PROPANE HEAT PUMPS
Clade’s propane heat pumps offer a hydrocarbon-based heating solution that prioritises sustainability. These heat pumps operates with propane refrigerants that are free from F-Gases, making them an environmentally-friendly choice for commercial and industrial use. What’s more, propane heat pumps provide a future-proof solution for your heating needs.
Elm Heat Pump
The Elm high temperature (HT) heat pump is part of our R290 heat pumps range, engineered as a direct replacement for traditional boilers. Available in 50kW and 70kW models, it delivers up to 80°C flow temperature with 70°C return while achieving 100% heat decarbonisation without changes to your building.
BIRCH HEAT PUMP
The Birch serves as our flagship r290 propane heat pump, earning praise for its aesthetic appeal, and is also available in a low-noise version. It is offered in two models: the 85/50 and the 120/75, providing 85 and 120KW at +7°C ambient temperature, or 50 and 75KW at -5°C ambient.
ROWAN HEAT PUMP
Our new Rowan range of R290 propane heat pumps takes over from the Birch at 150KW and goes up to 375KW at -5C ambient. It complements our Aspen range being more compact and with a reversible header for easy installation.
WHY USE PROPANE AS A HEAT PUMP REFRIGERANT?
Propane is a gas, it’s flammable, it’s explosive, but it’s a great refrigerant which has a low climate impact because it is not being burnt for heat but used in a vapour compression cycle. Propane is one of the hydrocarbon natural refrigerants and in many ways propane as a refrigerant is similar to CO2. As part of the natural refrigerant classification it is low GWP (global warming potential), will not be subject to regulatory restrictions and is widely available at low cost.
As a pure refrigerant rather than a blend such as an HFO there are two advantages. Firstly, there is no glide which makes for an efficient heat pump. Secondly, the system can be topped up without affecting the refrigerant balance and therefore operation. So far so similar to CO2.
Propane heat pumps are ideal for medium temperature requirements. Our propane heat pump is called the ‘Aspen’ and is ideal for smaller applications – affordable, low carbon and superb heat service.
Unlike CO2, propane operates at different temperatures which gives options for system design. It has a maximum flow temperature of 65C but is usually operated at 60C with a 40C return temperature, making it a “mid-range” refrigerant. It’s true that propane is unable to reach the higher temperatures of CO2, but 60C is still useful and can be applied in many retro-fit, new build applications. Even instantaneous hot water is possible depending on the situation.
The efficiency as measured by COP is sensitive to flow temperature and not so sensitive to return temperature which is the opposite of transcritical CO2. Propane heat pumps are mainly used at 60C and below flow where realistic COPs are about 2.8. Higher COPs are possible at lower flow temperatures.
The flexibility on return temperatures, between 30 and 50C, makes propane suitable for poorly controlled, low DT systems. Despite this, nearly all systems will require some modification in heat emitter selection, controls valves and logic. This is true of any heat pump that is replacing a fossil gas boiler.
Unlike CO2, propane is flammable. This means it requires a different approach to design and operations with the appropriate measures being taken to control the risk. Whilst propane can appear to be hazardous when compared to other refrigerants it should actually be compared to other flammable gas installations such as tanks of LPG. Buildings routinely have LPG tanks, gas mains and bottled gas in use without undue concern. With some sensible safety measures the risk can be mitigated. For example, propane is denser than air, so if a leak occurs it will displace air and drop to the lowest point and so should not be sited near drains or vents. When used in a plant or machinery rooms there are predetermined levels which, if detected, will require the heat pump to shut down, ventilate and raise an alarm. These levels are well below the concentration required to cause a fire.
Propane is used in refrigeration and in large scale heating applications and has been well proven over years of use. It is widely cited as the refrigerant of choice for domestic applications because it works at micro scale too. With expert design which applies well understood controls the risks are minimal, certainly less than many other risks we have in our buildings.
If your application doesn’t need the high temperatures of CO2 and is not efficient enough to give low return temperatures then propane is the right choice.
PROPANE HEAT PUMP SERVICES
Our comprehensive propane heat pump solutions cover everything from energy efficient design and quality manufacturing to expert installation and ongoing maintenance. Clade is dedicated to providing ultra-low carbon, future-proof heating systems for businesses of any size, ensuring high-performing, sustainable solutions that positively impact your carbon footprint.
Propane Heat Pump Finance
Whether you were unable to apply for one of the following schemes, or you simply want to remove the upfront costs of a commercial heat pump, get in touch to discuss our finance option for businesses.
- Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS)
- Clean Heat Grant
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)
- Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund
PROPANE HEAT PUMPS FAQ
Propane is a natural refrigerant with a GWP of 3.
60C normally and up to 65C in some applications.
The heat pump will detect the leak, it will then shut down and ventilate the housing. An alarm will be raised with a visible beacon on the heat pump itself.
The highest COP a propane heat pump can achieve is about 4.5.
Propane is flammable and needs to be managed properly. You should carry out a site risk assessment which will define the specific measures required. Clade will provide the product and some general information required for this. This should be completed as part of the design process, we recommend a HAZID/HAZOP approach.
We build 50KW, 100KW, 150KW and 200KW models. These can be installed in a cascade arrangement for higher capacities.
The biggest issue is the flammability. Otherwise propane is low climate impact, cheap and available plus its high performance.
Yes, we offer full design and specification support at all project stages. We also provide service and maintenance services post installation.
Clade’s Engineering team will happily review your project and make recommendations for you.
CONTACT US
Speak with our team of experts and discuss your requirements. Complete this quick form and we will be in touch or contact us using:
Bristol & Bath Science Park
Dirac Crescent, Emersons Green
Bristol, BS16 7FR