Developments in warmth pump know-how are making methods greener and extra vitality environment friendly than ever, says Stuart McWhinnie, Assistant Product Supervisor at Grant UK.
Improvements in warmth pump know-how and refrigerants are bettering the environmental advantages of methods. For installers able to adapt, embracing these developments is an opportunity to capitalise on a rising market whereas positioning themselves as specialists in eco-friendly, sustainable heating options.
One of the crucial notable latest developments within the warmth pump market is the introduction of R290 refrigerant in air supply warmth pumps. This new refrigerant is remodeling the way in which we take into consideration environmentally pleasant heating and guarantees to make warmth pumps much more sustainable.
As with all innovation, nevertheless, R290 raises necessary questions for installers. ‘R290’, additionally recognized commercially as propane, is a by-product of the pure fuel course of that additionally acts as a wonderful warmth switch medium when used within the vapour compression cycle of a warmth pump. R290 has been efficiently used for a number of years in air-con and refrigeration methods. Its adoption within the UK warmth pump market is gaining momentum on account of its extraordinarily low World Warming Potential (GWP) of simply 3.
Installers would possibly marvel the way it differs from different refrigerants by way of set up and security. One key distinction is that R290 requires further security precautions throughout set up and servicing. Nevertheless, R290 operates in the same method to different refrigerants inside warmth pumps. Like R32 and R410a refrigerants, it cycles between liquid and gaseous phases to switch latent warmth from the surface air into helpful warmth vitality for the property’s heating circuit. However because of its superior thermodynamic properties, R290 can seize and launch warmth extra successfully, making the methods that use it extra vitality environment friendly. This elevated effectivity can translate into potential vitality advantages for owners and a extra sustainable heating possibility general, in comparison with items utilizing extra generally accessible refrigerants.
As R290 rises in recognition, one other concern is whether or not it will likely be available for installers within the UK. At present, R290 is extensively utilized in air-con and refrigeration, so it already has a longtime provide chain. Its use in warmth pumps is rising and availability is predicted to extend as demand rises. Suppliers are increasing their inventory to fulfill this rising demand, so installers shouldn’t face important points in sourcing R290 for installations.
Fifth technology
Grant UK launched its newest product line, the Aerona 290 warmth pump vary, in October 2024. This vary marks the fifth technology of our air supply warmth pumps and takes full benefit of the vitality effectivity and low environmental affect of R290 refrigerant with out sacrificing efficiency. These items have earned A+++ vitality effectivity scores (at 35°C circulate temperature) and have been examined to carry out in excessive temperatures starting from -25°C to 35°C, making them appropriate for properties in a wide range of climates.
The Aerona 290 items have ultra-low noise ranges, reaching Quiet Mark accreditation because of sound-reducing applied sciences, together with acoustic insulation and anti-vibration ft, making them a sensible selection for each city and rural properties, the place noise discount is a precedence. Analysis has highlighted considerations in regards to the look of warmth pumps, and Grant UK has responded. The Aerona 290 has a modern black design for a contemporary aesthetic. Designed to go well with a spread of property varieties, from new builds to retrofit initiatives, they supply a flexible answer for varied installations.
Coaching
To make sure installers are absolutely ready to work with R290 refrigerant and the brand new Aerona 290 items, Grant UK is providing complete coaching at its Coaching Academy. The course is designed to equip installers with the talents and information wanted to soundly and successfully set up, fee and repair R290-based warmth pumps.
The Aerona 290 Air Supply Warmth Pump installer course covers all the pieces from system set up and electrical wiring to configuring the Aerona Good warmth pump controller and fault discovering. Particular consideration is given to secure dealing with practices, protecting zones and precautions when coping with R290 refrigerant.
System design
For installers new to warmth pump methods or seeking to refine their experience, Grant can be providing a one-day system design course. This course focuses on the fundamentals of warmth pump system design, together with warmth loss calculations, warmth pump choice, emitter sizing and sound degree calculations. This course is particularly worthwhile for these trying to make sure that every system is accurately sized for optimum efficiency and buyer satisfaction.
Alongside the brand new Aerona 290 warmth pumps, Grant UK is launching a spread of ancillary merchandise that can give installers larger flexibility when designing methods. These embrace new QR Good Pre-Plumbed cylinders and extra sensible warmth pump controller kits, that are appropriate with each the Aerona 290 and Aerona³ warmth pump ranges. These merchandise have been designed to supply installers extra flexibility and ease when working with varied system configurations, guaranteeing that the warmth pump system is optimised for every set up.