Benefits provided by Refra heat pump secure major industry award
A highly successful Refra Ignis reversible heat pump installed at a new €20 million flower processing facility in Ireland is the recipient of a prestigious industry award. This advanced Refra propane heat pump with its state-of-the-art technologies has been delivering sustainability and energy efficiency at Keeling’s newly constructed flower processing facility in St Margaret’s, County Dublin, since opening in July 2023.
IRI Heat Pump System of the Year, Winner Anglo Irish Refrigeration. ©2024 - The Institute of Refrigeration Ireland
Keeling’s, a third-generation family business operating and innovating within the fresh produce industry since 1926, wanted sustainability and resource recovery to be integral parts of its refrigerated warehouse project from the outset. To help ensure this concept became reality, the company turned to local Refra partner Anglo Irish Refrigeration.
Anglo Irish Refrigeration specified a Refra Ignis reversible propane heat pump offering 101.6kW of cooling capacity and 120kW of heating capacity, alongside a Refra chiller with two pump stations and a buffer tank. By providing a variety of products to cover multiple project needs, Anglo Irish Refrigeration became part of the overall sustainability goal at Keeling’s.
Refra heat pump and chiller at Keeling’s flower processing facility in Dublin. © Anglo Irish Refrigeration.
Keelings Opens New €20m Flower Facility in North Dublin. © 2023 - Keelings
Green light for heat pumps
Regarding heat pump selection criteria for the project at Keeling’s, sustainability was high on the agenda. Heat pumps are already a popular choice for many commercial and industrial refrigeration projects because they use less refrigerants than traditional systems and, by relying on heat transfer principles, generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions than their energy-intensive counterparts. According to market research specialist Global Market Insights (GMI), Europe’s heat pump market was valued at $16.5 billion in 2023 and is estimated to reach $82.1 billion by 2032, delivering an impressive CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 19.2% from 2024 to 2032.
In light of this demand, technological advancement is critical. Here, Refra leads with heat pumps that use natural cooling technology such as propane.Refra began pioneering the production of refrigeration equipment with natural refrigerants in 2011 and is now celebrating a decade of manufacturing propane-based heat pumps. All of the company’s reversible heat pumps today feature natural R290 (propane), a highly efficient refrigerant with an extremely low GWP (Global Warming Potential).
Refra propane heat pump range. © Ilona Brant Pavšukova
R290 is an ideal alternative to high-GWP synthetic refrigerants, which are undergoing phase-out under the F-gas regulation. The F-gas regulation is another factor behind the refrigeration industry’s innovation drive, encouraging the development of more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient technologies and refrigerants that can help mitigate climate change.
Some harbour concerns regarding the flammable properties of propane in poorly ventilated spaces. The advice here is to select only propane refrigeration systems which adhere to EN378, a robust industry standard that governs the safety requirements of refrigeration systems and heat pumps. Refra, for example, meticulously incorporates all necessary components mandated by the standard, including pressure relief devices, leak detection systems, safety valves and emergency shutdown mechanisms. Throughout its entire history of producing propane refrigeration systems, Refra has an impeccable safety record with zero reported incidents.
The attraction of magnetic valves
Ensuring the continuous development and evolution of refrigeration technology means that progressive heat pump manufacturers must explore new technologies, particularly those that can influence performance and efficiency.
A good example is a recent collaboration between Siemens and Refra, the outcome of which indicates a clear way to increase heat pump COP (co-efficient of performance) using magnetic expansion valves (MEVs).
Refra tested a Siemens MVL702 MEV on a double-circuit reversible air-to-water heat pump with a total heating capacity of 60kW. The trial took place alongside an identical circuit featuring a conventional electronic expansion valve (EEV). Both circuits used variable-speed drive (VSD) compressors operating continuously at full load, providing outlet water temperatures of 30 to 32°C at an outdoor air temperature of -6°C. COP was in the average range of 3.7 to 4.1. The parameter settings of each circuit were identical, with testing taking place over several weeks and the heat pump operating non-stop throughout.
Refra production manager, holding a new Siemens magnetic expansion valve. © Ilona Brant Pavšukova
21% more heat; 14% less energy
The outcome of the trial underlines the practical advantages and economic benefits of improving heat pump performance. Refra’s entire propane heat pump range now features the Siemens MVL702 MEV.
Propane units at Refra factory equipment loading dock. © Ilona Brant Pavšukova
Refra at Chillventa
At the upcoming exhibition Chillventa in Nuremberg, Refra will be presenting the new heat pumps and demo products. Visitors will also have the possibility to meet up with Refra’s technical experts and sales team to help selecting the best refrigeration equipment with natural refrigerants.