Copeland Launches New Ammonia Heat Pump for District Heating and Industrial Processes
Germany/Europe/U.S.: U.S. manufacturer Copeland has launched an ammonia-based (R717) water-to-water industrial heat pump under its Vilter brand, designed for decarbonizing district heating and industrial process heating, including food and beverage production. This announcement was made during the Chillventa trade show in Nuremberg, Germany, running from October 8-10. The modular unit, model VQ95, offers a heating capacity between 1 to 5MW (284 to 1,422TR) on a single skid and can be run in parallel to generate up to 40MW (11,374TR), making it ideal for district heating applications, according to Grant Kovac.
The VQ95 can achieve temperatures up to 95°C (203°F) using less than 250kg (551lbs) of ammonia, utilizing a single-screw compressor that allows for higher pressures and temperatures. It’s available in both Europe and the U.S., with manufacturing facilities in each region. Kovac noted that this is Copeland’s first packaged ammonia heat pump, previously relying on third-party companies to build these systems using Copeland compressors.
The heat pump can use various water sources, including groundwater, lakes, rivers, wastewater, or sewage, and its design allows for liquid droplets to boost the COP without requiring super heat. The platform is also designed for technician access to key components.
Source: Natural Refrigerants