Views: 105 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2024-09-04 Origin: Site
Imagine a world where we don’t have to deplete the ozone layer through our heating and cooling activities. R290 heat pumps have emerged as a key player in the fight against climate change and environmental safety.
Unlike other types of heat pumps that have contributed to ozone layer depletion and global warming, R290 air-to-water heat pump offers a greener alternative with minimal environmental impact. The R290 heat pump is a game-changer for homeowners and businesses, making way for a more energy-efficient and sustainable future.
Source: SPRUSN R290 Heat Pump
In this post, we will discuss everything you need to learn about the R290 heat pump and how it revolutionizes the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) industry.
R290 heat pump is a type of HVAC system that uses R290 refrigerant, which is pure propane. This heat pump R290 has a very low Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 3 and zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP), making it the safest option for the planet.
Source: SPRUSN R290 Heat Pump
Commonly referred to as Propane (CH3CH2CH3), R290 is a natural refrigerant with minimal toxicity and flammability. It is largely promoted for its excellent heat pump efficiency, energy-saving benefits, and environment safety.
According to Eurostat, about 50% of energy used in the EU is for heating and cooling, and over 70% of the energy still comes from fossil fuels. To curb this, the European Parliament made a policy to phase out the use of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and reduce the EU-wide quota for fossil fuels between 2024 and 2049.
Furthermore, Germany – one of Europe’s largest markets for heat pumps, announced that all newly installed heating systems must use at least 65% renewable energy. The announcement includes the total prohibition of oil or coal as a heat source starting from 2026. Germany expects to achieve the goal of climate neutrality by 2045.
Over time, a variety of refrigerants, such as R32, R410A, and R22 are extensively used. But with the progressive attention to their environmental effects, there has been a need for an innovative, eco-friendly, and efficient refrigerant, and this prompted the development of R290.
R290 gas is a promising and environmentally friendly refrigerant. With a GWP of 3, high energy efficiency, A3 security level, low pressure, and low cost, R290 makes its mark as an air source heat pump, the best sustainable option to address climate change concerns. However, its high flammability nature demands that optimal safety be put in place to eliminate potential safety hazards.
It is classified as an A2 security level refrigerant because of its mild flammability and low toxicity. The R32 heat pump features a GWP of 657, high energy efficiency, low pressure, and low cost. This refrigerant is largely used in various countries, but beginning to face decline because of its environmental footprint.
This is a non-flammable and moderate energy efficiency refrigerant, with an A1 security level. It can be used as a substitute for R22 refrigerant in heat pumps. However, it is becoming widely blacklisted because of its high GWP of 2088. Also, the R410A operates at high pressure, demanding more robust equipment, which makes it more costly than R290 and R32.
This refrigerant is also non-flammable, hence rated at A1 security level. But despite its safety features, it has a high GWP of 1810, low energy efficiency, high pressure, and high cost. This has led to its global phase-out plan and complete elimination by 2030, especially because of its significant environmental effects.
Using an R290 monobloc heat pump is more than enjoying energy efficiency, comfortability, and environmental sustainability. It’s also a very smart move because of government subsidies.
To encourage the use of R290 monobloc heat pumps and encourage the reduction of global warming, various governments offer subsidies and tax relief. For example, Germany provides a 40% subsidy on the initial cost of R290. In Spain, installing an R290 monobloc heat pump means you will be freed of refrigerant tax. This is much more financially beneficial than what you will get for installing lower-priced refrigerants like R32.
R290 refrigerant uses propane, which is taken from nature, making R290 air source heat pump completely safe for the environment. It has a GWP of 3.3 and an ODP of zero, which can neither cause the greenhouse effect nor damage the ozone layer.
R290 offers high energy efficiency, thanks to its low freezing point and significant latent heat of evaporation, which makes the cooling speed faster per unit of time. R290 air-to-water heat pump functions efficiently at lower pressures, minimizing energy consumption in cold climate heat pump systems. R290 reduces energy saving rate by 15-35%.
