The facts about R32 refrigerant – 5 things installers need to know。
1 – Why is there refrigerant in heat pumps?
A heat pump employs the same vapor-compression refrigeration process as an air conditioner or a refrigerator, but in the opposite direction – with a circulating refrigerant used as a medium to absorb heat from a cold space and release it to a warmer one.
Refrigerant is a chemical compound that requires only a small amount of energy to change from a liquid to a gas, and back again – which allows it to move heat from one set of coils in a heat pump to another.
The outside air first blows across the first heat exchanger, known as an evaporator, which causes the refrigerant temperature to rise and evaporate from a liquid into a gas – this gas then passes through a compressor, where additional pressure increases the temperature further.
After this, the refrigerant passes through another heat exchanger that transfers the heat into the system water, which circulates around the pipes and radiators. The refrigerant then cools back into a liquid, and goes through an expansion valve, where it is returned to the evaporator to begin the cycle again.
Refrigerant does not dissipate during normal operation of the heat pump, and constantly remains at the same level as it changes between liquid and gas states.
2 – Why the focus on the refrigerant that is used?
In 2015 the European Parliament introduced new Fluorinated gas (F-Gas) regulations to establish tighter control of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The regulations introduced a system of quotas that will reduce in stages until 2030 and are designed to reduce the usage of gases with the highest Global Warming Potential (GWP). This includes many of most commonly used refrigerants in air conditioning and air to water heat pumps, such as R410A.
3 – What are the alternatives?
R32 has a GWP of 675 – a third of that of R410A – and is forecast to become the industry’s refrigerant of choice.
R32 not only has a lower Global Warming Potential, but also achieves higher energy efficiency allowing a lower total refrigerant charge compared to the alternatives.
4 – How will it affect me?
Minimally. Installers who’ve previously worked on installing R410a systems will be pleased to know that R32-based systems have a very similar installation process, and there are a wide range of tools and safety measures that are applicable to both installations.
For example, the charge hose and gauge manifold are interchangeable when a gauge indicates R32 on the dial.
5 – What can I recommend to my customers?
OSB are aiming to a full development of R32 heat pump.
The unit has also been created with installers in mind, delivered ready to work with all key hydraulic element’s factory mounted for ease of installation. Further reducing installation time, the outdoor unit is tested and charged with the R32 refrigerant already.
Requiring almost no side clearance and with the PCB board and hydraulic components located at the front for easy access, it is an attractive option for properties where space is limited.