers and heat pumps is a testament to our commitment to providing innovative and sustainable solutions to our customers.”

Luis Crespo Barber, Enex Technologies