Introduction
Heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular in Europe as energy-efficient heating/cooling systems. A refrigerant is a medium that absorbs and transfers heat, making it an integral component of heat pumps.
Selecting the fitting refrigerant is pivotal as it impacts the heat pump’s aspects like:
- Efficiency
- Cost
- Safety
- Environmental influence
R290 and R32 are the two most widespread refrigerants employed in heat pumps. The aptness and functionality of heat pumps principally rely on the refrigerant they use.
Here, we’ll examine the principal differences between R290 and R32 heat pumps. We’ll also probe the respective refrigerant and help you select the fitting device.
What is R290?
As you can see, R290 is a hydrocarbon-based refrigerant, specifically known as propane. It’s employed in differing heating and cooling applications. These include refrigeration systems, air conditioning, and heat pumps.
R290 has a lesser GWP (Global Warming Potential) of 3. It’s substantially lower than the standard, i.e., 150. That makes R290 an eco-friendly alternative to other varied refrigerants like the R410A and R22. Furthermore, R290 has an elevated latent heat of vaporization. That implies it can absorb a considerable amount of heat when evaporating. That makes it a refrigerant with much better efficiency.
Note that R290 has low toxicity but is a very flammable refrigerant. Particular safety measures need to be taken throughout installation, maintenance, and disposal to avoid fires.
Despite that, R290 finds varied applications as a refrigerant. This is owing to its higher efficiency and lower environmental impact. A R290 heat pump employs R290 refrigerant.
What is R32?
Similar to R290, R32 is simply a refrigerant. It’s generally used in heat pumps and air conditioning systems. It’s hydrofluorocarbon-based, implying it’s chlorine-free. More specifically, it’s otherwise known as difluoromethane.
R32 has a GWP (Global Warming Potential) rating of 675. That’s markedly lower than various other refrigerants utilized in the past. R32 further has a lower ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential).
In contrast to some other refrigerants, R32 is more energy-efficient. That can help cut the operational costs over the system’s lifespan.
You can see that R32 isn’t flammable. Yet, it can be slightly toxic if inhaled in greater amounts. It’s a favored choice for global application in heat pump and air conditioning systems. That’s owing to its greater energy efficiency and lower environmental impact.
You may see air-source heat pumps with R32 in their names. That refers to the R32 refrigerant they utilize.
Differences between R290 and R32 heat pumps
The refrigerants R290 and R32 give unique characteristics to the heat pumps. That outcome in distinctions between them.
The chief differences between R290 and R32 heat pumps span across the following attributes:
1. Refrigerant characteristics
You may know that both heat pumps utilize differing refrigerants. R290 has lesser GWP (Global Warming Potential) and ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) up against R32.
The refrigerant R290 has a GWP rating of 3 and an ODP rating of 0. R32 has a GWP rating of 675 and an ODP rating of 0.
2. Efficiency
R32 flaunts a greater volumetric cooling capacity as compared to R290. That implies an R32 heat pump is more efficient. It’s regarding cooling power per refrigerant’s unit volume.
The cooling capacity per unit volume of R32 is nearly 87% greater than R290. Thus, an R290 heat pump system necessitates a compressor with higher displacement. It’s to uphold the same cooling load.
A study was undertaken on the efficiency of R290 and R32 heat pumps in Europe. It was found that at 35°C:
- The R32 model had a SCOP (Seasonal Coefficient of Performance) rating of 4.72.
- The R290 model had a SCOP of 5.66.
That implies a 21% improvement for the R290 heat pump.
At 55°C, it was found that:
- The R32 model had a SCOP rating of 3.39.
- The R290 model had a SCOP rating of 4.48.
That implies the R290 heat pump is about 34% more efficient at the same temperature.
3. Safety
In terms of safety, R32 isn’t flammable. Yet, it can be slightly toxic if inhaled in considerable quantities. Conversely, R290 is a flammable refrigerant. Thus, the installation and maintenance of R290 heat pumps require safety procedures.
Thus, ensure an ideal setup for your preferred heat pump about its safety.
4. Efficiency at low temperatures
R290 heat pumps flaunt higher COP ratings than R32 ones at lower outside temperatures. That makes them a fitting selection for colder climates.
Take, for instance, the NEWNTIDE’s Hi-Master V Series R290 Air-Source Inverter Heat Pump. It achieves a remarkable SCOP greater than 5.0. It also has a wide functioning ambient temperature range of -25°C to 43°C.
In contrast, R32 heat pumps can function better at higher outside temperatures.
5. Energy consumption
R290 heat pumps typically consume more energy to give the same heating/cooling as R32. That means it may negate the environmental advantages offered by its lesser GWP with time.
