Danfoss has introduced an economizer designed to enhance the performance of heat pumps in cold climates. The technology, which combines a brazed plate heat exchanger with an extra expansion device, supports scroll compressors with vapor injection, such as the Danfoss PSH vapor injection compressor, to operate efficiently in extreme conditions.
Cold climate heat pumps often experience high compression ratios due to low ambient temperatures, leading to increased energy consumption. The economizer improves efficiency by subcooling the refrigerant before it reaches the expansion valve, increasing its heat absorption capacity in the evaporator. This process enhances heating performance while also reducing the compressor’s workload, improving energy efficiency and extending compressor lifespan.
The Danfoss economizer integrates a high-efficiency brazed plate heat exchanger, which features bi-metal connections for simplified installation without requiring high-content silver or flux for copper tubing connections. The system also supports both electronic and thermostatic expansion valves, allowing precise liquid injection across a wide capacity range for residential, light commercial, and commercial heat pumps.
The transition to electric heating is a key step in achieving decarbonization goals in North America. However, concerns about heat pump efficiency in colder climates have slowed adoption. By working alongside vapor injection compressors, the new Danfoss economizer aims to address these challenges, making heat pumps a more viable solution for both residential and commercial applications.
“The economizer brings us one step closer to full electrification in HVAC,” said Jeff Staub, sales director at Danfoss Climate Solutions. “By enabling heat pumps to be effective in colder ambient conditions while reducing energy consumption, the economizer will help remove a key barrier to heat pump adoption.”