iE1 Electron Series
The World's First Tankless Heat Pump Water Heater
Embrace electrification with the world’s first tankless heat pump water heater. With a COP of 4.9, the iE1 is an integrated tankless heat pump water heater featuring a specially-designed thermal battery.
With guaranteed sizing, better cold-weather performance, and no need for external equipment, the iE1 is your best bet for a future-proof commercial water heating system.
Technical Documents
iE1 Key Features:
- No storage, tankless, heats on-demand
- Uses CO2, GWP of 1
- Suitable for high-pressure multistory buildings
- Handles tough hard water scale
- Produces water up to 170°F
- Cellular connectivity with 24/7 factory monitoring
- Automatic software update over the air
- Grid enabled (CTA-2045)
- Wirelessly cascade over Bluetooth up to 4 units
- Can be installed indoors or outdoors
- Compact and lightweight
- Multiple Models To Meet Any Power Constraint:
- iE1 Std – 20 Amps Circuit Breaker Required | No Resistive Electric Heating Element
- iE1 Mid – 60 Amps Circuit Breaker Required | One Resistive Electric Heating Element
- iE1 Max – 90 Amps Circuit Breaker Required | Two Resistive Electric Heating Elements
Safe & Healthy
Mitigates Legionella risk with its on-demand design.
Economical
Stores and uses power when it's most cost effective.
Robust
Commercial-grade expandable 316L stainless steel heat exchanger.
The Future Awaits
Embrace Electrification.
Switching to a tankless heat pump water heating system is better for the planet. But also for your facility’s energy bills.
Electron (CO2 Heat Pump Water Heater) FAQs
No, mixing valves will not be required. The Electron series water heaters will be ASSE – 1082 compliant. The ASSE-1082 standard equates Electron Series Tankless Heaters to thermostatic mixing valves and temperature-limiting devices. Also, the Electron can control water temperature within the tolerances of ASSE 1017 / 1071 standards, and thus, no mixing valves when using Electron units.
- We use a non-pressurised vessel and use a non-toxic food grade fluid (propylene glycol).
- The UPC (Uniform plumbing code) allows for it.
- See an example (Portland version) of the code here. – https://up.codes/viewer/
portland/upc-2021/chapter/5/ water-heaters#505.4.1
The Electron series has a modular design to facilitate fast service and enable customers to run their businesses efficiently. The Heat Pump Units (HPU) on Electron Series are designed to be easily swapped with a reconditioned HPU unit. Just two fluid connections and two wiring connections are all that need to be made. There is no field repair, refill of CO2, or handling of high pressures required in the field. The faulty HPU can be sent to an authorized Intellihot service center, where it will be repaired under a controlled and non-emergency environment.
No, the efficiency gained is negligible but the reliability of unit will be compromised and chances of air -side fouling is dramatically increased.
Electron products are built to last and feature a robust modular design. All parts, including the compressor, are warrantied for one year, and the thermal battery and on-demand heat exchanger are warrantied for three years. All warranties are from the date of commissioning.
Model iE1 with the integrated Thermal Battery has a maximum heating output of 90,000 BTU/h. Model iE6, the modular unit, has a heating capacity of up to 300,000 Btu/h. However, it may be paired with four thermal batteries, bringing its total heating capacity up to 800,000 Btu/h.
Model iE1 has an airflow requirement of 3,500 CFM and can be installed indoors or outdoors. Model iE6 has an airflow requirement of 21,000 CFM high and should be installed outdoors only
We have developed a simple and easy way to cascade multiple units without running wires. This is achieved through a Bluetooth connection like those in smartphones. Units have a maximum communication distance of 50 ft, and it is recommended to have a direct line of sight without any metal obstructions.
The Electron series is designed for long life and low maintenance. Only one item needs to be serviced at internals indicated by “maintenance alert” on the display. This is the Wye strainer which prevents large debris in the water supply from entering the unit. The unit has sophisticated prognostics capability, and the life of critical components is shown on the “Life Screen “. It provides guidance for when these parts should be changed.
