GMCC and Welling, brands of Chinese manufacturer Midea Industrial Technology, have introduced a range of propane (R290)-based variable-frequency heat pumps, heat pump compressors and air conditioners for residential applications to meet growing market demand.
The new propane models were on display at the Chillventa trade show in Germany last month, giving customers integrated heat pump solutions that enable energy-saving and decarbonization in household appliances, according to a statement by the manufacturer.
“To reduce the impact on the environment, R290, a green refrigerant, has become the first choice,” said GMCC and Welling. GMCC began research and development on R290 as early as 2004.
Earlier this year, Midea also confirmed its first shipment of residential propane split air conditioners to Europe.
An integrated solution
GMCC and Welling said they have integrated compressors, motors, and circulators into “a total heat pump solution to deliver better performance in heating systems and water heaters.”
For example, the integrated solution for R290 heat pumps, developed specifically for heat pump heating systems in Northern Europe, uses an environmentally friendly refrigerant with an evaporating temperature as low as -35°C (-31°F), a compression ratio of up to 17, and a maximum condensing temperature of up to 83°C (181°F), as well as EVI’s patented continuous vapor injection technology with no backflow, the companies said.
To further improve the safety of R290, GMCC has “adopted the compact design of compressors, optimized the clearances between valve plates, bearings and components, and greatly reduced the amount of R290 refrigerant in compressors with low-oil technology,” the company said.
