New generation CPAN-iY series delivers 2,300-19,000m³/h airflow with T2/TB2 certification, full inverter technology, and iFD electronic filtration
Clivet has unveiled its new generation ZEPHIR4 air renewal and purification units, marking a significant advancement in energy-efficient ventilation for commercial and public buildings through active thermodynamic recovery technology that operates reliably in outdoor temperatures as low as -20°C while delivering exceptional thermal and mechanical performance.
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The ZEPHIR4 system recovers energy from exhaust air and transfers it to fresh air, upgrading it through the refrigeration circuit with airflow rates spanning 2,300 to 19,000m³/h, full inverter technology, and R32 low-GWP refrigerant—positioning the platform as a comprehensive solution for both renovation of existing buildings and new construction applications.
“The main benefit of Zephir4 is its versatility,” explained Clivet product manager Damiano Rossi. “It is the ideal solution for both the renovation of existing buildings and new constructions,” with integrated iFD electronic filtration technology and continuous indoor air quality monitoring ensuring only necessary air is introduced into environments.
Active Thermodynamic Recovery: Energy Efficiency Redefined
The ZEPHIR4’s core innovation lies in its active thermodynamic recovery system that goes beyond passive heat exchange to actively condition incoming fresh air through refrigeration circuit integration, providing superior performance compared to traditional heat recovery ventilation systems.
Unlike passive heat recovery systems that merely transfer heat between exhaust and supply air streams, ZEPHIR4’s thermodynamic approach actively heats or cools incoming air to precise comfort conditions regardless of outdoor temperature extremes or humidity levels.
This active conditioning capability enables:
- Precise temperature control of incoming fresh air independent of outdoor conditions
- Humidity management through refrigerant-based dehumidification or humidification
- Extended operating range in both heating and cooling modes
- Consistent indoor comfort despite extreme outdoor weather variations
- Energy recovery optimization capturing heat that passive systems cannot utilize
The refrigeration circuit integration transforms ZEPHIR4 from simple ventilation equipment into comprehensive climate control system capable of maintaining optimal indoor air quality while minimizing energy consumption.
Extreme Weather Performance: -20°C to High Ambient
The latest version includes extended airflow capacity and the ability to operate in outdoor temperatures as low as -20°C, with high thermal and mechanical performance classified as T2/TB2 according to UNI EN 1886 providing comfortable air intake conditions even during severe winter weather.
This extreme weather capability addresses critical limitations of conventional ventilation systems that struggle to maintain performance during temperature extremes when proper fresh air ventilation becomes most challenging yet most necessary.
Extreme Weather Benefits:
- Winter reliability maintaining fresh air supply during cold weather
- Heating energy recovery capturing exhaust heat to preheat incoming frigid air
- Frost protection preventing system freezing and operational disruption
- Consistent airflow regardless of outdoor temperature variations
- Extended cooling mode operating range addressing diverse climate requirements
The T2/TB2 certification confirms exceptional thermal insulation and structural integrity meeting the highest European standards for air handling unit construction quality and performance.
R32 Refrigerant: Environmental Compliance and Efficiency
Clivet’s specification of R32 refrigerant as standard positions ZEPHIR4 ahead of regulatory curves while delivering superior thermodynamic properties compared to older high-GWP refrigerants being phased out under European F-Gas regulations.
R32 offers approximately 68% lower global warming potential compared to R-410A while providing better energy efficiency and heat transfer characteristics that enhance system performance, making it the preferred choice for modern HVAC applications.
The refrigerant selection future-proofs ZEPHIR4 installations against regulatory changes while appealing to environmentally conscious customers seeking to minimize climate impact of their building ventilation systems.
Full Inverter Technology: Adaptive Performance Optimization
The integration of full inverter technology across ZEPHIR4’s compressors and fans enables precise capacity modulation that matches ventilation and conditioning requirements dynamically, eliminating the inefficiencies of fixed-speed operation.
Inverter-driven compressors adjust cooling/heating output continuously to match actual load requirements rather than cycling on/off, dramatically improving seasonal energy efficiency while reducing wear on components and extending equipment lifespan.