Heat pump R290 has a high unit mass of refrigeration capacity, condenser, and evaporator heat transfer that reduce the refrigeration time of the air conditioning compressor. This high efficiency also extends the life of the compressor.
R290 can be used in various heat pump types, from residential to R290 commercial heat pump systems. It can also be used across several systems, including refrigerators, air conditioners, water heaters and PV systems.
R290 is a flammable refrigerant, so understanding the conditions under which it will not explode is crucial for safety. These are the conditions:
• Combustible material (R290)
• With Oxygen (air)
• R290 gas to a specific concentration range (2.1% - 9.5%)
• With Ignition source (more than or equal to 450 degree Celsius)
Also, ensuring proper gas sealing, isolation ignition sources, and adequate ventilation inside the unit can improve the safe and stable operation of your heat pumps R290.
With a deep understanding of the heat pump market and access to industry-leading materials, SPRSUN makes advanced R290 heat pump systems that offer exceptional advantages. They include:
SPRSUN R290 heat pumps have a remote control system integrated with mobile phone App and PC. R290 ASHP is designed with an intelligent one-click remote software upgrade, and if there are necessary updates, the system will notify you so that you can upgrade the controller software with one click remotely as long as you’re connected to the internet.
Made with R290 refrigerants of 3.3 GWP, our R290 heat pumps help to eliminate carbon emissions and are rated A+++. SPRSUN R290 air-to-water heat pump systems can save about 50-80% of energy than other heat pumps. Heat pumps R290 don’t only meet environmental regulatory demands, but also offer more sustainable heating & cooling solutions.
With access to industry-standard materials and years of experience in manufacturing quality heat pumps, we produce heat pumps R290 systems that are less costly and function optimally for a long time. And with the many government subsidies on R290 heat pumps, the total cost will be low.
By combining eco-friendly R290 refrigerant and inverter heating technology, SPRSUN R290 DC inverter heat pump systems produce a maximum outlet water temperature that’s up to 75⁰C without electric heating.
Our R290 air source heat pumps are designed to operate at a temperature as low as -25⁰C, maintaining high COP and reliable stability. Heat pumps R290 feature an intelligent low-frequency technology that automatically change the temperature depending on different demands. This reduces the compressor wear and tear, making it last longer.
Our R290 monobloc heat pumps feature day and night modes, which allows low-frequency operation and low noise in night mode to keep the environment safe. The R290 air source heat pumps are shielded to reduce the vibration and noise level. The compressor is wrapped with thickened two-component cotton for noise reduction. We also use spiral injection-molded grille to spread airflow and make the R290 heat pump work quieter.
SPRSUN R290 heat pumps are designed with high-quality components like Panasonic R290 dedicated safety compressor, CAREL anti-explosion electronic expansion valve, and Grundfos safe water pump, enabling stable operation and high safety performance. The heat pumps R290 have built-in fuses and mechanical high-voltage switch protection that helps attain multiple overcurrent protection.
We integrate intelligent defrost and anti-freezing functions that change based on external conditions. It calculates the defrosting and anti-freezing entry points automatically, which is always accurate. The system is designed to activate the defrost and anti-freezing function when appropriate.
SPRSUN R290 monobloc heat pumps employ full DC Inverter technology, and the motor speed can be adjusted correctly depending on the current requirements. This boosts the heat pump efficiency, minimizes energy consumption, and reduces noise level.
The front panel of our R290 refrigerant heat pumps is made of a blister panel, and the rear & side mesh panels are produced with sheet metal. They feature an ambient probe mount placed on the outside of the sheet metal, which helps to minimize frosting miscalculations. There is a large plastic handle on the rear panel that gives easy access to power cables and maintenance.
Our heat pumps monobloc R290 are infused with an SG-Ready (Smart-Grid Ready) function, which offers advanced sector coupling of electricity and heat. The R290 refrigerant heat pumps are designed to communicate with the smart grid, providing a more excellent energy optimization and grid integration.
Our R290 heat pump system comes with all the kits needed for an easy installation. All major components for installation, such as a water pump, electric box, AC contactor, three-way valve, expansion tank, filter, and leakage protection switch. This saves time and money for easy R290 air source heat pump installation.
