For Heat Pump manufacturers: Danfoss solutions for 150g R-290 W/W Heat Pumps

Danfoss developed a prototype water-to-water Heat Pump using less than 152g of R-290, minimizing safety concerns while meeting regulations. This compact design delivers 5 kW heating capacity with a very low 130g R-290 charge. Danfoss will be able to offer a comprehensive bill of materials to support OEM adoption, accelerating market readiness for climate-friendly Heat Pump solutions.

Description

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Speaker

south_east

When & Where

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Thu, 10.10.2024, 12:00 – 12:20

place

Hall 8 / 8-516

Details

Format: Lecture

Language: English

Description

The European Union's F-gas regulation is driving a significant shift in the Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, and Heat Pump (RACHP) sector by phasing down HFC refrigerants. This regulation has major implications for residential Heat Pumps, with new systems soon prohibited from using refrigerants with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) above 150. Monobloc air-to-water Heat Pumps under 12 kW face an even stricter ban, with F-gases being completely phased out.

R-290 has emerged as a leading alternative, offering a compelling combination of availability, affordability, efficiency, and a wide operating range. However, its high flammability presents unique challenges for system design and integration. While R-290 is well-suited for outdoor units like air-to-water Heat Pumps, its application in systems with potential indoor leakage points, such as split systems, rooftops, VRF, and water-to-water Heat Pumps, requires careful mitigation strategies.

To address this challenge, Danfoss Climate Solutions has developed a prototype residential water-to-water Heat Pump (5-6 kW) that operates with less than 152g of R-290. This breakthrough design minimizes safety concerns associated with flammable refrigerants while adhering to stringent regulatory requirements. Achieving this ultra-low charge required a meticulous focus on three key areas: minimizing internal volume, optimizing heat exchanger design, and carefully selecting oil type and quantity to minimize refrigerant dilution.

The result is a remarkably compact assembly (360x290x225mm) capable of delivering 5 kW of heating capacity with a notably low 130g R-290 charge. This achievement surpasses the performance and charge optimization of comparable EU-funded projects, demonstrating Danfoss' leadership in sustainable HVAC solutions.

Recognizing the challenges faced by OEMs in adopting this new technology, Danfoss will be able to offer a comprehensive and validated bill of materials. This offering streamlines the design process and accelerates the market readiness of climate-friendly, low-GWP Heat Pump solutions.