GAIA Aria

® 

GAIA Aria 

HEAT PUMP AIR COOLED IN TWO SECTIONS 

Nominal heating capacity 16,3 kW (11,2 kW with air at –5°C) 

Nominal cooling capacity 17,7 kW 

PACKAGED UNIT DESIGNED TO PROVIDE COMFORT BY USING RENEWABLE 

ENERGY: 

It includes all the system elements in only one unit. 

INTEGRATED SYSTEM FOR THE RECOVERY OF THE SOLAR ENERGY FROM 

ROOF HEAT COLLECTORS: it produces free domestic hot water by the energy 

obtained with the solar panel use. 

INTEGRATED PRODUCTION OF DOMESTIC HOT WATER: it integrates in the unit a 

200 litre storage tank . 

SYSTEM WITH THE BEST SEASONAL EFFICIENCY ON THE MARKET TODAY: it 

applies the DC Inverter thecnology to the compressor, to the fan, to the circulating pump 

of the system and to the circulating pump of domestic hot water recirculation. 

WATER PRODUCTION UP TO 60°C. 

OPERATING WITH OUTDOOR AIR TEMPERATURE DOWN TO –20°C. 

TECHNICAL 

BULLETIN 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2)

GAIA aria 

ELFOSystem GAIA edition 

Gaia is the heart of the whole system that Clivet has designed for residential installations. 

ELFOSystem GAIA edition is a single intelligent system with all the elements that generate 

year-round comfort : heating, cooling, domestic hot water, fresh air and air purification. 

ELFOControl 

Centralized control 

device 

MORE VALUE 

for your property 

E L F O S y s t e m ' s r e d u c e d 

consumption of primary energy 

can improve the energy 

classification of the building. A 

single complete and efficient 

system that ensures total 

well-being and significantly 

increase the value of your 

home. 

ELFOFresh 2 

Fresh air renewal and 

purification unit 

Heat distribution via fan 

coil units, radiant panels 

or radiators 

RENEWABLE ENERGY 

ELFOSystem uses renewable 

energy present in the air, water 

or ground. All the system 

elements are coordinated so 

that the required energy is 

produced with the highest 

possible efficiency and 

distributed in the necessary 

quantity only where it is 

required. 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 2 

ELFORoom 

Fan coil units 

RELIABILITY 

GAIA 

Production of 

heating and 

cooling Energy 

and domestic 

hot water 

The components designed and 

tested by Clivet allow you to 

create quality systems that 

ensure predetermined levels of 

comfort and energy savings 

with the guarantee of perfect 

operation. 

Connection 

to solar panel 

PROTECTED ENVIRONMENT 

ELFOSystem uses direct solar 

energy, tapped by means of 

solar panels, as well as the 

indirect solar energy present in 

the environment and used by 

the heat pump. Reduces CO2 

emissions by as much as 50%. 

Does not use gas or other fossil 

fuels and thus precludes the 

possibility of leakage of 

hazardous substances into the 

environment. 

®


ELFOSystem GAIA edition is based on the following elements: 

Production 


High efficiency electric 

heat pump for the heat/ 

cool and domestic hot 

water production 

Fresh air 

ELFOFresh 2 

Fresh air ELFOFresh 

Room ventilation and 

purification system with 

energy recovery 

HUMIDITY AND TEMPERATURE 

THERMOSTATS ROOM-BY-ROOM 

MANAGEMENT OF RADIANT SYSTEMS 

OR RADIATORS 

DEDICATED HYDRONIC TERMINAL 

UNITS 

DESIGN AND REDUCED SIZES 

CONTINUOUS SPEED MODULATION 

HOMOGENEOUS TEMPERATURE 

REDUCED CONSUMPTIONS 

PACKAGED UNIT FOR THE COMFORT WITH 

RENEWABLE ENERGY 

INTEGRATED SYSTEM FOR THE RECOVERY OF THE 

SOLAR ENERGY FROM HEAT HEADERS 

INTEGRATED PRODUCTION OF DOMESTIC HOT 

WATER 

SYSTEM WITH THE BEST SEASONAL EFFICIENCY ON 

THE MARKET TODAY 

WATER PRODUCTION UP TO 60°C OPERATING 

WITH OUTDOOR AIR TEMPERATURE DOWN TO –20° 

C. 

AIR AND WATER COOLED VERSION IS AVAILABLE 

SUMMER AND WINTER ACTIVE THERMODYNAMIC 

RECOVERY 

FULLFILL UP TO 80% OF THE BUILDING LOAD 

ELECTRONIC FILTERING: PM10, BACTERIA, 

POLLEN 

SUMMER DEHUMIDIFICATION IDEAL IN 

COMBINATION WITH THE RADIANT COOLING 

FREE COOLING 

Distribution 

ELFODistribution 

Heat-diffusion systems with room-by-room temperature 

regulation. 

3 

Control 

ELFOControl 

Advanced control system to govern operations of the entire 

system. 

COMPLETE SYSTEM CONTROL 

TIME SCHEDULE 

PERSONALIZED MANAGEMENT 

ENERGY OPTIMIZATION 

DISPLAY TOUCH SCREEN 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 

®


GAIA Aria : FEATURES 

MAXIMIZED EFFICIENCY : FULL INVERTER DC 

Compressor: 

- produces the actual required energy modulating its capacity thanks to the inverter 

control in direct current; 

- provides the energy corresponding to the real needs of the building according to 

the different climatic conditions, ensuring a high seasonal efficiency. 

Fan: 

- reduces consumption by 67% thanks to the motor in direct current; 

- ensures a higher silence thanks to the speed adjustment. 

System circulating pump: 

- reduced consumption by 28% tank to the motor in direct current; 

- determines the water flow-rate variation according to the system pressure drops; 

- sets the water flow-rate variation to extend the limits beyond the normal operating 

conditions. 

Circulating pump of the domestic hot water: 

- reduces consumption by 62% thanks to the motor in direct current. 

PREASSEMBLED UNIT 

The difficulties of selection, installation and electrical connections of the elements in a traditional system are eliminated with 

Gaia, which includes all the system components, already tested by Clivet. 

TRADITIONAL SYSTEM 

Heating plant with domestic hot water storage 

tank and connection to solar panels 

Heat pump installed 

externally 

EVERYTHING IS UNDER CONTROL 

The electronic control lets you freely establish temperature, humidity, and 

operating times. Once set, the control automatically manages summer or winter 

operation, and the production of domestic hot water. Overall energy efficiency is 

maximized through constant monitoring of building needs and of the 

temperature of fresh air. 

- Function as ambient chronothermostat with temperature and humidity sensor 

- Daily and weekly time scheduling 

- Simple interface with graphic display and navigation menu 

- Settable summer and winter climatic function 

- Supply temperature correction according to the internal conditions 

- Correction of the summer supply temperature to the radiant panels according 

to the dew point 

- Installation on the unit or remote for installation in the environment 

- Connection to ELFOControl for the complete management of the system 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 4 


contains all system 

elements 

Temperature sensor 

GAIA Aria 

OUTDOOR 

ENERGY EXCHANGER 

Draws the energy 

contained in the air 

THE INSTALLATION TIMES ARE DRASTICALLY REDUCED TO THE BEST ADVANTAGE OF A QUALITY RESULT. 

CONSUMPTIONS 

BOILER HEAT 

PUMP 

Remotable keypad 

Humidity sensor 

®


GAIA Aria : FEATURES 

INTEGRATED DOMESTIC HOT WATER 

GAIA ensures constant availability of domestic hot water that can 

be produced by the heat pump at a maximum temperature of 55°C. 

The domestic hot water is stored in a 200-litre tank integrated into 

the unit. 

The anti-stratification system allows to have the entire volume of 

water contained in the tank at an almost constant temperature to 

the best advantage of comfort. 

Gaia avoids energy and water wastage thanks to the circulation of 

the domestic hot water in the system performed with the inverter 

circulating pump. 

A safety valve, a burn-proof pressure valve and a safety electrical 

heater are also integrated into GAIA. 

CONNECTION TO SOLAR PANELS 

GAIA has been designed to be connectable to solar 

heating panels. 

This will further increase the use of renewable sources 

to produce free domestic hot water, through solar energy 

captured by solar panels. 

On the days in which the solar energy is insufficient or if 

solar panels are not installed, the domestic hot water is 

heated by the heat pump. 

FLEXIBLE INSTALLATION 

5 

DOMESTIC HOT WATER RECIRCULATION 

Circulating pump included in GAIA 

GAIA uses a remote ENERGY EXCHANGER to recover energy from the air. 

The connection between GAIA and the energy exchanger is refrigeration-type, thus avoiding any risk of freezing. 

The Energy exchanger can be installed up to 20 meters away and up to a maximum height of 15 meters, thus allowing 

to be placed in the most appropriate points. 

The air flow can be ducted, thus allowing several solution of installation both outside and inside the house. 

The radial fan with DC inverter can be calibrated according to the real pressure drops and, thanks to constant 

modulation of its speed, it ensures a low noise operation. 

Energy exchanger installed 

outside next to the external 

wall with lateral air 

expulsion. 


outside, with ducting of the air 

flow and expulsion away from 

the house. 

NOT SUPPLIED BY CLIVET 


inside, in the garret, with fresh 

air intake from a window and 

lateral expulsion in the roof. 

Solar unit 

Energy exchanger installed in the 

basement, with fresh air intake 

through the hopper window and 

and expulsion, through an 

underground ducting , away from 

home. 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 

®


STANDARD UNIT SPECIFICATIONS 

INTERNAL UNIT 

COMPRESSOR 

Scroll hermetic compressor controlled by inverter, complete with motor 

protection against overheating, current overloads, and excessive temperature 

of supply gas. It is mounted on rubber anti-vibration devices and is filled with 

oil. The compressor is enclosed in a sound-absorbent cap which reduces its 

sound emissions. 

A oil heater is automatically switched on at the compressor shut-down to 

prevent oil dilution by the refrigerant. 

STRUCTURE 

Load-bearing structure made of "aluzink" sheet metal capable of offering 

excellent mechanical characteristics and long-lasting resistance to corrosion 

The base is made of sheet metal painted RAL 9005. 

PANELLING 

External panelling of unit in sheet metal painted RAL 9003 covered on inside 

with thermally insulating, sound absorbing material. All panelling can easily be 

removed to allow complete accessibility to internal components. 

The front panels are in thermoformed ABS, RAL 7040. 

INTERNAL EXCHANGER 

Direct expansion heat exchanger, braze-welded AISI 316 stainless steel plates 

with large exchange surface and complete with external heat and anticondensate 

insulation. 

