Outdoor heat pump coils with copper tubes and fins have been used in residential and commercial heating and cooling systems for decades. These coils are inefficient, heavy and cost more to manufacture than “cooling only” systems.

This has pushed today’s cost-cautious, green-focused industry to ask: Is there something better?

Delphi thinks there is.

Following its success with the MCHX® condenser and evaporator, Delphi is now launching the first of its kind Delphi MCHX Outdoor Heat Pump Coil. The coil operates outdoors in an air-sourced heat pump system, and functions as a traditional condenser in cooling mode and as an evaporator in heating mode.

It is up to 50 percent lighter, 30 percent smaller in volume, 100 percent recyclable, provides up to 40 percent less refrigerant usage and uses a unique and efficient defrost process.

Additionally, in the past, using an indoor micro channel coil with an outdoor copper tube and fin coil caused a significant charge imbalance, which required more refrigerant usage and loss of efficiency. Now OEMs can end the compromise in performance by using Delphi’s micro channel technology both inside and outside so the charge imbalance is eliminated and the system performs optimally with a lower refrigerant charge.

“It’s the first time manufacturers are receiving the highest level of system performance from micro channel technology,” said James A. Bertrand, president, Delphi Thermal Systems. “In fact, we are already seeing efficiency results today for SEER and HSPF near Department of Energy (DOE) 2015 ratings, based on current system integration testing.”

How does Delphi do all this?

“Delphi’s innovative approach virtually eliminates the traditional inefficiencies of the heat pump coil just by applying its micro channel technology and its 100-plus years of automotive cooling system engineering know-how,” Bertrand said.

The Delphi MCHX^® family uses brazed aluminum construction and is based on the micro channel technology, which consists of three components: a flat micro channel tube, fins and two refrigerant manifolds joined together in a single coil. The “channels” provide more fluidity, cohesion and efficiency than round tubes.

“Think about standing on a bridge with water flowing underneath. When water goes over the pylons the flow is disrupted, but if the pylons were long and flat—like channels—water would move over the surface with more contact and fluidity,” said Bertrand.

This unique construction makes all of Delphi’s MCHX products up to 50 percent lighter and 30 percent less bulky than those with traditional copper tubes and fins. They are easier to install and help manufacturers receive an LEED credit due to increased energy efficiency, reduced mass and use of 40 percent less refrigerant. And with proper maintenance the micro channel units keep the system running at near peak efficiency much longer without the degradation.

Delphi’s MCHX products will be on display at the AHR Expo being held Jan. 28-30 at the Dallas Convention Center at Delphi’s booth located in Hall F, booth No. 3419.

About Delphi

Delphi Automotive (NYSE: DLPH) is a leading global supplier of electronics and technologies for automotive, commercial vehicle and other market segments. Operating major technical centers, manufacturing sites and customer support facilities in 30 countries, Delphi delivers real-world innovations that make products smarter and safer as well as more powerful and efficient. Connect to innovation at www.delphi.com.