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Air-to-Water Cascade Heat Pump System

  • Versatile to meet high temperatures that traditional boilers operate at

    Trane's cascade heat pump design provides precise, simultaneous heating and cooling temperature control.

    Additionally, the system provides a wide turndown range with a minimum of 20% heating unloading capabilities, designed to match building heating loads when multiple water-to-water heat pumps are used.

  • Simplifies electrified heating system retrofits

    Our system extends air-to-water heat pumps to higher temperature ranges. Air-to-water heat pumps and water-to-water heat pumps work together to achieve high hot water supply temperatures up to 165°F with 0°F ambient temperature, making them ideal for building retrofits.

    The system’s high temperature enables buildings to leave distribution and infrastructure (i.e. piping, terminal coils) in place while reducing building occupant disruption when electrifying heating systems.

  • Streamlines system design and high-performance operation

    Our fully integrated tools deliver all the necessary equipment, control sequences, and specifications to reduce the system’s complexity while enhancing performance.

    Implement electrified HVAC systems even faster with Trane’s applications guide and educational resources. 

  • Improves heating efficiency and reduces energy costs

    Trane’s cascade heat pump system extends multiple, large-capacity, highly efficient heat pump chillers to higher temperature performance. 

    Our system is three times more efficient than traditional boilers. Advanced control algorithms and Trane energy services save energy even further.

  • Achieve sustainability goals and meet local building requirements

    Our low-GWP heat pump systems provide efficient electrified heating and cooling with optional back-up electric heating.

    Trane local system experts help ease the transition from traditional heating systems to sustainable systems. We collaborate with building owners, contractors, and engineers to understand their goals and applications from the start. Our commitment continues through the entire process, ensuring the system operates as expected. In addition, our local experts understand local laws and can help meet local requirements.

The Air-to-Water Heat Pump Cascade System is a fully packaged heating system that dramatically eases the transition to efficient, electrified heating by using the same high temperatures that non-condensing boilers operate today, which helps reduce the high upfront cost to replace building infrastructure, such as piping.

Part of the Trane Comprehensive Heat Pump Chiller System portfolio, the Air-to-Water Heat Pump System option delivers higher hot water supply temperatures up to 165°F. The high temperature avoids replacement of building infrastructure and distribution (i.e. piping, terminals) when converting boilers to heat pumps. Its flexible design provides cooling, heating, and simultaneous loads with or without dedicated heat recovery units and accommodates dedicated air-cooled chillers.

  •  Air-to-Water Heat Pump (60 to 230 tons; 800 to 2500 MBH) operates in heating or cooling mode. Fluid temps up to 140°F. Heating down to 0°F ambient. Meets ASHRAE® AWHP efficiency requirements.
  • Water-to-Water Heat Pump (600 to 3000 MBH) operates in heating mode to immediately heat the building; Achieves leaving water temperatures up to 165°F (74°C) with R-515B. Meets ASHRAE® booster efficiency requirements.
  • Tracer® Controls applied control sequences balance multiple priorities: reliability, carbon reduction, efficiency, and cost savings, during heating, cooling, and simultaneous modes. Advanced algorithms enhance intermediate loop temperature based on load, outdoor ambient, and units selected.
  • Intermediate loop buffer tank provides a mechanism to manage volume to prevent defrost disruption.
  • Auxiliary boiler option available to provide backup heat