Tag: Heating Solutions

Emicon Introduces Innovative Propane Chiller and Heat Pump Technology

Emicon Unveils Cutting-Edge Modular Propane Chillers and Heat Pumps Italy-based Enex Technologies’ company, Emicon, has introduced a series of groundbreaking modular two-pipe and four-pipe air-to-water propane chillers and heat pumps designed to cater to various applications. Innovative Technology for Versatile Applications The Everest290 units have scroll compressors and EC axial fans, offering exceptional versatility. They… Continue reading Emicon Introduces Innovative Propane Chiller and Heat Pump Technology

Emicon Unveils Cutting-Edge Modular Propane Chillers and Heat Pumps

Italy-based Enex Technologies’ company, Emicon, has introduced a series of groundbreaking modular two-pipe and four-pipe air-to-water propane chillers and heat pumps designed to cater to various applications.

Innovative Technology for Versatile Applications

The Everest290 units have scroll compressors and EC axial fans, offering exceptional versatility. They are engineered to operate efficiently even in frigid outdoor conditions with the capability to function effectively at temperatures as low as -20°C. Moreover, these units can reliably produce hot water with temperatures up to 70°C.

Versatile Cooling and Heating Solutions

Emicon’s product range includes the two-pipe PAE Kp series, featuring cooling capacities starting from 66kW and heating totals from 88kW. Its counterpart, the PAE WA Kp, offers cooling capacities from 105kW and heating accommodations from 88kW.

The flagship model, the GPE Kp, is a four-pipe unit known for its impressive cooling capacities starting from 72kW and heating totals from 101kW. What sets this unit apart is its ability to combine up to 10 modules within a single system, offering exceptional scalability.

Optimized Compressors and Innovative Design

Emicon’s propane chillers and heat pumps feature scroll compressors optimized for high compression ratios. These compressors work in tandem configuration alongside electronic control of the airflow rate on the source side, ensuring energy-efficient operation.

The stainless steel heat exchanger adopts a single-circuit plate-type design, while the evaporator has a safety flow switch on the water flow side. This crucial safety feature prevents the unit from operating without an adequate water flow rate in the heat exchanger.

The coils within the system are constructed using micro-finned copper pipes arranged in staggered rows to maximize efficiency. Furthermore, mini-channel technology minimizes the required refrigerant charge, contributing to overall eco-friendliness.

Emicon’s innovative propane chiller and heat pump technology are promising solutions for various heating and cooling applications, emphasizing both efficiency and sustainability.

German Engineers Develop new Brine Propane Enhanced Heat Pump

Engineers in Germany have made significant strides in developing a functional brine heat pump that operates with remarkable efficiency. This breakthrough technology utilizes a fully hermetic compressor and requires only 146g of propane while delivering an impressive heating capacity of 11.4kW. The reduced refrigerant charge allows installation inside buildings without requiring extensive safety precautions. Compared… Continue reading German Engineers Develop new Brine Propane Enhanced Heat Pump

Engineers in Germany have made significant strides in developing a functional brine heat pump that operates with remarkable efficiency. This breakthrough technology utilizes a fully hermetic compressor and requires only 146g of propane while delivering an impressive heating capacity of 11.4kW. The reduced refrigerant charge allows installation inside buildings without requiring extensive safety precautions. Compared to existing systems, this innovative solution uses approximately one-fifth of the propane per kilowatt heat output.

This groundbreaking achievement resulted from a collaborative effort between the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE and an industrial consortium within the LC150 (Low Charge 150g) project, which recently concluded. The project received funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.

Throughout the LC150 project, the team meticulously set up, measured, evaluated, and optimized over 20 different heat exchangers and compressor combinations. In October of the previous year, the team announced a significant milestone, developing a heat pump refrigerant circuit that achieved a maximum heating capacity of 12.8 kW and a COP (Coefficient of Performance) of 4.7 using only 124 g of propane. However, this earlier version employed an automotive compressor, which was not explicitly designed for a heat pump’s extended operating hours and lifespan. The latest development now utilizes a fully hermetic compressor, enhancing its reliability and longevity.

Dr. Lena Schnabel, head of the heating and cooling department at Fraunhofer ISE, explained the project’s objective: to develop a nearly market-ready heat pump module that utilizes the environmentally friendly refrigerant propane, stays within the 150 g limit for indoor use, and still provides sufficient heat for single-family homes. The collaborative efforts with industry partners have successfully achieved this goal, equipping them with the necessary tools to create a market-ready heat pump.

The research team employed commercially available components for the prototype, with a critical part being the asymmetrical plate heat exchangers which require less refrigerant. They significantly reduced the refrigerant requirements by minimizing the amount of oil in the compressor and employing other innovative techniques. Furthermore, the design prioritized minimal components and shorter pipes to reduce overall refrigerant usage.

The researchers launched the LCR290 project in December 2022, building on their success. This new project aims to develop efficient heat pump solutions for multi-family houses, replacing gas and oil heating systems with easily implementable and widely applicable alternatives. The project partners will focus on developing heat pump solutions for floor heating systems, central heating systems installed indoors, and higher-performance heat pumps for outdoor installations.

The LCR290 project has a budget of €7 million and is also funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. It is scheduled to run until June 30, 2025. It will draw on the insights from the LC150 project to develop suitable storage and source concepts, hydraulic and source system connections, and practical control approaches for floor heating systems.