R290 as a refrigerant

Heat pumps – some are greener than others

With many industrial, commercial and retail clients introducing sustainable energy policies, Euro-Fluid Handling systems are supporting these green initiatives by offering the future of heat pump solutions. This comes in the shape of the unique Euroklimat HERA range of air to water heat pumps. These are carbon-neutral products that utilise R290 as a natural refrigerant, meaning no greenhouse gas refrigerants are used.

R290, the ecological choice

Due to the concern for the effects on the global environment caused by the high global warming potential (GWP) of traditional hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants in heat pumps, there is a large interest in Europe and elsewhere for the use of hydrocarbons as refrigerants.

Propane is a hydrocarbon, it is natural, efficient, ecological and safe to the environment, with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 0.02 (for context, R410a has a GWP of 2088). It has practically zero environmental impact and R290 propane offers an increase of 5% to 12% higher efficiency when compared with R410a.

Environmental impact of heat pumps

The ecological choice of R290 propane is the future of heat pumps and will soon be the benchmark for commercial heat pump selection. When a carbon footprint comparison is made between a 50kW heat pump using R410a versus the Euroklimat R290 version, the evidence is clear cut and is illustrated in Figure 1.

A typical 50kW air source heat pump (ASHP) using a 10kg charge of R410A has the carbon impact equivalent of 21 tonnes of CO2. The same system with R290 has 15kg of CO2 equivalent and now, using the new AR6 classification, the carbon impact can be as low as 90 grammes.

Innovative

The new HERA reversible heat pumps are designed to withstand even the most severe winter conditions since they are designed and tested to work down to -20°C ambient temperature.

Innovative and customised software allows frost cycles to be managed dynamically and efficiently. A special algorithm developed by the Euroklimat technical team simulates an artificial intelligence that allows it better exploit the machine’s performance and minimise energy waste during defrost phases. In fact, the HERA range is the winner of the Innodriver European call for innovation.

Inverter compressor technology

Inverter compressor technology offers new opportunities for heating systems, making for reduced energy consumption and lower running costs. Continuous adaptation to heating or cooling demand provides higher energy savings and accurate temperature control. The full HERA range up to 710kW benefits from inverter technology.

Safety is also a consideration and R290 is a non-toxic flammable refrigerant. An Ex-rated gas detector is installed as standard while ATEX-certified components are used where necessary. A separate compartment for the electrical panel guarantees very high levels of safety.

Ecodesign ready

Hera heat pumps offer SCOP performance at both low and medium temperature in compliance with Ecodesign and fully conform with (EU) Regulation No 813/2013 and 811/2013.

Euroklimat started designing R290 heat pumps decades ago and now has significant case studies, practical experience and evidence of its successful use. ASHP is still the main focus but water to water (W2W) appliances will also be of significant interest, especially when thinking of heat pump cascade systems and the system efficiency calculations now advised in CIBSE AM17:2022.

Contact: Stephen Costelloe, Euro-Fluid Handling Systems. T: 01 460 0353; E: stephen@euro-fluid.com; www.euro-fluid.com