Aermec has introduced two new heat pumps designed to use natural refrigerants, expanding its portfolio of energy-efficient HVAC solutions.

The additions include the PRM air-cooled reversible modular heat pump and the PRG reversible air/water heat pump, both of which operate with the natural refrigerant R290, a propane-based fluid with an ultra-low Global Warming Potential (GWP).

The PRM, aimed at commercial buildings and industrial use, offers a cooling capacity of 95.6kW and a heating capacity of 101.7kW, with hot water production up to 75ºC. Its modular configuration allows up to nine units to be linked together, helping to minimise overall dimensions while providing flexibility for system design and potential future expansion. The modular setup also offers redundancy and helps to limit downtime.

The PRG unit, also developed for commercial and industrial applications, delivers cooling from 49.9kW to 146.9kW and heating from 51.7kW up to 144.3kW. The system is designed to operate across a wide range of external temperatures, from -20ºC in winter to 48ºC in summer, while still providing hot water at up to 75ºC.

“The market for propane products is continually growing,” said David Evans, Aermec’s national sales manager.

“This is being driven by demand for more eco-friendly refrigerants with ultra low GWP’s but also as a result of changing global legislation. Propane offers us and designers a challenge with how we apply it to buildings. It is now part of our role to educate the market.”

According to Aermec, propane-based units present benefits including the ability to deliver higher output temperatures, lower refrigerant charge requirements, no glide temperature difference, and wider delta temperature ranges. Depending on the specific application, the units can also be retrofitted into existing systems.