Chilled Water Cassettes

Sustainable commercial cooling & architectural cooling integration.

A chilled water cassette (CHWC), also referred to as a hydronic cassette, is a compact climate control solution that delivers efficient heating and cooling using two or four pipe systems. Chilled water cassettes are a great alternative to fan coil units for spaces with limited footprint. They can be concealed, installed in suspended ceilings, or exposed to view.

EVOCASS

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EVOHSK

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Ability by Dimplex offers the EVO-CASS and EVO-HSK chilled water cassette ranges engineered for efficient air distribution, straightforward installation and reliable comfort.

single-coil, two-pipe system for cooling or heating, or a dual-coil, four-pipe system for delivery of both heating and cooling
option of specifying electric heating with a two-pipe system
galvanised steel chassis with internal thermal insulation and an anti-condensate lining
0-10V EC fan with brushless DC motor consuming under 10 Watts in standard operating conditions, reducing electrical consumption by up to 75% compared with a traditional motor
fan assembly mounted on anti-vibration for quiet operation
copper tube coils with aluminium fins for maximum heat transfer, suitable for use with both traditional high-temperature heat sources and low-temperature systems such as heat pumps
control specification flexibility with a choice of either EASY IO BACnet controller or Siemens RDG260T standalone controller
can be supplied with electronic or mechanical PIC valves to be fitted on site to further improve energy efficiency and simplify commissioning
require only simple maintenance

The most notable difference between the two ranges is their aesthetic appearance. Both the EVO-CASS and EVO-HSK were designed with the evolving needs of modern architecture and sustainability in mind. The EVO-CASS is ideally suited for installation as a concealed unit with a standard plastic diffuser for a clean look or a metal diffuser option for contemporary designs. The steel shroud casing of the EVO-HSK makes the hydronic cassette ideal for exposed installation in spaces where every detail matters.

Benefits of Ability chilled water cassettes

Compact ceiling design - saves space and integrates seamlessly into suspended ceilings or open-ceiling designs
Fresh air integration - inlets allow outdoor air to be supplied through the cassette, supporting improved indoor air quality
Quiet operation - designed and tested to ensure near-silent running and minimal distraction
Energy efficiency - brushless fan motors reduce power consumption by up to 75% compared with traditional motors
Flexible system design - available in two-pipe or four-pipe configurations for a choice of heating, cooling or heating and cooling with the option of electric heating

Heat pump compatibility - heating coils are suitable for traditional high-temperature heat sources and low-temperature systems like heat pumps, futureproofing for renewable upgrades
Simplified installation - ceiling-mounted cassette for direct air distribution reduces installation time and avoids the need for complex ducting, pipework and air terminal devices
Smart controls - integrate with building management systems for easy control and monitoring as part of a complete HVAC system
Easy maintenance - Removable, washable filters, accessible assemblies and simple electrical connections for straightforward servicing

EVO-CASS Range for efficient air conditioning

The EVOCASS range is available in three models:

EVOCASS MODEL	Size (mm)	Appearance
EVOCASS-TL-ECM 1-3	600 x 600	Plastic or metal fascia
EVOCASS-TL-ECM 4-5	800 x 800	Plastic or metal fascia
EVOCASS-TL-ECM 7-8	900 x 900	Plastic fascia only

The concealed, ceiling-mounted units feature an attractive diffuser available in a variety of colours and a modern, compact design. The units can also be exposed to view.

Plastic facias have adjustable deflection blades to push conditioned air downwards or along the ceiling for a longer throw.

EVO-HSK designing with air conditioning for open spaces

The EVO-HSK range is available in two models.

EVO-HSK model	Size (mm)	Appearance
HSK-ECM 1-2	600 x 600	Metal outer case and fascia
HSK-ECM 4-5	800 x 800	Metal outer case and fascia

EVO-HSK cassettes have an attractive surrounding unit and a metal diffuser. This makes them an ideal and aesthetically pleasing way to provide energy-efficient, high-performance air conditioning for open ceilings.

The design of the galvanised casing extends beyond the grille of the EVO-HSK unit, creating a Coanda plate to help increase air throw length. This design promotes more even temperature distribution, reduces stratification, and enhances comfort levels, while also potentially improving energy efficiency by reducing the need for higher fan speeds to achieve desired airflow patterns.

Residential buildings

Operational and common areas, amenities

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Commercial buildings

Offices, reception areas, cellular offices

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Hotels

Reception areas, restaurants, gyms and back of the house

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Retail units

Shop floors, restaurants, back of house

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Witness testing: Supporting the specification of Ability chilled water cassettes

At Ability, we carry out comprehensive testing of our chilled water cassette units at a dedicated facility in our factory in Poole, Dorset. We also offer witness testing, providing clients with complete transparency and confidence in the testing process and results relevant to their project.

Using the client’s drawings, we replicate ductwork layouts, grille locations and other system elements in our testing laboratory. By matching the chilled water cassette unit selection, the testing results enable specifiers and contractors to validate design choices, confirm compliance with project requirements and fine-tune the system design before on-site installation and commissioning.

Ability testing includes:

Acoustic testing: Confirms that sound levels meet specification, ensuring the acoustic performance of the installed chilled water cassette unit is as expected.
Volumetric performance testing: Verifies airflow, air resistance and pressure drops to streamline commissioning.
Thermal performance testing: Demonstrates heating and cooling outputs, chilled water cassette unit performance and condensate management, ensuring the finished design delivers both comfort and efficiency.

All testing is carried out using high-quality, regularly calibrated testing equipment. Once the chilled water cassette unit testing is complete, clients receive a detailed report that includes test results, photographs, layout drawings and calibration certificates.

To Find Out More

Witness testing enquiry

FAQs

What is a chilled water cassette unit?

A chilled water cassette unit is a type of fan-coil unit. It is ceiling-mounted in a self-contained unit and provides heating and cooling by taking air from a room and circulating it over a water-fed coil. The heated or cooled air is then distributed back into the room through a diffuser, without the need for ducting.

How does a hydronic cassette unit work

The unit draws in room air through an intake grille, passes it across a chilled or heated water coil, and redistributes conditioned air via a diffuser. Many models, including the EVOCASS chilled water cassette, can also mix in fresh air for improved indoor air quality.

What is the difference between an FCU and a chilled water cassette unit?

A chilled water cassette unit is a type of fan coil unit (FCU) that’s designed specifically for ceiling mounting. It is provided as a single compact unit, and there is no need for ducting, or air terminal devices.

Where to install a chilled water cassette?

Chilled water cassettes are typically installed in suspended ceilings in commercial, healthcare, education and multi-residency amenity areas. Common applications include offices, retail outlets, hospitals, schools, universities, care homes, student accommodation and hotel amenity areas. They are suitable for installation in both new-build and refurbishment projects and are ideal for locations where the installation of ducting may be complicated or not possible.