Aspen Pumps Acquires Henry Group
Refrigeration components manufacturer Henry Group has been acquired by Aspen Pumps, a U.K.-based manufacturer and supplier of HVAC&R products. The Henry Group has recently seen growth in its CO2 (R744) components business driven by increased demand from the United States. In addition, Aspen Pumps also acquired Brazil-based refrigeration components manufacturer Forming Tubing and Belgian manufacturer of recycled rubber construction materials RubberGreen.
“Together, they deepen our refrigeration expertise, expand our manufacturing capabilities and extend our global footprint – including our first operational presence in South America,” wrote Aspen Pumps on LinkedIn.
Sanhua Releases New Generation CO2 Ball Valve
Components manufacturer Sanhua has released a new generation of CO2 ball valves with integrated check valve technology. Dubbed CBVP, the new line of components is designed for commercial transcritical CO2 refrigeration systems and has a working pressure of 140bar (2,031psi). The series can operate at temperatures ranging from −40 to 150°C (−40 to 302°F).
Each valve combines three functions: a ball valve for system shutoff, an integrated check valve function and a service valve for maintenance. Additional features include a serviceable check valve piston for pressure relief. The valves are also suitable for use in liquid, suction and discharge lines.
Fraunhofer Designs Software to Speed Up Heat Pump Installation
German research institute Fraunhofer ISE has designed a digital application to accelerate the installation of heat pumps. Named “Heat Pump Plan AR [augmented reality],” the app was designed under the three-year WESPE research project. It allows technicians to simulate different options during the initial stages of heat pump installations using 3D scanning and AR technology. Additionally, the Heat Pump Plan AR can help compare costs, draft quotes and export information such as installation times and bills of materials.
“Accelerating the installation of heat pumps is an important goal, but it is also an ongoing process that must be driven forward by regularly scrutinizing workflows and analyzing errors and difficulties,” said Annette Uhl, a research associate at Fraunhofer ISE, in a press statement.
Stadler Delivers New Trains with R290 HVAC Systems to Swiss Railway
Train manufacturer Stadler has completed delivery of an order for 60 RABe 512 double-deck InterRegio trains for Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), all of which are equipped with propane (R290) HVAC systems. Stadler said it opted for R290 because it is “significantly more environmentally friendly than conventional solutions.” The trains have been operating since 2023.
In 2025, Stadler provided over 100 natural refrigerant-based HVAC systems to the Cologne Transport Agency (KVB). A company representative told NaturalRefrigerants.com that the decision was made on the basis of environmental impact, availability and cost.
