High-temperature hydrocarbon heat pumps
15th September 2026
IRELAND: Johnson Controls has launched the Sabroe HitemHP line of industrial high-temperature heat pumps to meet market demand for output temperatures above 90°C.
The HitemHP employs the thermodynamic properties of hydrocarbon refrigerants to deliver high efficiency in applications such as indirect steam production or pasteurisation.
Available in 10 standard models, with capacities ranging from 100kW to 1,000kW, the HitemHP is available with isobutane to provide output temperatures up to 107°C or butane with outputs up to 122°C.
Of modular design, the units are factory-assembled and pre-tested packaged units based on Sabroe reciprocating compressors built for skip-free VSD regulation. It includes all safety measures, including refrigerant detectors, ATEX ventilation system, sirens and safety flashlights.
Compact single-stage configuration is said to weigh less and takes up less space than bespoke and/or two-stage heat pump design.
Under part-load operation, the system is said to achieve up to 20% higher COP than when operating at full capacity. It can work across a wide range of heat sources, with capacity that can scale from 100% down to 18%.
In one specific customer application, Johnson Controls claims that the system delivered up to three times the energy efficiency of electric boilers while reducing energy costs by more than 91%, annual water costs by up to 30%, and on-site CO2 emissions by up to 82% when paired with waste heat from a refrigeration plant.
