With the phasing out of high GWP refrigerants such as R410A by F-gas regulations. R32 and R290 have become the two most promising candidates for air source heat pumps. They differ significantly in performance, flammability, long-term compliance, and market readiness.
1. Energy efficiency (COP/SCOP performance)
Both R32 and R290 air source heat pumps have high seasonal energy efficiency. R32 air source heat pump systems can achieve SCOP values of 4.47–4.58 (A+++) at 35°C and 3.22–3.32 (A++) at 55°C. R290 air source heat pumps typically have SCOP values of more than 4.8, making them ideal for energy-saving projects in cold climates.
2. Water outlet temperature
R32 AHP systems can reach up to 60–65°C. R290 refrigerant systems can reach up to 75–80°C, making them more suitable for retrofitting buildings with older radiators or higher domestic hot water demand.
3. Global warming potential (GWP)
The difference between R290 AHP and R32 AHP is most evident in the environmental aspect. R32 AHP has a GWP of 675, while R290 has a GWP of only 3, which is fully in line with long-term decarbonization policies.
If you are looking for the closest synthetic replacement to R290 refrigerant, R32 is currently the most viable option in terms of thermodynamic behavior and system design, but still lags behind in terms of global policy support.
4. Safety class
R32 refrigerant is A2L class (mildly flammable), while R290 refrigerant is A3 class (highly flammable). This difference affects the design of the air source heat pump, the required ventilation and safety control systems.
5. Operating pressure
R32 refrigerant has an operating pressure of 12-26 bar; R290 refrigerant has an operating pressure of 6-12 bar. Lower operating pressure can reduce mechanical wear and simplify the design of certain air source heat pump system components.
6. Energy consumption
Due to better thermodynamic properties and higher latent heat value, R290 air source heat pumps tend to consume less electricity seasonally, especially when operating under low outdoor temperature conditions.
With the phasing out of high GWP refrigerants such as R410A by F-gas regulations. R32 and R290 have become the two most promising candidates for air source heat pumps. They differ significantly in performance, flammability, long-term compliance, and market readiness.
1. Energy efficiency (COP/SCOP performance)
Both R32 and R290 air source heat pumps have high seasonal energy efficiency. R32 air source heat pump systems can achieve SCOP values of 4.47–4.58 (A+++) at 35°C and 3.22–3.32 (A++) at 55°C. R290 air source heat pumps typically have SCOP values of more than 4.8, making them ideal for energy-saving projects in cold climates.
2. Water outlet temperature
R32 AHP systems can reach up to 60–65°C. R290 refrigerant systems can reach up to 75–80°C, making them more suitable for retrofitting buildings with older radiators or higher domestic hot water demand.
3. Global warming potential (GWP)
The difference between R290 AHP and R32 AHP is most evident in the environmental aspect. R32 AHP has a GWP of 675, while R290 has a GWP of only 3, which is fully in line with long-term decarbonization policies.
If you are looking for the closest synthetic replacement to R290 refrigerant, R32 is currently the most viable option in terms of thermodynamic behavior and system design, but still lags behind in terms of global policy support.
4. Safety class
R32 refrigerant is A2L class (mildly flammable), while R290 refrigerant is A3 class (highly flammable). This difference affects the design of the air source heat pump, the required ventilation and safety control systems.
5. Operating pressure
R32 refrigerant has an operating pressure of 12-26 bar; R290 refrigerant has an operating pressure of 6-12 bar. Lower operating pressure can reduce mechanical wear and simplify the design of certain air source heat pump system components.
6. Energy consumption
Due to better thermodynamic properties and higher latent heat value, R290 air source heat pumps tend to consume less electricity seasonally, especially when operating under low outdoor temperature conditions.
