Propane heat pumps are a range of heat pumps where the refrigerant used is propane (Hydrocarbon). The refrigerant is a pure form of propane and differs from the propane used in domestic heating applications. One significant difference is the R290 Propane Refrigerant doesn’t have odours added and it also has a higher purity level than standard propane. In addition, its lower moisture content ensures it will not damage the heat pump refrigeration system and its components.
The refrigerant grade form of propane which is used is an alternative hydrocarbon refrigerant to Synthetic F-Gas refrigerants. R290 is now typically used in new commercial Heat Pumps and has been utilised for many years in commercial cooling (chiller) units/systems. Propane is a hydrocarbon refrigerant and is an efficient refrigerant that has a low Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 3.
Here at Pure Thermal, our hydrocarbon heat pumps use the natural refrigerant form of propane which has a Low GWP (Global Warming Potential) of just 3 (please reference the graph below which shows the GWP figures for a number of other well-used commercial refrigerants) whilst also providing a practical, flexible, and cost-effective refrigerant option with reduced environmental impact. Refrigerant grade propane has historically been used within refrigeration applications including commercial heat pumps, commercial cooling systems and industrial refrigeration.
Propane is one of the most practical natural hydrocarbon refrigerants to use within a modern heat pump, delivering an operating temperature up to 70C whilst being simple to apply, and with no minimum return temperature restrictions (which can be the situation with CO2 natural refrigerant heat pumps), many refrigeration equipment manufacturers have already switched to the refrigerant propane R290.
As commercial refrigerant regulations continue to evolve and change, manufacturers who use refrigerants within the production of equipment should be sure to keep up with any new developments that might affect their use within the lifecycle of the installed system. In recent years, manufacturers and system developers have looked to identify suitable alternative organic refrigerants following the increased focus on the potential environmental implications of conventional refrigerants such as CFCs and HFCs, and the increasing F-Gas legislation relating to the manufacture, distribution, and use of environmentally harmful refrigerants.
The F-Gas phase out legislation is focused on incorporating more environmentally friendly refrigerants such as propane R290, which means older more environmentally damaging refrigerants traditionally used are being phased out. This has led to the use of naturally occurring hydrocarbons for various heat pump applications such as refrigerant grade propane that provide an effective commercial alternative refrigeration solution with lower GWP. This new generation of environmentally friendly heat pumps are referred to as hydrocarbon heat pumps, propane heat pumps or more specifically R290 heat pumps.
Propane heat pumps use natural refrigerants which means that the propane hydrocarbon heat pump range is ideally suited to applications where low environmental impact is a priority, or areas where legislation restricts fossil fuel use or the use of outdated environmentally damaging refrigerants.
Where sustainability standards must be achieved to meet client or planning restrictions or regulations, the Pure Thermal propane heat pump range provides a highly efficient, practical, and cost-effective HVAC solution, whilst future proofing the installation completely by removing the application from F Gas regulation and reporting requirements.
As well as the significant environmental benefits, propane heat pump units provide a practical and efficient alternative to standard HFC heat pumps.
With the capability to operate at temperatures suitable for medium to high temperature applications, the Pure Thermal propane heat pump range can be specified for a wide range of applications including retrofit and new projects.
Enerblue is the leading specialist European heat pump manufacturer, with a strong reputation since 2007 for delivering market leading quality with an innovative engineering approach.
The Enerblue propane heat pumps range includes the Purple Propane R290 Hydrocarbon heat pump which provides the specifier with an extremely high performing range of propane air source heat pumps that are able to deliver flow temperatures up to 70C. Pure Thermal directly provides the complete range of Enerblue equipment within the UK, supported by a full range of services from design through to installation and maintenance support.
Our dedicated team has many years of experience in specifying, supplying, and maintaining industrial propane heat pump systems to commercial organisations across the UK.
A complete range of high quality efficient and sustainable heating/cooling systems is available with a specific focus on natural refrigerant based equipment. Pure Thermal equipment is manufactured to the highest standards, enabling each system to deliver maximum reliability alongside efficient operational performance.
Providing Heat pump solutions since 2015, the Pure Thermal team has extensive industry experience with a proven track record in delivering Propane heat pump equipment and systems that meet the performance objectives of the most demanding projects.
Our specialist in-house technical team provides our industrial and commercial clients with a complete turnkey propane heat pump support solution, from creating an initial propane heat pump performance illustration and design brief, through to the installation and commissioning of the propane heat pump, all underpinned by our ongoing maintenance support.
We provide a comprehensive range of high quality efficient and sustainable heating/cooling systems with a specific focus on natural refrigerant based equipment and solutions. Pure Thermal HVAC equipment is manufactured to the highest standards, enabling each system to deliver maximum reliability alongside efficient operational performance.
The Pure Thermal team has extensive industry experience supplying bespoke commercial heat pump solutions since 2015. We have a proven track record in delivering propane heat pump equipment and systems that meet the performance objectives of the most demanding projects.
Learn more about our process and the 6-step approach
Pure Thermal is a specialist provider of natural refrigerant hydrocarbon heat pumps including propane heat pumps, dual output chiller hot water generators, natural refrigerant chillers, and integrated waste heat recycling and thermal storage systems.
Start your propane heat pump project today with Pure Thermal. Contact our specialist technical support team on 020 3488 4618 for more information.
