Heat pumps are necessary to abandon fossil fuels. The devices are more efficient times than the best gas ovens, and they work on electricity, so that they can extract energy from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy.
But the thing that makes them such an amazing climate solution is the biggest challenge. The common coolant is called R-410A through their husbands so that they can warm and cold in homes, offices and anything else. But this coolant is also a liquid paradox, as it can escape as a greenhouse more than 2000 times from carbon dioxide. (This is known as “global warming capabilities”, or the amount of energy absorbed by a ton of gas over a certain time compared to the same amount of carbon dioxide.) The leaks can occur during the installation, operation and disposal of heat pumps.
But this year the industry puts alternative structures of colds such as R-454B and R-32, which has about 75 percent of global warming capabilities. This is a response to the Environmental Protection Agency Rules of assignment This, starting this year, the thermal pump coolers have the possibility of global warming not more than 700. Manufacturers are looking further than the possibility of using propane, or even carbon dioxide, as the next generation of the most friendly coolers in the air.
“The entire industry will move away from R-410A, so this is good,” said Jeff Stewart, chief refrigeration engineer for residential heating, ventilation and air conditioning in TECHNOLOGIES, which makes thermal pumps and gas ovens. “We decrease the potential of global warming. The problem is that there is still some, right? So there is anxiety about” well, is this really low to help the environment really? “
To be clear, the heat pumps are not issued Greenhouse gases Anywhere near the normal gas burning scale to heat the homes, so its environmental effect is smaller. “Even if we lose all the coolers, it still has a much smaller effect just a heat pump and not burning gas,” said Matthew Nol, co -founder and chief technology employee in the calf in California, who builds the heat pump systems for homes. “I really want to make sure that the rapid adoption of heat pumps is not hindered.”
But why does the heat pump need the coolant? Well, to transfer heat. By changing the liquid condition into a gas, then pressing, the device absorbs the heat from Even very cold air in the open air It transmits it inside. Then in the summer, the process is reflected in the work like the traditional air conditioner.
The ability to leak the cooler is much smaller if the heat pump is manufactured, fixed and maintained properly. When the manufacturer replaces the coolers, the basic operation of the heat pump remains the same. But some products work in different pressure, which means that they will need different ingredients of their size and possibly stronger materials. “It is all the same as the basic principles,” said Vince Romanin, CEO of San Francisco, who is based in San Francisco, which makes heat pumps that slide over the windows of the windows. “But it requires re -engineering and rehabilitation of all these components.”
While TV moved to R-454B, the gradient and other companies R-32 are dependent on Global warming capabilities 675 It brings it a walk with the new regulations. The gradient says that with engineering improvements, such as the tight seal that makes it difficult for the coolers to escape, and by properly recycling their devices, it can reduce the climate imprint of the heat pumps by 95 percent. Romanin said: “Our mathematics appears R-32, in addition to the management of good coolers, these two matters combined almost every coolant problem.” “Because of these data, the gradient believes that the industry should remain on R-32 in order to be prepared for natural coldness.”
These include carbon dioxide, butthan, and propagans. CO2 has the possibility of global warming at 1, but it works in much higher pressure, which requires thicker tubes and compressors. It is also less efficient in hot weather, which means that it is not the best option for the heat pump in the cooling mode in the summer.
The propane, on the other hand, excels in different circumstances and works in lower pressure than the coolers that will be replaced. It also has the possibility of global warming 3 only. Broban is flammable, of course, but heat pumps can operate safely by separating the ignition sources, such as electrical components, from cooler cabins. “It is a kind of ideal for heat pumps,” said Richard Girby, a member of the Italy -based AEMEC and technical advisor.
That is why Europe is already turning into propane, and why the United States may follow soon. The typical heat pump will work on about 10 pounds of propane, less than what is in the barbecue tank. In contrast, gas and stoves are constantly fed with naturally flammable gas that can leak, leading to explosions or carbon monoxide poisoning. “If you have a rest level with a gas stove in your home, this is a much lower source,” Girby said.
