A propane solution for every building and situation

The new F-gases regulation accelerates the transition from synthetic refrigerants to natural refrigerants, with the goal of reducing global warming and protecting the ozone layer. Within this scenario, Western Air Conditioning says propane is the smartest replacement choice for our current and future HVAC applications. The total supplier of heat pumps, chillers, air conditioners and air handling equipment has developed an extensive range of propane chillers and heat pumps to provide a suitable propane solution for every building and situation.

"Propane (R290) is a natural refrigerant, which according to the IPCC's new calculation method (2021) has a global warming potential (GWP) of 0.02 and an ozone-depleting potential (ODP) of 0," begins Anton Dijksma, Product & Quality Manager at Western Air Conditioning. "This means that propane contributes only minimally to the greenhouse effect." From an environmental perspective, therefore, propane is a logical choice, he believes. "In addition, propane has much better thermodynamic properties, which means you can transport the same amount of heat or cold with significantly less refrigerant. Moreover, whereas synthetic refrigerants will be subject to a CO2 tax in the future, propane remains duty-free. This also makes propane increasingly interesting financially."

In fact, for existing construction, propane is an excellent choice, according to Dijksma. "Heat pumps with propane are capable of delivering hot water of 60 to 65°C at an outside temperature of -10°C. This makes heat pumps ideally suited for existing buildings in which gas-fired central heating boilers need to be replaced. After all, the existing delivery systems can be retained in this case. The properties of propane also come into their own in new construction projects. It is no coincidence that more and more companies, consultants and governments are prescribing natural refrigerants such as propane in their projects. With our extensive knowledge and expertise in propane chillers and heat pumps, we are happy to assist these companies and their installation partners. Also with regard to the explosion- and fire-safe installation and operation of these systems, for which we offer various RI&E and hazard-zone tools."

Those who choose Western Air Conditioning's propane heat pumps and chillers now have a choice of six product ranges with an average of fifteen models, in all possible shapes and designs and including Eurovent certification. As an example, Dijksma mentions the Omicron Zero; a complete range of multifunctional and high efficiency 4-pipe air/water heat pumps for outdoor installation with a capacity of 50 to 240 kW. "The Omicron Zero units enable simultaneous cooling and heating of offices, care centers, hotels, shopping centers and industrial buildings," he says. "In the process, energy can be exchanged efficiently. For example, in the in-between seasons, resulting in the very highest EER and COP efficiencies. The TER (heat recovery) efficiency can even reach 7.9."

For applications where heating or cooling may be provided over the same pipe, Western Air Conditioning offers an extensive range of 2-pipe Titan Zero air-to-water heat pumps (30 to 400 kW) with a high SCOP value. "Both the Titan Zero and Omicron Zero series feature a patented defrost cycle, allowing efficient, smart defrosting in the shortest possible time," said Dijksma. "In addition, the heat pumps can be easily incorporated into the building management system." Also unique are Western Air Conditioning's Sigma Zero water-to-water heat pumps for indoor installation, which can also be placed outdoors if desired. "With this, we offer a suitable solution with propane for every situation."