Heat pumps with Frascold compressors
The energy transition on show at Chillventa 2022
On show at Hall 6, Booth 312, new solutions to follow together the road map towards climate neutrality.
The European Union is setting increasingly ambitious climate and energy targets in order to achieve a modern, competitive and climate-neutral economy by the year 2050. In this context, Frascold is at the forefront of the energy transition and supports its customers with a wide range of continuously evolving solutions, using natural refrigerants. At Chillventa 2022, the international event dedicated to refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation and heat pumps, Frascold will present its latest innovations in Hall 6, Stand 312.
“In a context in which winning the environmental challenge and achieving EU targets is becoming increasingly stringent, Frascold is promoting the adoption of heat pumps to reduce the carbon footprint, a cutting-edge technology at the heart of which beats a compressor.” comments Livio Calabrese, Frascold Sales Director, “A path also promoted by REPowerEU, signed this year by the European Commission, which plans to double the diffusion of heat pumps by about 10 million units in the next 5 years.”
Decarbonising is the key to the european regulatory framework
Since 2018, the European Parliament has adopted a clean energy policy aimed at combating climate change by means of a roadmap, consisting of action plans and regulations, aimed at promoting greater sustainability. In detail, at the end of 2019, the Green Deal made it legally binding to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and a net reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of at least 55% compared to 1990 by 2030. The key to meeting the plan's deadlines? The decarbonisation of energy, promoted by a series of legislative proposals focusing on electrification, efficiency and renewable energy sources (RES). Its production and use is indeed the leading cause of climate change: about two thirds of greenhouse gases are related to the use of fossil fuels for heating, the generation of electricity, transport and industry.
Moreover, the recipe for an eco-friendly future rests on a series of technologies able to offer maximum freedom in choosing the most suitable solution for every need. In this sense, on the journey towards decarbonisation, renewable energy sources ere essential, as they mark the path towards a sustainable and reliable energy system. The next step in this direction was taken by the European Directive 2018/2001/EU (so-called RED II), which defined the tools, mechanisms and incentives needed to increase the use of RES by at least 32% by 2030. As a result of new developments in the geopolitical reality, the need to accelerate the transition towards natural resources has further increased. Among the strategies introduced, in addition to doubling the number of heat pumps and gradually discouraging the installation of fossil fuel boilers, are measures aimed at integrating geothermal and thermosolar energy into district heating and collective heating systems.
Heat pumps, a valid alternative
Heat pumps are proving to be a valid alternative on the global scene: it is a clean technology that does not use fossil fuels, but works thanks to RES, amongst which air, water and subsoil. Not only do they reduce CO2 emissions in residential and industrial settings, but they also ensure a significant reduction in consumption. The advantages they offer are also confirmed by the European Heat Pump Market and Statistics Report 2021: in 2020, heat pumps saved 21.70 TWh of energy, 9.37 TWh of primary energy and 41.07 Mt of CO2 emissions.
“The heat pump sector reported record growth in 2021, closing with +34% in Europe. With sales of 2.18 million units in 21 countries , a total of 16.68 million units was reached, covering about 14% of the heating market.” adds Livio Calabrese from Frascold, “By expanding the offer dedicated to these systems, Frascold wants to ensure OEMs all-round sustainability, even at high temperatures”.
Frascold's latest products @Chillventa
Among the new products launched at Chillventa 2022 are the ATEX Z40-126 high-temperature piston compressors, designed for heat pumps in the industrial sector. An ATEX-certified, isopentane solution that, when combined with renewable sources, is able to guarantee maximum safety and sustainability. Among its special features, the 6 cylinders allow for a condensation temperature of about 160°C to be reached and pressurised water up to 100/155°C to be produced. The compressor can be used in cascade, or using waste heat to feed the entire system, in favour of greater efficiency and circularity of resources.
During the exhibition, the two series of screw compressors CX ATEX and Magnetic will be presented, which provide a higher delivery rate and, consequently, a higher thermal capacity production.
CX ATEX models, in addition to completing the offer for industrial installations, are also ideal for district heating. The range is reliable, efficient and silent and it is also available with R290 and R600a hydrocarbons. What contributes to its excellent performance are two different Vi (compression ratio) and the possibility of extending the operating range by choosing a larger electric motor. Finally, it features step-by-step or continuous capacity control, guaranteed by a slide valve and by a sophisticated triple-action oil separation system that minimises oil carry-over.
The Magnetic models, on the other hand, include a range of screw products recommended by Frascold for the comfort segment, for cooling processes and for applications with heat pumps. The main element of the compressor is the exclusive IPM (Interior Permanent Magnet) synchronous motor, consisting of magnets in the electric rotor that eliminate slipping and ensure accurate speed monitoring. Another advantage of the IPM is the reduction in power consumption, compared to traditional solutions, in favour of greater energy savings. In a nutshell, reliability, flexibility and simplicity contribute to define the MAG family.
“Sustainability is one of Frascold’s cornerstones. Over the years, we have invested in R&D and in our laboratory in order to launch brand new natural refrigerant compressors that comply with the most stringent regulations, such as the European F-Gas Regulation.” says Marco Perri, Frascold R&D and Technical Support Manager, “Alongside solutions for heat pumps, our stand at Chillventa will also feature new series ideal for use with CO2, ammonia and hydrocarbons. Among these, the innovative screw compressor with aluminium motor for NH3 and the TK models, with transcritical CO2. These next-generation technologies prove how much Frascold believes in innovation to create increasingly high-performance, eco-friendly and safe compressors.”
