With the growing global focus on environmental protection and energy efficiency, R290 air source heat pumps have emerged as a new type of eco-friendly refrigeration technology, gradually becoming a focal point in the market. R290, also known as propane, stands out for its excellent environmental performance and high efficiency, bringing revolutionary changes to the heat pump industry.
Characteristics of R290 Refrigerant
R290 is a hydrocarbon refrigerant with the following notable characteristics:
Molecular Formula: C3H8
Boiling Point: -42°C
Density: 493 kg/m³ (at 25°C)
Critical Temperature: 96.7°C
Global Warming Potential (GWP): 3
Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP): 0
Classification: A3 (Highly Flammable)
Environmental Advantages of R290
R290 is recognized as an environmentally friendly refrigerant alternative due to its extremely low Global Warming Potential (GWP of 3) and zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP). Compared to conventional refrigerants, R290 has a minimal impact on the environment, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Principle of R290 Heat Pump Systems
R290 heat pump systems utilize two-way valves and electronic expansion valves to switch between cooling and heating functions. The system supplies cooling and heating to the room through a heat transfer medium (such as water), while preventing the refrigerant R290 from leaking into the room, ensuring safety in use.
Market Situation for R290 Heat Pumps
The European market has an urgent demand for high-standard environmental products. R290 air source heat pumps have been awarded the EU energy efficiency label A+++ at both 35°C and 55°C water outlet temperatures, with the highest COP of the entire series reaching 5.42, demonstrating excellent energy efficiency. With the EU ban on R32 refrigerants, R290, with its ODP of 0 and very low GWP, has become a potential alternative to mainstream heat pump refrigerants in the future.
Technological Development of R290 Heat Pumps
Emerson and Haier are active promoters of R290 technology, having developed a series of Copeland scroll R290 compressors, including fixed-speed, variable-frequency, horizontal, vertical, and low-noise options, to meet the needs of different heat pump market segments in Europe. SHEC has developed R290 heat pump heating-specific compressors and has already started mass production, providing heat pump heating R290 compressors for companies like Tianjia and Dun’an.
Application Fields of R290 Heat Pumps
Due to their high efficiency and eco-friendliness, R290 heat pumps are widely used in the following areas:
Residential air conditioning
Heat pump water heaters
Heat pump dryers
Dehumidifiers
Refrigeration and freezing applications
Safety of R290 Heat Pumps
Despite R290’s flammability, technological breakthroughs such as safe filling, leak detection, and rigorous safety measures in system design ensure the stable and safe application of R290 refrigerant in heat pump equipment.
Energy Efficiency of R290 Heat Pumps
Heat pumps using R290 have excellent thermodynamic properties, achieving higher energy efficiency, which means lower energy consumption and operating costs, making them an environmentally friendly and economical choice.