Italian HVAC&R manufacturer SCM Frigo and Danish OEM Fenagy have joined forces to develop a new CO2 (R744) heat pump, dubbed the Smart Heat Pump, for the European and American commercial and light-industrial markets.
The range consists of 11 water-to-water (W2W) models and seven air-to-water (A2W) models covering capacities of 30–300kW (8.5–85TR). Multiple units can be combined to serve larger installations.
The unit can provide water temperatures of up to 85°C (185°F).
According to Manfred Mahnert, International Business Development Director at SCM Frigo, the Smart Heat Pump can is well suited for a range of applications, from supermarkets and food processing to office buildings and multi-family housing.
Having already received Ecodesign approval, the W2W models are expected to be available from early 2025, Mahnert told NaturalRefrigerants.com at Chillventa 2024. The A2W versions are currently undergoing Ecodesign testing and are set to launch in Q2 2025, he added.
Chillventa 2024 took place in Nuremberg, Germany, October 8–10.
Performance and cost
Engineered for high efficiency, the Smart Heat Pump features Bitzer compressors with variable-speed drives for part-load performance. It also incorporates low-pressure ejector technology, which optimizes the refrigeration cycle, connecting the evaporator directly to the ejector. This setup allows compressors to operate in parallel, further enhancing efficiency.
Intelligent evaporator design and controls maximize the interval between defrosts, critical for maintaining performance, Mahnert explained
In addition to efficiency, Fenagy and SCM Frigo focused on cost and ease of installation and use when designing the Smart Heat Pump. The use of natural refrigerants was also important, he added.
Collaboration
Fenagy has been manufacturing CO2 heat pumps and chillers since it was founded in 2020, with a focus on industrial refrigeration and district heating. Prior to the launch of the Smart Heat Pump range, the Danish manufacturer’s product portfolio covered capacities of 500kW (142TR) and above.
“The idea was to fill the gap in Fenagy’s product lineup,” Mahnert explained.
In the collaboration, Fenagy brought its extensive knowledge of CO2 heat pumps, while SCM brought its production capacity and expertise, added Pietro Cavestro, Mechanical Design Manager at SCM Frigo.
“Together, we’ve created a strong product,” he said.
SCM Frigo and Fenagy are both owned by Swedish HVAC&R manufacturer Beijer Ref. SCM Frigo and Fenagy have both received the ATMO Approved Natural Refrigerants Label from ATMOsphere, the publisher of NaturalRefrigerants.com.
