At the world’s largest annual event for sustainability and innovation in the built environment, this year two commercial and one domestic heat pump model operating with the natural refrigerant CO2 attracted highest attention. R744 units are now expected to conquer market shares in the UK and Europe quickly.
Despite difficult economic times, this year’s leading event for sustainable building attracted more visitors than ever, showing that the use of innovative technologies has moved up to the top of the industry’s agenda and that discovering both new product solutions and partnerships are considered one of the best ways out of the current downturn.
One of these future-proof solutions, heat pumps, had already met growing interest from the industry and end-users over the last few years. This edition, however, for the first time also presented models for both domestic and commercial use operating with CO
2 (R744) as a refrigerant. Although the 2009 event had only three R744 models on display, manufacturers of heat pumps using conventional refrigerants confirmed their interest in CO
2 Technology when talking to R744.com, suggesting that by next year, between five and ten R744 models could be presented at Ecobuild.
CO2 heat pumps on display
Domestic - SANYO: The leading Japanese manufacturer presented its environmentally friendly alternative to traditional boiler heating systems in residential and small commercial premises. The air-to-water “CO2 Eco Heating System”, promoted as one of the most promising solution for low-cost home heating, produces water up to 65°C, operates at ambient temperatures as low as -25°C and delivers a COP of 3.75. The system is based on SANYO’s pioneering CO2 compressor claimed to be the world’s first two-stage rotary compressor for R744.
The ECO technology is the flagship product of a new heating sector business newly launched within SANYO Air Conditioners UK. The entity will be in charge of driving a market that the company believes will harness a “massive market potential”, according to the latest press release. SANYO confirmed that the launch of the system has already created intense interest from installers, consultants and clients, with around 30 systems having been already sold on the UK market. Meanwhile, the company has developed new training courses for installers to become a certified SANYO “Approved Installer” for the new technology (see earlier article). The next courses will be held on 11 March in Birmingham, on 12 March in Whyteleafe, South London, and on 26 March in Bristol.
Commercial - ICS: The UK manufacturer, in partnership with Europe’s largest supplier of refrigeration based temperature control equipment, DeLonghi, will offer a “HPT Eco Cube” model to be available on the UK market this year. The heat pump is able to supply water at 90°C.
Commercial - Stroma: The R744 heat pump on display at Ecobuild, the “ICO
2N”, will be provided by Stroma LZC to the UK market as a replacement for traditional radiator systems. The model reaches water temperatures of 90°C and a COP of up to 5.8 at low maintenance and installation costs. There will be two versions available: an air source heat pump and a ground source unit. They are suited for communal heating, as well as non-residential buildings, including hospitals, offices, or sports centres.
About Ecobuild
The annual event, one of the world’s largest for sustainability and innovation in design, construction and the built environment, is held together with “Futurebuild”.
Now in its fifth year, and with 800 exhibitors, Ecobuild presents the biggest showcase of sustainable construction products as well as features 100 free conference and seminar sessions.
