R-290 looks like the winning refrigerant for the upcoming packaged Heat Pumps: Can the winner take all? [9]

The combination of the new F-Gas regulation and the possible implementation of REACH restriction proposal will change the refrigerant landscape.
R-290 is going to be adopted as the main standard refrigerant for monobloc Heat Pumps application in residential and but also in commercial comfort applications. The commercial comfort application is the main focus of this presentation.

Current available compressor technologies (Scroll, Reciprocating and Screw) to build R-290 monobloc Heat Pumps (Small, Medium and Large) are investigated, highlighting the pros and cons in terms of efficiency, optimization and working envelopes.

Safety management is fundamental dealing with a high flammable refrigerant, introduction of R-290 leads to installation constraints that depends on installation classes, unit charge and capacity. Differences in approaching aircooled versus watercooled R-290 Heat Pumps are highlighted, both for outdoor as well indoor installations.

Solutions are available to safely approach the largest part of the Heat Pumps applications, but still some market niches will need a totally alternative approach. For these applications, technological and regulation constrains can be overcome only by using alternative solutions at plant design level or with different refrigerants.

And even when solutions are available and feasible, new regulations and installation rules apply, so industry stakeholders at all levels need to be actively supported (in particular in front of bigger installations with more relevant refrigerant charges) by the Heat Pumps manufacturers who can facilitate the transition to natural refrigerants.