REFRIGERANT CIRCUIT 

The circuit is complete with: 

- electronic expansion valve 

- non-return valve 

- 4-way reverse cycle valve 

- filter dryer 

- refrigerant charge 

- liquid and gas shut-off valves with service fitting 

- liquid receiver 

- inlet liquid separator 

- pressure probes 

- high pressure safety 

- low pressure safety 

- liquid line solenoid valve 

ELECTRICAL PANEL 

the Power Section includes: 

- anti-legionellosis heater control contactor 

- compressor control contactor 

- heaters fuses 

- inverter for compressor control only on unit 230/1/50 

- fan fuses 

- compressor circuit breaker only on unit 400/3/50 

- auxiliary fuse 

- compressor overload protection 

- fan overload protection 

- re-circulation pump fuse 

- phase monitor 

the control section includes: 

- double temperature management 

- Electronic for Elfo Control system (optional) 

- set point compensation with outside temperature probe and with correction 

according to the ambient air 

- microprocessor control 

- variable fan speed control for operation at low ambient temperatures 

- automatic defrost control 

CONFIGURATION CODE 

(1) VOLTAGE 

Supply voltage 400/3/50+N (400TN) standard 

2) AUXILIARY ELECTRIC HEATING ELEMENTS 

Integration heating elements: not required (-) standard 

Modulating integration electric heater from 0 to 6kW (EH246) 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 6 

- set point compensation with outside temperature probe 

- set point compensation with outside temperature probe 

- high refrigerant gas pressure pre-alarm function that in many cases prevents 

the unit from being shut-down 

- compressor overload protection and timer 

- relay for remote cumulative fault signal 

- modulating electrical resistance management 

- auxiliary heater management 

- solar thermal management for production of sanitary water 

- domestic hot water management with the particular form of DHW 

- The fresh air probe must be positioned in a place protected from UV rays as 

well as water and snow. The probe is included with the unit and must be 

connected as indicated in the electrical diagram 

REMOTE KEYPAD FOR USER 

Control keypad, including: 

- 5 button for ON/OFF, mode change , parameterers and controls settings 

- Spacious display with settings, status, and water inlet/outlet temperature 

- maximum distance connection of 50 meters. 

HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT 

- utility side pump in continuous current 

- drain valve 

- differential pressure switch, water side 

- diaphragm expansion vessel system side 12 liters 

- High-pressure valve by-pass 

- water side safety valve 3bar 

- Motorised valve for supervision of system and solar water with domestic 

water 

- Water fill assembly with pressure gauge 

- Steel mesh filter on utility side (supplied separately) 

DOMESTIC HOT WATER CIRCUIT 

- Plate heat exchanger for the production of domestic hot water. 

- domestic/solar water plate exchanger 

- 200-litre storage tank for domestic hot water 

- anti-legionellosis heater 

- Sanitary water circulating in continuous current 

- DHW system recirculation circuit 

- Automatic air blow valve, left water side 

- Domestic hot water side safety valve 6bar 

- Burn-proof thermostatic valve 

- Water fill assembly with pressure gauge 

ENERGY EXCHANGER 

The energy exchanger is suitable both for outdoor and indoor installation, with 

an opportunity to be ductable. It is equipped with radial fan in continuous 

current. 

STRUCTURE 

The external unit structure consists of a polyethylene printed single body. At 

the bottom two aluminum pins are inserted, on which you can install rubber 

anti-vibration devices fitted as standard. 

ENERGY EXCHANGER FAN 

Plug-fun in continuous current with reverse blades optimized to reduce sound 

emissions to a minimum while simultaneously increasing energy efficiency, 

maintaining the static pressure needed for ducting the unit. 

ACCESSORIES SUPPLIED SEPARATELY. 

- Compartment for multifunction keyboard 

- Connection flange with exhaust air duct in the basement 

®


SEASONAL EFFICIENCY 

PLACE 

GENERAL TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS TO THE NOMINAL OPERATING CONDITIONS 

APPLICATION Radiant panels Terminal units Radiators 

HEATING A7 / W35 A7 / W45 A7 / W55 

Nominal heating capacity (75% of the maximum speed of the compressor) 1 kW 16,3 15,2 14.5 

Total power input 2 kW 3,63 4,52 5.35 

COP Eurovent 3 4,49 3,36 2.72 

COP (EN 14511:2004.) 4 4,41 3,30 2.70 

Water flow rate (Internal Exchanger) 5 l/s 0,78 0,72 0,35 

Useful pump discharge head Excluded Bypass 5 kPa 105 106 110 

Useful pump discharge head Active Bypass 5 kPa 63 65 69 

COOLING A35 / W18 A35 / W7 - 

Nominal cooling capacity (75% of the maximum speed of the compressor) 1 kW 17.7 13.3 - 

Total power input 2 kW 4.93 4,61 - 

EER Eurovent 6 3.60 2.89 - 

EER (EN 14511:2004) 7 3.65 2,92 - 

ESEER - 5,41 - 

MECHANICAL FEATURES 

COMPRESSOR 

Type of compressors 8 1 x SCROLL INVERTER DC 

Refrigerant charge (C1) 9 kg 7,5 

Refrigerant circuits Nr 1 

INTERNAL EXCHANGER 

Type of internal exchanger 10 PHE 

No. of internal exchangers 

REFRIGERANT CONNECTIONS 

Nr 1 

Gas connection 11 mm ODS 18 

Liquid connection 11 mm ODS 14 

HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT 

Max. system/DHW pressure water side kPa 250 / 550 

System/DHW safety valve calibration kPa 300 / 600 

System expansion vessel capacity l 12 

No. of expansion vessels Nr 1 

Sanitary water tank capacity l 200 

ENERGY EXCHANGER FAN 

Heating 

capacity (kW) 

T °C 

Project 

Type of fans 12 RAD DC 

Standard air flow l/s 1750 

Installed unit power kW 0,5 

Max external static pressure Pa 90 

POWER SUPPLY 

Standard power supply V 400/3/50+N 

DIMENSIONS 

Length Internal Unit/ / Energy Exchanger mm 600 1250 

Depth Internal Unit/ / Energy Exchanger mm 800 788 

Height Internal Unit/ / Energy Exchanger mm 2030 1304 

STANDARD UNIT WEIGHTS 

Shipping weights Internal Unit/ / Energy Exchanger kg 280 110 

Operating weights Internal Unit/ / Energy Exchanger kg 460 105 

Performance levels refer to the energy exchanger located 3m from the interior unit. 

(1) data referred to the following conditions: 

A7 / W35 water to internal exchanger 30/35°C, outdoor air temperature: 7°C D.B./ 6°C W.B. 



A35 / W18 water to internal exchanger = 23/18°C, outdoor air temperature: 35°C 

A35 / W7 water to internal exchanger = 12/7 °C, outdoor air temperature: 35°C 

The nominal heating and cooling capacity are referred to 75% of the max. compressor 

RPM. The capacity modulation is between 30% and 100%. 

The modulation from 75% to 100% occurs only under temperature of 0°C. 

(2) The total input is given by the compressor input + fans power input + pump power input - 

proportional part of the water pump to supply the available head to installation input + the 

auxiliary circuit input 

(3) COP calculated as the relationship between heating capacity and total absorbed power. 

RISCALDAMENTO RAFFREDDAMENTO 

SCOP 

Radiant panels 

SCOP 

Terminal units 

7 

SCOP 

Radiators 

Pfrigo 

(kW) 

T °C 

Project 

ESEER 

Radiant panels 

Stockholm 11.1 -15 3.86 3.16 2.50 Cooling is not required for this location 

Frankfurt 12.0 -10 4.03 3.29 2.59 Cooling is not required for this location 

ESEER 

Terminal units 

Milan 12.7 -5 4.14 3.36 2.65 7.6 32 5.55 3.93 

Naples 13.1 0 4.81 3.93 3.11 9.3 35 5.61 3.98 

Palermo 14.3 +5 5.29 4.33 3.43 14.8 35 5.51 3.81 

In the table are indicated the seasonal efficiency values (SCOP and SEER), determinated 

considering: 

- a linear trend of the heating capacity requested by the building in function of the fresh air 

temperature, by a max. value (Pt) of the winter outside design temperature (Tae,h) at a null value for 

an outside temperature of 15 °C 

- a linear trend of the cooling capacity requested by the building in function of the fresh air 

temperature, by a max. value (Pf) of the summer outside design temperature (Tae,c) ad at a null value 

for an outside temperature of 24 °C 

The calculation was performed considering the hourly values of the fresh air temperature. 

SCOP has been calculated supposing a scrolling temperature of the water produced by the heat pump 

in function of the fresh air temperature. 

Radiant panels: Twater = 35 °C to the winter outside design temperature and Twater = 25 °C to the 

outside temperature of 15 °C 

Terminal units: Twater = 45 °C to the winter outside design temperature and Twater = 35 °C to the 

outside temperature of 15 °C 

Radiators: Twater = 55 °C to the winter outside design temperature and Twater = 45 °C to the outside 

temperature of 15 °C 

SEER has been calculated with a fixed temperature of the produced water and equal to 18 °C for the 

radiant panels and 7 °C for the terminal units 

(4) COP calculated in compliance with the provisions of standard EN 14511:2004. 

(5) The values shown, are referred to performances in heating 

(6) EER calculated as the relationship between cooling capacity and total absorbed power. 

(7) EER calculated in compliance with the provisions of standard EN 14511:2004. 

(8) Inverter compressor 

(9) The cooling carge/power only refers to the intern unit. 

The energy exchanger is sent as a nitrogen charge. 

The additional charge has to be done related to the installation. 

(10) PHE = plates 

(11) The unit is sent with : 2 gas outlets 3/4” SAE + 2 reductions 18 mm to weld + 2 outlets 

1/2” SAE + 2 reductions 14 mm to weld 

The measure in mm indicates the diameter of the pipe that the reduction can receive. 

(12) RAD DC = radial fan in continuous current 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 

®


OPERATING LIMITS (Cooling) 

Tw (°C) 

Tw (°C) 

Tw (°C) 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 

OPERATING LIMITS (Heating) 

65 

60 

55 

50 

45 

40 

35 

30 

25 

20 

-25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 

60 

55 

50 

45 

40 

35 

30 

25 

1 

1 

1 2 

Ta (°C) 

Ta (°C) 

OPERATING LIMITS (PRODUCTION OF DOMESTIC HOT WATER ) 

2 3 

20 

-25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 

MAX SOUND LEVELS 

SIZE 

Ta (°C) 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 8 

2 

Sound Power Level (dB) 

Octave band (Hz) 

Sound 

pressure 

level 

(10m) 

Tw [°C] = exchanger water outlet temperature 

Ta [°C] = input air temperature of the external exchanger 

(1) Normal operating range 

(2) Operation with fans in modulation 

ATTENTION! 

The antifreeze safety starts when the output water from the internal 

exchanger is at (Tw) 3 degrees. 

. 

Tw [°C] = exchanger water outlet temperature 


(1) Functioning range for brief and transitory periods (Max. 5000 hours) 


Tw [°C] = sanitary water temperature 


(1) Functioning range for brief and transitory periods (Max. 5000 hours) 

In this condition the compressor speed is reduced, this involves the time 

lengthening of the DHW recovery . 


(3) Area where fans work in modulation 

Sound 

power 

level 

63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 dB(A) dB(A) 

INTERNAL UNIT 71.6 70.6 63.8 64.1 56.7 48.6 43 33.5 32 64 

ENERGY EXCHANGER 77.2 68.3 72.9 66.1 63.6 58.2 49.2 37.1 38 69 

Noise levels are determined using the tensiometric method 

(UNI EN ISO 9614) 

Unit at full load - outlet water internal exchanger 23/18°C 

outdoor air temperature 35°C. 

Sound levels refer to units with full load under nominal test 

conditions. 

The sound pressure is measured at 10 m from the external 

surface of the unit in open field conditions. 

