Integrated R290 Heat Pump Demonstrator with High-Speed Turbocompressor

At its Landshut location, ebm-papst has introduced a new heat pump demonstrator that serves as a reference and development platform for air-to-water heat pumps. The system integrates ventilation components, inverter electronics, and a high-speed turbocompressor into a coordinated overall concept for heating and air conditioning technology.

System Integration and Technical Architecture
The demonstrator represents a functional monoblock heat pump. Technically, the platform combines a fan with a microchannel evaporator, through which the air is actively guided. The architecture is complemented by the compact CompaNamic high-speed turbocompressor, as well as inverter electronics specifically developed for the very high rotational speeds of a turbocompressor. The compressor operates oil-free, which reduces process-induced vibrations and influences the overall efficiency of the system, while the integrated inverter electronics enable highly dynamic and precise control. An intelligent refrigeration cycle controller networks the actuators and sensors and communicates via the Modbus protocol.

Performance Parameters and Operating Conditions
The development platform is designed for a heating capacity of 23 kW and reaches hot water temperatures of up to 70 °C. The specified operating range of the system lies between -10 and 30 °C, and propane (R290) is used as the refrigerant. During the official commissioning of the system on July 9, 2026, the strategic alignment of the technology for the industrial location was emphasized. By being integrated into the refrigeration innovation center, the system simulates real operating conditions to provide heating and air conditioning manufacturers with comprehensive system expertise for compact and efficient heat pumps. "Anyone who wants to help shape the heat pump of the future must understand the overall system. The heat pump demonstrator creates the foundation for this," explains Managing Director Dr. Hannes Säubert. "In Landshut, we are therefore systematically expanding our expertise for the heating technology of the future," says Dr. Klaus Geißdörfer, CEO of the ebm-papst Group.

Additional Context
This section details technical specifications and competitive benchmarking not included in the original product announcement

The market for air-to-water heat pumps in the capacity range up to 35 kW is traditionally dominated by oil-lubricated scroll or rotary compressors from manufacturers such as Copeland, Bitzer, or Danfoss. The use of a high-speed turbocompressor like the CompaNamic represents a technological architecture shift in this segment. Because the compressor is gas-bearing and operates oil-free, the heat exchanger surfaces are not coated with lubricating oil, which improves heat transfer and reduces pressure losses in the refrigeration cycle. A direct competitor in oil-free R290 turbocompressors is Mirai Intex, whose systems (such as the MT230 model) are designed for significantly higher cooling capacities (from 230 kW) for large industrial chillers. In contrast, the ebm-papst platform targets commercial and larger residential heating systems with thermal outputs of 7 to 35 kW. Due to rotational speeds of up to 160,000 rpm, the internal volume is significantly reduced compared to conventional compressors, which allows for a lower charge amount of flammable R290 refrigerant.

Edited by Maria Brueva, Induportals editor – adapted by AI.

www.ebmpapst.com