Based in Rogers, MN, Flow Environmental Systems manufactures and distributes patented commercial CO2 heat pumps to decarbonize multifamily buildings, offices, schools, and public buildings while making them more energy efficient.
Founded just over two years ago, Flow’s range of products, aimed at a $150-300 billion market, are supported by major HVAC Sales Reps nationally. Flow is a recent finalist in the Empire Technology Prize, organized by NYSERDA, and has received grants from the California Energy Commission for an innovative project with Straus Family Creamery and to collaborate with Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s FLEXLAB to produce detailed third-party energy testing.
About the Technology
Flow’s ANSWR™ heat pump platform is a 100% electric system that operates as cooling-only chiller, heating-only heat pump or boiler, domestic water heater, or all three at the same time with a single power feed as a simultaneous heating and cooling system. Critical elements of the system are patented (pending) by Flow and more patent applications are in the advanced planning stage.
These elements impact footprint, weight, operational ambient temperature range and efficiencies. The system outperforms synthetic refrigerant-based heat pumps by:
- Operating in all US environments (-30F to 120 F) without significant loss of capacity or efficiency
- Avoiding defrost deratings or need for redundant equipment during defrost
- Providing heating or cooling at large or small differential temperatures up to 180F, for easy adaption in gas fired boiler retrofits
- Using a safe, natural refrigerant with a GWP of 1, free of PFAS toxins
- Combining heating, cooling, domestic hot water, and energy recovery while managing thermal loads independently producing COPs between 2-7 depending on configuration and ambient conditions
- Reducing installation costs including for electrical upgrades.
Flow’s ANSWR™ heat pumps, available in 20T-120T sizes are modular, “plug and play” units, ideal for retrofitting or new builds.