Ascend Model ACX, first air-to-water heat pump, is unveiled by Trane, along with newly redesigned Precedent rooftop units

Trane’s Ascend air-to-water heat pump model ACX combines chiller and heat pump technology to both heat and cool a building using electricity.

Trane Technologies, a global climate innovator – has released the Ascend^® Air-to-Water Heat Pump Model ACX, the first air-to-water pump solution in its portfolio that provides both electric heating and cooling, giving building owners an avenue to pursue decarbonisation via electrification. Trane also announced it is bringing a new generation of Precedent^® rooftop units to market, consolidating the legacy Precedent and Voyager 2 offerings. The first models in the redesigned series, the Precedent standard efficiency 6- to 25-ton units, are available now.

Ascend Air-to-Water Heat Pump Model ACX

Trane’s Ascend air-to-water heat pump model ACX combines chiller and heat pump technology to both heat and cool a building using electricity. In cooling mode, the model ACX moves heat from inside the building to the outside. In heating mode, a reversing valve changes the flow of energy to bring heat from outside of the building to the inside. The heat pump moves heat using a compressor, rather than simply generating heat. This technique can make heat pumps up to three times more energy-efficient than other forms of electric heating.

“Over 180 cities, more than ten counties, and eight states across the U.S. have goals to power their communities with 100% clean, renewable energy. As the grid gets greener, the need for full electric heating and cooling is growing,” said Dave Molin, Vice President of Trane Product Management, Equipment, Controls and Digital.

“Engineers, contractors, and building owners want to lower fossil fuel consumption and reap the efficiency and sustainability benefits of electrified heating and cooling,” Molin adds. “By joining Trane’s best-in-class chiller expertise with the Ascend air-to-water heat pump, Trane is making electrified heating and cooling a realistic option for customers.”

As a result of its boiler-free heating, the model ACX achieves high energy efficiency for cooling and heating. The unit’s heating efficiency exceeds ASHRAE^® standard 90.1-2019: 2.77 COP for heating and a cooling requirement of 9.215 EER.

The Ascend model ACX can help builders and operators meet current HVAC regulations, attain certifications or achieve a net-zero energy building with its all-electric functionality and other energy-efficient features.

• Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) compliant.
• Variable-speed fans, variable speed permanent magnet motors, intermediate discharge valves on the compressor, and braze plate evaporators enhance efficiency.
• Dual expansion refrigerant flow valves optimized for heating and cooling modes enable system reliability.
• The heat pump generates hot water temperatures up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit and operation down to zero degrees ambient.
• The Symbio^® 800-unit controller comes factory-mounted and pre-programmed with algorithms that respond to building conditions and maintain efficient chiller plant operations. It also enables secure remote connectivity and open standard protocols for seamless integration with a Building Automation System (BAS) such as Tracer^® SC+.
• A scroll compressor makes electrification more affordable and practical without compromising efficiency or sound.
• The fin and tube coil support a smaller footprint, and the transverse “V” condenser coils are easy to access for cleaning and service.