HVAC equipment supplier Exi-tite has developed a self-contained potable hot water system using the latest heat pump technology with AI capabilities.
The packaged system can be installed as a permanent fixture or mobile ‘plug-in’ solution across various applications such as offices, hotels and student accommodation, with heating capacities ranging between 13kW and 240kW and low-GWP refrigerant options.
Prefabricated off-site, the system is designed to save time, avoid logistical complications, and reduce installation problems that occur with typical on-site works. It is constructed on a structural framework and designed to be wheeled or crane lifted into position.
Andrew Robinson, managing director of Exi-tite, said: “Heat pumps are being used increasingly for space heating and potable hot water, but the feedback from consultants and M&E contractors has been that when installed incorrectly, they became an expensive problem. We have managed to navigate around the majority of on-site issues and found a solution that provides peace of mind.”
LG VRF heat pumps provide modular capacity control and redundancy, and are inverter-driven with both latent and sensible load monitoring. Each Multi V i system is connected to a high-temperature hydro kit, capable of producing water temperatures up to 80°C and provide 100% heating capacity down to -7°C, reducing the increase in capital costs associated with oversizing equipment to accommodate typical losses.
Mark Brown, group sales director at Exi-tite, added: “Our first packaged hot water system has just been delivered to a project in Leeds and has been designed to provide 100kW capacity split into four 25kW stages. We have provided a 1650-litre energy bank and can provide 1800 l/hr of usable potable water, raising from a mains cold supply to 60°C with a 7-minute recovery time of the energy bank.
“We chose LG Multi V i heat pumps because they offer an enhanced corrosion resistance coating and continuous heating operating without entering a complete defrost. This means that hot water production is always available, which is a significant requirement from our customers.”
The method of hot water generation differs from typical systems that store potable water. When storing water, pasteurisation is required as a legionella prevention method and this typically impacts the system’s operating efficiency and requires additional control strategies. Because the packaged Exi-tite system heats cold mains water directly through a heat exchanger without storage, pasteurisation is unnecessary and the need for salt-based softeners is also eliminated.