In heat pumps, frost on the outdoor coil can make the heat pump work harder and less efficiently. This is dealt with by a defrost cycle that removes the frost so that the heat pump can operate properly. It is a short-term process that reverses the heat pump’s normal operation and is activated when the heat pump detects frost, switching to cooling mode to send warm refrigerant to the outdoor coils to melt the frost before switching back to heating mode when the frost has been melted.
This process can last between 5 and 15 minutes and in winter the cycles may occur every 30 to 90 minutes, during which the outdoor fan stops running.
The AetherLux heat pump system features three high-performing models, of which the Pro Model introduces TVE’s proprietary ZeroFrost technology, which eliminates the need for defrost cycles. By preventing ice buildup, the system avoids thermal stress and minimises wear on components - critical issues plaguing conventional heat pumps. This in turn extends the heat pump’s operational lifespan and sustains efficient heating and cooling in extreme environments. No auxiliary heating system is necessary, reducing costs and energy consumption.
TVE has successfully tested the system to temperatures as low as -57°F and as high as +131°F and is now confident that AetherLux will redefine performance standards in a global heat pump market projected to exceed $148 billion by 2030, growing at 9.4 percent CAGR. The company believes the system will redefine the HVAC market and the ability to target billions of customers, world-wide.
The TVE heat pump has an estimated COP of 3.0 to 3.5 at -57°F and an HSPF of 11.0 to 12.5, substantially cutting energy usage. Intelligent software adapts operations in real time, ensuring peak efficiency under changing conditions. They system uses a refrigerant that is compliant with the 2025 Clean Air Act regulations, aligning with evolving environmental standards.
“The AetherLux system has tested as the world’s first heat pump that does not freeze, even in extreme cold” said Lorenzo Rossi, CEO of Terravis Energy. “There is no competition at -50°F. Currently, heat pumps can be extremely inefficient during cold weather, having to rely on supplementary heat sources during defrost cycles. Our innovation solves this drawback of current heat pump technology by eliminating the need altogether. Given the redesigned configuration and eco-compliant technology, we believe it will excel in both extreme and moderate climates, delivering a solution that should increase the speed of heat pump adoption, reduce climate impact, and save customers money on their energy bill.”
Terravis Energy expects to offer two affordable variants of the AetherLux system:
AetherLux (Performance Unit): Engineered for versatility, handling climates from hot to -13°F (-25°C) with optimised efficiency. Available in 18,000 and 36,000 BTU units, preorders, further details and pricing are coming soon.
AetherLux Pro (Ultra-Performance Unit) – Built for every climate, featuring ZeroFrost technology, highly efficient, ensuring uninterrupted heat delivery even in the harshest winter conditions.
“Terravis’s breakthrough is the result of three years of cutting-edge R&D” added Steven Rossi, CEO of Worksport, parent company to Terravis Energy. “We expect significant commercial interest, given the product’s virtually unheard-of performance metrics. Since Worksport shareholders also own Terravis shares, we believe this technology is an underrecognised asset within our Company. As Terravis moves toward commercialisation, I’m tremendously excited about the impact on Worksport’s future.”
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