Trane (a brand of Trane Technologies) has launched two air-to-water heat pumps using R290 refrigerant: FLEX N HP and ARIES N HP. The company said the new units expand its R290 portfolio for customers across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia and New Zealand, supporting the shift toward low-carbon heating and retrofit projects such as boiler replacements. Trane said both platforms can operate continuously down to –20°C (–4°F) ambient temperatures and produce hot water up to 77°C (approx. 171°F), depending on the model.
According to Trane, the units are engineered to maximise the thermodynamic strengths of R290, which it described as a non-ozone-depleting refrigerant with ultra-low global warming potential (GWP). Trane said the extended operating maps and seasonal efficiencies are designed to help meet customer requirements for safety and reliability.
Trane said FLEX N HP is a modular, air-sourced heat pump with full inverter scroll technology and can be connected in banks of up to six units with quick hydraulic connections and streamlined electronic control. In this configuration, Trane said heating capacity can extend beyond 700 kW (approx. 2,388,500 BTU/h). The company stated the refrigerant charge is less than 5 kg (less than 11 lb) per circuit up to 125 kW (approx. 426,500 BTU/h), and that the unit can reach SCOP values up to 4.5 for typical operating conditions while producing leaving water temperatures as high as 77°C (approx. 171°F).
Trane said ARIES N HP is a packaged, all-in-one heat pump with capacity up to 230 kW (approx. 784,800 BTU/h). Built on high-efficiency scroll compressor technology with a double-circuit configuration, Trane said the unit is designed for smooth defrosting and reliable low-temperature operation, and that its design and dimensions align closely with traditional HFC-based installed units to simplify replacement. Trane stated ARIES N HP can achieve seasonal efficiencies up to 4.3 for typical operating conditions, operate down to –20°C (–4°F), and produce hot water up to 75°C (approx. 167°F); it is integrated with Trane’s Symbio 800 controls and includes built-in cybersecurity meeting the AICPA Trust Services Security Criteria.
Trane said both platforms include a safety pack with an ATEX certified leak management system, safety relief valves, and an optional gas-water separator, and use its SDS2E (Segregate, Detect, Stop, Signal, and Extract) system for safe use of R290; for modular FLEX N HP installations, a safety interlock kit option will be mandatory to stop nearby units in case of a leak. The company said both product ranges are manufactured at Trane Technologies’ European factory, will be available with Eurovent certification, and are supported by its EMEA and Australia/New Zealand sales and service network, including more than 1,000 technicians. “Building owners are demanding solutions that lower their operating costs and carbon footprint while ensuring safe, robust, year-round performance,” said Erik Van Oossanen, Product Management Leader at Trane.
