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- The Propane Revolution Goes Commercial: Aermec Launches R290 Heat Pumps for Industrial Use
The Propane Revolution Goes Commercial: Aermec Launches R290 Heat Pumps for Industrial Use
The global push to phase down high-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants is accelerating, moving beyond residential applications into the heart of commercial and industrial (C&I) HVAC. UK-based Aermec, part of the Italian Giordano Riello Group, has made a significant entry into this market with the launch of two new heat pump series that exclusively use propane (R290), a natural refrigerant with an ultra-low GWP of 3.
Alan Zhu
September 13, 2025
This move is a strong signal that natural refrigerants are technologically viable and commercially available for large-scale heating and cooling needs, offering a future-proof solution ahead of impending regulatory bans on synthetic gases.
Aermec's R290 Heat Pumps: Technical Breakdown
Aermec is launching two distinct product lines, both designed for the demanding requirements of C&I buildings:
1. PRM Series: Modular Reversible Heat Pump
Design: Air-cooled and modular. Its key feature is the ability to connect up to nine units, offering unparalleled scalability and redundancy for large buildings.
Capacity: Cooling: 95.6 kW; Heating: 101.7 kW.
Efficiency: COP (Heating): 3.19; EER (Cooling): 2.59. These are solid figures for a large-capacity unit.
Key Feature: Modularity allows for right-sizing, easy maintenance, and future expansion without a complete system overhaul.
2. PRG Series: Air-to-Water Heat Pump
Design: A more traditional single-unit design but with a wide capacity range.
Capacity: Cooling: 49.9 kW to 146.9 kW; Heating: 51.7 kW to 144.3 kW.
Efficiency: COP: 3.09; EER: 2.76.
Key Feature: Exceptional operating range (-20°C to 48°C ambient temperature), making it suitable for most European climates, providing efficient heating even in harsh winters.
Shared Advantages of Both Series:
Refrigerant: R290 (Propane), with a GWP = 3 (vs. R410A GWP=2088 or R32 GWP=675).
High Output Temperature: Can provide hot water up to 75°C, which is crucial for replacing traditional gas boilers in existing C&I buildings with high-temperature radiator systems.
Sound Levels: Ranging from 82.0 dB(A) to 87.8 dB(A). This is typical for large industrial HVAC equipment but requires careful acoustic planning for noise-sensitive sites.
Comparative Analysis: R290 vs. Standard C&I Refrigerants
The choice of R290 is the most significant aspect of this launch. Here’s how it compares to the common alternatives in the C&I sector.
Feature | Aermec R290 (Propane) | Standard R410A | Mid-GWP R32 | CO2 (R744) Transcritical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Global Warming Potential (GWP) | 3 (Ultra-Low) | 2,088 (Very High) | 675 (Medium) | 1 (Ultra-Low) |
Regulatory Future | Future-Proof. No phase-down concerns. | Being Phased Out globally under Kigali Amendment. | Medium-term solution, faces future restrictions. | Future-Proof. |
Efficiency | High (Excellent thermodynamic properties) | High | High | Good, but can drop in high ambient temps |
Safety Classification | A3 (Highly Flammable) | A1 (Non-Flammable) | A2L (Mildly Flammable) | A1 (Non-Flammable) |
Key Challenge | Requires strict safety protocols for installation and maintenance due to flammability. | High GWP is being legislated out. | Still contributes to global warming; mild flammability. | System complexity, high pressure, efficiency in warm climates. |
Best For | New installations where safety can be engineered from the start. | Being phased out of new equipment. | A transitional "drop-in" replacement for some systems. | Very cold climates, hot water applications. |
The Energy Expert's Verdict
Aermec's launch is a bold and necessary step for the industry. It demonstrates that manufacturers are ready with solutions that comply with the EU's F-Gas Regulation and other global phase-down initiatives.
Why This Matters:
Regulatory Compliance: Businesses investing in new HVAC systems must consider their long-term viability. R290 systems are immune to refrigerant bans and supply shortages affecting high-GWP gases.
Sustainability Credentials: For companies with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals, using a system with a near-zero climate impact refrigerant is a powerful statement.
Performance: R290 is an excellent refrigerant with high efficiency, which translates to lower operating costs.
Critical Considerations & Challenges:
Flammability (A3): This is the primary hurdle. Installing propane-based systems requires strict adherence to safety standards regarding charge size, ventilation, ignition source control, and technician training. This makes them better suited for outdoor installation or well-ventilated plant rooms, not inside occupied spaces.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): While operational costs may be lower, the initial investment and specialized installation requirements might be higher than for traditional systems.
Final Thought: Aermec is not just selling a heat pump; it's selling a future-proof, regulatory-compliant, and highly sustainable energy solution for the C&I sector. While the flammability of propane requires a meticulous approach to engineering and safety, its environmental benefits are undeniable. This launch proves that the technology for deep decarbonization of industrial heating and cooling is already here. The market's adoption will now depend on evolving safety codes and the willingness of engineers and building owners to embrace this next-generation technology.
Disclaimer: Due to the flammable nature of R290, these systems must be specified, installed, and maintained by HVAC engineers and technicians specifically trained and certified to handle flammable refrigerants in accordance with all local and international safety standards (e.g., EN 378, ASHRAE 15).
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