The EU F-gas regulation has now been signed and will take effect on January 1st, 2027, for most appliances. Manufacturers of heat pumps and chillers have anticipated this change and have been working hard for some time to adjust their product platforms to meet the new requirements.
In the EU, we see a general trend toward using propane (R290) as a refrigerant. Propane, classified as a natural refrigerant, is more environmentally friendly than older refrigerants like R410A or R32, which are both hydrofluorocarbon gases. In recent years, the term GWP (Global Warming Potential) has become more widely used. A GWP rating is assigned to each refrigerant, indicating how many times worse it is compared to CO₂ as a greenhouse gas. For example, releasing 1 liter of propane is three times more damaging than releasing 1 liter of CO₂, giving propane a GWP of 3. The previously mentioned R410A and R32 have GWPs of 2088 and 675, respectively. This problem arises if these gases are released into the atmosphere, which often occurs when freezers and fridges reach the end of their life. Setting requirements to incentivize the replacement of older refrigerants is therefore crucial, and manufacturers are well-prepared to respond. Now, we need EU nations to implement these measures, and for consumers to transition to the new platforms.
Seamless heat pump integration
Propane is flammable, so appliances must be designed to avoid leaks. In case a leak does occur, appliances must be designed so that the refrigerant does not accumulate near potential ignition sources. When components are designed to eliminate ignition risks, appliances can be constructed to simplify installation and maintenance. This is where Eltwin can support.
Our PURE drives are designed to avoid becoming potential ignition sources, a feature that has been verified and certified by a globally recognized third-party agency. Because it poses no ignition risk, the PURE drive can be positioned anywhere in the heat pump, provided that cooling is achieved through either a cold plate or air-cooled via a finned heat sink. Eltwin has its own mechanical designer who can customize the heat sink to integrate seamlessly into the heat pump.
Eltwin PURE drives
Our PURE drives are designed to avoid becoming potential ignition sources.
Product Manager Michael Vedele Sørensen, explains how our Propane ready PURE drives can help you meet the EU F-gas regulation.
Standards stipulate that appliances containing more than 150 grams of propane must be ventilated outside for safety. In a confined space, a refrigerant leak could quickly fill the room with a flammable gas mixture. With other equipment in the room, such as standard relays, there is a potential risk of ignition. As above, this risk is only present if refrigerant is leaked. Ventilation requirements increase installation complexity, making such systems less suitable for all locations.
Our PURE drives are designed to avoid becoming potential ignition sources
Due to its flammability, propane (R290) is classified as an A3 gas. Other refrigerants, like R454B, are also flammable but less so and are classified as A2L gases. R454B has a GWP of 148, making it more environmentally damaging than R290 but much safer than R410A. Since R454B is less flammable than R290, design requirements are somewhat more relaxed. As with all design work, each designer must find an acceptable compromise, and when this is challenging for the designer, the end-user faces even more difficulty in selecting a heat pump that meets household needs.
The higher the SCOP, the better
One key specification that consumers should consider when purchasing a heat pump is the SCOP (Seasonal Coefficient of Performance); the higher the SCOP, the better. The SCOP value reflects the system's efficiency over the year. For example, the efficiency of an air-to-water heat pump differs significantly between an outside temperature of -5°C and +15°C. Similar to assessing fuel consumption in cars (kWh/100km for electric cars or l/100km for combustion cars), SCOP values provide essential information about heat pump efficiency. SCOP is a competitive parameter, and every heat pump manufacturer should strive for the best possible value.
However, users should note that, as with car fuel consumption, SCOP performance can vary based on installation and usage. As a compressor drive manufacturer, we can’t control the heat pump installation, but we can influence the way the compressor is driven. We work with appliance manufacturers to optimize the compressor and drive combination for the best results. This includes selecting the optimal drive size and fine-tuning the drive-compressor performance in either Eltwin’s test facility or at the heat pump manufacturer's facility.
Installing a heat pump is a significant investment for households, with an expected long lifespan. Consequently, there is a need for spare parts availability throughout the heat pump’s life, which may be 20–30 years. If spare parts are not available, end users are forced to explore repair options. "Repairability" has become a critical factor, whether it means accessing spare parts or repairing defective parts. Appliance manufacturers now need to consider how to simplify repairs for both installers and owners. Some manufacturers believe that repairs should only be carried out under their own responsibility, while others support more flexible repair options. This is similar to 40 years ago when TVs, radios, and VCRs could often be repaired in small village shops.
Eltwin’s approach with our PURE drive is to maintain flexibility: if the DC-link capacitor reaches the end of its life, it can be replaced without needing to replace the entire drive. This accessory component design allows for flexible integration. The drive itself is more compact and less costly to replace, as the capacitor is separate. For appliance manufacturers, a simple, single-unit design with coded connectors offers ease of integration, while Eltwin’s solution provides a customizable unit that allows for easy part replacement when necessary by OEM repair personnel or installers.
