PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
An AquaSnap snapshot
Graham Smith, Commercial Director UK&I at Carrier Commercial HVAC, provides an insight into Carrier’s new AquaSnap 61AQ heat pump.
T
he AquaSnap 61AQ is our latest high- temperature air source heat pump, which has been designed to work with R-290 refrigerant,
delivering energy effi ciency and performing reliably in temperatures down to -25°C. We chose R-290 because of its exceptional thermodynamic properties, which make it highly effi cient with acceptable operating pressures – perfect for heating applications.
The name ‘61AQ’ refl ects Carrier’s established naming convention, which dates back to when the company was founded in 1915. The ‘61’ indicates that this product is a heating solution, while ‘AQ’, and specifi cally the ‘Q’, relates to thermodynamics as Q represents heat transfer between a system and its surroundings. So AQ highlights the unit’s qualities in delivering high-temperature heating. What really makes the AquaSnap 61AQ stand out is its versatility. It off ers fl exible modular confi gurations, operates with noise levels signifi cantly below regulatory thresholds, and integrates seamlessly with existing building systems. Whether it’s a hotel, a hospital, or another commercial setting, it’s built to support the global drive for decarbonisation and off ers a clean, effi cient alternative to traditional fossil-fuel systems. It’s Carrier’s vision for a greener, more energy-effi cient future brought to life.
Safety was a top priority in designing the AquaSnap 61AQ. The unit minimises refrigerant volume by limiting the charge per circuit to 4 kg. All refrigerant-containing components are housed within ventilated enclosures to reduce ignition risks. The smart and comprehensive engineering design further reduces the volume of refrigerant in the piping and isolates all refrigerant-containing elements in a protective enclosure. This enclosure prevents direct contact with electrical components or potential sources of ignition.
The unit was designed with the whole picture in mind – not just how it’s used, but how it’s made, transported and serviced. By thinking through every stage of its lifecycle, we demonstrate how important safety is, from assembly to installation
and ongoing maintenance. What’s more, in modular confi gurations, the refrigerant is contained within each unit. So, if there’s ever a leak, it’s contained to just one module, keeping the rest of the system running smoothly. One of the key innovations is the scroll, variable-speed compressor, which was specially designed by our manufacturing partner. The compressor’s geometry, including the scroll and the pressure ratio between the intake and discharge volumes, was designed specifi cally for R-290. This customisation ensures the compressor operates with peak effi ciency and performance, leveraging the thermodynamic properties of R-290. The tight geometry and pressure optimisation were essential to delivering high-temperature heating while maintaining low refrigerant volume and energy effi ciency. We also selected and optimised the sizes and layouts of the heat exchangers, both air-cooled and water-cooled, to minimise the amount of refrigerant required, reducing it to the strict minimum without compromising performance. We incorporated a smart system design to manage potential fl ammability issues, enclosing refrigerant-containing elements in a way that isolates them from potential ignition sources.
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From a vibration and noise perspective, the AquaSnap 61AQ excels. Variable-speed compressors can create a wide range of operating frequencies, which, in other systems, might energise vibrations in the piping. Our engineers designed the system to eliminate excessive vibration risks, ensuring mechanical stability and reducing the likelihood of leaks. This advanced vibration control also contributes to quieter operation, with noise levels 10 dB(A) below Ecodesign recommendations. This product refl ects the combined expertise of
dozens of Carrier engineers specialising in heat transfer, compression, vibration, acoustics, and mechanical structure. The AquaSnap 61AQ is the result of years of collaborative innovation, making it a well-designed, highly advanced solution that sets it apart from the competition. The AquaSnap 61AQ underwent thousands of hours of lab testing to evaluate its performance, reliability, and safety. Extensive vibration and acoustic testing were conducted at Carrier’s specialist manufacturing and testing facility in Montluel, France, to ensure minimal operational noise and disruption. These tests demonstrated that the unit operates quietly and consistently, making it suitable for a variety of settings, including hotels, healthcare facilities, and large residential buildings.
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