CO₂ Heat Pump Solutions for Central Hot Water Systems

Amid the global transition toward low-carbon and energy-efficient technologies, centralized hot water systems for hotels, hospitals, industrial facilities, and commercial buildings must meet dual objectives: energy savings and greenhouse gas reduction.

One of the most advanced and sustainable solutions today is the CO₂ heat pump system, particularly the high-performance product range from Enerblue (Italy), a leading European heat pump manufacturer.

In Vietnam, PGTECH provides consulting and turnkey solutions for centralized CO₂ heat pump systems, delivering next-generation technologies for:

• Hotels & resorts
• Hospitals & healthcare facilities
• Industrial plants
• Schools & commercial buildings

With a strong commitment to sustainability, PGTECH focuses on reducing CO₂ emissions, optimizing energy efficiency, and improving system performance.

I. What is a CO₂ Heat Pump?

A heat pump transfers thermal energy from a low-temperature source (air, water, or ground) to a higher temperature level via a refrigeration cycle.

A CO₂ heat pump uses carbon dioxide (R744) as the refrigerant:

• GWP = 1 (lowest possible)
• ODP = 0 (no ozone depletion)
• Non-toxic, non-flammable, environmentally benign

Unlike fossil-fuel systems that generate CO₂ during combustion, CO₂ heat pumps operate in a closed-loop cycle, meaning:

• No direct CO₂ emissions
• Refrigerant is often recovered from industrial processes

Typical Applications:

• Residential & commercial buildings (hotels, apartments, high-rises)
• Hospitals, schools, sports centers
• Light industry (food, textile, pharmaceutical)
• District heating / central hot water systems

II. CO₂ – A Cleaner, Safer Refrigerant

All refrigeration systems experience some refrigerant leakage over time. However, CO₂ offers significantly lower environmental impact:

• Typical leakage: ~53 kg/year
• Thousands of times lower impact vs. HFC refrigerants (R134a, R410A, R32)

Safety Advantages:

• Non-flammable
• Non-toxic
• Non-corrosive

Unlike synthetic refrigerants, CO₂ does not decompose into hazardous byproducts, ensuring safe operation and minimal environmental risk.

III. Why Choose CO₂ Heat Pumps?

1. High Efficiency in Extreme Conditions

CO₂ heat pumps operate efficiently even at low ambient temperatures, thanks to superior thermodynamic properties → higher COP.

2. High-Temperature Output (Up to 90°C)

No need for auxiliary electric or gas heating. Ideal for:

• High-temperature commercial systems
• Boiler replacement projects
• Industrial hot water applications

3. Superior Safety

CO₂ (R744) is safer than alternatives like propane (R290) or ammonia (NH₃), enabling installation in densely populated or sensitive environments.

4. Future-Proof Technology

CO₂ is not subject to HFC/HFO phase-out regulations → long-term compliance.

5. Reduced Emissions & Operating Costs

• Lower indirect CO₂ emissions
• Significant energy savings vs. electric boilers or gas systems
• Supports Net Zero Carbon strategies

IV. CO₂ in Heat Pumps vs Atmospheric CO₂

CO₂ from Combustion:

• Generated continuously by fossil fuel systems
• Released into the atmosphere → contributes to global warming

CO₂ in Heat Pumps:

• Used as a closed-loop refrigerant
• Not emitted during operation
• Often sourced from industrial recovery

Compared to other refrigerants:

• Propane (R290): flammable
• Ammonia (NH₃): toxic and carbon-intensive production
• CO₂: safest, most sustainable option

V. Enerblue CO₂ Heat Pump Product Range

1. IRIDIUM – Air-to-Water CO₂ Heat Pump

• Refrigerant: R744 (CO₂)
• Heat source: Ambient air
• Hot water: up to 90°C
• Operating range: down to -20°C
• Capacity: 14.8 – 124.3 kW (A7/W80)

2. IRIDIUM WW – Water-to-Water CO₂ Heat Pump

• Heat source: water (wastewater, lake, river)
• Output temperature: up to 90°C
• Capacity: 16 – 137.9 kW (W7/W80)

Operating Principle

Both series include:

• Inverter-controlled circulation pumps
• Smart microprocessor control
• Stratified hot water storage tanks (recommended)

VI. Applications & Cooling Recovery

Domestic Hot Water (DHW)

Optional cool recovery enables simultaneous chilled water production for: Fan coils & Air Handling Units (AHU)

Industrial Processes

Cooling recovery can also support:

• Industrial process cooling
• HVAC systems

VII. Why Invest in CO₂ Heat Pumps?

1. High Performance

• IRIDIUM (Air/Water): COP 3.09 – 3.44 (A7/W80)
• IRIDIUM WW: COP 3.51 – 3.72 (W7/W80)

Example:

• IRIDIUM WW 26 → COP 3.72 (27.8 kW output / 7.4 kW input)
• IRIDIUM WW 150 → 137.9 kW with COP ~3.70

2. Lower Operating Costs

• 3 kWh heat per 1 kWh electricity
• Significant savings vs. boilers

3. Reliable in All Conditions

• Stable performance even in harsh climates
• Ideal for continuous high-temperature demand

4. Flexible System Design

• Capacity range: 14.8 – 137.9 kW
• Easy cascade integration for large systems

VIII. Key Advantages of Enerblue CO₂ Heat Pumps

High Temperature Output

Up to 90°C → ideal for centralized hot water systems.

High Efficiency

Higher COP & SCOP → lower energy consumption.

Reduced Infrastructure Cost

High ΔT (e.g., 40°C) allows smaller pipe sizes (DN125 → DN65).

Low Environmental Impact

• Natural refrigerant (CO₂)
• Minimal leakage impact
• No regulatory risk

Smart Remote Monitoring

• Real-time system monitoring
• Data logging & diagnostics
• Remote control (setpoints, modes)
• Fault tracking with timestamps

IX. Conclusion

Under increasing pressure to decarbonize energy systems, CO₂ heat pumps from Enerblue provide a future-ready solution for centralized hot water.

Key benefits include:

• Natural refrigerant (GWP = 1, ODP = 0)
• High efficiency and low operating cost
• Reliable high-temperature output
• Integrated smart control and monitoring

These systems deliver both environmental sustainability and long-term economic value.

PGTECH – Your Partner for Sustainable Hot Water Solutions

PGTECH is a trusted provider of CO₂ heat pump solutions in Vietnam, offering:

• Technical consulting
• Customized system design
• High-quality equipment supply
• End-to-end project support

From hotels and hospitals to industrial facilities, PGTECH ensures energy-efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly central hot water systems—supporting the transition toward a sustainable, low-carbon future.

PGTECH GROUP LIMITED – Authorized Distributor of HVAC System Products in Vietnam and Regional Markets

News Editorial Board: PGTECH

Engineer: Manh Thang

PGTECH GROUP LIMITED

Business Office: 3rd Floor, Bac Ha Building C14-CT1, To Huu Street, Dai Mo Ward, Hanoi City, Vietnam

Address: No. 12, Lane 28, Tay Ho Street, Tay Ho Ward, Hanoi City, Vietnam

Phone: +84-24-7302 3588/ Fax: +84-24-7302 3589

Hotline: 0962 875 986 /0962 160 126

E-mail: info@pgtech.com.vn / sales@pgtech.com.vn

Website: www.pgtech.com.vn