First UK installation of Sanyo’s pioneering new carbon dioxide-based heat pump system

The UK’s first installation of Sanyo’s ground-breaking new ECO carbon dioxide-based heat pump heating system is now up and running at distributor Oceanair Distribution’s Bristol facility.

The new refrigerant-based technology harnesses an advanced air-to-water heat pump to deliver low-cost hot water for use in heating and domestic hot water in residential and small commercial premises.

Unlike other heat pump-based heating systems operating on HFC refrigerants, the carbon dioxide-based Sanyo system produces water up to 65deg C, hot enough to be used directly in showers and baths without the need for an electric booster heater, keeping energy costs and emissions low.

It produces around 50 per cent less carbon emissions than comparable gas-fired boilers, according to the manufacturer, and does not require an annual landlord’s safety certificate.

Richard Tyson, managing director of Oceanair Distribution, said: “It is an important innovation – not only for Sanyo but for the industry as a whole, as it has major efficiency and environmental advantages over the traditional gas-fired boiler. It opens up a major new market for refrigeration and air conditioning engineers, and we will be supporting them every step of the way in taking advantage of the opportunity.”

At the heart of the system is Sanyo’s pioneering carbon dioxide-based compressor, claimed to be the world’s first two-stage rotary compressor operating on R744 and able to operate at ambient temperatures a low as -25ºC.

The inverter-controlled high performance direct current unit delivers COPs of up to 3.75. Designed for optimum load dispersion, the compressor accommodates the high working pressures generated by carbon dioxide and virtually eliminates the risk of leaks.

The system consists of an outdoor heat pump unit linked to an indoor unit containing a heat exchanger and hot water tank. The system supplies hot water for washing and can be directly connected up to radiators or an under floor system for space heating.

The system comes pre-charged with refrigerant, and requires only water and electrical connection. It is compatible with existing radiators and under floor systems and can be used as a direct replacement for ageing boiler installations.

The ECO has a sophisticated control system that simultaneously delivers water at different temperatures for use in domestic hot water, radiators and under floor heating. It can also be linked to other energy sources, such as solar heating.

It also automatically adjusts the water temperature according to the outdoor temperature. As the external temperature drops, the heating inside the premises increases to ensure all-year-round comfort.

Richard Tyson says: “With energy costs rising and pressure to reduce carbon emissions increasing, we believe that this is a technology whose time has come. The Sanyo system transforms the efficiency of domestic and small commercial heating systems, and beats conventional gas boiler technology hands down.

“I have no doubt it will have a major impact on the market, and presents the industry with an exciting new sector to develop.