Tequs, a Norwegian designer of CO2 (R744) heat pumps and chillers, reports that it has become the first heat pump manufacturer in the world to achieve Ecodesign certification for high-temperature heat pump space heating using CO2 refrigerant.
According to Tequs, meeting the Ecodesign certification standard was previously considered impossible for CO2 heat pumps due to their efficiency challenges at higher return temperatures.
The Ecodesign certification establishes minimum energy efficiency standards for space heaters and combination heaters – which provide both space heating and domestic hot water – and covers criteria such as seasonal space heating energy efficiency, nitrogen oxide emissions and sound power levels.
Certification details: The Ecodesign certification aligns the Tequs TCHP-series CO2 heat pump with EU regulations designed to improve energy efficiency and lower emissions in heating systems. This certification also contributes to defining standards for high-temperature applications using CO2 refrigerants, highlighting pathways for compliance with EU environmental targets across the heating sector.
- The certification requires an SCOP of at least 2.6 evaluated at various stages, including tests starting at a temperature of 47/55°C (117/131°F) at 100% capacity and then through different partial loads and temperatures.
- “We have completed and received approval for extensive testing,” noted CTO Marius Hugo Sandem, adding that their models now have the certification assurance for various applications across Europe.
- “This is a big day for us,” he added. “We were confident we would succeed, but for a long time we thought someone else had beaten us to the finish line. Then we received the news that we are the first in the world – an amazing feeling.”
System capabilities: The plug-and-play water-to-water heat pump comes in eight models, each configured for various capacities and temperatures, which are designed to make them suitable for both commercial and multi-family buildings.
- The TCHP series offers a heating range of 17.4–268kW (4.9–76.2TR) and a cooling range of 13.5–210kW (3.8–59.7TR). Hot water can reach temperatures up to 90°C (194°F).
- It has a heating COP of 2.5–5.5 and a cooling COP of 2–5, with the COP depending on the conditions.
Scaling plans: Tequs is undergoing UL certification with the support of global testing provider Intertek and is working with U.S.-based partners to set up field testing in 2025.
- Tequs said it is seeing strong interest from commercial and industrial sectors in Northern Europe. Countries like Norway, Germany, Switzerland and Austria have shown notable demand, with applications spanning hotels, large office buildings and sports facilities.
- For each new market, CEO Joakim Søgård told NaturalRefrigerants.com that Tequs initiates pilot projects and consults with local experts to ensure alignment with regional standards. “We prioritize closely monitoring the initial installations, effectively ‘sleeping next to the machine,’ to ensure quality,” he said.
What it means for NatRefs: This certification underlines the potential of CO2 refrigerant based high-temperature heating applications. It demonstrates a feasible path for commercial buildings that use old radiator systems to shift to lower-emission heating without extensive system changes.
Quotable: “The high temperatures we can deliver are especially beneficial for commercial buildings where existing radiator systems can be retained without the need for extensive replacements,” said Søgård. “This allows for the safe replacement of old heating solutions with new, environmentally friendly products.”
