Orcon HRC-300 Ecomax | Sustainable EPP in visible component
Due to increasingly strict construction regulations and the transition to gas-free residential neighbourhoods, Orcon noticed that it was necessary to develop a new balanced ventilation unit, the HRC-300 EcoMax. Sustainable EPP is incorporated as a visual component in this sleek example of Dutch Design
Sander Bruis, Product Development Manager at Orcon;
By making use of EPP, we have achieved high airtightness and developed a robust concept. EPP also gives us freedom to create any shape and a unique design.
Socially responsible production & keeping the CO2 footprint low
“Orcon wants to produce its products in the most socially responsible way possible. Our assembly department is based in Ede, and choosing HSV means the distance between the production location of the bodies and the assembly location of the units is very short. This contributes to a positive impact on our CO2 footprint, and is thus also more environmentally friendly.
Thanks to the smart construction, no sealant is used in the unit. This also has a positive impact on the footprint of this new unit’, explains Sander Bruis.
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The development process | The partnership
For more than 15 years, Orcon and HSV’s particle foam engineers have enjoyed a successful partnership in the development of balanced ventilation and other HVAC solutions.
Improved technologies | Unit more maintenance-friendly
25 years since the introduction of balanced ventilation solutions to our product range, we now saw the opportunity to develop and bring to market a much smarter, more low-noise, more economical and maintenance-free unit, thanks to the arrival of new and improved technologies. We have also taken account of the increasingly strict construction regulations.
Another important aspect of this development is that we wanted to introduce an affordable solution that would create an exceptional indoor climate in the home. It was also important that the new unit could be easily combined with a heat pump.
Development process | Best performance and affordable price
All development processes are accompanied by ups and downs, and are an ongoing search for the most optimal solution, adds Sander. This very often means starting from scratch. During the process, there was a constant tension between the best performance, dimensions and an affordable price.
By making use of EPP, high airtightness and a robust concept were achieved. EPP also gave freedom to create any shape and a unique design.
At Orcon, we also believe it’s important that the unit can be made by people who experience barriers to entering the labour market. This means that the construction of the unit must allow it to be assembled as easily as possible (poka yoka). After many meetings, we arrived at a good balance and the HRC-300 EcoMax was born.
Challenging schedule | Working together with Orcon
HSV was confident enough to commit to a challenging schedule, and also looked for ways to think outside the box. Once the moulds were ready, HSV helped us greatly with the construction of the assembled bodies, which comply with our strict quality standards. The EPP components in our unit are very visible, and as such it is very important that these units emerge from production completely straight and free of imperfections.
Partnership | No polish without friction
The partnership in this project was often challenging, but in the end it must be said: no polish without friction.
HSV was continually critical about the solutions to be chosen, and we were also critical towards HSV. That wasn’t always easy. On the other hand, it’s better to point out (and resolve) an issue that requires attention early together, rather than later in the process.
About the HRC-300 Ecomax
The HRC-300 EcoMax balanced ventilation system is smart, extremely economical, low-noise and works fully automatically. It is suitable for almost all applications in domestic construction, and offers a wide range of connection options (16). Thanks to the intelligent sensor control, the unit only ventilates in the highest setting if this is necessary. The result: a very healthy and comfortable indoor climate, and lower energy bills
The energy consumption of this unit is low. Due to the superior insulating characteristics of the EPP housing, the noise level is very low and this unit has the highest thermal efficiency in the market (99.7%). You can read more about the HRC-300 EcoMax on the Orcon website.