®

Dp (kPa) 


ELECTRICAL DATA - VOLTAGE: 400/3/50+N 

SIZE 61 

F.L.A. FULL LOAD CURRENT AT MAX ADMISSIBLE CONDITIONS 

F.L.A. - Totale A 11,5 

F.L.I. FULL LOAD POWER INPUT AT MAX ADMISSIBLE CONDITION 

F.L.I. - Auxiliary circuit kW 0,1 

F.L.I. - Total kW 7 

Voltage 400/3/50 (+ NEUTRO) +/- 6% 

Voltage unbalance: max 2 % 

The pump is included in the total values calculation. 

The units are compliant with the provisions of European standards CEI EN 60204 and CEI EN 60335. 

"The machinery is conformed to CEI EN 61000-3-12 on condition that the short circuit power, at the connection between the machinery to the public distribution, is more or the same as the 

value of 250 (Rsce) per Sequ. 

The value of Sequ (for machineries powered by 400V/3/50) is given by: Sequ = FLA x 400 x 1.73 (VA) 

It is fitter‟s or user‟s responsibility to make sure that, if necessary consulting the supplying electrical en electrical energy company, the minimum short circuit power is more or the same as the 

value of 250 (Rsce) per Sequ." 

The capacity absorbed by the circulating pump, necessary for the energy certification of the building as datum to attribute to the aux. absorptions, must be determinated in function of the real 

system pressure drops. The Gaia circulating pump, being an inverter system in continuous current, is set, during the starting unit configuration, to have an absorption proportional to the real 

system pressure drops. 

UNIT AVAILABLE PRESSURE CURVES AND CIRCULATING PUMP ABSORPTION 

In the graph below it is possible to determine the real absoprtion in function of the system flow-rate and pressure drops. 

120 

110 

100 

90 

80 

70 

60 

50 

40 

30 

10V 

9V 

8V 

7V 

10V 

0,20 0,40 0,60 0,80 1,00 1,20 1,40 

Q (l/s) 

7V 

9V 

8V 

Con Active Bypass bypass 

Attivo Con Excluded Bypass bypass Escluso 

340 

320 

300 

280 

260 

240 

220 

200 

180 

160 

140 

120 

100 

80 

9 

Pa c (W) 

Dp [KPA] = USEFUL STATIC PRESSURE 

Pa [KW] = SYSTEM CIRCULATO RABSORBED POWER 

Q [L/S] = WATER FLOW RATE 

THE STATIC PRESSURES ARE INTENDED AS THOSE AVAILABLE AT THE 

UNIT'S CONNECTIONS 

THANKS TO THE CIRCULATING PUMP IN CONTINUOUS CURRENT, IT IS 

POSSIBLE TO SET THE STATIC PRESSURE CURVE BEST SUITED TO THE 

PRESSURE DROPS PRESENT IN THE SYSTEM 

. 

THE CURVES CAN BE SET BY A PROPER PARAMETER THAT CONTROLS 

THE INPUT SIGNAL 0-10V. 

IN THE GRAPH SIDEWAYS, ARE INDICATED FOUR EXAMPLES OF 

CURVES SET AT 7, 8, 9 E 10V. THE SIGNAL CAN ALSO BE IN DECIMAL 

FRACTIONS FOR EX. 7.4V. 

AT THE BOTTOM OF THE GRAPH, IT IS POSSIBILE TO IDENTIFY THE 

CIRCULATING PUMP ABSORPTION IN FUNCTION OF THE WATER FLOW- 

RATE, CONSIDERING CIRCULATING PUMP SETTING, IN FUNCTION OF 

THE INPUT SIGNAL. 

FOR EACH OF THE FOUR STATIC PRESSURE CURVES, IT EXISTS THE 

CORRESPONDING CURVE FOR THE ABSORPTION. 

THE BROKEN LINE, INDICATES AN EXAMPLE OF CURVE READING. 

THE STANDARD UNIT IS DELIVERED WITH THE CURVE SET AT 8V 

FOR STATIC PRESSURES GREATER THAN 70KPA THE BY-PASS VALVE 

MUST BE DISABLED THROUGH THE APPROPRIATE TAP. (SEE PICTURE 

BELOW) 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 

®


ABSORBED CAPACITY OF THE FAN IN FUNCTION OF THE REQUESTED AVAILABLE PRESSURE 

In the following graph is possible to identify the fan absorption, in function of the available pressure to the pipe. 

The represented curve, refers to the standard flow-rate, it is possible to change the pressure by a proper parameter that manages a 0-10V 

signal . 

For the setting refer to the use and maintenance manual. 

Dp [Pa] 

100 

90 

80 

70 

60 

50 

40 

30 

20 

10 

0 

Fresh air probe 

0,20 0,25 0,30 0,35 0,40 0,45 0,50 

The probe is sent together with the unit; the installation on the outside and the connection cable are performed by the customer. 

The probe can be connected to the Energy Exchanger or to the Indoor unit 

Cable section : MAX. 2 x 2,5 mm 2 , MIN. 2 x 1 mm 2 

Max. lenght : 20 metres (see figures : C+D+E = A+B = 20 mt) 

The sensor has not to be influenced by factors that can false the reading (for ex. direct solar irradiation, exhaust air by fan or other sources , 

contact with the unit structure or other sources of heat , accumulations of snow/ice ) 

The probe installation is necessary for the climatic management as illustrated in the section “Supply temperature in function of the outside 

temperature”. 

X1 

1 

2 

T. Ext. 

D 

C 

E 

Pev [kW] 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 10 

T. Ext. 

A 

Pev = CAPACITY ABSORPBED BY THE FAN 

Dp = FAN AVAILABLE PRESSURE 

B 

15 

16 XC2 

®


ELFOENERGY GAIA CONNECTIONS WITH ENERGY EXCHANGER 

1.1 Refrigerating line connections 

- maximum refrigerating line length 20 m 

- maximum level difference 15 m 

- external diameter of supply line 18 mm 

- external diameter of liquid line 14 mm 

- provide the suitable siphons for each 6m of difference of level. 

ELFOEnergy GAIA aria 

MAX. 20M 

1.2 Elecric line connections 

Specifications for the electric link to internal unit and energy exchanger 

- maximum distance between the two units 20m 

- Nr 8 control wires + ground max-2.5mm2 AWG 24-13 / min 1.5mm2 AW-24-G15 

- Nr 5 power wires + ground max-2.5mm2 AWG 24-13 / min 1.5mm2 AW-24-G15. 

Correzione della potenzialità 

100% 

99% 

98% 

97% 

96% 

95% 

94% 

93% 

92% 

91% 

90% 

3m 5m 7m 9m 11m 13m 15m 17m 19m 21m 

Lunghezza Refrigerating delle linee line frigorifere length 

11 

MAX. 15M 

Energy Exchanger 

ATTENTION: for the correct realisation of the refrigerant lines, refrigerant gas and oil charge, refer to the GAIA aria MANUAL. 

1.3 Refrigerant charge 

The internal unit is pre-loaded with 7,5 kg of R-410A refrigerant. 

During the installation phase 3,5 kg of refrigerant have to be loaded for the energy exchanger. 

If the distance between the two units is longer than 3 mt a further addition on the 0.11Kg/m liquid line has to be performed . 

The optimal refrigerant charge must be determined when the unit is operating in conditions next to the project ones, 

measuring and controlling the super-heating and the subcooling. 

1.4 Definition of the cooling and heating capacity leak 

The lenght of the refrigerant lines involves a worsening of the heating and cooling capacity supplied to the system and to the 

domestic hot water. 

With the graph is possible to determine this performance decrease. 

Capacity correction 

C 

H 

C = Worsening curve of the cooling capacity 

H = Worsening curve of the heating capacity 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 

®


DESIGN CRITERIA IN HEATING 

General introduction 

The energetic performances (delivered heating capacities, absorbed capacities and efficiencies), of the GAIA aria reversibile 

heat pump, change according to three parameters: 

- fresh air temperature; 

- supply temperature of the water to the system; 

- degree of compressor stepping 

Following it is explained in detail the influence of these three variables on the energetic performances of GAIA aria. 

1.1 Fresh air temperature 

Since the heat pump takes heat energy to fresh air to give it to the building, it occurs that, at the fresh air temperature 

increasing, increase: 

- the heat capacity delivered by the heat pump; 

- the heat pump efficiency (COP), i.e. the ratio between the delivered heat capacity and the absorbed electricity. 

The rule EN 14511 defines the test method for the COP calculation and it indicates that the heat capacity is delivered from 

the heat pump condenser, while the capacity is the one of the electric absorption of the compressor, of the external unit fan, 

of the pump to overcome the pressure drops inside the unit. 

Defrostings are also taken into account. 

The graph (A) shows an example of the trend of 

the delivered heat capacity and of the efficiency (COP) 

according to the fresh air temperature, for fixed values 

of the temperature of the produced water. 

In the graph (B), at the COP curve, is superimposed the 

curve that represents the frequency of recurrence during 

winter of the fresh air temperature in the case of Milan. 

This curve shows the number of hours during the heating 

season, in which it is displayed a certain value of outside 

temperature. 

In the resort examined, for example, the most hours of 

the winter season are included between a temperature of 

2° and 9°C, i.e. range in which GAIA aria has a COP of 

between 3 and 4. 

It is possible to notice that, although efficiencies have 

been reduced in case of low temperatures of the fresh 

air, they are present for a very limited number of hours of 

the year, thus having a limited influence on the seasonal 

average efficiency. 

KEY: 

Tae = fresh air temperature, 

Pt = heat capacity delivered by Gaia 

COP = Coefficient of performance in heating, 

f = frequency of the hours in case of fresh air temperature. 

Pt and COP referred to GAIA aria 61 with supply temperature set at 35°C 

with RPM at 75% corresponding to the declared nominal capacity. 

25 20 

20 

15 

15 

10 

10 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 12 

Pt [kWt] 

Pt (EN 14511) [kWt] 

COP 

Graph A 

25 

5 

5 

0 

-5 -5 0 0 5 10 5 15 1020 15 20 

Graph B 

7 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

1 

0 

Tae [ C] 

Tae [°C] 

-5 -3 -1 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 

Tae [°C] 

350 

300 

250 

200 

150 

100 

50 

0 

f [h] 

®


1.2 Water supply temperature to the system 

The efficiency of a heat pump in heating operating, is so much high as it produces water at low temperature. If an heat pump 

is used, the installations with systems at low temperature have to be favoured as radiant panels rather than radiators. 

The graph indicates the COP trend according 

to the fresh air temperature for three different 

types of terminals, each one characterized by a 

pre-fixed supply water temperature: 

A: Tw=35 °C for radiant panels; 

B: Tw=45 °C for ELFO terminal units; 

C: Tw=55 °C for radiators. 

KEY: 

Tae = fresh air temperature, 

COP = coefficient of performance in heating referred to GAIA aria 61 with 

fixed supply temperature with RPM at 75% corresponding to the 

declared nominal capacity, 

Tw = supply temperature at 35°C for application with radiant panels, at 45°C for 

application with room terminals ELFORoom and at 55°C for application with 

radiators. 

1.2.1 Supply temperature in function of the outside temperature (Climatic) 

The needs of building heat capacity decreases at the fresh air temperature increasing. 

