Press Release Back Number(2004)

Prospects for Commercialization of World-First*1 "High-Power Integrated EcoCute*2" for Household Use
-Achieving Miniaturization and Sufficient Power for Instantaneous Water Heating-

October 14, 2004
Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc.

In collaboration with Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. and Hitachi Home & Life Solutions, Inc., we have developed a high-power heat pump to provide instantaneous water heating without thermal shortage. Further, through the integration of the heat pump and a small support tank, we have been developing a household "high-power integrated EcoCute" that can be installed in a restricted space.

We now have clear prospects for product commercialization. At this point, we will perform verification testing with a view to beginning marketing operations in the spring of 2005.

*1 Household EcoCute is the world's first integrated unit (as of October 14, 2004).
*2 "EcoCute" is the name of a type of natural refrigerant CO2 heat pump water heater used by power utilities and manufacturers.

The natural refrigerant CO2 heat pump water heater "EcoCute" has been popular due to its high efficiency. However, as this system needs space for both its heat pump unit and its heated water tank, it is difficult to install in a condominium or narrow passage, where space is limited. In addition, its ability to provide a continuous supply of heated water is limited.

Through the development of a high-power heat pump that provides instantaneous water heating without thermal shortage, we have achieved a continuous supply of heated water and outstanding energy-savings, with a rated*3 COP*4 of 4.6. In addition, we have integrated the heat pump and a small support tank for the first time in a household EcoCute system, reducing its size.

*3 Rated: Operated when the outside air temperature is 16°C (dry-bulb) or 12°C (wet-bulb), and the inflow and outflow water temperatures are 17°C and 42°C, respectively.
*4 COP (coefficient of performance): Indicates the heating capacity per unit of power consumption-the larger the value, the higher the efficiency.

This newly developed "high-power integrated EcoCute" has the following features:


  1. (1) High-power CO2 scroll compressors
  • - Achieves the highest available heating capacity for household water heaters (maximum rating*3: 23kW) and provides a continuous supply of heated water through the use of two high-power, high-efficiency compressors that make it possible to provide instantaneous water heating without thermal shortage.
    (Compressor capacity ranges from 4.5 to 6.0kW in existing household EcoCute systems.)
  • - Uses horizontal CO2 scroll compressors for the first time in a household water heater, reducing the product height.

  1. (2) Miniaturization and space-saving
  • - Miniaturization of the support tank (volume: 45 L) has led to a 50% reduction in size over existing household EcoCute systems.
  • - Space-saving through the integration of the heat pump and a small support tank. Small enough to install on condominium balconies. (Outer dimensions: 1,500 mm (H) x 900 mm (W) x 450 mm (D)).

  1. (3) Higher-performance functional components
  • - Achieves high efficiency and outstanding energy savings, with a rated COP of 4.6 (in spring and autumn), through improvements in the performance of functional components such as compressors, water supply heat exchangers, air heat exchangers, and propeller fans.