IIR Technical brief on domestic heat pumps using hydrocarbons

58^th International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) Technical Brief on Refrigeration Technologies releases current status and market overview in Europe.

Hydrocarbons (HCs), which have thermophysical properties, lower toxicity, but are flammable, are being increasingly adopted for many applications. Different from the synthetics, these fluids are regarded by many as longterm, environmentally benign options without unexpected effects as they are already naturally abundant in the environment.

With emphasis on environmental issues, governments are encouraging a shift from fossil-fuel fired domestic heating appliances to electrically-driven heat pumps. In parallel, due to the negative impacts posed by synthetic refrigerants, governments are introducing or extending controls on fluorinated substances, whilst industry has been paying more attention to the relatively environmentally benign natural fluids for many applications, including for heat pumps.

The objective of this technical brief is to summarise the current penetration of the use of HCs in the market of domestic heat pumps (DHPs), their advantages and disadvantages in this application compared to other alternatives and the extent to which they can be applied, as well as future perspectives on further adoption.