It is so not necessary to feed the system terminals always at the same temperature; for each type of terminal it is desirable to have a water 

temperature that changes at the fresh air temperature changing, with a linear trend (the one that commonly is defined climatic control). 

In the cases analyzed inside this bullettin, the water temperature has been supposed variable linearly between the project temperature 

(typical of a certain resort) and an outside temperature of 15 °C with the rule indicated in the following figure in function of the type of 

terminal. 

In the graph it is highlighted the influence of adopting the climatic control instead of a control at constant supply temperature on the 

efficiency of the unit production. 

COP 

Tw [°C] 

5,5 

4,5 

3,5 

2,5 

60 

50 

40 

30 

20 

Radiant panels ELFO Terminal units Radiators 

-5 0 5 10 15 

Tae [°C] 

COP: +14 % 

-5 0 5 10 15 

Tae [°C] 

2 

1 

KEY: 

(1) supply at constant temperature, 

(2) supply at variable temperature in function of the outside temperature (climatic) 

2 

1 

Tw = supply water temperatures 

Tae = fresh air temperatures 

1.2.2 Supply temperature correction in function of the ambient temperature 

Tw [°C] 

COP 

60 

50 

40 

30 

20 

5,0 

4,0 

3,0 

2,0 

COP 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

1 

0 

-5 0 5 10 15 20 

-5 0 5 

Tae [°C] 

10 15 

COP: +18 % 

-5 0 5 

Tae [°C] 

10 15 

GAIA is equipped with a control keypad that can be remote and installed in the environments to heat or to cool, operating also as 

chronothermostat with probe for the measurement of the temperature and of the ambient humidity. 

In the GAIA control it is possible to activate the correction function of the water temperature correction, in function of the air temperature 

measured by control keypad placed in the environment. 

This function thus allows to quickly heat up the rooms if the ambient temperature is very different from the desired temperature. 

This function can be activated if the correction of the water temperature is present or not in function of the fresh air temperature (climatic). 

13 

1 

2 

2 

1 

Tae [°C] 

Tw [°C] 

COP 

60 

50 

40 

30 

20 

3,5 

2,5 

1,5 

-5 0 5 

Tae [°C] 

10 15 

4 

3 

2 

COP: +14 % 

-5 0 5 

Tae [°C] 

10 15 

A 

B 

C 

2 

1 

35,0°C 

45,0°C 

55,0°C 

1 

2 

Tw[°C] 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 

®


1.3 Degree of compressor partialisation 

The compressor equipped with an inverter is capable of operating at variable speed in order to adjust the heat rating and 

input based on building requirements. 

The surface areas of heat transfer for the heat pump are sized to optimize nominal power efficiency rating. 

When GAIA aria limits the power produced in order to cater to new requirements following reduced system demand, the 

surface area of the heat exchangers becomes greater than the produced power and, as a consequence, efficiency 

increases. 

Nominal rotational compressor speed is equivalent to 75% of maximum speed. 

Whenever particularly difficult climactic conditions are present, GAIA aria is able to cater to any specific demand, producing 

a capacity greater than the declared nominal rating (up to a maximum speed of 100%) in order to deal with this specific 

situation without resorting to an integrated heating system. 

The minimum partialisation is equivalent to 30%; below such values the machine operates with a series of switching on and 

off operations. 

Maximum degree of compressor partialisation is equivalent to 100%, although this can be reduced whenever delivered 

power restriction functionality is enabled, as described on page. 16. 

The diagram shown below, for illustrative purposes only, displays the COP based on fresh air temperature, system water 

temperature and degree of compressor partialisation. 

It can be seen how at the partial loading efficiency improves. 

COP 

35.0 

7 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

3,38 

KEY: 


Tae = fresh air temperature 

32.5 

32,5°C 

100% 

0,0 C 

30.0 

Tw [°C] 

-5 0 5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 14 

27.5 

75% 

25.0 25.0 

50% 

60% 

40%30% 

®


Pt [kWt] 

USE OF PERFORMANCE DATA IN HEATING 

In the following pages are indicated some graphs by which, using the input data previously shown (fresh air temperature, 

produced water and compressor stepping degree) it is possible to determine: 

- delivered heat capacity 

- coefficient of performance (COP) 

- max. absorbed capacity. 

The graphs have been developed according to: 

- five different min. fresh air temperatures corresponding to different climatic zones:-15°C; -10°C; -5°C; 0°C; 5 °C. 

- Three different terminal types: radiant panel, ELFO terminal unit and radiator. 

For each type of terminal has been taken a variable temperature of the produced water in function of the outside temperature 

(climatic) as follows: 

RADIANT PANELS: 

35.0 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

max. water temperature equal to 35 °C connected with the fresh air temperature of the project and equal to 25 °C for a 

fresh air temperature equal to 15 °C, when the building load is considered null; 

ELFO TERMINAL UNITS: 

RADIATORS: 

max. water temperature equal to 45 °C connected with the fresh air temperature of the project and equal to 35 °C for a 

fresh air temperature equal to 15 °C, when the building load is considered null; 

max. water temperature equal to 55 °C connected with the fresh air temperature of the project and equal to 45 °C for 

a fresh air temperature equal to 15 °C, when the building load is considered null. 

In the following examples are indicated the reading modes of the graphs. 

2.1 Thermal power production 

The diagram below shows an example of thermal power delivered by GAIA aria 61, based on: 

- Fresh air temperature; ranging from a minimum value of –5°C (taken as being the forecast winter temperature for the 

premises examined and planned for) up to a maximum of +15°C (taken as being the maximum forecast heating temperature 

requirement for the premises in question). 

- Percentage of compressor RPM compared to the maximum number of RPM (compressor degree of partialisation), included 

between a minimum value equivalent to 30%; below which the compressor operates with ON/OFF, and a maximum value of 

100%. 

- Produced linear variable water temperature based on fresh air temperature; equivalent to 35°C for the fresh air minimum 

temperature of the examined premises (-5°C) and 25°C for the fresh air temperature (15 °C), where heating requirements for 

the premises (heat load) are null. 

We have taken into consideration that the temperature of the produced water varies based on defined values for fresh air. 

GAIA aria control allows users to set values based on project design requirements. 

During curve interruption, and while remaining within the heat pump operation limits, the premises will rarely require heating. 

The diagram shows a thermal load for premises with a maximum value corresponding to a planned winter temperature of -5°C, 

equivalent to 13.1 kW, and a null value of a fresh air temperature of 15°C. 

As such, for each fresh air temperature value, known the load, it is possible to calculate the degree of compressor 

partialisation in order to calculate COP levels, with the use of another diagram. 

For example, the premises require a thermal load of 9.8 kW with fresh air temperature of 0°C. 

This load can be met with a water discharge temperature to the radiant panels of 32.5°C, equivalent to compressor 

partialisation of 60%. 

13,1 kWt 

32.5 

32,5°C 

100% 

9,8 kWt 

0,0°C 

30.0 

Tw [°C] 

-5 0 5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 

Pt= delivered heat capacity, 

Tw = supply water temperatures, 


27.5 

15 

25.0 25.0 

75% 

60% 

50% 

40% 

30% 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 

®


COP 

Pt [kWt] 

2.2 Coefficient of performance (COP) 

The following graph indicates the coefficient of performance of the heat pump (COP) according to three conditions previously 

illustrated: 

- fresh air temperature 

- percentage of compressor RPM 

- temperature of produced water. 

In the example previously illustrated, note the fresh air temperature (0°C) and the consequent water temperature (32.5°C), 

using the stepping degree obtained from the previous graph (60 %) it is possible to deduce the coefficient of performance of 

the heat pump that in this example is equal to 3.38. 

35.0 

7 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

3,38 

32,5°C 

-5 0 5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 



32.5 

100% 

0,0 C 

2.3 Max. absorbed capacity 

30.0 

Tw [°C] 

-5 0 5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 16 

27.5 

6kWe 

5kWe 

4kWe 

3kWe 

2kWe 

75% 

25.0 25.0 

50% 

60% 

40%30% 

In the following graph, inserting the line of the thermal load of the building taken as example, it is possible also to determine 

the max. capacity absorbed by the heat pump, in order to perform the dimensioning of the contactor to which they have to be 

in case added: 

- other devices such as for example additional electric heaters or systems of active thermodynamic recovery on the exhaust 

air; 

- other users, such as those to satisfy the fixed electrical uses (lights, washing machine, etc). 

In this case the max. electric absorption, equal to 6 kWe, is present with fresh air min. temperature. If the unit is designed also 

for the ambient cooling , a further check of the max. absorbed capacity in these operating conditions . 

Pt = heat capacity requested by the building 


®


DIMENSION CRITERIA IN HEATING 

The first stage in selecting the heat pump is based on project heat load requirements, in other words, the maximum 

temperature lost in the premises during winter project conditions (in alignment with winter project temperatures for examined 

sites, excluding heat sources). 

Design procedure foresees the selection of a heat generator capable of generating, under design conditions, power equal to, 

or greater than, that lost by the building under the same conditions. 

In the case of GAIA aria, whenever design heat load exceeds GAIA aria thermal power production under the same conditions, 

machine installation is possible, if assisted by integrated systems. 

Two potential forms of integration exist: 

- Electrical heaters. 

- Active thermodynamic regenerator. 

3.1 Electrical heater 

GAIA aria is equipped with an optional electrical heater capable of supplying a heat capacity up to 6 KW. 

This electrical heater, integrated in the machine, can adjust power production in order to reduce to minimum energy 

consumption for a low efficiency generation system. 

The diagram shown below represents a building featuring a designed heat load equivalent to 15 KW with an fresh air 

temperature of – 5°C. 

Given that the heat pump, with water production at 35°C, is able to supply only 12.8 KW with the same fresh air conditions 

(- 5°C), the capacity difference (15 – 11.3 = 3.7 KW) is provided by the electrical heater. 

The electrical heater will operate until the building heating capacity demand is equivalent to the maximum unit power 

production (at 100%), that in the example shown corresponds to an outside temperature equivalent to approximately – 2°C. 

Pt= delivered heat capacity 

Pt [kWt] 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

15 kWt 

R.E 

32,5°C 

100% 

11,3 kWt 

0,0°C 

Tw=supply water temperature Tw [ C] [°C] 

-5 0 5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 

Tae=fresh air temperature [°C] 

Due to the limited number of hours involving low fresh air temperatures for the premises involved, the power required to the 

integrated heater is relatively low compared to the power required from the heat pump. As such, seasonal efficiency 

performance is not compromised. 

In the example of the load described above, the overall electric energy absorbed by the heat pump + the electric heater is 

equivalent to 6266 kWh and the value of the only electric resistance is lower than 1%. 

Qt [kWh] 

3500 

3000 

2500 

2000 

1500 

1000 

500 

0 

1 

-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 

Tae [°C] 

200 

100 

0 

-5 -4 -3 -2 

2 

17 

Qt = heating energy requested by the building 


(1) = heating energy produced by GAIA aria 

(2) = heating energy produced by the electric heaters 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 

®


3.2 Active thermodynamic regenerator 

Current legislation places increasing importance on energy saving practices in buildings. As a result, there is a greater 

emphasis placed on the degree of thermal and heat insulation and research into reducing heat loss for example thanks to 

fittings and devices which manage to significantly limit the infiltration of fresh air. 

