Efitherma Marketing Department
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R290 is a natural and environmentally friendly refrigerant also known as propane.
R290 is classified as a hydrocarbon and has several properties that make it very effective. These include its low boiling point, which facilitates its evaporation, and its ability to quickly absorb heat.
When it comes to selecting the right refrigerant for your heat pump system, R290 stands out above the rest. This refrigerant has gained popularity in the industry due to its numerous benefits. Some of these include improved performance, energy savings, and contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why R290 is a smart choice for your heat pump.
R290 is considered environmentally friendly because it has a very low environmental impact. It is a hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerant with zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and a very low global warming potential (GWP), unlike fluorinated refrigerants, which are synthetic and artificially created.
The GWP, or global warming potential, refers to a unit that measures how harmful a gas is to the atmosphere and global warming. The higher the GWP, the more harmful the gas.
GWP = Global Warming Potential
PCA = Potencial de calentamiento atmosférico (In Spanish).
The GWP (Global Warming Potential) is a value that measures the global warming potential of any substance that can be emitted into the atmosphere, always in comparison to the effect produced by one kilogram of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) over 100 years. The aim is to determine the extent to which our facility will contribute to global warming.
The GWP of R290 is 3, while current alternatives, such as R410A and R407C, have a GWP of 675, demonstrating that R290 is much more environmentally friendly than other refrigerants. This means it does not contribute to ozone depletion or the greenhouse effects that cause climate change.
R290 refrigerant has many advantages over fluorinated gases for heat pumps. Its environmental benefits are obvious, but the advantages don’t end there.
R290 is a more energy efficient refrigerant than fluorinated gas. It is designed to operate effectively in colder climates. This is because it can function at temperatures as low as -25°C and still produce heat from 2 kW to 24 kW and hot water from 22°C to 75°C. Furthermore, it operates quietly, making it suitable for residential use.
In general, propane is a promising alternative to fluorinated gases for heat pumps. Its use can help reduce the environmental impact of these systems while providing efficient heating and cooling.
R290, commonly known as propane, is a natural hydrocarbon (HC) byproduct of natural gas refining. It can be used in medium- and low-temperature refrigeration applications. Because it is non-toxic and environmentally friendly, it does not require recovery or recycling during service like some other refrigerants.
Although R290 is classified as a flammable refrigerant, the amount that can be used in a refrigeration system is restricted to a safe charge limit. In fact, the refrigerant charge required for a heat pump using R290 is 40% less than that of R134a, due to its high heat efficiency and rapid cooling speed. Additionally, safety procedures and standards must be followed to ensure proper ventilation and handling of units containing this gas.
One of the characteristics of R290 that makes it especially effective as a refrigerant is its high thermal conductivity. Simply put, R290 transfers heat much better than other refrigerants. This, in turn, results in a lower refrigerant charge for the same heat transfer, which translates into energy savings. Tests have shown that systems using R290 refrigerant achieve electrical energy savings of 30 to 50%+ compared to legacy systems using HFC refrigerants. Refrigeration systems using R290 also have a lower compressor pressure at the outlet. This means the compressor operates at a lower temperature, extending its lifespan.
R290 is environmentally friendly, with a 100-year GWP (Global Warming Potential) of 3. The F-Gas regulation, which came into effect in 2022, prohibited GWPs of 1500 or higher. It also has zero ozone depletion potential (ODP). Therefore, it complies with the F-Gas regulation and is exempt from gas tax, demonstrating a strong commitment to the future, a completely ecological solution, and no expiration date.
The refrigerant gas sector is currently undergoing a major transformation and improvement due to the implementation of the European F-Gas Regulation. Its main objective is to reduce the use of fluorinated greenhouse gases (GHGs) by 70% by 2030. This regulation, along with the application of the tax on fluorinated gases (in accordance with Article 5 of Law 16/2013), is driving a shift in the air conditioning sector towards new, environmentally friendly gases.
The F-Gas Regulation establishes a phase-down schedule for phasing out refrigerants. This schedule sets marketing quotas for HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons). Furthermore, it promotes the use of alternative refrigerants capable of replacing HFCs with a high Global Warming Potential (GWP), such as R290.
As of January 1, 2022, the marketing bans established in the European Regulation F-Gas (“Regulation (EU) 517/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 on fluorinated greenhouse gases”) are now mandatory.
HFCs with a PCA equal to or greater than 1500:
At Efitherma, environmental conservation is our top priority. That’s why we’re committed to reducing the carbon footprint of our product portfolio and the low GWP of propane. This is another reason to justify switching to R290. Therefore, we’ve launched our “AQ-Pro Series” range of domestic hot water heat pumps using R290 refrigerant. They are available in various capacities for residential use (between 75L and 500L).
The AQ-Pro Series is an air source heat pump for domestic hot water production. This unit harnesses the free heat from the ambient air to produce domestic hot water.
With the incorporation of the natural refrigerant gas R290 you can enjoy maximum energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact, among many other advantages that we have mentioned in this article.
Efitherma heat pumps are characterized by their manufacture using top-quality components. This includes the titanium anode, which prevents tank corrosion and ensures maximum protection, significantly extending its lifespan.
Enjoy our introductory offer on your first order:
Contact us and let efficiency do the rest
C/ Cristo de la Sangre nº3
14900, Lucena
Córdoba (España)
957 591 684
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