Ammonia-Absorption Heat Pump Is Gaining Interest from U.S. Utilities

USA: According to Scott Ward, Applications and Technical Support for ROBUR, the Italian manufacturer has been receiving "a lot of interest" from American utilities and energy organisations over their reversible ammonia (R717)-absorption heat pump.

The GAHP-AR heat pump model was on display at the AHR Expo 2024, which took place in Chicago from January 22–24. It is appropriate for use in both commercial and large residential settings.

In an interview at the AHR Expo, he stated that local utilities are "making the technology more applicable in certain markets" where the company "hasn't had a lot of support" by offering incentives and refunds for decarbonisation technologies.

2006 saw the American debut of the ammonia-absorption heat pump, which was also on display at the AHR Expo this year. Although he acknowledged that interest has been increasing over the previous five years, Ward stated, "It was ahead of its time."

The heat pump uses an ammonia-absorption process that is sparked by natural gas to produce heat and cold. It is intended for use with multi-family homes, other commercial structures, and custom residential homes up to 3,000 square feet (279 square metres).

With a capacity of 37.8kW (10.7TR), a GUE (Gas Utilisation Efficiency) of 150%, and a maximum outlet water temperature of 60°C (140°F), it can provide hot water for home use as well as space heating. Its cooling side has a capacity of 16.9kW (4.8TR), producing cold water at 3°C (37°F). There is 15 to 17 pounds (6.8 to 7.7 kg) of ammonia in the unit.

ROBUR claims that the heat pump can achieve over 130% efficiency even at -7°C (19.4°F), which is why it is utilized in particularly cold locations. Backup systems are not necessary.

AHR Expo 2024 also included the Stone Mountain Technologies Anesi model, an additional ammonia-absorption heat pump. Heat pumps for homes and businesses that use CO2 (R744) and were on display at AHR Expo 2024 are intended to heat household water, not spaces. In the United States, propane (R290) heat pumps for domestic use are currently unavailable.

Source: Robur