Daikin Europe, a division of Japanese manufacturer Daikin Industries, has announced plans for a fall 2024 launch of its first-ever propane (R290) air-to-water residential heat pump, the Altherma 4 HS-S+ series.
The new heat pump will come in four sizes: 8, 10, 12 and 14kW (2.3, 2.8, 3.4 and 4.0TR). The company said it can operate “reliably” down to −28°C (−18.4°F) and provide water flow temperatures as high as 75°C (167°F). It has a propane charge of around 1.3kg (2.9lbs). Other refrigerant options for the unit include the HFC R32 and HFO-HFC blend R454C.
Daikin first presented the Altherma 4 series in January 2023.
“With the introduction of the Daikin Altherma 4 series, Daikin underlines its goal to reduce environmental impact throughout the product life cycle [and] promote the development of systems with high energy efficiency and the use of refrigerants with a lower global warming potential,” the manufacturer said.
The company said that its “newly developed” aluminum microchannel heat exchanger reduces the required refrigerant change to provide “optimal” heat transfer, increasing the efficiency and operational stability of the heat pumps.
For controls, the unit allows toggling between user and installer menus through an MMI 3 interface. “The [5in/12.7cm] touchscreen provides end users intuitive access to frequently used functions, [while] the integrated commissioning assistant helps the installer to set up the heat pump,” Daikin explained.
There has been a surge in recent years in the R290 residential heat pump market in Europe. The surge has been driven in large part by the European Union’s recently revised F-gas Regulation, which became law earlier this year and mandates the complete phase out of HFCs in the bloc by 2050. In February, Ireland-based Trane released a new line of R290 heat pumps for residential and light commercial use that it said were developed in response to the “evolving landscape” of climate and sustainability trends.
The U.S. has not seen the same boom in residential propane heat pumps due to charge limit restrictions, with ASHRAE saying it’s likely those will not be raised until “2025 or later.”
Safety features
Given R290’s flammability, Daikin designed and integrated several safety features into the Altherma 4 series, including:
- A newly developed R290 gas separator
- A sealed electrical circuit board box that uses plug-in internal electronic components
- A propane leak detector combined with forced ventilation
- Factory–installed frost protection valves
- A stability–tested refrigerant container for transportation and installation
In addition, the indoor unit contains a separate leak detector and gas separator, the company noted.
“This innovative series combines Daikin’s extensive expertise in heat pump technology with particularly low noise levels, optimal efficiency, user-friendly operation, modern design and high safety,” the company said.
Certified R290 partner
In preparation for launching the R290 Altherma 4 series, Daikin has also announced a second certification in its Stand by Me ‒ Certified Partner program focused on safely commissioning, maintaining and repairing this “new generation” of heat pump.
The training allows installers to obtain a certified partner label, Daikin said. “With this label, installers can assure homeowners that they are highly skilled professionals in heat pump installation.”
The second certification involves two 45–minute online sessions focused on R290, with Daikin “encouraging” participants to attend an additional two days of in-person training at one of its 61 European training centers. The training covers the storage, transportation, installation, maintenance, repair and disposal of the R290 Altherma 4 series.
“This extended program emphasizes the importance of training and safety for Daikin,” said Patrick Crombez, General Manager of Heating and Renewables at Daikin Europe. “We have been offering training through our Daikin Academy training centers for many years, putting us at the forefront of safe, high-quality heating installation.”
Headquartered in Ostend, Belgium, Daikin Europe operates 14 manufacturing facilities in Europe and the Middle East, providing HVAC&R solutions for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Other propane–based equipment manufactured by the company includes retail plug-in showcases and monoblocks for cold rooms.
“This innovative series combines Daikin’s extensive expertise in heat pump technology with particularly low noise levels, optimal efficiency, user-friendly operation, modern design and high safety.”
Daikin Europe