Similarly, the need to meet the high standards of quality required for the local environment and air, require a mechanical air 

exchange system. 

The use of mechanical ventilation can, however, help make significant energy savings in the event that heat recovery is 

carried out with a heat pump which uses exhaust air as heat source – also referred to as ACTIVE THERMODYNAMIC 

REGENERATOR. 

The use of a heat source with sustainable temperatures such as exhaust air permits the production of highly efficient thermal 

energy. 

Evaporator Evaporatore (summer phase) (fase estiva) 

Condenser Condensatore (winter phase) (fase invernale) 

Ventilatore Intake di immissione fan 

Immissione Air intake dell‟aria 

in the nell‟ambiente environment 

L‟aria di rinnovo, 

The attraversando fresh air, la batteria crossing lato 

the coil utility side of 

utilizzo the della heat pompa pump, di calore, is 

treated viene trattata and ed introduced 

immessa ad 

at a higher (winter) or 

una temperatura superiore 

lower (summer) 

(inverno) temperature o inferiore than (estate) the 

dell‟aria ambient ambiente air 

Compressore 

Compressor 

Estrazione Air extraction dell‟aria 

from the environment 

dall‟ambiente 

Electrostatic Filtro elettrostatico filter 

Ventilatore Extraction di estrazione fan 

Evaporator Evaporatore (summer (fase invernale) phase) 

Condenser (winter phase) 

Condensatore (fase estiva) 

The La pompa heat pump di calore uses utilizza the exhaust come sorgente air as 

heat source 

termica l‟aria espulsa 

Taking into consideration the same building assessed and analysed with an electrical resistance installation as follows: 

- Power loss during envisaged winter conditions, outside temperature equivalent to -5°C, equal to 15 kW with linear 

performance, up to an outside temperature of 15°C (direct current). 

In such a case, the presence of an active thermodynamic regenerator (ELFOFresh², model 300) allows to supply the premises 

with a thermal input that reduces the power supply demand to the heat pump (broken line). 

The use of an ACTIVE THERMODYNAMIC REGENERATOR not only purifies and renews the air, and produces benefits in 

terms of highly efficient thermal energy, but also allows: 

- to install GAIA aria in premises where the thermal load exceeds the maximum power that could be supplied by the heat 

pump. 

- Operations solely by the active thermodynamic regenerator when fresh air temperature is „mild‟ in order to avoid the 

constant switching on 

35.0 

32.5 

30.0 

27.5 

25.0 25.0 and off of Gaia, which 

20 

32,5°C 

75% 

would, as a result, 

impact on system 

efficiency. 

15 kWt 

60% 

15 

100% 

50% 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 18 

ELFOFresh², 

Thanks to the thermodynamic recovery, it allows an efficient recovery 

both during summer phase both during winter phase. 

First step 

In addition to the heat recovery from the extraction air, the active 

produces a base quantity of energy supplied to the building both in 

summer and in winter. Because of its high energy efficiency index, the 

active recoverer operates in conditions of low electric consumption, 

much lower if the same energy is supplied by the main generator. 

Free Cooling 

In spring and autumn, the external climatic conditions, especially at 

night, may be more agreeable than the internal ones, at least in terms 

of temperature. Houses, in fact, tend to accumulate the heat during the 

central hours of the day and then let it during the night. In similar conditions, 

unit draws fresh air into the rooms free of charge, just by running 

the fans. 

Humidity control 

The active recoverer is the perfect complement for floor, wall or ceiling radiant systems thanks to its ability to control room humidity, that especially 

in summer is necessary for the correct performance of radiant panels. 

Filtration 

An efficient filtration system ensures that harmful external elements and odours are eliminated. The electrostatic filter acts as a highly efficient 

electronic air purifier able to guarantee a process in which 95% of pollutants in the air are removed. In particular, it is able to remove smoke, 

fumes, viruses, bacteria and any pollutants with a particle size ranging from 0.01 to 20 microns. The performance of this highly effective filtration 

combines with ventilation-absorbed energy reduction; pressure drops are reduced by 20% compared to traditional filters, where standard 

efficiency gradually deteriorates thanks to standard wear and tear and usage. 

Pt [kWt] 

10 

5 

0 

Pt = delivered heat capacity 

Tw = supply water temperature 


11,3 kWt 

0,0°C 

ELFOFresh² 

-5 0 5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 

40% 

30% 

®

Pt [kWt] 

COP 


HEATING RADIANT PANELS Tproject –15°C 

Performances in heating for application with radiant panels, variable supply water temperature in function of the outside temperature, design 

temperature –15°C. 

HEATING CAPACITY 

35.0 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

COP 

7 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

33.3 

31.7 

30.0 

100% 

Tw [°C] 

28.3 26.7 25.0 

75% 

25.0 

-15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 

35.0 

33.3 

-15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 

ELECTRICAL CAPACITY 

NOTES: 

Pf = heat capacity supplied to the system 

Tw = Temperature of the produced water 


31.7 

30.0 

100% 

Tw [°C] 

19 

75% 

60% 

50% 

40% 

30% 

28.3 26.7 25.0 25.0 

60% 50%40%30% 

By the following graph, knowing the fresh air temperature, the requested heating capacity and the curve of system load, it is possible to 

identify the max. capacity that can be absorbed by the heat pump for the contactor sizing. 

In the graphs is not included the modulating additional heating elements from 0 to 6 kW as it 

is an accessory. 

The resistance in the domestic hot water tank, as emergency and antilegionella heating 

element, never operates to coincide with the compressor. 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 

®

COP 


HEATING RADIANT PANEL S Tproject –10°C 



Pt [kWt] 


35.0 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

COP 

35.0 

7 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

33.0 

-10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 

33.0 

-10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 


31.0 

100% 

Tw [°C] 

29.0 

By the following graph, knowing the fresh air temperature, the requested heating capacity and the curve of system load, it is possible to identify 

the max. capacity that can be absorbed by the heat pump for the contactor sizing. 

NOTES: 




31.0 

100% 

Tw [°C] 

29.0 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 20 

27.0 25.0 

75% 

25.0 

27.0 25.0 25.0 

75% 

60% 

50% 

40% 

30% 

50% 

60% 

40%30% 





®

COP 

Pt [kWt] 


HEATING RADIANT PANELS Tproject –5°C 




35.0 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

COP 

32.5 

100% 

30.0 

Tw [°C] 

-5 0 5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 

35.0 

7 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

32.5 

100% 

Tw [°C] 

27.5 

21 

25.0 25.0 

75% 

-5 0 5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 


30.0 

27.5 

75% 

60% 

50% 

40% 

30% 

25.0 25.0 

50% 

60% 

40%30% 



NOTES: 








BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 

®

COP 

Pt [kWt] 


HEATING RADIANT PANELS Tproject 0°C 


temperature 0°C. 


35.0 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

COP 

7 

35.0 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

31.7 

0 5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 

31.7 

0 5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 


BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 22 

Tw [°C] 

28.3 25.0 25.0 

75% 

Tw [°C] 

28.3 25.0 25.0 

75% 

60% 

50% 

40% 

50% 

60% 

40% 



NOTES: 




30% 

30% 





®

COP 

Pt [kWt] 


RISCALDAMENTO HEATING RADIANT PANNELLI PANELS RADIANTI T Tproject progetto +5°C 


temperature +5°C. 


35.0 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

COP 

35.0 

7 

6 

5 

4 

3 

5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 

30.0 

Tw [°C] 

5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 


30.0 

Tw [°C] 

75% 

75% 

23 

60% 

60% 

25.0 25.0 

50% 

25.0 25.0 

50% 

40% 

30% 

40% 30% 



NOTES: 








BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 

®

COP 

Pt [kWt] 


HEATING ELFO TERMINAL UNITS Tproject –15° 

Performances in heating for application with terminal units, variable supply water temperature in function of the outside temperature, design 



45.0 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

COP 

43.3 

41.7 

40.0 

100% 

Tw [°C] 

-15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 

45.0 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

1 

43.3 

100% 

Tw [°C] 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 24 

38.3 36.7 35.0 35.0 

-15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 

Tae[°C] 


41.7 

40.0 

75% 

75% 

60% 

50% 

40% 

30% 

38.3 36.7 35.0 35.0 

60% 50%40%30% 



NOTES: 








®

Pt [kWt] 

COP 






45.0 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

COP 

45.0 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

1 

43.0 

-10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 

43.0 

41.0 

100% 

100% 

Tw [°C] 

39.0 

Tw [°C] 

39.0 

-10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 

Tae[°C] 


41.0 

25 

37.0 35.0 35.0 

75% 

37.0 35.0 35.0 

75% 

60% 

50% 

40% 

30% 

60% 50%40%30% 



NOTES: 








BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 

®

Pt [kWt] 

COP 






45.0 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

COP 

42.5 

100% 

40.0 

Tw [°C] 

-5 0 5 10 15 20 

Tae[°C] 

45.0 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

1 

42.5 

100% 

Tw [°C] 

37.5 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 26 

75% 

35.0 35.0 

-5 0 5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 


40.0 

37.5 

75% 

60% 

50% 

40% 

60% 50%40% 

30% 

35.0 35.0 



NOTES: 




30% 





®

Pt [kWt] 

COP 


HEATING ELFO TERMINAL UNITS T project 0°C 




45.0 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

COP 

45.0 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

0 5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 

41.7 

Tw [°C] 

38.3 35.0 35.0 

Tw [°C] 

38.3 35.0 35.0 

0 5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 


41.7 

27 

75% 

75% 

60% 

60% 

50% 

40% 

30% 

30% 

40% 

50% 



NOTES: 








BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 

®

Pt [kWt] 

COP 


HEATING ELFO TERMINAL UNITS Tproject +5° 




45.0 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

COP 

45.0 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 

40.0 

Tw [°C] 

5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 


40.0 

Tw [°C] 

75% 

75% 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 28 

60% 

60% 

35.0 35.0 

50% 

40% 

35.0 35.0 

50% 40% 



NOTES: 




30% 

30% 





®

COP 

Pt [kWt] 


HEATING RADIATORS Tproject –15°C 

Performances in heating for application with radiators, variable supply water temperature in function of the outside temperature, design temperature 

–15°C. 


55.0 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

COP 

4 

3 

2 

1 

53.3 

51.7 

50.0 

100% 

Tw [°C] 

48.3 46.7 45.0 45.0 

-15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 

55.0 

5 

53.0 

-15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 

ELETRICAL CAPACITY 

51.0 

100% 

Tw [°C] 

49.0 

29 

75% 

60% 

50% 

40% 

30% 

47.0 45.0 45.0 

30% 

40% 

50% 

60% 

75% 



NOTES: 








BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 

®

Pt [kWt] 

COP 




–10°C. 


55.0 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

COP 

4 

3 

2 

1 

53.0 

51.0 

100% 

Tw [°C] 

49.0 

-10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 

55.0 

5 

53.0 

100% 

Tw [°C] 

49.0 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 30 

47.0 45.0 45.0 

-10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 


51.0 

75% 

60% 

50% 

40% 

60% 

75% 

50%40% 

30% 

47.0 45.0 45.0 



NOTES: 




30% 





®

COP 

Pt [kWt] 




–5°C. 


