Ecoforest Expands Desuperheater Technology to High-Power Heat Pumps for Multi-Family and Commercial Buildings

Ecoforest’s R&D department has expanded the availability of High Temperature Recovery (HTR) technology to its high-capacity ground-source heat pump range, ecoGEO⁺ HP, capable of cascade configurations exceeding 500 kW.

This enhancement allows systems with high energy demand, such as multi-family buildings, hotels, or educational facilities,to benefit from domestic hot water (DHW) production at up to 80 °C without the use of electric resistance heaters. This is achieved with minimal energy impact, thanks to the integration of a desuperheater, which recovers residual heat from the compressor discharge.

Simultaneous Cooling and DHW Production at No Additional Energy Cost

Key advantages of HTR technology include:

• Simultaneous production of heating/cooling and DHW or pool heating, increasing overall system efficiency.
• DHW temperatures up to 80 °C without electric backup, significantly reducing energy consumption. 
• Extended compressor lifespan due to reduced start/stop cycles.
• Ideal for buildings with high DHW demand, such as apartment blocks, hotels, shopping centers, and schools.
• Stable and continuous thermal comfort, with balanced and efficient energy supply.

Until now, Ecoforest’s High Temperature Recovery technology had only been implemented in residential heat pumps, where it has already demonstrated a significant boost in energy efficiency.

How Does HTR Work in High-Capacity Heat Pumps?

The High Temperature Recovery system, based on a desuperheater, captures high-temperature refrigerant gas at the compressor outlet and transfers that heat to the DHW tank. In practice, this means that while the heat pump is operating in cooling mode, it can simultaneously produce domestic hot water, at virtually no additional energy cost.

Now in its third generation, the ecoGEO⁺ HP ground-source heat pump range offers excellent flexibility to adapt to project-specific requirements:

• Borehole-only systems: Maximum energy stability and extended system life. 
• Hybrid source systems: Combining boreholes and air collectors, ideal when available geothermal capacity is limited.
• Air-source only: Harvesting energy from ambient air without the need for drilling, enabling faster, more cost-effective installations.

Next-Generation Performance and Design 

The third generation of ecoGEO⁺ HP heat pumps introduces several enhancements:

• New enclosure design for improved aesthetics and reduced sound emissions.
• New power ranges:
  • ecoGEO⁺ HP 12-45 kW 
  • ecoGEO⁺ HP 15-60 kW 
  • ecoGEO⁺ HP 20-85 kW 

These improvements complement the standard features of the ecoGEO⁺ range:

• Inverter technology and scroll compressor.
• Passive or free cooling, which uses direct ground exchange without compressor operation, maximizing efficiency.
• Full system control, including up to five flow temperatures, DHW tanks, swimming pools, and recirculation scheduling. 

Ecoforest’s In-House R&D

“In line with our commitment to continuous innovation, integrating HTR, one of Ecoforest’s signature technologies, into our high-capacity range significantly boosts efficiency and service potential for the most demanding installations,” explains Francisco Uhía, R&D Director at Ecoforest.

Ecoforest’s in-house R&D team is responsible for the integration of HTR into the ecoGEO⁺ HP product line. Based at the Porto do Molle technology park in Nigrán, the team drives the development and continuous improvement of Ecoforest’s range of heat pumps, pellet stoves, and boilers.

About Ecoforest

Founded in 1959, Ecoforest is a family-owned business that became the first European manufacturer of pellet stoves in 1992. Since then, the company has focused exclusively on renewable HVAC systems, offering a full portfolio of pellet stoves and boilers, as well as air-source and ground-source heat pumps. 

In 2020, Ecoforest launched the first indoor-installable geothermal heat pump using natural refrigerant R290: the ecoGEO⁺ 1-6 PRO. In 2024, the company completed its R290-based product line with the ecoGEO⁺ LITE 1-6 PRO and ecoAIR⁺ 6-24 PRO. Its manufacturing facility in Nigrán (Pontevedra) employs over 200 professionals and houses its dedicated R&D department.