Heat exchangers play a crucial role in HVAC systems by transferring heat between two fluids without direct contact. Among various types, coil heat exchangers are the most widely used in air conditioning, ventilation, and heating applications. Their design flexibility and efficiency make them essential in both residential and commercial systems.
Clivet, a leading European brand, offers advanced coil-based heat exchanger technologies tailored for optimized energy performance and integration within modern HVAC infrastructure.
What Is a Coil Heat Exchanger?
A coil heat exchanger uses coiled tubes—usually made of copper or stainless steel—through which a hot or cold fluid circulates. These coils are surrounded by air or another medium, allowing for thermal exchange across a large surface area.
The design can vary, but the core principle is simple: maximize contact area between fluid and air while minimizing resistance and energy loss.
Main Types of Coil Heat Exchangers
Chilled Water Coils
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Purpose: Cooling air using chilled water supplied by a chiller.
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Structure: Copper tubes with aluminum fins to increase heat transfer area.
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Application: Air handling units (AHUs), fan coils, and terminal units.
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Clivet Example: Integrated in ELFOAir and ClivetPack series.
Hot Water Coils
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Purpose: Heating air using hot water from boilers or heat pumps.
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Structure: Similar to chilled water coils but built to handle higher inlet temperatures.
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Features: Often paired with modulating valves for variable flow control.
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Clivet Integration: Used in hybrid HVAC systems, particularly in colder climates.
DX (Direct Expansion) Coils
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Purpose: Use refrigerant directly (instead of water) for heat exchange.
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Type: Evaporator coils (for cooling) or condenser coils (for heating).
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Design: Copper tube–aluminum fin combo, with precise refrigerant control.
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Benefits: Higher efficiency and compact size.
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Clivet Example: Found in VRF systems, rooftop units, and ELFOEnergy series.
Steam Coils
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Purpose: High-temperature heating applications using steam.
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Structure: Heavy-duty tubes with larger diameters and thicker walls.
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Application: Industrial facilities, hospitals, or large air handlers.
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Note: Less common in Clivet systems, but compatible where required.
Condensate Recovery Coils (Desuperheater Coils)
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Purpose: Recover waste heat from refrigerant systems.
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Usage: Often found in domestic hot water production setups.
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Energy Benefit: Recycles excess heat, reducing energy consumption.
Design Considerations
When selecting a coil heat exchanger, consider the following:
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Material Compatibility: Copper for conductivity; stainless steel for corrosion resistance.
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Fin Density: Higher fins per inch increase efficiency but require more airflow.
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Pressure Drop: Must be balanced with fan performance.
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Maintenance Accessibility: Coils should be easy to clean and inspect.
Why Choose Clivet Coil Technology?
Clivet’s coil systems stand out due to:
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✅ High-performance copper-aluminum construction
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✅ Corrosion-resistant coatings for harsh environments
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✅ Optimized coil geometry for maximum thermal transfer
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✅ Integration with inverter-based systems for dynamic performance
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✅ Compliance with Eurovent certifications for quality assurance
Whether installed in air handling units, rooftop systems, or VRF solutions, Clivet coil heat exchangers are built for long-term durability, thermal efficiency, and ease of integration.
Applications Across Industries
Clivet coil heat exchangers are used in:
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Commercial buildings (malls, offices)
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Hospitals and cleanrooms
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Industrial ventilation
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Data centers
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Residential complexes with centralized systems
Maintenance Tips
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Regular coil cleaning to prevent dust buildup
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Inspect for corrosion or leaks
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Check condensate drainage regularly
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Maintain airflow to avoid reduced efficiency