R290 heat pumps have 5 working modes with various features.
• Central Hot Water: Constant temperature, sufficient water volume, and 24-hour instant supply.
• Central Cooling: Water cooled air conditioning, soft air supply, and comfortable for the human body.
• Whole House Heating: Water cycled floor heating, well-distributed heat dissipation, and healthy & energy saving.
• Hot Water + House Cooling: Meet the requirements of both central hot water and air conditioning.
• Hot Water + House Heating: Meet the requirements of both central hot water and room heating.
Here is a comprehensive comparison between monobloc R290 heat pump and traditional energy sources like fuel and gas.
Characteristics | R290 Heat Pump | Fuel | Gas |
Environmental Sustainability | Uses propane (natural refrigerant) with a very low global warming potential, making it very environmentally friendly. | Releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2), contributing significantly to global warming and air pollution. | Better than a fuel boiler, but it still produces few emissions, which contributes to CO2 and global warming. |
Installation Cost | Higher | Lower | Lower |
Lifetime Cost | Lower | Usually high, but price fluctuates. | Usually high, but price fluctuates. |
Government Subsidies | Many governments offer subsidies to encourage the use of eco-friendly options like R290 refrigerant heat pumps, which reduces the lifetime cost. | Subsidies for traditional fuel systems are becoming less common. In some cases, users face taxes or penalties. | Vary by region. While some governments still support natural traditional gas systems, others are eliminating these incentives in favor of R290 heat pumps. |
Space Occupancy | Smaller | Larger | Smaller |
R290 refrigerant has an A3 rating, which means it is highly flammable and tends to explode. However, at SPRSUN, we utilize high-security accessories, improved structural design, and enhanced sealing techniques to prevent the R290 heat pump from exploding.
• Contrary to ordinary relays used by other heat pump manufacturers, we use explosion-proof glue for maximum sealing in the monobloc R290 heat pump, so that external gas doesn't enter the interior of the relay and becomes the ignition source for the explosion.
• While other manufacturers use ordinary coil TPV rubber material for the R290 monobloc heat pump sheel, we use PC material, which has better heat resistance, cold resistance, and corrosion resistance. It can also maintain stability and mechanical properties at higher & lower temperatures, and it doesn't rupture easily.
• Built-in discharge valve and pressure relief valve can activate in the plate in the leakage or ice blasts (low risk), to prevent the refrigerant into indoor and becoming a potential hazard. This is because in R290 refrigerant heat pumps, if a leak occurs, a large amount of refrigerant is discharged to the outdoors through the pressure relief valve, and a small amount of refrigerant is discharged through the exhaust valve, ensuring that no large amount of refrigerant escapes to the indoors in the event of a leak.
• R290 air source heat pumps have ventilation louvers at the bottom of the center bulkhead to increase airflow and reduce refrigerant leakage leading to combustion and explosion conditions inside the heat pump.
• Enhanced Sealing Technique
Panasonic's dedicated R290 DC variable frequency compressor (non-EVl) uses seals at the terminals;
The air to water heat pump R290 has no pressure gauge structure, and the needle valve adopts the hard sealing method, reducing the risk of refrigerant leakage.
• Reduces vibration and prevents air leaks
At the compressor vibration source, the low and high-pressure sensor needle valves are added with double-hole rubber fixing blocks to reduce the risk of R290 monobloc heat pump pipeline vibration breakage.
Here are the key components of R290 heat pumps and how they function to transfer air for heating or cooling functions:
This is the heart of the heat pump R290. It is responsible for circulating the R290 refrigerant from a low-pressure gas to a high-pressure gas. The compression process makes the air-to-water heat pump R290 increase the temperature of the refrigerant, making it capable of heating a space or water.
Produced according to the characteristics of R290 refrigerant, this compressor is explosion-proof and has a high safety rating with sealing at the terminals to prevent refrigerant leakage.
