https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-...4?xtor=ES-208-[68120_NEWS_NLB_GHI_WK53_TUES_2_JAN]-20240102-[bbcnews_hotterheatpumps_newsbusiness]
Hotter heat pumps? New refrigerant.
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An article on the BBC website that might interest some.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-...4?xtor=ES-208-[68120_NEWS_NLB_GHI_WK53_TUES_2_JAN]-20240102-[bbcnews_hotterheatpumps_newsbusiness] -
11 Replies
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@WizzyWigg
I had assumed that with large numbers of heat pumps installed elsewhere in the world that the technology was fairly mature and not susceptible of to great improvement. It seems I was entirely wrong on that. But every reason to hold off getting a heat pump now, as more efficient pumps are being developed.Current Eon Next customer, ex EDF, Zog and Symbio. Don't think dual fuel saves money and don't like smart meters. Chronologically Gifted. If I offend let me know by private message, but I’ll continue to express my opinions nonetheless. -
@meldrewreborn
You would think that wouldn't you! I suppose it's like most technology someone somewhere is always going to try and "change" the way things work.
You are right there's no reason to rush. Early days! -
@WizzyWigg
R290 refrigerant is propane. Yes, a hydrocarbon fossil fuel gas. The only difference between refrigerant propane and fuel propane is that they add methyl mercaptan to the fuel propane so you can smell when it is leaking.
So, if your heat pump springs a refrigerant leak...Don't shoot me, I'm only the piano player. I DON'T work for or on behalf of EON.Next, but am willing to try and help if I can. Not on mains gas, mobile network or mains drainage. House heated almost entirely by baby dragons. -
@retrotecchie
Progress???? 🤔😂 -
Of course not 🤣🤣🤣
Propane was banned as a refrigerant for leisure and marine use decades ago because of the risks.
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So you are allowed to let consumers undo the connector screw to change 25kg propane tanks for bar-b-que cooking and caravan heating but a sealed unit containing less than a kg of propane is a fire hazard?
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@WizzyWigg
I had a look at this site Refrigerants Compared for HVAC. Propane (R-290) is obviously listed along with others than are used/could be used for heat pumps. In spite of a degree in Chemistry I'd need to go back to Uni to make any kind of reasoned judgement as to what the refrigerant technology will be in say 5-10 years time or what should be used for heat pumps right now. Interesting to see CO2 listed (R-744) but note that the use of CO2 as a refrigerant would require higher pressures. Methane (Natural Gas) is similar to Propane in its propensity to blow up a home (as we have seen in the news recently) although Propane is considered to be a 'medium reactivity' fuel where Methane is a 'low reactivity' fuel according to NAFI . As to how dangerous Propane would be if utilised on a large scale as a refrigerant (v Methane as the burned source) I shall pass over on this one. Different refrigerants used in heat pumps for the future will almost certainly need to have a lower GWP (Global Warming Potential) if they are to be widely accepted by the masses and the green lobby. Perhaps the 'goldilocks of refrigerants' will emerge in this decade. Who knows? -
@Mailman
Wow, that's fantastic information. Thank you .👍🤓