HFC and HFO refrigerants offer range of properties for new equipment
Lower GWP refrigerants offer a range of properties, including boiling point, critical temperature, safety classification and GWP, to meet the requirements of new equipment for different cooling and heating applications. New equipment uses HFC-32, HCFO-1233zd(E) and R-513A to meet safety and performance requirements.
HFC-32 (GWP 675, A2L, bp -52°C): One of the heat pumps in the US cold climate challenge has received the 2025 AHR Innovation Award in the Sustainable Solutions category for its advanced Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump. This heat pump uses HFC-32 refrigerant designed specifically for cold regions and operates effectively at temperatures as low as -35°C, with 70% heating capacity. Additionally, the innovative heat pump incorporates a refrigerant cycle that prevents frost accumulation on the outdoor heat exchanger, thereby enhancing heating performance. Manufacturer’s information is reported in PR Newswire [1] and the AHR Innovation Awards website [2].
HCFO-1233zd(E) (GWP 3.88, A1, bp 18.3°C): A prototype industrial heat pump, using HCFO-1233zd(E) refrigerant, which can deliver high temperature process steam at up to 130°C, is being used in a pilot programme in the brewing industry. The heat pump recycles waste vapour from the brewing process, which is normally vented into the air, to raise the temperature of the steam up to 130°C. The heat pump uses an innovative oil free centrifugal compressor, that operates at low speeds and is claimed to be simple and low-cost to manufacture. Manufacturer’s information is reported in PV Magazine [3].
Explanatory note: Refrigerants with high critical temperatures (above this temperature they cannot be liquified) are suitable for use in high temperature heat pumps. The COP (Coefficient of Performance) reaches its maximum point at condensing temperatures approximately 20°C below the critical temperature. HCFO-1233zd(E) has a critical temperature of 165.5°C
R-513A (GWP 630, A1, bp -29.2°C): A polyvalent (4-pipe) heat pump uses R-513A and is suitable for indoor installation, meeting the simultaneous needs of hot and chilled water. One version offers high efficiency in all operating modes with a capacity range from 440 up to 945 kW. The inverter dual-rotor screw compressors are able to perfectly match the cooling load of the plant under any conditions. Hot water production up to +55°C even during the summer season and cold water production up to +4°C, are able to satisfy the requirements of multiple operating conditions. Manufacturer’s information is reported in Cooling Post [4].
References:
[1] LG WINS 2025 AHR INNOVATION AWARD FOR RESIDENTIAL COLD CLIMATE HEAT PUMP
[2] HVAC Innovation Awards — AHR Expo
[3] UK startup unveils industrial heat pump for hot water, steam generation – pv magazine International