This is an R290 air-to-water heat pump component where the high-pressure R290 refrigerant releases its heat to the surrounding environment, typically to water in the heat pump system. As the refrigerant loses heat, it condenses back into a liquid.
SPRSUN R290 heat pump condensers are made with flame-resistant materials that are capable of withstanding high temperatures and pressures.
This component regulates the flow of the R290 refrigerant into the evaporator. It reduces the pressure of the liquid refrigerant, causing it to cool down significantly.
Compared with ordinary coils, the inside of the expansion valve shell is potted with glue, blocking the external gas from entering its inside; and the shell uses PC material, which has good heat resistance, cold resistance, and corrosion resistance, and can maintain stability and mechanical properties at higher and lower temperatures, not easy to rupture. The cable is also changed to a high-temperature-resistant and low-temperature-resistant material.
Our R290 heat pumps have low and high-pressure sensor needle valves designed with double-hole rubber fixing blocks to reduce the risk of pipeline vibration breakage as the refrigerant flows into the evaporator.
This is another heat exchanger where the cooled, low-pressure refrigerant absorbs heat from the environment (air, water, or ground). This causes the refrigerant to evaporate, turning it back to gas. The heat absorbed by the refrigerant in the evaporator is what the R290 air source heat pump will deliver as heating energy.
Our evaporator components incorporate protective coatings to resist corrosion and mechanical damage. We use enhanced sealing techniques and integrated leak detection systems that ensure immediate response to any irregularity during the evaporation process.
Compared with ordinary relays, explosion-proof glue is used to seal, so that external gas cannot enter the interior of the relay and cannot become the ignition source of the explosion.
These are insulated pipes that carry the R290 refrigerant (gas) between the different components of the R290 monobloc heat pump (compressor, condenser, expansion valve, & evaporator).
The refrigerant lines are crucial for efficient heat transfer throughout the heat pump R290 system. And we ensure they are perfectly welded to prevent the risk of damage, which can cause an explosion.
The R290 heat pump works on a refrigeration cycle, which involves 4 major steps:
Starts with the evaporator, where the low-pressure R290 refrigerant absorbs heat from the environment (air, water, or ground), which causes the refrigerant to evaporate and transform from liquid to gas.
The gaseous refrigerant is drawn into the compressor, where it is contracted to increase its pressure and temperature.
The high-pressure, high-temperature gas flows into the condenser, where it releases its stored heat to the building's heating system (whether underfloor heating, radiator, etc.). As it releases heat, the refrigerant condenses back to liquid.
The liquid refrigerant flows through the expansion valve, where its pressure is reduced and cooled. The cooled refrigerant goes back to the evaporator to absorb more heat from the environment, and the cycle begins again.
Our R290 monobloc heat pumps are designed with CAREL controllers which monitor the working condition of the heat pump in real-time and issue an alarm when there are abnormalities. CAREL controller features an integrated power tracking system that displays the current input power, monthly power consumption, and total power consumed. Through its intelligent touchscreen and Wi-Fi control, you can operate the heat pump monobloc R290 via its APP.
Using the CAREL controller allows SPRSUN heat pumps R290 to function within a safe range and greatly improve their service life.
More Aesthetic | More Stable | More Energy-saving | More Recognition |
4.3” or 7.1” Colorful Touchscreen Customizable boot interface logo | More mature hardware solutions More complete protection measure Supports the highest frequency operation Wide supply voltage range: 145V~265V | More precise control Improve energy efficiency | Positioned as a high-end brand with high visibility, helping you gain more customer recognition |
Real-time Monitor | More than 10 years lifespan | Wi-Fi APP and PC Background | Support customize |
The CAREL controller can monitor the working situation of the R290 ASHP in real-time and issue an alarm in time when abnormalities are found. | Allow the heat pump R290 to operate within a safe range and greatly improve the service life. | Through the intelligent touch screen and Wi-Fi control, the heat pump can be operated at APP. | Integrated Power Tracking Feature It can display the current input power, monthly power consumption and total power consumption. |
● Daytime mode - According to the ambient temperature and loading requirements, the compressor of the R290 heat pump runs at the maximum frequency, and the fan runs at the maximum speed;
● ECO mode - automatically output capacity as required according to the ambient temperature.
