Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-06-25 Origin: Site
R290 (Propane) heat pumps are gaining global popularity due to their high efficiency, natural refrigerant status, and growing support from green building codes and climate regulations.
Here’s a full overview of their applications, including when and where they work best:
Applications of R290 Heat Pumps
1. Residential Heating and Domestic Hot Water (DHW)
Space heating via underfloor systems, radiators, or fan coils.
Hot water production in single-family houses and apartments.
Common in Europe, Australia, and China due to compact size, high efficiency, and low GWP.
Example: Monobloc or split R290 heat pump providing 60–75 °C water for heating + DHW.
2. Commercial Buildings
Used in offices, hotels, schools, and hospitals for:
Space heating
Domestic hot water
Light cooling (some reversible models)
R290’s higher efficiency at moderate temperatures makes it ideal for climate zones 2–4.
Example: R290 modular units (20–150 kW) in cascade for commercial heating needs.
3. Industrial Applications (Low-to-Medium Temperature Heating)
Process hot water production up to ~75–85 °C.
Suitable for:
Food processing (cleaning, cooking, pasteurization).
Pharmaceutical factories (jacket heating, washing).
Textile plants and light manufacturing.
Not ideal for steam or ultra-high temp — CO₂ or cascade systems better for 100 °C+ needs.
4. District Heating and Heat Pump Retrofit Projects
R290 units can be used in district-level heating grids when:
Return temps are low (<45°C).
Safety zoning and leak ventilation can be ensured.
Also popular in boiler replacement or hybrid systems (heat pump + solar/boiler).
Typical Features of R290 Heat Pumps
Feature | Value |
Max Output Temp | 70–85 °C (typically ~75 °C) |
Climate Suitability | Mild to cold climates |
Refrigerant Type | Natural (GWP = 3, ODP = 0) |
Safety Class | A3 (flammable, needs leak control) |
Energy Efficiency (SCOP) | Very high (~3.5–5.0) |
Advantages of R290 Heat Pumps
Very low GWP (3), sustainable refrigerant
High COP and low power consumption
Works well in cold weather (down to –20°C)
Quiet operation and compact design (esp. monoblocs)
Limitations / Considerations
Flammability – requires proper ventilation, zone limits, and system design.
Not ideal for output >90 °C – other refrigerants like CO₂ or R1234ze(E) may be needed.
Limited unit size (<150 kW per module) due to safety standards.
Safety Note
R290 is highly flammable (A3 classification).
Requires careful system design:
Leak detection
Ventilation
Refrigerant charge limit compliance
Leomon Heat pump can offer up to 150 ℃ hot water,heat pump and cassede heat pump, refrigeration such as R134a, R1234ze, R245fa, or natural refrigerants like CO₂ (R744) or hydrocarbons (R600a).
Brand: offer own brand or customized authorized brand.
