Choosing which heat pump to use for industrial and commercial applications has just gotten more manageable with the launch of a refrigerant guide for heat pumps developed by the Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity (A2EP) for the RACE for 2030 Cooperative Research Centre.
The number of heat pump installations to replace boilers is growing rapidly as businesses move from gas to decarbonise and secure lower energy costs.
Heat pumps are a highly energy-efficient option for various applications, including commercial buildings, aquatic centres, food and beverage processing and manufacturing. However, depending on the refrigerant they use, some heat pumps are limited in the systems and climatic conditions they can operate in, making the heat pump selection process complex.
As part of the RACE for 2030 Decarbonising Heat with Heat Pumps project, A2EP has developed a guide for installers that explains the limitations of certain refrigerants due to issues such as flammability and global warming potential (GWP) and a refrigeration choice decision tree to simplify the selection process.
“A recent report by IEEFA Australia has highlighted the potential for heat pumps in Australia, stating that heat pumps can electrify industrial processes and replace up to 17 per cent of Australia’s gas use,” Jarrod Leak, Chief Executive Officer of A2EP, said.
“We see this guide as essential for making the safest and most appropriate choices as the numbers of heat pump installations and installers rise significantly over the next few years.”