55.0 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

COP 

100% 

Tw [°C] 

-5 0 5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 

55.0 

5 

4 

3 

2 

1 

52.5 

52.5 

100% 

50.0 

Tw [°C] 

47.5 

31 

75% 

45.0 45.0 

-5 0 5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 


50.0 

47.5 

60% 

50% 

40% 

30% 

45.0 45.0 

50% 

60% 

75% 

40%30% 



NOTES: 








BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 

®

Pt [kWt] 

COP 


HEATING RADIATORS Tproject 0°C 

Performances in heating for application with radiators, variable supply water temperature in function of the outside temperature, design 



55.0 

20 

15 

10 

5 

0 

COP 

55.0 

5 

4 

3 

2 

1 

0 5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 

51.7 

0 5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 


51.7 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 32 

Tw [°C] 

48.3 45.0 45.0 

75% 

60% 

50% 

40% 

30% 

Tw [°C] 

48.3 45.0 45.0 

50% 

60% 

75% 

40% 

30% 



NOTES: 








®

COP 


Performances in heating for application with radiators, variable supply water temperature in function of the outside temperature, design 


COP 

HEATING RADIATORS Tproject +5°C 


4 

3 

2 

1 

COP 

55.0 

5 

5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 

55.0 

5 

4 

3 

2 

1 

ELECTRIC CAPACITY 

50.0 

Tw [ C] 

75% 



33 

60% 

45.0 45.0 

50% 

40% 30% 

5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 

NOTES: 




50.0 

Tw [ C] 

75% 

60% 

45.0 45.0 

50% 

40% 30% 





BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 

®


DESIGN CRITERIA IN COOLING 

Input data for the definition of GAIA aria performances 

The energy performances, (delivered cooling capacities, absorbed capacities and therefore efficiencies), of the GAIA aria 

reversibile heat pump depend on three parameters: 

- fresh air temperature; 

- supply temperature of the water to the system; 

- degree of compressor stepping. 

1.1 Fresh air temperature 

At the fresh air temperature decreasing, it increases: 

- cooling capacity delivered by the heat pump; 

- the heat pump efficiency (EER) . 

1.2 Supply temperature of the water to the system 

The efficiency of a heat pump, operating in cooling mode, is much higher according to the production of water at high 

temperature. 

Unlike what happens in heating, the refrigerant charge of the building doesn‟t depend on the fresh air temperature, due to the 

influence of the sun and of the heat. 

In the graphs of the following pages, the curve of the building refrigerant charge is non indicated. 

It is therefore not possible to associate to each value of the fresh air temperature a value of the system water temperature. 

In the examples below the performances are determinated according to the water fixed temperature, only in function of the 

type of terminal and not of the fresh air temperature (supply at fixed point). 

Despite of this, the GAIA aria control allows however to change the system water temperature in function of the cooling 

capacity requested by the building, so as to exalt the efficiency characteristics. 

1.2.1 Calculation of the supply temperature in function of the dew point 

GAIA is equipped with a remote control keypad that can be installed in the environments to heat and/or cool, serving also as 

chronothermostat with probe for the ambient temperature and humidity measurement. 

If GAIA is used in applications with radiant panels for cooling in summer, the suplly temperature of the water to the radiant 

system is calculated according to the temperature and humidity detected by the control keypad. 

1.3 Degree of compressor partialisation 

The compressor equipped with an inverter is capable of operating at variable speed in order to adjust the heat rating and input 

based on building requirements. 

The surface areas of heat transfer for the heat pump are sized to optimize nominal power efficiency rating. 

When GAIA aria limits the power produced in order to adapt itself to the system demand, the surface area of the heat 

exchangers becomes greater than the produced power and, as a consequence, efficiency increases. 

Minimum partialisation degree is equivalent to 30%; below such value the machine operates with a series of switching on and 

off operations. 

Maximum degree of compressor partialisation is equivalent to 100%, although this can be reduced whenever delivered power 

restriction functionality is enabled, as described on page. 16. 

Such absorptions would require an excessive demand of electrical power supply and, as such, lead to unwarranted operating 

costs. Despite this restriction, however, the delivered cooling capacity is sufficient to cater to the needs of the building. 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 34 

®


USE OF PERFORMANCE DATA IN COOLING 

In the following pages are indicated some graphs by which, using the input data previously illustrated (fresh air temperature, 

produced water and degree of compressor stepping) can be obtained: 

- delivered cooling capacity; 

- energetic efficiency ratio (EER); 

- max. absorbed capacity. 

2.1 Delivered cooling capacity 

The following graph indicates the cooling capacity delivered by the evaporator of GAIA aria, expressed in kW, according to the 

rule EN 14511, in function of: 

- fresh air temperature included between: 

a minimum value of 25 °C, taken as the value of the minimum temperature for which a building may need cooling; 

a maximum value of 40 °C taken as the max. temperature reachable in places with Mediterranean climate. 

- percentage of the number of compressor RPM respect to the max. number of RPM, included between: 

a minimum value equal to 30 % below which the compressor has an ON/OFF operating; 

a maximum value variable between the 30% and the 100% in function of the produced water temperature and of the 

possible limitation of delivered capacity. 

The constant temperature of the produced water at the changing of the fresh air temperature is equal to 18°C. 

The rule EN 14511 requires that the cooling capacity is the one deliverd by the evaporator of the heat pump, while the capacity 

is relative to the electrical absorption of the compressor, of the external unit fan and of the pumps. 

Note: relating the cooling capacity requested by the building with the fresh air temperature, is possible to obtain, from the 

following graph, the fraction of the number of compressor RPM. As example, for a cooling load of 15 kW and a fresh air 

temperature of 35 °C the degree of compressor stepping is equal to 60 %. 

Pf= cooling capacity supplied to the system 


Tae = Fresh air temperature 

35 

15kWf 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 

®


Pf [kWf] 

2.2 Energetic efficiency ratio (EER) 

The following graph indicates the energetic efficiency ratio (EER) of the heat pump in function of the three conditions 

previously illustrated, fresh air temperature, percentage of compressor RPM and temperature of the produced water. In the 

example previously illustrated, considered the fresh air temperature (35°C), using the degree of stepping obtained from the 

previous graph (60%) is possible to obtain a performance coefficient of the heat pump that in the example is equal to 3,7. 

EER 

18.0 

7 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

1 

18.0 

22 

21 

20 

19 

18 

17 

16 

15 

14 

13 

12 

11 

10 

9 

8 

7 

6 

30% 

40% 

50% 

60% 

75% 

3,7 

18.0 

25 30 35 40 

Tae [°C] 

EER = Energetic efficiency in cool 



2.3 Max absorbed capacity 

In the following graph, considered the cooling load of the building, it is possible to determine the max. capacity absorbed by 

the heat pump to perform the dimensioning of the contactor to which they have in case to be added: 

- other devices as for example additional heating elements or systems of active thermodynamic recovery on the exhaust air; 

- other users (for example the ones to satisfy the obliged electrical uses). 

In the case of the example for a fresh air temperature of 35°C and a cooling load of 15kW the max. electrical absorption is 

equal to 5 kWe. 

18.0 

Tw [°C] 

2 kWe 

3 kWe 

25 30 35 40 

Tae [°C] 

Pf= cooling capacity supplied to the system 



GAIA ARIA DESIGN CRITERIA IN COOLING 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 36 

18.0 

18.0 

Tw [°C] 

18.0 18.0 18.0 

18.0 18.0 18.0 

4 kWe 

6 kWe 

5 kWe 

After having checked the dimensioning of the heat pump in heating it is also necessary to check that during cooling operations 

– including air temperature and produced water - the heat pump is sufficient in order to exceed or, at least, cater to, building 

cooling capacity requirements. 

In the case of GAIA aria, whenever the planned thermal load exceeds heating capacity production (under the same 

conditions), unit installation may be carried out when supported by an integrative system. 

A potential integrative system might comprise an active thermodynamic regenerator (refer to the heating section for its main 

operating principles). 

During cooling operations, the active regenerator not only re-circulates and renews the air but also dehumidifies in order to 

cool the surrounding atmosphere with the use of radiant surfaces. 

®


Pf [kWf] 

Pf [kWf] 

EER 

COOLING RADIANT PANELS Tsupply 18°C 

Performances in cooling for application with radiant panels, supply water temperature fixed at 18°C. 

COOLING CAPACITY 

18.0 

22 

21 

20 

19 

18 

17 

16 

15 

14 

13 

12 

11 

10 

9 

8 

7 

6 

EER 

18.0 

7 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

1 

18.0 

22 

21 

20 

19 

18 

17 

16 

15 

14 

13 

12 

11 

10 

9 

8 

7 

6 

75% 

60% 

50% 

40% 

30% 

25 30 35 40 

Tae [°C] 

30% 

40% 

50% 

60% 

75% 

18.0 

25 30 35 40 

Tae [°C] 


18.0 

18.0 

18.0 

18.0 

18.0 

Tw [°C] 

Tw [°C] 

Tw [°C] 

2 kWe 

25 30 35 40 

Tae [°C] 

37 

18.0 18.0 18.0 

18.0 18.0 18.0 

By the following graph, knowing the fresh air temperature, the requested cooling capacity and the curve of system load, it is possible to 

identify the max. capacity that can be absorbed by the refrigerant circuit for the contactor sizing. 

NOTES: 

Pf = cooling capacity supplied to the system 



18.0 18.0 18.0 

3 kWe 

4 kWe 

6 kWe 

5 kWe 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 

®


Pf [kWf] 

EER 

Pf [kWf] 

COOLING RADIANT PANELS Tsupply 15°C 



15.0 

21 

20 

19 

18 

17 

16 

15 

14 

13 

12 

11 

10 

9 

8 

7 

6 

5 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

25 30 35 40 

Tae [°C] 


15.0 

21 

20 

19 

18 

17 

16 

15 

14 

13 

12 

11 

10 

9 

8 

7 

6 

5 

75% 

60% 

50% 

40% 

30% 

25 30 

Tae [°C] 

35 40 

EER 

Tw [°C] 

15.0 

15.0 

15.0 

15.0 15.0 15.0 

30% 

40% 

50% 

60% 

75% 

15.0 

15.0 

15.0 

15.0 

2 kWe 

Tw [°C] 

Tw [°C] 

3 kWe 

25 30 35 40 

Tae [°C] 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 38 

15.0 15.0 15.0 



NOTES: 




15.0 15.0 15.0 

4 kWe 

6 kWe 

5 kWe 

®


EER 

Pf [kWf] 

Pf [kWf] 

COOLING ELFO TERMINAL UNITS Tsupply 12°C 



12.0 

20 

19 

18 

17 

16 

15 

14 

13 

12 

11 

10 

9 

8 

7 

6 

5 

EER 

12.0 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

1 

12.0 

20 

19 

18 

17 

16 

15 

14 

13 

12 

11 

10 

9 

8 

7 

6 

5 

75% 

60% 

50% 

40% 

30% 

25 30 35 40 

Tae [°C] 

30% 

40% 

50% 

60% 

75% 

12.0 

25 30 35 40 

Tae[°C] 


12.0 

12.0 

2 kWe 

12.0 

12.0 

12.0 

3 kWe 

Tw [°C] 

Tw [°C] 

Tw [°C] 

5 kWe 

4 kWe 

25 30 35 40 

Tae [°C] 

39 

12.0 12.0 12.0 

12.0 12.0 12.0 

By the following graph, knowing the fresh air temperature, the requested cooling capacity and the curve of system load, it is possible to identify 

the max. capacity that can be absorbed by the refrigerant circuit for the contactor sizing. 

