Secop Targets Heat Pump Makers With R290 Compressors

Secop has introduced robust propane (R290) heat pump compressors engineered for domestic hot water heat pumps. The compressors use ambient air energy in systems designed to cover the annual hot water needs of two to three people, making them suitable for apartment complexes.

According to Secop, systems with a typical tank capacity of up to 200 liters (approx. 53 gal) can produce roughly 600 liters (approx. 159 gal) of hot water within 24 hours. The company says its compact HC refrigerant compressors offer up to 30% increased efficiency compared with HFC refrigerant solutions.

Secop states that from 1 January 2027, heat pump manufacturers must complete the transition away from HFC refrigerants. Its reciprocating propane heat pump compressors are positioned for heat pump applications requiring low noise, compact size, stable performance over the product lifetime, and robust operation under high back pressure, liquid return and hot gas defrosting conditions.

The compressors are designed to operate at high evaporation temperatures with high back pressure and to withstand extreme liquid refrigerant returns. A patented Secop hermetic terminal plug is included to support the secure use of R290 by preventing root causes of electrical arcing associated with flammable refrigerants.

The NLU8.8DN compressor is designed to replace SC10GH/GHH or SC12GH compressors and provides heating capacity of up to 2 kW (approx. 6,824 BTU/h). The model is available as NLU8.8DN 105H6084 and 105H6085, with 220–240 V, 50 Hz, high back pressure and high starting torque specifications.