In preparation for revisions to the EU F-gas Regulation, the Netherlands-based manufacturer Samsung Electronics Air Conditioner Europe showcased its new EHS propane (R290) monobloc residential heat pump line at ISH 2023, held in Frankfurt, Germany, March 13–17.
The company plans to release the new line for sale later this year.
Samsung’s new monobloc heat pumps provide hot water temperatures up to 75°C (167°F) and operate with a sound pressure of 35dBA measured at 3m (9.8ft). In addition, the company offers a pump-integrated solution for ease of installation.
Samsung also offers EHS Cloud Service for installation, setup and operation. The service “enables the remote optimization of a unit’s performance, along with real-time issue resolution,” said the company in a statement.
Revisions to the EU F-gas Regulation, along with surging interest in phasing out gas heating, is expected to drive demand for R290 heat pumps in Europe.
“We can meet any demand [for the heat pumps], manufacturing even millions of the units” with the company’s existing manufacturing facilities located outside of Europe, said Wim Vangeenberghe, President of Samsung Electronics Air Conditioner Europe.
Samsung make millions of air conditioners on the same assembly lines used to make heat pumps, he explained, adding that 90% of the parts are the same.
New rotary and scroll R290 compressors
In addition to the new R290 heat pump, the company highlighted its new R290 compressors at ISH 2023, including its rotary and upcoming scroll compressor lines.
“We make millions of [isobutane (R600a)] compressors for refrigerators, so making a propane compressor is not so complicated for us,” said Vangeenberghe. With Samsung manufacturing its compressors in-house, the compressor supply chain is not an issue either, he noted, adding that the company seeks to supply compressors to other OEMs too.
“With the heat waves we have [had] and the fact that our houses are completely fixed and sealed, [there is] a comfort problem,” said Vangeenberghe, remarking there is now a need for mechanical cooling as far north as Paris.
Samsung’s new R290 rotary compressor lineup ranges in capacity from 4 to 14kW (1.1 to 4TR).
The company’s new R290 Scroll Compressor line is in development, with plans to offer capacities from 16 to 20kW (4.5 to 5.7TR) at a maximum condensing temperature of 85°C (185°F).
In 2005, Samsung Electronics entered the European commercial air-conditioning market. Samsung Electronics Air Conditioner Europe (SEACE) opened in 2017 in Amsterdam and serves more than 30 European countries.
“At Samsung, we strive to create industry-leading climate solutions that continually improve the way people live and work,” said Vangeenberghe, adding that the company is excited about its latest products, including “the future-ready EHS Mono R290 range.”
“We can meet any demand [for the heat pumps], manufacturing even millions of the units.”
Wim Vangeenberghe, President of Samsung Electronics Air Conditioner Europe
