Propane heat pumps in place of traditional heating systems
In light of the fact that propane (R290) heat pumps have already displayed significant performance efficiency as well as remarkable environmentally friendly features, Germany has recently launched a project designed to offer citizens customised solutions in order to substitute traditional heating systems (such as gas or oil) in blocks of flats with this new equipment.
This project, known as ‘LC 150 – Low Charge Heat Pump Solutions’ was created by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, in collaboration with companies in the building and heating sectors, in order to create a standard which can be easily implemented and at the same time permits the gradual replacement of the most obsolete systems.
Fraunhofer ISE’s ambitious project and the three fields of its application
This interesting proposal, which, as mentioned above, involves the replacement of old heating systems in housing blocks with propane heat pumps, has been subsidised by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Action on Climate with funding of over 7 billion euros.
Propane-based equipment was chosen mainly because it offered high levels of efficiency, especially in industrial systems. Considering the excellent results achieved in that area, the decision was made to create some simple procedures which would allow a more widespread use of this equipment in domestic settings.
To do this, three distinct solutions were developed, each able to adapt to the possible types of heating system normally installed inside for example, blocks of flats or terraced housing.
These solutions mainly include:
- independent heating systems;
- centralised internally installed heating systems;
- external heat pumps in high performance categories.
Early tests carried out in the laboratory using simulations of centralised systems, showed that by using less than 150 grams of propane, it is possible to generate a heating capacity of approximately 7-10 kilowatts, a result which is very encouraging on paper, but must still be confirmed in practice.
So far in fact, the programme to create stable and secure connections between equipment, hydraulic systems and sources, is still in an experimental phase so, if the aim is to find strategies which are as economical as they are reliable and efficient, this will require close collaboration between heat pump producers and building firms.
When it comes to systems installed on the outside of buildings and featuring higher capacities, it is also important to remember that they require additional steps, such as appropriate balancing of the refrigerant level, optimisation of defrosting procedures and the carrying out of standardised safety tests.
A shared platform for producers of propane heat pumps
The final notable aspect of the LC 150 project regards the creation of a shared platform, supported by a committee of consultants. Its main function will be to put the propane heat pump producers in contact with the domestic housing sector (also directly involved in the initiative), to enable them to work together effectively and build a strong relationship.
This interaction will help to establish the secure sharing of projects, solutions or discoveries, while guaranteeing intellectual property rights with patents, design protection models etc. and will ensure that time-to-market is reduced for new equipment. The development of standard installation processes will provide faster domestic installation times. The combination of these aspects should also result in increased uptake of propane heat pumps across Germany’s urban areas.
Translated by Joanne Beckwith