● Night mode - has low output capacity from 8 Pm to 8 Am.
The application of R290 heat pumps cuts across many sectors. These are some of the people and places where R290 heat pumps are needed:
Heat pumps R290 provide efficient and eco-friendly heating & cooling solutions to various types of houses, including single-family homes, apartments, villas, and residential complexes. They can be integrated into home automation ideas to reduce energy bills and carbon footprint.
Project developers and contractors use R290 air source heat pump systems in residential, commercial, or mixed-use developments. The heat pumps R290 are usually integrated into new constructions or major renovations to meet green building standards.
Office buildings, supermarkets, data centers, and restaurants use R290 heat pumps for optimal comfort. They are beneficial in minimizing energy costs and achieving sustainability goals.
Schools, universities, and hosting centers use R290 heat pump units to maintain comfortable temperatures and provide hot water daily in classrooms, dormitories, and administrative buildings.
Hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes require precise heating and cooling. R290 refrigerant heat pumps offer consistent climate control, which is critical for patient care and comfort.
Hotels, resorts, and fitness centers use R290 monobloc heat pumps for guest room temperature control, hot water, and pool heating. The heat pumps can be customized to meet large property demands.
Manufacturing plants, factories, and warehouses use heat pumps R290 for industrial operations heating, cooling, and space conditioning. They can be very instrumental to meet industry sustainability goals.
As one of the experienced heat pump manufacturers in China, SPRSUN provides the whole R290 heating system, which has not only heat pump units but also hot water tanks and fan coils. The following are the main units used in the R290 air-to-water heating system and how they are connected.
This is the core component of the air-to-water heat pump system. It basically extracts heat from the outside air using the R290 refrigerant and transfers the heat to water in the system. The R290 air source heat pump unit is connected to the other components through insulated water pipes and electrical wiring. It is installed outside the building where it can access outdoor air for heat absorption.
Source: SPRUSN R290 Heat Pump
The hot water tank stores and supplies hot water generated by the heat pump. It ensures that there is a constant supply of hot water for domestic use or space heating, even when the heat pump is not actively working. This component is connected to the heat pump R290 unit through water pipes.
Source: SPRUSN hot water tank
SPRSUN Integral Water Tank for indoor heating and hot water integrates essential accessories, such as hot water tanks, buffer tanks, expansion tanks, and three-way valves, which have been highly integrated into its design, saving more space. It helps users save about 50% of installation time and labor costs and makes the installation of the R290 heat pump simple. The hot water tank supports dual temperature zone control, allowing for more precise adjustment of room temperatures according to user needs. When used for domestic hot water, it can achieve zero cold water control, providing users with stable and comfortable hot water.
These indoor units distribute the heated or cooled air throughout the room. They consist of a heat exchanger and a fan blowing air to heat or cool the building. Fan coils are connected to the heat pump system through water pipes. Heated or cooled water from the heat pump monobloc R290 circulates through the fan coils, transferring heat to the air. Then, the fan distributes this air into your space.
SPRSUN launches Heat Pump Kit for easy and cost-effective Installation. Heat pump kits include almost everything you need to install a R290 air to water heat pump, like Grundfos water pump, 3-way valve, filters, electric box, expansion tank, switch, etc. The heat pump kits are connected to the main heat pump unit, the hot water tank, and the fan coils, ensuring that all the parts work together seamlessly for maximum performance.
Source: SPRSUN Heat Pump Kit
There are many types of heat pumps using R290 refrigerants, which can make selection difficult. But, here are factors you should consider when choosing more reliable R290 heat pumps for your application:
A higher Coefficient of Performance (COP) indicates better energy efficiency. Choose R290 heat pumps with a COP above 4. You should also check the Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP), as it provides a more accurate measure of efficiency across different seasons. Choose R290 heat pumps with high SCOP ratings.
R290 uses propane gas, which has a high risk of exploding when safety precautions are not in place. Therefore, ensure that the R290 heat pump you choose features high security accessories, enhanced sealing technique, and improved structural design that protects against the explosion tendency of the R290 refrigerant.
