News and Resources: Article

Home BUILDER Magazine, July/August 2003

Going Solo

The first single heat-DHW-HRV-AC unit hits the market

A fridge-sized appliance with the potential to replace the furnace, the hot water tank, the air-conditioning system and the heat recovery ventilator hit the market this spring, five years and more than $13 million after the concept was first unveiled.

In response to Canada’s Climate Change initiative, Natural Resources Canada contributed $3.6 million and private industry another $10 million to support the development of eKOCOMFORT. It was, in effect, the search for a new and more efficient home energy system.

Five manufacturing groups, supported by a network of contractors and subcontractors across Canada, participated in the initial product development that included field trials in 150 homes and extensive lab testing.

Last year a new generation of the single units, collectively known as eKOCOMFORT systems, were unveiled. This year the first fully integrated mechanical system from an eKOCOMFORT manufacturer is now available commercially.

Vebteck Research of Markham, Ontario, leading a consortium with Nutech Energy Systems and Fleetline Products of Brantford, Ontario, is installing the Aquamaster Q100 in a range of applications.

The Aquamaster Q100 combines space heating, hot water and mechanical ventilation in one energy-efficient package. It is in full production and is being installed in both new and retrofit applications across central and eastern Canada. The first was placed in an existing Bracebridge, Ontario home.

Each eKOCOMFORT manufacturing group has taken a different approach but there are elements common to all. For example, each system incorporates electrically commutated motors (ECMs). These motors dramatically cut electrical consumption, even when they are running continuously. An ECM has the ability to run continuously at low speeds, providing valuable air distribution with very low noise levels. Early energy tests on eKOCOMFORT systems indicate significant overall energy savings.

All systems also incorporate heat recovery ventilation as a standard feature. Radiant in-floor heat is an easy option for all eKOCOMFORT systems. The increasing popularity of in-floor heat over the past few years has demanded even more complex installations.

Results from a second heating season of field trials from four eKOCOMFORT manufacturers are currently being evaluated. Five eKOCOMFORT manufacturers are expected to take place in field trials next year. Integrated products from other eKOCOMFORT manufacturers are expected to to be commercialized within the next few months.

Independent third party testing is nearing completion at Bodycote Testing International. Products are being evaluated in terms of performance requirements for efficiency, capacity, comfort and safety. The group is working on testing and labelling issues to enable compliant products to be labeled as eKOCOMFORT systems.

From Home BUILDER Magazine, Vol. 16 No. 4, July/August 2003 p.24. Used with permission.

Return to News

Home :: About the Site :: About Us :: Contact Us
Downloads

©2001-06 ēKOCOMFORT®

® ēKOCOMFORT is a registered Trade Mark of Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada as represented by the Minister of Natural Resources.

Greater comfort, greater control, greater efficiency — the ēKOCOMFORT® system makes sense.

Control HVAC installation costs with a single product from a single manufacturer with a single warranty.

Integration means simpler installation and easier maintenance.