LOW CARBON HEATING & HVAC
BON HVAC REALLY LOOKS LIKE IN PRACTICE
reporting frameworks, providing measurable data on scope 1 and scope 2 emissions reductions that can be integrated into sustainability reports and stakeholder communications. This creates a compelling narrative that connects operational improvements with corporate responsibility commitments.
AFTERCARE: THE ONGOING COMMITMENT The transition to low-carbon HVAC doesn’t end with commissioning, but this reflects good practice rather than additional burden. Like any well- designed system, A2L installations incorporate appropriate safety features from the outset. For larger ducted systems with more than 3.91 pounds of R-454B refrigerant charge, safety standard UL60335-2-40 requires refrigerant detection sensors, which are a sensible precaution that any competent designer and installer will integrate seamlessly into the system specification. Planned preventive maintenance remains as
important as ever, regardless of refrigerant type. Regular inspections ensure continued compliance, optimise system performance, and extend equipment life - benefits that apply to any commercial refrigeration system. The most successful installations include comprehensive aftercare packages that provide ongoing support, emergency response, and proactive maintenance scheduling, creating long-term partnerships
that protect both investment and performance.
LOOKING FORWARD As regulatory pressures intensify and high-GWP refrigerants become increasingly expensive, businesses that transition early are positioning themselves for competitive advantage. They’re avoiding the supply shortages and price volatility affecting high-GWP refrigerants while benefiting from improved energy efficiency and
enhanced sustainability credentials. The transition also opens opportunities for
operational improvements that extend beyond refrigeration. Many businesses discover that the system assessment process reveals opportunities for energy optimisation, improved monitoring, and enhanced facility management that deliver benefits across their operations. For businesses still planning their transition, the
message from early adopters is clear: success requires expertise, planning, and commitment to safety - but the results justify the investment. The journey to net-zero HVAC is complex, but with the right guidance and strategic approach, it becomes more than achievable, to advantageous. The future of commercial refrigeration and
HVAC lies in low-carbon solutions. Those who navigate the transition thoughtfully today will find themselves better positioned for the regulations, costs, and opportunities of tomorrow. With the right expertise and strategic approach, the transition to net-zero HVAC becomes not just achievable, but a competitive advantage that delivers both environmental and economic returns.
The transition to
low-carbon HVAC systems directly
supports ESG objectives
SK Heating & Cooling
https://skheatingandcooling.co.uk
* Sourced from Building Safety Journal - Code changes on A2L refrigerants
TECHNOLOGY IN ACTION - ADVERTORIAL Solid Energy expands UK offering with ultra-high temperature heat pump options
Leading Danish manufacturer Solid Energy has upgraded its hydrocarbon range of ultra- high temperature modular heat pumps for the UK market, with the new line-up capable of reaching flow temperatures of 170°C.
At a launch event hosted by the Danish Embassy in London, the large heat pump specialist highlighted the benefits of a solution aimed at customers looking to decarbonise process heat operations.
Industrial process heat
applications in factories, food processing and distilleries are expected to be the main focus for the very high temperature options, while the system can also provide cooling if required.
Operating on a choice of four hydrocarbon refrigerants, depending on application, the high temperature (HT) units use the same compressor technology and other components found in Solid Energy heat pumps already delivering low temperature district heating projects.
The refrigerant options are:• Propane: for refrigeration and heat pump operation for heating purposes. Suitable for cooling between -30°C and 25°C, and heat output from 30°C to 65°C. • Isobutane: for heat recovery and heat pump operation for district heating and industrial process heating. Suitable for cooling between -10°C to 40°C, and with heat rejection in the range 50°C to 95°C.
www.essmag.co.uk
• Butane: for heat recovery and heat pump operation for industrial process heating and hot water. Suitable for cooling between 0°C to 50°C, and with heat output from 70°C to 120°C. • Isopentane: for heat recovery and heat pump operation for industrial process steam and hot water. Suitable for cooling between 35°C to 90°C, and with heat output from 90°C to 170°C.
ººThe system modules range in size from 200kW to 1.2MW, and multiple modules can be linked to give larger capacities controlled as one system. The semi-hermetic screw compressors boast a design life of 100,000 hours, requiring minimal maintenance and no oil changes, and are housed in noise-reducing cabinets for ultra-quiet operation. Designed and built in Denmark, the heat pumps are delivered fully factory tested with minimal installation required, while integrated refrigerant leak detection and ATEX compliant ventilation ensures compliance with UK and European safety directives. Ken Kneale, Business Unit Director UK & Ireland, said: “Every Solid Energy heat pump
is designed to the specific needs of individual projects. Using our advanced performance calculator, we can select the appropriate compressor size. Depending on the operating temperature we then select the hydrocarbon refrigerants to be used. “Our design flexibility allows us to implement multiple compressors using the same refrigerant or to select a combination of different refrigerants. This ensures that we can achieve the desired flow temperature while maximising the coefficient of performance (COP).’’
Also introduced at the embassy event was a totally new configuration of the technology, the XL4, aimed at projects requiring high output from limited floor space. Each XL4 module has four compressors, and Solid Energy is currently working to deliver a 70MW project in Denmark.
Kneale added: “The XL4 offers the same high efficiencies as our one cabinet, one compressor modular units with the benefits of needing less space and greatly reduced installation costs.”
u
https://www.solidenergy.dk/en/heat ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS - Autumn 2025 19
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