NOTES: 




12.0 12.0 12.0 

6 kWe 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 

®


Pf [kWf] 

EER 

Pf [kWf] 

COOLING ELFO TERMINAL UNITS Tsupply 7°C 



7.0 

18 

17 

16 

15 

14 

13 

12 

11 

10 

9 

8 

7 

6 

5 

4 

4 

3 

2 

1 

25 30 35 40 

Tae [°C] 


7.0 

18 

17 

16 

15 

14 

13 

12 

11 

10 

9 

8 

7 

6 

5 

4 

75% 

60% 

50% 

40% 

30% 

25 30 

Tae [°C] 

35 40 

EER 

Tw [°C] 

7.0 

5 

7.0 

7.0 

7.0 7.0 7.0 

30% 

40% 

50% 

60% 

75% 

7.0 

7.0 

25 30 35 40 

Tae [°C] 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 40 

7.0 

7.0 

Tw [°C] 

Tw [°C] 

7.0 7.0 7.0 



NOTES: 




7.0 7.0 7.0 

3 kWe 

2 kWe 

6 kWe 

5 kWe 

4 kWe 

®


DOMESTIC HOT WATER PRODUCTION 

1.1 Hydraulic parts required in order to manage domestic hot water 

Gaia is equipped with a 200 litre tank of domestic hot water heated via thermal energy provided by the solar thermal panels, 

when installed. 

Whenever solar energy is insufficient to meet needs or solar panels fail to provide sufficient energy, the heat pump is enabled 

to provide domestic hot water. 

Gaia provides a water connection with the following features: 

- Manual system loading, including pressure gauge and safety valve. 

- domestic hot water reintegration by the safety valve 

On the domestic hot water supply to the system (within the overall GAIA system) is present a manually-adjusted burn-proof 

thermostatic valve. 

The burn-proof function protects against any sudden lack of water intake; the mixer immediately shuts down operations 

involving the movement of hot water and, thereby, avoids any potential scalding. 

The domestic hot water present in the storage area is heated and maintained at the required temperature via two external 

plate exchangers. 

The plate exchangers can be easily replaced and represent improved efficiency compared to traditional embedded pipe coils. 

Each element is dedicated to a specific solar panel and heat pump. 

Plate exchangers are simple to maintain and provide improved efficiency compared to traditional pipe coil accumulators. Plate 

heat exchangers and pipe coil accumulators are, respectively, employed for thermal solar panels and heat pumps. 

A direct current circulator (acting also as a means of domestic water recirculation) avoids excessive stratification of stored 

water, thereby optimising both the capacity and quantity of the water available to be drawn. This allows users a quantity of 

useable domestic hot water equivalent to an approximate 350 litre tank, at stratificated temperature. 

1.2 Domestic hot water production with priority on solar thermal 

When it boils down to common sense, solar panel is always the best choice when it comes to domestic hot water production. 

A temperature sensor at the solar panel return attachment intake enables GAIA to check if water temperature (heated by the 

solar panels) is suitable for domestic hot water supply given the lower storage temperature 

When domestic water is heated with solar panels, it achieves a SET point temperature equivalent to a maximum 80°C. This 

SET point is specific for solar power production. 

The SET point differs in that it can be adjusted up to a maximum of 55°C, for domestic hot water using the heat pump. 

Such operations allow a far greater accumulation of energy thanks to the solar panels – compared to any potential 

accumulation via the heat pump. The solar panels and aforementioned operations allow the system to cover practically all 

domestic hot water requirements during the summer months. In the absence of solar panels, GAIA can supply hot water via 

the heat pump, both in winter and summer. Operations are carried out by recycling cycles. Cycles are typically carried out at 

night or by day - if required - whenever the cooling or heating system does not require heating capacity. 

1.3 The Anti-Legionella cycle 

GAIA settings include a cleaning and disinfecting cycle which takes place with material deposits at the highest possible 

temperature setting. The final thermal shock is carried out thanks to the 2 KW electrical heater in the sanitary deposit area. 

This heater is never enabled at the same time as the compressor in order to avoid extreme electrical power consumption 

levels that might overload the meter. 

Whenever the heat pump is disabled, hot water production is guaranteed by the 2 KW electrical heater. 

1.4 Use of domestic hot water production performance curves 

Note: the maximum absorbed electrical energy (the maximum value between heating and cooling operations) is employed in 

the following diagram to determine - based on outside temperature – the heating capacity supplied by the heat pump. 

The thermal power input allows users to calculate the time required to charge the hot water storage tank (200 litres) and the 

rise in water temperature. 

The maximum water temperature inside the storage tank provided by the heat pump is equivalent to 55°C. In order to ensure 

production efficiency, and minimise operating costs, we recommend a hot water setpoint in the region of 45°C. 

The first diagrams below show the heating capacity production of the GAIA aria condenser, in kW, in accordance with EN 

14511 regulations: 

- Fresh air temperature ranging from a minimum of -20°C, equivalent to minimum operating temperature, and a maximum 

value of 40°C; equivalent to the maximum foreseeable temperature (Mediterranean climate). 

- Contactor power, defined as the maximum value between the absorbed power for heating and cooling. 

- Percentage number of compressor RPM compared to the maximum number of revolutions, equal to the average power 

output (performance indicator). 

GAIA aria, during hot water production, the number of compressor RPM are regulated according to storage tank water 

temperature. The lower the temperature, the higher the power supplied by the heat pump, and the greater the number of 

compressor RPM in order to bring the water temperature to the required level. 

41 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 

®


CONNECTION TO SOLAR PANELS 

GAIA aria is set for the connection with the solar collectors. 

The sizing of the solar thermal collector surface, 

for the domestic hot water production, must be 

performed following the sector technical 

regulations. 

General sizing rules, which should not replace 

the project, provide a surface of flat solar 

collectors per person equivalent to : 

- - 1.2 m2/person in areas with reduced solar 

radiation (eg Northern Italy); 

- 1 m 2 /person in areas with average solar 

radiation (eg Central Italy); 

- 0.8 m 2 /person in areas with high solar 

radiation (eg Southern Italy). 

The tank must have a volume around 50 liters 

per m 2 of installed solar collector . 

These rules a first approximation may enable a 

cover of about 50% of the annual requirement of 

primary energy requested for the domestic hot 

water production. 

GAIA with its 200 litre tank and a surface of solar panels of about 4 m 2 HID-H1 thermostat 

is able to cover the needs of domestic hot water of a 

family of 4 persons with a per capita daily consumption of about 50 liters/(day*person). 

Keeping the GAIA storage tank, if a bigger solar collector surface is installed, you will not get a benefit directly proportional to 

the increase of the surface, because the tank is not able to accumulate all the energy collected by panels. 

It will be also necessary to install an additional storage tank. 

If the number of persons, or the needs of domestic hot water, increases is however necessary to provide an additional storage 

tank, independently from the presence of solar thermal collectors. 

GAIA guarantees the priority in the production of domestic hot water to solar panels; if the solar contribution is not sufficient to 

heat the domestic hot water, it is directly produced by the heat pump. 

The capacity of the solar heat exchanger installed in GAIA is 3186 W/K. 

The maximum temperature of GAIA input water is 120°C. 

The DHW max temperature inside the tank is 80°C (Controlled by a safety thermostat). 

The max DHW temperature that can be reached by the heat pump is 55°C (See operating limits) 

In the storage tank is present a 2kW resistance to intervene in case of refrigerant circuit failure or to complete the 

antilegionella cycle in place of the compressor. 

The solar panel systems are activated when the storage tank temperature is lower than the temperature of the water produced 

by the panels. 

The temperature probe of the solar panel controller must be placed in the proper well of the GAIA storage tank. 

SOLAR EXCHANGER PRESSURE DROPS 

Dp (kPa) 

70 

60 

50 

40 

30 

20 

10 

0 

0 0,2 0,4 0,6 0,8 1 1,2 

DP = WATER-SIDE PRESSURE DROPS (KPA); 

Q [L/S] = WATER FLOW-RATE 

Q (l/s) 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 42 

NOT SUPPLIED BY CLIVET 

SOLAR CONTROLLER 

SOLAR PANELS 

PUMP 

Aqueduct 

®

COP 


Pt [kWt] 

Performances in domestic hot water production at 50°C . 


50.0 

22 

20 

18 

16 

14 

12 

10 

8 

6 

4 

2 

COP 

50.0 

3,8 

3,6 

3,4 

3,2 

3,0 

2,8 

2,6 

2,4 

2,2 

2,0 

1,8 

1,6 

1,4 

50.0 

-20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 

Tae [°C] 

50.0 

50.0 

50.0 

50.0 

50.0 

Tw ACS [°C] 

50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 

Tw ACS [°C] 

50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 

-20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 

Tae [°C] 

15 20 25 30 35 40 

NOTE: 

Pt = heating capacity supplied to the domestic hot water 

Tw = Temperature of the produced domestic hot water 


Pel = Max necessary electrical capacity 

43 

6kWe 

5kWe 

4kWe 

3kWe 

GRAPH TO IDENTIFY THE DOMESTIC HOT WATER REINTEGRATION TIME AS A FUNCTION OF THE MAXIMUM 

ELECTRICAL POWER AVAILABLE TO THE UNIT 

TR 50l [m] 

DOMESTIC HOT WATER Tsupply 50°C 

18 

16 

14 

12 

10 

8 

6 

4 

2 

0 

4kWe 

5kWe 

6kWe 

-15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 

54 

48 

42 

36 

30 

24 

18 

12 

6 

0 

TR 150l [m] 

In the graph sideways is possible to find the time 

needed to reintegrate the domestic hot water, in 

function of the max. capacity available for the unit. 

Tmrs50l = Reintegration time in case of consumption 

of 50 litres of domestic hot water (shower), 

expressed in minutes. 

Tmrs150l = Reintegration time in case of 

consumption of 150 litres of domestic hot 

water (bath), expressed in minutes. 

Tae = Fresh air temperature °C. 

Data referred to: 

- Tap water temperature: +10°C. 

- DHW temperature: +50°C. 

- Exhaust air temperature: +40°C 

Example: 

Checked in the previous example that the max. 

capacity is 6kW. With the fresh air temperature at 0° 

C, the reintegration time after a shower (50 litres) is 

10 min, while in the case of a bath (150 litres) the 

reintegration time is 32 min. 

In the reintegration times is NOT considered the solar 

heat of the solar panels. 

The resistance in the domestic hot water storage tank, as antilegionella and emergency 

heating element, never operates with the compressor. 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 

®


Pt [kWt] 

COP 

DOMESTIC HOT WATER Tsupply 55°C 

Performances in domestic hot water production at 55°C. 


