Trane-by Trane Technologies announced a series of system enhancements and new releases aimed at helping customers solve decarbonization challenges in a wide range of environments, drive efficiencies and capture the advantages of electrification, enhanced flexibility, and simplified serviceability.
Among the recent releases are: Thermal Battery Storage-Source Heat Pump System, Trane/Mitsubishi Electric HVRF (Hydronic Variable Refrigerant Flow), Axiom Horizontal and Vertical Water Source Heat Pumps, Precedent Hybrid Dual Fuel Rooftop Units with Symbio, Precedent eFlex Rooftop Units with Symbio, Performance Climate Changer Air Handler with Symbio 500 and Custom Air Handler with Non-Metal Thermal Barrier.
“In the push to decarbonize and meet ever-more stringent regulations while also improving efficiencies, our customers require creative solutions that address their challenges as well as goals,” said David Molin, vice president of Trane Product Management, Equipment, Controls and Digital. “Trane listens carefully to and proactively anticipates what our customers need, then delivers the right solutions to meet the challenges of today and the future.”
The Thermal Battery Storage Source Heat Pump system offers customers with buildings in extremely cold climates where temperatures dip below 0°F and dense urban settings a pathway to 100% electrification. The all electric system ice tanks to reclaim and store excess heat in the form of cold water for future heating needs; chiller-heaters that provide direct heat recovery for heating when available and raise the temperature of stored heat from the thermal storage tanks to levels useable in conventional airside systems; air-to-water heat pumps that source and sink heat to and from the ambient air in order to balance heating and cooling capacity and system controls that simplify the design process and ensure both reliable and efficient system operation. The system eliminates the need for a boiler and other high-cost equipment and accommodates smaller roof footprints.
The Trane/Mitsubishi Electric HVRF introduces an all-electric, two-pipe hydronic variable refrigerant flow system. By combining the benefits of VRF and hydronic chillers, HVRF reduces refrigerant in the overall system in order to achieve more ambitious sustainability goals. Ideal for multi-zone commercial spaces requiring individual temperature settings, such as hotels, dormitories, and multi-family buildings, Trane/Mitsubishi Electric HVRF employs a 100% electric heat pump with simultaneous heating and cooling. In the proprietary Hybrid Branch Controller, heat is exchanged between refrigerant and water, resulting in up to a 20% reduction in overall refrigerant charge. The system’s interior line sets are also replaced with water, making it easier to meet regulations around refrigerant concentration levels and leak detection and allowing for easier refrigerant transitions in the future.
The Trane 0.5-6-ton Axiom Horizontal and Vertical Water Source Heat Pumps have been fully redesigned to deliver significant carbon-reducing energy efficiency and quiet, reliable operation. Available in standard efficiency, high efficiency and two-stage options, these all-electric heat pumps employ heat recovery to allow for flexible temperature and comfort in independently controlled zones.
With the Precedent Hybrid Dual Fuel Rooftop, Trane is one of the first HVAC manufacturers to offer a heat pump and dual fuel packaged rooftop unit in the larger 25-ton capacity. Designed to help ease the transition to 100% electrification, the hybrid heat pumps allow the option to switch to gas in colder conditions while still leveraging the advantages of electricity. Along with the expanded 25-ton capacity, the system meets and even exceeds the 2023 minimum efficiency regulations issued by the Department of Energy (DOE).
Ultra-high efficiency meets expanded 20-25-ton capacity in the Precedent eFlex Rooftop Units that employ eFlex technology to precisely match output to the cooling demands of each space. Unlike traditional single-speed units, this rooftop unit operates at the fastest level when demand is high and modulates to slower levels when demand decreases. Combined with variable speed outdoor and indoor fans as well as compressors, eFlex innovation results in part-load efficiencies up to 26.3 IEER — up to 85% higher than DOE minimum efficiency requirements and outperforming the leading competitors. While significantly reducing energy use, Precedent eFlex Rooftop Units support decarbonization goals and help customers qualify for local utility incentives.
Significantly redesigned with an upgrade that allows for seamless connection to the Symbio 500 unit controller, the Performance Climate Changer Air Handler with Symbio 500 provides a smart, factory-mounted, and tested solution ready for integration with distributed input and output layout for simplified installation and maintenance; less wiring and fewer point-to-point connections for minimized failure points and errors; less labor time, cost and risk for contractors and more information to support improved troubleshooting and remote diagnosis.
Significant improvements in the Custom Handler Unit (AHU) include an Absolute Non-Metal Thermal Barrier that eliminates metal-to-metal contact within the entire casing and related noise, corrosion, and rust. By reducing condensation generated during standard system operation, this air handler provides a more robust solution with a longer working life, ideal for high-end commercial and humid environments.
