Nachhaltige Kältetechnik mit Propan und CO₂
ROX offers future-proof heat pump and refrigeration systems using natural refrigerants such as propane (R290) and CO₂ (R744). These solutions meet the highest standards in energy efficiency, environmental performance, and regulatory compliance. Our systems are available both as integrated modules within AHUs and as external standalone units.
Advantages of natural refrigerants
- Extremely low GWP: R290 (0.02–3), CO₂ (1) – ideal for reducing CO₂ emissions
- Zero ozone depletion: Both refrigerants have an ODP of 0
- High energy efficiency: Excellent COP/SCOP values for both heating and cooling
- F-gas free: Not subject to the F-gas Regulation – future-proof and regulation-compliant
- Eligible for subsidies: Meets BEG/BAFA criteria for state incentive programs
- Cost advantage: More affordable than synthetic refrigerants, no quota restrictions
- High availability: Naturally occurring and not synthetically produced
- Compact systems: Low refrigerant charge, high power density
- Broad application range: Suitable for residential to industrial use, including low-temperature operations
- Safety benefits: CO₂ is non-flammable; R290 can be safely integrated with ATEX-compliant design
Propane or CO₂?
- Excellent thermodynamic properties
- High efficiency – ideal for heating, cooling, and domestic hot water
- GWP of only 0.02 – virtually climate-neutral
- Compact design possible with low refrigerant charge
- Applications: residential buildings, schools, small commercial units
- Disadvantage: highly flammable → requires advanced safety measures (ATEX compliance, leak detection)
- GWP = 1, ODP = 0 → 100% F-gas compliant
- Non-flammable, low toxicity, high operational safety
- Excellent heat transfer, suitable for transcritical processes
- Extremely high capacities possible (up to >40 MW)
- Applications: industrial facilities, large-scale systems, heat recovery
- Disadvantage: very high system pressures → requires specialized components and trained personnel
Propane vs. CO₂ – Which Refrigerant for Which Application?
| Criterion | Propane (290) | CO₂ (R744) |
|---|---|---|
| Sicherheitsanforderungen | High Safety Requirements Due to Flammability, Hazard Zones and Special Installation Regulations Required | High Safety Requirements Due to High Pressure, but No Fire Hazard |
| Global Warming Potential (GWP) | Natural, Hydrocarbon | Natural, Carbon Dioxide |
| Flammability | Yes, Highly Flammable (Safety Group A3) | No, Non-Flammable (Safety Group A1) |
| Brennbar | Yes | Low |
| Betriebsdruck | Low to Moderate | Very High (transcritical range, up to > 100 bar) |
| Kritische Temperatur | High (~96,7 °C) | Low (31 °C) |
| Energieeffizienz | Very Good, High Seasonal Efficiency Ratios, High Flow Temperatures (up to 75 °C Possible) | Good, Especially at Low Condensation Temperatures; Excellent Heat Recovery |
| Komponentenverfügbarkeit | Very Good, Standard components usable | Special High-Pressure components required |
| Wirtschaftlichkeit | Cost-Effective, Especially Suitable for Small to Medium Capacities | Low Operating Costs, Higher Investment Due to Required High-Pressure Technology |