Select R290 heat pump systems that comply with heat pump industry standards, international safety standards, and environmental standards, such as CE, ISO, TUV, EN378, and RoHS. This informs you if the R290 monobloc heat pump meets the required quality and safety regulations.
As a professional heat pump R290 manufacturer with proven wealth of knowledge, we clinically produce our R290 heat pumps to stand out from other brands. With focus on reducing environmental hazards and improving energy efficiency, these are some of the ways we are superior than other brands:
SPRSUN R290 Heat Pump | P** R290 Heat Pump | B** R290 Heat Pump | |
Heating capacity | 9kw~50kw | 8.3kw~22kw | 8.9kw~22kw |
Max. COP | 5.56 | 5.29 | 5.09 |
ERP Level | A+++ | A+++ | A++ |
SG ready | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Control system | CAREL control system | Unknown control system | Self-built control system |
Electricity Statistics Function | Real-time/historical consumption can be viewed | None | None |
Panasonic R290 compressor | High safety grade | Non-famous brands | Non-famous brands |
Built-in water Pump | Grundofx high-quality water pump | Additional pumps to be purchased | Additional pumps to be purchased |
• We use Panasonic R290 Safety Compressor that is explosion-proof and has a high safety rating. This curbs the risk of the propane gas in your R290 heat pump from exploding.
• We employ hard sealing methods and improved structural design to prevent refrigerant leakage and reduce vibration of parts during operation. This also minimizes the R290 refrigerant heat pump’s noise level.
• Compared with other brands that use ordinary relays, we use explosion-proof relays to suppress ignition sources. We also use explosion-proof glue to seal the R290 air source heat pump components, so that external gas doesn’t enter the interior of the relay to cause an explosion.
• We focus on modern technologies in the heat pump R290 industry, which include using top-notch accessories for greater efficiency, reducing failure, and minimizing maintenance or repair costs.
• Our R290 heat pumps are produced by industry, international safety, and environmental standards. We also apply for certificates for customers who live in regions that require specific certifications. For example, we get SAA certificates for our customers. Thus, you don’t have to worry if your region has any certificate customization issues.
SPRSUN is not just an R290 heat pump manufacturing expert, we offer a wide range of heating & cooling solution products and services that can help upscale your brand success.
At SPRSUN, we don’t only manufacture heat pumps R290, we offer various heating and cooling components, such as a heat pump kit, water tank, radiator, fan coil, etc. We also provide customers with many professional tips & tricks, such as winter energy saving tips, home automation ideas, what size of heat pump is perfect for your house, etc.
We have several cooperation options in place for different brands and business types. There are options to partner with us as a distributor of our products, or we offer you OEM/ODM services.
We can provide high-quality heat pump systems for your brand. This includes logo customization, materials customization, appearance customization, and other specifications. At SPRSUN, we customize heat pumps R290 based on your design.
We only use high-quality materials sourced from industry-leading suppliers like Panasonic, CAREL, Copeland, and Danfoss. Beginning from the raw materials acquisition to the product finishing, we keenly inspect and test the products in our standard heat pump laboratory to ascertain their quality and reliability.
To efficiently serve customers all over the world, our heating and cooling products are produced in accordance with the required standards, earning us certificates from CCC, CE, KEYMARK, ISO, SAA, RoHS, KEYMARK, and ERP. We can also get specific regional standards for heat pumps to help you gain a pass into the target market.
You will enjoy 24/7 technical training and support, including online assistance & on-site assistance. We share our professional knowledge with you, recommending the most appropriate model for your brand’s success.
SPRSUN is unique for showing immense concern about your business. We offer numerous marketing promotion and support, such as catalogues, brochures, product videos, abundance of email templates and website templates, as well as poster designs for promotion.
You will enjoy a 36 months warranty and immediate replacement of parts if the heat pump gets damaged under normal usage. Our experts are available every time of the day to offer lifetime after-sale support, addressing any issue you have about our products.
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