Hotstart High Efficiency Engine Heater Granted UL C/US and CE Approvals
Spokane, Wash. February 10, 2025 – Hotstart was recently granted UL C/US and CE approvals for the CVC High Efficiency Engine Heater. The newly developed heating system is designed to reduce the typical energy usage needed to maintain coolant temperatures within a standby generator 1MW and larger through the use of air-source heat pump technology rather than electric resistance. Data centers, hospitals, municipalities, universities, and other critical infrastructure utilize generators 1MW and larger for their power resiliency requirements.
Hotstart’s CVC Engine Heater is installed in-series with existing generator engine heaters, becoming the primary heater maintaining coolant temperature above 35 °C. Energy usage of electric resistance heaters, 40,000 to 50,000 kWh annually, is reduced by up to 65% when the CVC is the primary heater. This energy reduction is achieved through active heat recovery instead of generating heat from electric resistance elements.
“The CVC’s active heat recovery system is truly unique,” said Chris McFarland, Senior Staff Engineer. “Rather than generating heat through electric resistance, it captures existing heat from the surrounding air, sends it through the vapor compression cycle, and then transfers that heat back to the engine.”
The variable speed compressor of the CVC allows precision heating by responding to ambient temperature changes. The system also dynamically adjusts heat delivery to match heat losses from the engine, avoiding overheating or underheating. “Engines experience varying degrees of heat loss to outside air. Operating the CVC within the generator container, be it an enclosure or larger room, reduces those losses as heat is captured by the CVC and recycled back into the engine rather than lost to the environment.”
McFarland notes that when compared to current engine heating approaches, the container will feel cooler to an operator after the CVC is installed. “The heat loss to the environment is the same as the energy provided by the block heaters – including an air-source engine-heater like the CVC. The room will not be as warm as with standard heating, but it will still be warmer than a room without any heaters,” said McFarland. The result is consistent heat delivery to the engine through innovative technology that “elevates energy efficiency without compromising engine startability.”
The CVC product has been UL C/US listed (UL60335-2-40) and CE listed (IEC60335-2-40) as a Vapor Compression Thermal Management System Certified to IEC Standards and can be used in areas of the world where IEC standards are in effect. The CVC is suitable for indoor and outdoor installation, is equipped with an HMI display for simplified operation, and can interface system controls with existing engine management systems. To learn more contact heatpumps@hotstart.com or visit our website at www.hotstart.com.
