Japanese manufacturer Daikin has announced that its modular propane (R290) heat pump for commercial and industrial applications will deliver heating and cooling capacities of 100kW (28.4TR) to 2MW (568.7TR), depending on system configuration.
The EWYK-QZ heat pump – a reversible air-to-water unit – can provide process cooling, comfort cooling, space heating and hot water. In heating mode, it can deliver temperatures up to 75°C (167°F), offering an alternative to boiler systems. In cooling mode, it can achieve evaporator outlet temperatures of −15 to 27°C (5 to 80.6°F).
According to Daikin, the unit has been designed to meet a wide range of end-user requirements.
The unit can operate in ambient conditions of −20 to 46°C (−4 to 114.8°F), Daikin noted.
The new heat pump, which will be commercially available toward the end of 2025, will be showcased at the ISH trade show in Frankfurt March 17–21. Daikin first announced the development of the product earlier this year.
An increasing number of manufacturers, including Carrier, Viessmann, Clade and Clivet, are introducing commercial propane heat pumps in response to the rising demand for sustainable solutions.
Plug-and-play design
The modular plug-and-play design of the EWYK-QZ heat pump allows for flexible configuration, enabling end users to easily expand their heating or cooling system if additional capacity is required, Daikin explained.
The heat pump is available in two capacities – 100kW or 125kW (35.5TR). Four modules can be combined to create an array of up to 500kW (142.2TR), with four arrays – comprising a total of 16 modules – being combined for capacities of up to 2MW.
With the use of Daikin’s Intelligent Chiller Manager (iCM) control system, multiple units can be managed as a single system.
The modularity of the units also facilitates simplified transportation, installation and maintenance, with technicians being able to monitor, access and service each module independently, the manufacturer said.
Safety and efficiency
Daikin has designed the heat pump with safety in mind, limiting each module’s refrigerant charge and incorporating several features to ensure secure and reliable operation. The amount of refrigerant has not yet been determined, Daikin told NaturalRefrigerants.com.
Each heat pump module features two refrigerant leak detectors – one in the refrigerant circuit and one in the switch box – extraction fans in the switch box and unit to disperse any leaked propane and a siren in case of a leak. All of the unit’s safety features are externally powered to maintain proper operation in every condition, the manufacturer noted.
For optimal performance and lower operating costs, Daikin has stated that the EWYK-QZ features scroll compressors and inverter technology for “efficient adaptation to changing loads,” while its brushless fans enhance part-load performance.
When multiple heat pumps are connected, system performance can be further improved by activating only the necessary units to match a facility’s heating or cooling demand, avoiding the frequent on-off cycles of traditional systems.
Remote monitoring can be used to ensure “proper system status and operation,” the company explained.
Expanding natural refrigerants portfolio
The EWYK-QZ heat pump is the latest product to be added to Daikin’s portfolio of natural refrigerant-based technologies.
For the residential heat pump sector, Daikin first introduced its R290 air-to-water unit – the Altherma 4 H – at ISH 2023, with plans to launch it in the fall of 2024. The unit was eventually launched in December.
The manufacturer has also recently announced the launch of its CO2 (R744) VRF (variable refrigerant flow) system for commercial space heating and air-conditioning applications. The system will be available in Europe from April 2025.
Daikin has said that it will showcase both the Altherma 4 H heat pump and its CO₂-based VRF system at ISH 2025.