The Thermal Battery is designed to last a lifetime under normal wear and tear. The battery is designed with high-grade stainless-steel components and factory-supplied food-grade propylene glycol. This food-grade glycol can be safely disposed of in a regular drain. The Thermal Battery can be sent to a typical metal recycling facility. Non-biodegradable glycol, especially ethylene glycol (e.g., automotive grade) or non-Intellihot supplied formulations, should never be used to charge the Thermal Battery. Doing so may cause irreparable damage and bodily harm, including death.
Each location in the county could have a different minimum ambient temperature. Thus, the Thermal Battery can accommodate various concentrations of propylene glycol. The Thermal Battery has a Glycol Concentration Sensor built-in which, in correlation with the zip code of the installation, verifies the concentration specific to that location. If inadequate, a message will pop up on the display. When a unit is ordered for drop shipment, the appropriate volume of glycol will be prefilled at the factory based on the zip code. The cost for this will be billed separately. In addition, glycol kits will also be available for purchase for use in the field.
Model iE1 runs on a single phase 208V AC with a maximum current draw of 75A. A dedicated 90-ampere breaker is required for this model. Model iE6 runs on a three-phase 208V AC with a maximum current draw of 60.7A. A dedicated 70-ampere breaker is necessary for this model. Model iB3 (modular thermal battery) runs on a three-phase 208V AC with a maximum current draw of 104.1A. A dedicated 110-ampere breaker is required for this model.
The inside components of Models iE1 and iE6 are freeze protected. When the model iE1 is installed outdoors, the external domestic water lines should be appropriately insulated and heat traced.
The iE1 and the iB3 have a patented leaking sensor built-in. This leak sensor distinguishes between a glycol leak and a domestic water leak and drives appropriate control action. For example, if there is a domestic water leak, then the unit will automatically shut down the water inlet to the unit. If there is a glycol leak, then the unit will shut down. Warnings and notifications are sent via the telliCare app.
Typical heat pumps use storage tanks and deliberately keep the domestic water stratified at various temperatures. Stratification is needed to enable the heat pumps to operate efficiently. Stagnation and water temperature being in the growth range of Legionella pose a substantial risk. The Electron series does not store any water, heats on-demand, and has water velocities that are 400 times higher than a tank, thus mitigating biofilm formation and reproduction of Legionella bacteria. This results in good, safe, clean, and efficient hot water.
We did not design the iB3 to be installed outdoors. However, given the interest, we are working to redesign it so it can be placed outdoors.
Three options here. One option is to mount the unit on a pad 2′ high to begin with. Second option, if mounted on the ground, it will likely obscure two engines on either side, still leaving the other 4 engines operational. So we can take this into account in our sizing and include extra engines. Third option is to build a roof-cover to protect the unit.
Copper for now, but we are examining other materials. It needs to handle high temperatures (200 degrees Fahrenheit). But, our pressure requirements are low: less than 5 psi.
This limitation is due to the internal pump used in the unit. However, we can size an external speed-controlled pump and increase this distance.
Yes, this is a part of our future plans.
Electron (tankless CO2 heat pump water heater) FAQ
No, the unit will be ASSE – 1082 compliant
No contractor field refill of CO2 is required. (factory tech to recommission system)
Parts and compressor – 1-year, Thermal battery – 3 years.
iE1 90,000 BTU/hr
Due to high air flow requirement 21,00o CFM high for indoor installation. The iE1 is suitable for indoor or outdoor installation.
No, there are application/site specific implications. (e.g kitchen/laundry)
50 ft.
Before the End of March 2023.
Based on installation location – Heat trace and recirculation requirements may apply.
Very little maintenance required. (wye strainer – indicated on display, replacement parts also indicated on the Life screen)
There is a glycol concentration sensor and based on zip code and ambient air conditions, the display will provide feedback i.e., adequate glycol or add SPR KIT with a procedure for field update. Units shipped from the factory will be prefilled with glycol based on zip code and be charged accordingly.
Intellihot’s thermal battery has a 10 year life span, and is bio-degradable.
Yes, Intellihot tankless heat pump water heaters have a glycol concentration sensor + a separate leak Sensor. (both glycol and water leak sensing)
Yes.
Available through Distribution to order in February 2023 for May 2023 delivery. (Find a distributor)
No, not at this time.
110 gallons @ 80 deg F ambient temp.
55 deg F rise
The iE1 requires 208 VAC, 75 Amps.
4.2 @ 80deg F – energy star rating.