MHI develops heat pump for R454C
5th March 2018
JAPAN: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has introduced a commercial heat pump using the little-known lower GWP refrigerant R454C.
Developed by MHI in association with Japanese energy provider Chubu Electric Power Co, the Q-ton Circulation is an air-source heat pump designed for use in factories.
Developed and marketed by Chemours as Opteon XL20, R454C is said to be a close match to R22 based technology, and can also be used as a replacement for R404A. With a GWP 148, it is classified as an A2L “mildly flammable” gas.
As well as being the first time this refrigerant has been used in Japan, MHI claims it is the industry’s first heat pump of its type capable of heating water to 75°C (167°F) amid an outside temperature as low as -20°C (-4°F).
The two-stage compression cycle and optimisation of pipe diameters is said to have achieved a COP of 3.3.
Related stories:
Chemours offers new low GWP blends – 11 October 2016
GERMANY: Chemours has announced the availability of its new range of low GWP HFO-based “mildly flammable” refrigerants. Read more…
R454C brings a chill to R404A cabinet – 12 October 2016
GERMANY: Although designed only for use in new equipment, Chemours new low GWP Opteon XL20 (R454C) does feature in a R404A chilled drinks cabinet on the company’s stand at Chillventa. Read more…
