The Q-ton water heat pump was introduced to the Australian and New Zealand markets to create sanitary hot water for commercial applications at outlet temperatures from 60°C to 90°C. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems’ design team in Japan launched the innovative air source heat pump to allow for maximum efficiency with a minimal carbon footprint. Q-ton can be used in varying applications, including in food processing plants, dairy operations, bottling lines and breweries.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioners Australia (MHIAA) Air to Water manager Trent Miller said it represents the next generation of hot water production. “The Q-ton utilises CO2, a safe, natural and environmentally responsible refrigerant. The combination of CO2’s highly efficient, naturally accruing properties, enable the Q-ton to be far superior compared to conventional refrigerant heat pumps,” said Miller.
“Q-ton delivers outstanding performance as a solution based product. Q-ton supplies hot water from 60°C to 90°C at 100 per cent capacity at an outdoor temperature down to -7°C.”
With high efficiency rates and low carbon emission, Q-ton recovers heat energy from the air and can perform in extremely cold temperatures right down to -25°C. At temperatures that cold, it can continue to supply water at temperatures between 60°C and 90°C.
It is engineered to meet a range of demands including the need for medium to large sanitary hot water generation, low electricity consumption and high environmental responsibility. Q-ton represents the efficient solution to the old boiler type systems found in most commercial settings. A 30kW Q-ton produces in excess of 600 litres per hour. The overall quantity of hot water production varies, as is dependent on the feed water temperature, the outdoor temperature condition and the water outlet setting temperature.
Less impact on the environment
MHIAA explains that the Q-ton is five times more efficient than an electric heater and six times more efficient than a gas boiler. It produces 48 per cent less CO2 emissions than an electric heater and 74 per cent less CO2 emissions than a gas boiler.
Q-ton heat pumps can be configured as stand-alone units or run with up to 16 units in tandem, providing anything from 3,000 to 100,000 litres of safe hot water daily. Whether single or multiple units are used, the Q-ton system is controlled from a single, simple control panel that can be remotely installed for ease of access and operation. It can be installed as a replacement, addition or a whole new system.
Q-ton meets the requirements of a globally recognised environmental assessment method and rating system – Breeam. Refrigerant such as carbon dioxide preserves the ozone layer and has a low global warming potential rating. The system fits well with the latest building regulations, reaching a mark of excellence from Breeam. Q-ton absorbs free heat from outdoor air and amplifies it to generate hot water swiftly and efficiently. It generates hot water up to 90°C without the requirement for an additional electric immersion heater.
The system seeks to provide energy, cost and carbon savings. It is most efficient when cold water is used to supply the heat pump. For that reason, the cold feed water is provided to the heat pump, via the base of the storage stratified vessel.
Each storage vessel has five pockets into which temperature sensors can be fitted to detect the volume of hot water held in the vessel at any particular time. The programming of the control system, to hold specific volumes of hot water at different times of the day, is based on a balance of hot water demand and electricity tariffs, to ensure security of supply at minimum cost.
Saving businesses money
Globally, Q-ton is making its mark on commercial spaces. Located in London’s Lancaster Gate and Bayswater, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air Conditioning Europe connected two Q-ton units to Lancaster Hall Hotel, which has saved the business daily running costs. The system produces 12,000 litres of water to cater up to 250 people on site. Lancaster Hall Hotel has reduced their running costs by 40 per cent compared to their existing boiler system. They have seen a 45 per cent saving on carbon emissions.
MHIAA helped the Shene Estate and Distillery in Tasmania save money with the Q-ton. The distillery produces gin and whiskey. Each day, it uses 6,000 litres of hot water for processes such as heating the barley mash. By working with MHIAA the company is able to produce hot water while reducing energy costs when compared to the distillery’s previous system.