Nuaire is expanding its Boxed Packaged Solution (BPS) range of Air Handling Units (AHUs) with the launch of its new BPS-ECO-HP.
A brand-new unit with integrated heat pump that, in a first to market move by Nuaire, is charged with R32 refrigerant – the most efficient and lowest-Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerant on the market for an AHU, set to future proof the design for years to come and contribute towards net zero targets.
The new BPS-ECO-HP will use 20% less refrigerant than existing market competitors still opting for R410a. By using R32, the Nuaire BPS-ECO-HP is more efficient when carrying heat and has a lower impact on the environment.
The R32 refrigerant has a GWP of 675, 30% lower than that of systems available on the market right now. Each type of refrigerant has a GWP – a figure which allows the comparison of global warming impacts of different gases. The base is carbon, which has a GWP of one. Therefore, as an example, R410A has a GWP of 2088. This means that if one kilogram is released into the atmosphere it would have 2088 times the harmful effect of one kilogram of carbon. By comparison, R32 has a GWP of only 675, making it much less harmful to the environment.
R32 is also a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant, which is part of a range of refrigerant gases developed to be more environmentally friendly compared to CFC and HCFC gases. As a result, R32 has an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of zero, making it ideal for the next generation of equipment.
Industry pioneer, John Hammond, new product development manager and heat pump specialist at Nuaire, says: “To tie into net zero goals, building regulations are set to change in the future to meet a higher level of GWP and this new system will be ahead of its time to meet that standard.
“When designing the new BPS-ECO-HP range we wanted to create a system with a lower environmental impact and to achieve this we opted to use the R32 refrigerant to future proof the design, making specification decisions easier and quicker.”
By now integrating the heat pump into the already commercially popular Nuaire BPS range, the new BPS-ECO-HP will contribute towards net zero targets with its high efficiency and high specification levels.
It is also more practical, as by integrating the heat pump, it eliminates the need for on-site refrigerant installation works - creating a system that is quicker and easier to specify, install and maintain, while still incorporating all of the popular, classic BPS features such as its hydrophobic roof, high classification levels, skid system for ease of maintenance, and Nuaire ‘plug and play’ Ecosmart controls as standard.
The heat pump system is installed between the thermal wheel allowing for a very efficient heat recovery system. The incorporated dual compressor operation features an automatic defrost control strategy to ensure heat recovery is not lost in the event of one compressor failing. When the build-up of frost in the exhaust coil reaches a limit, the dual system will automatically respond and start warming up the second system to ensure continuous ventilation and peace of mind.
The range has undergone a rigorous test programme over a 12-month period in Nuaire’s AMCA-certified test facility to provide extensive data from -5 to 25°C.
