CHILLERS
The rise of propane in modern heat pump systems
In a world that demands more sustainable and energy- effi cient solutions, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the decarbonisation of buildings in the UK has a key part to play when it comes to achieving the target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Craig Smith
Ensuring safety when designing a propane heat pump system is vital in all situations, and there are very stringent standards in place to ensure proper ventilation, leak
detection, and positioning are all
taken into consideration.
to Propane (R290). The use of propane in modern heat pump systems presents an exciting new opportunity in the HVAC industry, and in this article propane specialist at Airedale, Craig Smith, explores the benefi ts, applications, and considerations of using propane chillers to off er professional insight into what changing to propane means to a commercial or industrial building. When replacing a boiler with a propane heat pump system,
A
there are several considerations and steps to digest, and whilst a one-to-one replacement is not straightforward, with proper planning and execution, it is possible. If we consider the overall life cycle, fi nancial and environmental benefi ts of such a change, in my experience, they usually far outweigh any inconvenience or upfront capital cost. Traditionally reversible heat pumps have often struggled to
achieve the high water temperatures that commercial boilers typically operate at (70°C to 85°C) and, as such they have often relied upon the addition of electric boost heating or cascade systems to increase water production temperatures from 50 - 60°C, both using refrigerants such as R410a and R32 in the most favourable conditions possible! By deploying the additional electric boost heating to accommodate peak winter demands, or alternatively, a cascade heat pump arrangement, higher temperatures can be achieved by using one heat pump to preheat the water and another to increase the temperature output further. When considering the pros and cons of deploying a more
energy-effi cient and sustainable heating solution, these workarounds often added unnecessary complexity that wasn’t previously needed or taken into consideration when using traditional fossil fuel boilers. Combined with the impact of the additional plant space required, the introduction of new system controls, and increased costs on both installation and capital plant, they have often been perceived as a negative for the end user when considering the implications of swapping a boiler out for a heat pump alternative as a whole. With recent advancements in technology and low GWP
refrigerants such as Propane and CO2, HVAC can now off er a
very compelling solution to these challenges by demonstrating the ability to achieve the desired water temperatures directly
30 June 2025 •
www.acr-news.com
s an industry, HVAC is continually seeking to adopt the latest technologies to meet these demands, and in the world of critical cooling solutions, the spotlight is shifting
from the source at 75°C without the need for additional electric boost heating or cascade systems. This simplifi es the system design and the installation process, as well as reducing both cost and time for the end user, making the transition to a more sustainable, highly effi cient, and cost-eff ective solution. Traditionally used as a fuel for heating, cooking, and in some industrial processes, propane diff ers in chemical structure and properties from Polyfl uoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). As such, it is not associated with the environmental and health concerns that PFAS pose. As a natural refrigerant with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of just three and zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP), propane off ers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional refrigerants. It is not subject to the same regulatory scrutiny as PFAS-containing substances due to being a simple hydrocarbon and not containing the fl uorinated compounds that characterise PFAS, making it a safer and more sustainable choice for HVAC systems. Propane reversible heat pump systems are known for their high energy effi ciency. They can often achieve higher coeffi cient of performance (COP) and seasonal energy effi ciency ratio (SEER) values compared to systems using older refrigerants. This means they use less energy to provide the same level of cooling or heating, leading to lower operating costs and reduced energy consumption. Modern propane cooling and heating systems are versatile
across various applications, ranging from residential and commercial to industrial operations. They can effi ciently produce hot water up to 75°C, even in extremely cold outdoor conditions. With excellent thermodynamic properties, such as a high latent heat of vaporisation and a low boiling point, propane is suitable for a wide range of temperatures, noting that a temperature of 60°C is required for legionella purge of domestic hot water (DHW); propane can achieve these temperatures down to -10°C ambient.
Particularly well-suited for air conditioning and heat pump systems, propane systems provide hot water for everyday use with reliability, whilst ensuring effi ciency and safety, with the added bonus of minimising energy consumption.
System design Modern propane heat pump systems are designed to optimise the refrigerant’s properties. This includes advanced compressor
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