Tw ACS [ C] 

50 

20 

52.5 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 

18 

16 

14 

12 

10 

8 

6 

4 

2 

COP 

Tw ACS [ C] 

50 

3,2 

52.5 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 

3,0 

2,8 

2,6 

2,4 

2,2 

2,0 

1,8 

1,6 

1,4 

1,2 

-15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 

Tae [°C] 

-15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 

Tae [°C] 

GRAPH TO IDENTIFY THE DOMESTIC HOT WATER REINTEGRATION TIME AS A FUNCTION OF THE MAXIMUM 

ELECTRICAL POWER AVAILABLE TO THE UNIT 

TR 50l [m] 

20 

18 

16 

14 

12 

10 

8 

6 

4 

2 

0 

4kWe 

5kWe 

6kWe 

-15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 

Tae [°C] 

NOTE: 

Pt = heating capacity supplied to the domestic hot water 

Tw = Temperature of the produced domestic hot water 


Pel = Max necessary electrical capacity 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 44 

60 

54 

48 

42 

36 

30 

24 

18 

12 

6 

0 

TR 150l [m] 

7kWe 

6kWe 

5kWe 

4kWe 

3kWe 

In the graph sideways is possible to find the time 

needed to reintegrate the domestic hot water, in 

function of the max. capacity available for the unit. 

Tmrs50l = Reintegration time in case of consumption of 

50 litres of domestic hot water (shower), 


Tmrs150l = Reintegration time in case of consumption 

of 150 litres of domestic hot water (bath), 


Tae = Fresh air temperature °C. 

Data referred to: 

- Tap water temperature: +10°C. 

- DHW temperature: +55°C. 

- Exhaust air temperature: +40°C 

Note: the graphs of Electric 

power and COP values reported 

TwDHW below 55 ° C 

outside air temperature (TAE) 

of less than -5 ° as shown on 

pag. 8 on limits of operation of 

GAIA aria. 

Example: 

Checked in the previous example that the max. 

capacity is 6kW. With the fresh air temperature at 0°C, 

the reintegration time after a shower (50 litres) is 12 

min, while in the case of a bath (150 litres) the 

reintegration time is 36 min. 

In the reintegration times is NOT considered the solar 

heat of the solar panels. 

The resistance in the domestic hot water storage tank, as antilegionella and emergency 

heating element, never operates with the compressor. 

®


ACCESSORIES 

Each accessory is marked by a configuration code, e.g. CMMBX. If the last letter is X, it means that the accessory is provided 

separately. If the code does not contain the letter X, the accessory is installed at the factory. 

(EH246) MODULATING INTEGRATION ELECTRIC HEATER FROM 0 TO 6KW 

On request, the unit can be provided with additional heating elements. 

These modulating heating elements can provide an additional power of 0 to 6kW. 

ATTENTION: If additional heating elements are requested, the larger absorption with reference to the electrical line must be considered. 

HEATING ELEMENT WATER-SIDE PRESSURE DROPS 

Dp (kPa) 

2,4 

2,2 

2,0 

1,8 

1,6 

1,4 

1,2 

1,0 

0,8 

0,6 

0,4 

0,2 

0,0 

0,6 0,7 0,8 0,9 1 1,1 1,2 1,3 1,4 

Q (l/s) 

45 

Q [L/S] = WATER FLOW 

DP (KPA) = WATER SIDE PRESSURE DROP 

THE PRESSURE DROPS SHOWN IN THE GRAPH ARE TO BE SUBTRACTED, WITH PARITY OF FLOW RATE, FROM THE USEFUL STATIC PRESSURE. 

IF THE RESULT IS LESS THAN THE PRESSURE DROPS OF THE SYSTEM, IT IS ADVISABLE TO INSTALL AN EXTERNAL PUMP THAT ENSURES THE 

NECESSARY STATIC PRESSURE. 

(TASRX) POKET REST FOR MULTIFUNCTION KEYBOARD 

This accesory permits to locate the multifunction keyboard on a different position. 

The connection between the unit and the pocket reset must be made with a shielded cable 2 x 0.25. 

For details about the link please see the wiring diagram attached to the unit. 

The max. distance between the keypad support and the unit is 50 m. 

configuration detail 

separately supplied accessories 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 

®


(FDCCX) CONNECTION FLANGE WITH EXHAUST AIR DUCT IN THE BASEMENT 

This accessory allows to connect the exhaust air of the Energy exchanger to a duct in the 

basement by simply turning down the cap of the unit. 

The flange must be fixed directly on the duct in the basement, while on the opposite edge is 

assembled the gasket supplied with the accessory, as indicated in the diagram below. 

19 

22 

20 

21 

B 

DETT. B 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 46 

20 

119 

50 

346 

50 

329 329 

24 

804 

196 

24 

A 

DETT. A 

(19) SEAL GASKET AMONG FLANGES 

(20) CONNECTION FLANGE WITH DUCT OF 

THE BASEMENT 

(21) ADJUSTABLE EXHAUST AIR CAP 

(22) UNIT SUPPORTING STRUCTURE 

separately supplied accessories 

®


(1) DOMESTIC HOT WATER OUTLET G1/2" F 

(2) MAINS INLET G1/2" F 

(3) USAGE SYSTEM OUTLET G1"1/4 F 

(4) USAGE SYSTEM INLET G1"1/4 F 

(5) Vacuum line tap 3/4" 

(6) LIQUID LINE TAP 1/2" 

(7) ENERGY EXCHANGER CABLES EXIT 

(8) ELECTRICAL LINE ENTRY 

(9) SOLAR SYSTEM INLET G3/4" F 

(10) SOLAR SYSTEM OUTLET G3/4" F 

(11) RECIRCULATION CIRCUIT INLET G3/8" F 

(12) AUTOMATIC AIR BLOW VALVE, LEFT WATER SIDE 

(14) STANDARD TANK CONNECTION COUPLING 

(15) MULTIFUNCTION KEYPAD 

(16) HEIGHT-ADJUSTABLE SUPPORT FOOT 

47 

SIZE 61 

Length mm 600 

Depth mm 800 

Height mm 2030 

Operating weight kg 460 

Shipping weight kg 280 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 

®

810 

304 


18 

5 

6 

17 

A 

88 1074 88 

1250 

DIMENSIONAL 

B C D 

119 

50 

346 

50 

20 

24 

304 810 

1250 

804 

810 220 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 48 

196 

173 

1304 

220 810 

(5) VACUUM LINE TAP 3/4" 

(6) LIQUID LINE TAP 1/2" 

(8) ELECTRICAL LINE ENTRY 

(17) CONDENSATE DISCHARGE 12.5 MM 

(18) ANTI-VIBRATION 329 SUPPORT 329 

(19) AIR FLOW PROTECTION GRILLE 24 

(20) CONNECTION FLANGE WITH AIR DUCT IN THE BASEMENT (OPTIONAL) 

(A,B,C,D) CONFIGURATIN OF FAN AIR SUPPLY 

5 

6 

8 

16 

125 500 163 

300 

A DETT. A 

788 

800 

20 

790 

350 

800 

SIZE 61 

Length mm 1250 

Depth mm 788 

Height mm 1304 

Operating weight kg 105 

Shipping weight kg 110 

54 

The functional clearances 

can be occupied by 

forniture or other 

objects; 

it has to be possible to 

move them easily in 

case of maintenance 

interventions. 

1250 

® 

100


DESCRIPTION FOR ELFOENERGY GAIA 61 SPECIFICATIONS 

Air/water heat pump in two sections composed of a motor evaporator unit for indoor installation and a remote evaporator/condenser for 

outdoor installation. 

The motor evaporator unit is composed of a refrigeration circuit with DC inverter compressor, refrigerant R410a, electronic expansion valve, 4way 

cycle inversion valve, pressure transducer, high and low-pressure transducers, liquid and gas shut-off valve, hydronic kit with DC 

circulating pump and 100kPa of useful static pressure, 12-litre membrane expansion vessel, fill group with pressure gauge, 3bar system-side 

safety valve and 6bar hot water-side safety valve, 200-litre hot water storage tank, solar plate exchanger and heat pump, 24 litre expansion 

tank on domestic hot water circuit, burn-proof thermostatic valve, electrical heating element for anti-legionellosis cycle and DC circulating 

pump with function for domestic hot water recirculation on system, electrical power and control panel with protections on the compressor, 

circulating pumps and fan, setup to control electrical line at standard and economical tariff, management of domestic hot water production with 

solar priority - heat pump and anti-legionellosis cycle, system load self-adaptability and set point compensation based on fresh and room air 

temperature, remote keypad for unit operation, setting of operating parameters and daily/weekly timer-thermostat function. Remote 

evaporator/condenser unit with fin-pack battery and DC plug-type fan, useful static pressure 110Pa, structure in polyethylene. 

Heating capacity under nominal conditions (A+7/W35) 16.3 kW, efficiency factor COP=4.41 

Cooling capacity under nominal conditions (A+35/W7) 17.7 kW, efficiency factor EER=3.65 

The COP and EER are calculated according to the standard EN14511:2004 

Clivet Model MSER-XEE 61. 

49 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 

®


BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 50 

®


51 

BT09C005GB-03(EC2) 

®

CLIVET SPA 

Via Camp Lonc 25, Z.I. Villapaiera - 32032 Feltre (BL) - Italy 

Tel. + 39 0439 3131 - Fax + 39 0439 313300 - info@clivet.it 

CLIVET UK LTD 

4 Kingdom Close, Segensworth East - Fareham, Hampshire - PO15 5TJ - United Kingdom 

Tel. + 44 (0) 1489 572238 - Fax + 44 (0) 1489 573033 - info@clivet-uk.co.uk 

CLIVET SAS 

ZAC des Godets 1, Impasse de la Noisette, Hall A6 - 91370 Verrières le Buisson - France 

Tel. + 33 (0)1 69202575 - Fax + 33 (0)1 69206076 -info.fr@clivet.com 

CLIVET ESPAÑA S.A. 

Parque Empresarial Villapark, Avda. Quitapesares 50 - 28670, Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid - España 

Tel. + 34 91 6658280 - Fax + 34 91 6657806 - info@clivet.es 

CLIVET GmbH 

Hummelsbütteler Steindamm 84, 22851 Norderstedt - Germany 

Tel. + 49 (0) 40 32 59 57-0 - Fax + 49 (0) 40 32 59 57-194 - info.de@clivet.com 

CLIVET NEDERLAND B.V. 

Siliciumweg 20a, 3812 SX Amersfoort - Netherlands 

Tel. + 31 (0) 33 7503420 - Fax + 31 (0) 33 7503424 - info@clivet.nl 

CLIVET RUSSIA 

Elektrozavodskaya st. 24, office 509 - 107023, Moscow, Russia 

Tel. + 74956462009 - Fax + 74956462009 - info.ru@clivet.com 

CLIVET MIDEAST FZC 

Rep Office: PO Box 28178 - Suite 24, Al Abbas Building 1-B - Khalid Bin Waleed Street - Bur Dubai - Dubai, UAE 

Tel. + 97 14 3518501 - Fax + 97 14 3518502 - info@clivetme.com 

CLIVET TF AIR SYSTEMS (P)LTD. 

Plot No.222-224 and 229-232 - Kiadb Indl Area III PHSE MALUR - 563103 KOLAR DIST - Malur - India 

Tel. + 91 8151232683/5 - Fax + 91 8151232684 - info@clivettfa.com 

The data contained in this bulletin is not binding and may be changed by the manufacturer without prior notice. 

All reproduction, even partial, is prohibited. © Copyright - CLIVET S.p.A. - Feltre (BL) - Italy 

www.clivet.com

GAIA Aria

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