Inverter Technology Advantages:
- Energy consumption optimization through precise capacity matching
- Noise reduction from variable-speed operation vs. constant high-speed running
- Temperature stability eliminating temperature swings from on/off cycling
- Extended equipment life reducing mechanical stress from start/stop cycles
- Improved comfort through consistent rather than fluctuating conditions
iFD Electronic Filtration: Advanced Air Purification
The integrated iFD (Intense Field Dielectric) electronic filtration technology represents cutting-edge air purification approach using electrostatic precipitation to capture particulates, allergens, and contaminants without the airflow resistance and maintenance burden of traditional mechanical filters.
iFD technology creates intense electric field that charges airborne particles, causing them to adhere to collection plates that can be cleaned and reused indefinitely, eliminating filter replacement costs while maintaining high filtration efficiency.
iFD Filtration Benefits:
- No filter replacements reducing operational costs and maintenance
- High efficiency capturing fine particulates including PM2.5 and allergens
- Low airflow resistance maintaining system efficiency without pressure drop penalties
- Washable collectors enabling simple cleaning without disposal waste
- Long-term performance avoiding degradation typical of mechanical filters
Continuous Indoor Air Quality Monitoring
ZEPHIR4’s continuous monitoring of indoor air quality enables intelligent ventilation control that introduces only necessary fresh air, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining healthy indoor environments.
The system monitors CO2 levels, humidity, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and other air quality parameters, adjusting ventilation rates dynamically to maintain optimal conditions without over-ventilating and wasting energy.
This demand-controlled ventilation approach can reduce ventilation energy consumption by 30-50% compared to constant-volume systems while improving indoor air quality through responsive adjustment to actual occupancy and contamination levels.
VRF Integration and Intelligent Control
The new generation is compatible with VRF central controllers and Clivet’s own supervision platforms, INTELLIAIR and CLIVET EYE, enabling seamless integration with broader building management systems and centralized control of multiple ZEPHIR4 units.
This compatibility addresses growing market demand for integrated HVAC solutions where ventilation, heating, cooling, and controls operate cohesively rather than as independent systems requiring separate management.
Integration Capabilities:
- VRF system coordination optimizing ventilation and comfort cooling synergistically
- Central monitoring providing facility-wide visibility into air quality and system performance
- Alarm management consolidating alerts and diagnostics across multiple units
- Energy reporting tracking consumption and identifying optimization opportunities
- Remote access enabling off-site monitoring and control
Application Versatility: Renovation and New Construction
Damiano Rossi’s emphasis on versatility highlights ZEPHIR4’s suitability for diverse applications from heritage building renovations where installation constraints are severe to new construction where optimal system design can be incorporated from project inception.
Renovation Applications:
- Compact footprint fitting within existing building constraints
- Flexible installation accommodating challenging mounting locations
- Minimal disruption during installation in occupied buildings
- Integration with existing systems complementing rather than replacing functional equipment
New Construction Applications:
- Optimal sizing matching building requirements precisely
- Architectural integration coordinating with building design from planning stages
- Future-proof performance meeting anticipated future indoor air quality standards
- Lifecycle cost optimization through proper system specification and installation
Commercial and Public Building Focus
ZEPHIR4 targets commercial and public buildings where occupancy density, indoor air quality standards, and energy efficiency requirements create compelling business cases for advanced ventilation systems with thermodynamic recovery.
Target Applications:
- Office buildings requiring consistent fresh air for productivity and health
- Educational facilities where student performance correlates with air quality
- Healthcare environments demanding superior air quality and contamination control
- Hospitality venues where guest comfort directly impacts satisfaction and reviews
- Retail spaces optimizing comfort while managing high occupancy loads
Market Positioning and Competitive Differentiation
ZEPHIR4’s combination of thermodynamic recovery, extreme weather capability, R32 refrigerant, inverter technology, and electronic filtration creates differentiated value proposition that distinguishes it from conventional heat recovery ventilation and simple make-up air units.
The active conditioning approach enables ZEPHIR4 to replace or complement traditional HVAC systems rather than merely providing ventilation, potentially reducing overall equipment count and system complexity while improving performance.
Conclusion: New Frontier in Air Renewal
Clivet’s ZEPHIR4 represents genuine advancement in primary air technology, demonstrating that ventilation systems can deliver sophisticated climate control, superior air quality, and exceptional energy efficiency simultaneously through thoughtful integration of proven technologies.
The platform’s versatility, environmental compliance, and performance capabilities position it as compelling solution for building owners and facility managers seeking to optimize indoor environments while minimizing energy consumption and operational costs.