ait-group, Bavaria’s largest heat pump manufacturer, is introducing a new generation of compact brine heat pumps using the natural refrigerant R290. The WZSV 63 (under the alpha innotec brand) and the WSV 6.3 (marketed by NOVELAN) are based on research from the LC150 project led by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE.
The LC150 project, initiated in 2020, aimed to develop R290 heat pump systems with significantly reduced refrigerant volumes. ait-group is the first industrial partner to bring a market-ready product to fruition from this research. The company collaborated closely with Fraunhofer ISE, investing in its own R&D to apply the project’s findings to product development. The institute also supported testing as an independent partner.
The new units are designed for indoor use in single- and multi-family homes, especially where space is limited. Thanks to the reduced refrigerant charge—max. 150 g of R290 per unit—no additional ventilation system is required. Their modular design, featuring a removable refrigerant circuit module, simplifies transport and installation, particularly in retrofitting scenarios. Both models offer optional integrated cooling and include an electric anode to reduce maintenance.
With a source temperature range of −13°C to +30°C, the heat pumps are compatible with ground loops, groundwater, wastewater, ice storage, and PVT collectors. Under average conditions, the systems achieve SCOPs of 5.14 (at 35°C) and 3.96 (at 55°C), meeting A+++ efficiency standards. Market availability is scheduled for June 2025 via authorised distributors.
While the WZSV 63 targets the premium segment for alpha innotec, the WSV 6.3 offers the same specifications under the NOVELAN brand. Both models are compatible with Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS) and can be integrated into PV and battery storage setups for dynamic energy tariff optimization. They also comply with the upcoming F-gas regulation requirements.
“Our development team has achieved a technological breakthrough in this important field in such a short time,” said Edgar Timm, Director R+D at ait-group. Clemens Dankwerth, Product Manager at Fraunhofer ISE, added: “We have successfully achieved our goal of transferring research into practice with an industry partner.”
