ENERGY CUBES
Transforming energy for modern living, from new projects to renovations.
What is an Energy Cube?
The energy cube is a future-proof and technically advanced solution for extracting heat and cold from ambient air. It operates as an air-brine heat exchanger (air absorber) in combination with a brine-water heat pump.
Its key feature is the downdraft effect, which creates a continuous airflow because the brine inside is approximately 10 °C cooler than the surrounding air. This allows the system to operate silently and without a fan.
The energy cube is maintenance-free and requires no earthworks, drilling,
or collectors. This enables flexible installation in gardens, on rooftops, or in densely populated areas. It provides year-round energy for heating and cooling (both passive and active) and can even be used for the thermal regeneration of ground probe systems. It is available in a modular design with 15 performance classes (ranging from approximately 4 to 76 kW).
What distinguishes the energy cube from other energy sources?
Silent operation
Unlike conventional source solutions that extract energy from the air, the energy cube does not produce any noise emissions
Low maintenance effort.
Thanks to the double Tichelmann system used, we can dispense with mechanical components. This significantly reduces maintenance and service requirements
Plug & Play
With a single connection for supply and return flow, the energy cube can be linked to the energy system within just a few minutes
Air as an energy source
In heating mode, the energy cube draws its energy from the outside air. In cooling mode, it releases the excess energy back into the outside air
In which areas is the energy cube used?
Single source
Maximum energy from the air – without any excavation
The Energy Cube proves that highly efficient heating doesn't require deep drilling. As a stand-alone solution, it uses ambient air as its primary energy source and converts it into comfortable warmth for your building using state-of-the-art technology.
- Easy installation: Since no ground probes or collectors are needed, there's no need for complex permitting processes or excavation work.
- Space-saving & aesthetically pleasing: The compact design blends harmoniously into modern architecture and requires minimal floor space.
The ideal solution for projects where speed, cost-effectiveness in development, and clean installation are paramount.
Hybrid source
The best of both worlds: The intelligent hybrid solution
In combination with borehole heat exchangers or trench collectors, the Energy Cube unfolds its full potential as an intelligent energy manager. Here, it functions not only as a heat source but also as an active part of a thermal cycle. In addition to the individual source, the hybrid source enables:
- Source regeneration: In summer or at high air temperatures, the Energy Cube uses ambient heat to actively regenerate the ground. This prevents the probes from cooling down over the years and ensures consistently high extraction rates.
- Efficiency boost: The system dynamically determines which source is currently delivering the highest flow temperature. If the air is warmer than the ground, the Cube protects the ground source and significantly increases the seasonal performance factor (SPF).
- Security through redundancy: Two sources mean double the security. Even under extreme conditions, the hybrid system always operates at its optimal point.
The hybrid solution is the option for those who think long-term. It protects the investment in "ground probes" and minimizes operating costs through an intelligent interplay of energy sources.
Innovation based on scientific principles
The Energy Cube systematically continues the research on unglazed transpired collectors (UTCs) that has been established since the 1980s. In contrast to conventional systems, it relies on highly efficient, direct coupling to the ambient air. This research was primarily driven by the University of Kassel, ETH Zurich, and the University of Toronto.
Efficiency through physical precision
- Intelligent suction flow: Air is guided precisely through the heated boundary layer of the absorber.
- Minimal losses: Convective heat losses are significantly reduced, even in windy conditions.
- High yields: Stable efficiencies of over 50% are achieved under real-world conditions.
Peak performance in all weather conditions
- Winterproof: The system achieves positive energy yields even at sub-zero temperatures.
- Latent heat: Frost and ice melt processes are used to stabilize the heat flow.
- Optimized balance: Performance results from the intelligent control of suction flow and solar radiation.
The Evolution of UTC Technology
From Laboratory to Practice: While classical research focused on the absorber, the Energy Cube expands this approach with modular scalability and intelligent control strategies. This makes UTC technology a robust component of modern building systems.
FAQs
What is an energy cube and why is the energy cube silent?
The energy cube is a technically advanced solution for extracting heat and cold from ambient air—completely without a fan. Inside each energy cube are 32 layers of registers arranged according to the Tichelmann principle. These ensure uniform flow and optimal utilization of every single pipe. The brine in these registers is always about 15 °C cooler than the surrounding outside air to absorb ambient energy.
This temperature difference is sufficient to create a physical effect: warm air cools down and flows downward—without a fan, without noise. For this reason, the energy cube emits no sound.
Does the energy cube achieve the specified performance results?
Yes, through long-term testing, both at our test station and in completed projects, we have proven that the energy cube achieves the specified performance values.
Is there a risk that the energy cube could freeze and therefore stop delivering performance? Would you like me to keep translating more questions like this?
At the lower end of the critical temperature range (+5 to -5 degrees Celsius ambient air temperature), it is common for a thin layer of ice to form. This does not compromise system efficiency, as the thermal conductivity of ice is higher than that of the materials used.
Depending on the location, the ice layer may reduce the airflow through the energy cube. In this case, defrosting may be necessary. A suitable defrosting program should be considered during the planning phase. This function is integrated into the Smart-Gate control concept as an example.
Why is a brine/water heat pump used when the energy comes from the air?
Air/water heat pumps are indeed cheaper to purchase, but they operate significantly less efficiently (COP or seasonal performance factor) compared to brine/water heat pumps—especially at low outdoor temperatures. This leads to higher electricity costs in the long run. In addition, air/water heat pumps generate considerable noise emissions due to their fans, which becomes a major issue particularly in densely populated areas.
How and where can the energy cube be installed at my location?
In principle, the energy cube can be installed anywhere with access to outside air. Depending on local conditions, the installation site may be on the roof, in a courtyard, on a parking area, etc. The associated heat pump is either installed inside the building or mounted as a module on the energy cube and connected to the heating system.
For installation, we rely on established installation companies from the respective region.
In what sizes is the energy cube available?
The energy cube is available in 15 different sizes.
We distinguish between two heights: H1 (136 cm) and H2 (236 cm). For the depth of the energy cube, we differentiate between 139 cm and 239 cm. These options are each available in lengths of 575 cm, 475 cm, and 375 cm.
Discover projects with our energy cubes:
1130 Hietzing, Vienna
Austria
1140 Penzing, Vienna
Austria
Chur, Graubünden
Switzerland
Jaama, Vöru
Estonia