How does a Clade R290 heat pump really perform?

Heat pump performance is a question we get asked about a lot here at Clade, and with good reason – businesses need a heating system that’s reliable, efficient, and costs as little as possible to run.

That’s why we wanted to share some real-world data from one of our heat pumps.

Our Birch R290 heat pump is highly efficient, integrates seamlessly with existing systems and uses the natural refrigerant propane (R290).

Available in both low and standard noise versions, these units are designed to be placed against a wall, saving space while boosting sustainability and performance.

This Birch propane (R290) heat pump is one of a pair installed at a school in the north of England. Clade did not design the system or install the heat pumps, but we did commission them.

Read on to see some real-world data of it in action.

Clade Birch R290 heat pump COP vs. ambient temperature

Here’s a graph showing COP vs. ambient temperature and the COP under ideal circumstances.

The average gap between ideal and real COP is 7% which is within the uncertainty of measurement. In other words, the heat pump is performing exactly as expected even though the reality is that conditions are rarely ideal.

The data is plotted raw and with a moving average. Hopefully, this shows both the real situation and allows a decent comparison.

We record data at frequent intervals but the processes inside the heat pump operate continuously, reacting to the demand signals, ambient temperature etc.

There are also the effects of things like compressor start (high electrical draw, low heat output) that throw out the data over a short period so smoothing it out helps show the overall picture.

Clade Birch R290 heat pump flow and return temperatures

Here’s a plot of the flow and return temperatures.

The heating system is designed on a 60/50C flow and return. The heat pump controls flow to maintain the 10C TD under any condition so if the return temp falls due to excess demand the flow temp will track this too.

This keeps the refrigeration circuit working at its optimal conditions, a key to safe and efficient operation.

It is noticeable that the dips in return temperature occur early in the morning, likely during the period when the school is being brought up to temperature and therefore overcoming the night time cool down.

Conversely, when the return temperature rises, the building must be at temperature. So, the heat pump backs off flow (and therefore heat power) to maintain the TD.

Learn more about Clade heat pump performance

As you can see, this Birch R290 heat pump is performing exactly as it should be – even in less-than-ideal conditions.

We hope this gives you confidence that a Clade heat pump will provide you with a reliable and consistent heating system throughout the year.

To learn more about Clade heat pump projects in action, have a browse of our case studies.

Or, simply get in touch to learn more about what a Clade heat pump could do for your business.