That also means the heat pumps with R32 require lower operational costs. It may offset the higher starting price of the heat pump system.
6. Availability
R32 has a more broad-ranging use in heat pumps up against R290. Thus, heat pumps with R32 refrigerant may be more readily available. It’s potentially easier to acquire replacement parts for R32 heat pumps than for R290 ones.
7. Cost
Generally, R290 heat pumps can be slightly pricier than R32 heat pumps. That’s because R290 heat pumps may necessitate more safety in dealing with propane’s flammability. That may increase the fabrication and installation costs of R290 heat pumps.
The precise cost of a specific model relies on the heat pump manufacturer and size.
8. Noise level
You can see that R32 heat pumps tend to be quieter than R290 heat pumps. That’s owing to their lower operating pressure and smoother workings. Thus, the difference can be substantial in residential areas where noise levels may be a concern.
For example, NEWNTIDE’s Sunpro Series R32 EVI Inverter Air-to-Water Heat Pump. It features sound levels starting at a mere 42 dB. That makes it a silent heat pump system.
9. Environmental impact
As stated before, R290 refrigerant is favored for its minimal environmental impact compared to R32. It’s because it has a much lower GWP than R32 refrigerant.
R32 denotes a marked improvement in various aspects compared to older refrigerants. It can also be regarded as eco-friendly.
Yet, R290 can lead to smog formation by leaking into the atmosphere. Whereas R32, being a hydrofluorocarbon, can lead to global warming if liberated into the atmosphere.
Should I choose an R290 heat pump or an R32 heat pump?
The selection between R290 and R32 heat pump systems relies on manifold factors. When choosing either one, the following should be reflected:
When should I use an R290 heat pump?
R290 heat pumps can be a worthy selection for cooling/heating in the following situations:
- Highly suitable for cold climates: You may live in a region that experiences colder climates like Northern Europe. In that case, R290 heat pumps are a superior choice. That’s because propane (R290) provides a superior heat transfer performance. This is owing to its lower boiling point and higher latent heat of vaporization. That allows it to provide effectual heating even though the outside temperatures are very low.
- Eco-friendliness: As stated before, R290 has a very low GWP of 3. That makes it a worthy choice for eco-friendly cooling/heating. Furthermore, it’s non-toxic and non-corrosive, which makes it relatively safe and reliable.
- Retrofit prevailing systems: R290 refrigerant can be employed to retrofit prevailing heating/cooling systems using other refrigerants. That saves energy and lessens environmental impact without requiring the replacement of the whole system.
- Available for both commercial and residential usage: R290 heat pumps can be employed for residential and commercial applications, such as households and offices. They can provide effective cooling/heating with minimal environmental impact. NEWNTIDE’s Climastar Series R290 Commercial Air-Source heat pump is a fitting selection in this regard.
When should I use an R32 heat pump?
R32 is undoubtedly a generally used refrigerant in heat pumps across Europe. This is due to its greater energy efficiency, low environmental impact, and compliance with current regulations.
The following are the scenarios where R32 heat pumps can be a fitting selection:
- Energy efficiency: Over the recent years, R32 refrigerant has gained admiration for being highly energy efficient. That outcome in better heat pump performance, especially for domestic and commercial applications. It also means lowering electricity bills and a diminished carbon footprint.
- Wide availability: R32 heat pumps are widely available across Europe. That makes such systems a convenient and fitted option for you.
- Suitability for humid and warm climates: In humid and warm climates, R32 heat pumps can be more suitable. Such systems may perform better when heating/cooling is needed for prolonged periods. That makes R32 heat pumps more prevalent, especially across Southern Europe.
- Increased safety: R32 comes under the classification of A2L refrigerants. That indicates the refrigerant has low flammability, low toxicity, and isn’t ozone-depleting. Thus, its considered safe for usage in cooling and heating systems.
- Compliance with regulations: R32 fulfills the current refrigerant regulations, e.g., the European Union’s (EU) F-gas regulations. That aims to gradually phase out greater GWP refrigerants. R32 flaunts a GWP of 675. It’s less than older refrigerants such as R410A (with a GWP of 2088).
- Less expensive: R32 heat pumps are typically less expensive than R290 in Europe. If you want a low-priced and reliable heating/cooling system, select an R32 type.
Conclusion
Selecting the fitting heat pump with the appropriate refrigerant can be a fundamental decision. It can play a crucial role in the various aspects of the heat pump system.
You now know that R290 and R32 refrigerants have unique attributes and applications. R290 heat pumps are known for their eco-friendliness and better performance, especially in colder climates. R32 heat pumps are known for wide availability, increased safety, and are less expensive
For this purpose, it is best to consult a NEWNTIDE professional technician. This will help you select the best heat pump with the ideal refrigerant.