Rinnai Applied, under Rinnai U.K. as part of the Japanese Rinnai Corporation, is launching a new air-to-water propane (R290) reversible heat pump line for commercial and industrial applications with capacities from 40 to 410kW (11.4 to 116.6TR).
The company indicated that the unit comes in three “optimized” configurations depending on the application’s focus: heating, cooling or both. It allows delivery of variable outlet temperatures with outflow temperatures of up to 75°C (167°F) in −5°C (23°F) ambient conditions.
“Whether you are upgrading an existing system or planning a new build, these units are ready to deliver comfort, compliance, and cost savings,” said Tony Gittings, Managing Director of Rinnai U.K. and Rinnai Applied. “[We are] also simplifying the heat pump design with (SPF) seasonal performance factors, which account for pumps, cylinders and ancillary components.”
Rinnai showcased its R290 commercial/industrial heat pump line at the Elemental London Show held November 19–20 at ExCeL London.
The specifications: The new natural refrigerant propane line available in water chiller and heat pump configurations allows end users to “stay ahead of f-gas and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) regulations,” Rinnai said.
- The unit comes in 14 capacity sizes, with the water chiller’s SEER ranging from 4.36 to 4.93 and the reversible heat pump’s SCOP ranging from 3.99 to 4.30. It operates in ambient conditions down to −20°C (−4°F).
- Depending on the capacity, the propane charge, contained in one or two circuits per unit, varies from 3 to 38kg, according to Rinnai’s product guide.
- “Rinnai R290 systems are engineered with safety in mind,” the company said, with critical aspects addressed, including leak detection devices.
Previous offering: In early 2024, Rinnai introduced a commercial R290 heat pump line, with capacities ranging from 6 to 50kW (1.7 to 14.2TR).
- A soccer club in Gloucestershire, U.K., replaced its commercial gas-fired boiler in late 2024 with one of Rinnai’s R290 heat pumps for domestic hot water production.
- The primary driver for the installation was the system’s ability to efficiently supply high-temperature water, Rinnai told NaturalRefrigerants.com.
- “We are seeing a huge increase in demand [for R290 heat pumps] from our customers, with 2024 a record year for sales,” Rinnai said, adding that it expected the trend to continue in 2025.
Alternative solutions: Two other U.K.-based companies offer large-scale R290 heat pumps.
- In October Aermec UK launched two new reversible R290 heat pumps. Its air-cooled PRM model delivers a cooling capacity of 95.6kW (27.2TR) and heating of 101.7kW (28.9TR). Its air-to-water PRG unit offers cooling capacities of up to 143.4kW (40.8TR) and heating of up to 142.8kW (40.6TR).
- In May Airedale by Modine released an air-source reversible R290 heat pump with a cooling capacity up to 75kW (21.3TR) and heating up to 86kW (24.5TR).
Quotable: “The entire industry supply chain needs to collaborate so that delivery of optimum, truly green, and highly efficient products can be provided to the UK HVAC commercial building sector,” Gitting said. He added that Rinnai offers a full installation evaluation, covering CAPEX, OPEX and life-cycle costs.
“Whether you are upgrading an existing system or planning a new build, these units are ready to deliver comfort, compliance, and cost savings.”
Tony Gittings, Managing Director of Rinnai U.K. and Rinnai Applied
