OCHSNER REFRIGERANT
R290 – PROPANE
REFRIGERANT AT OCHSNER
R290 is a simple hydrocarbon consisting of three carbon and eight hydrogen atoms. It occurs naturally, has an extremely low greenhouse potential, and thermodynamic properties that lead to very high efficiencies in many application scenarios. OCHSNER uses R290 where the installation situation allows it – and meets the safety requirements of its flammability through a consistently well-thought-out system design.
What distinguishes R290
R290 has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 0.02 according to the 6th Assessment Report of the IPCC, which is to be referenced according to Annex VI of the EU Regulation 2024/573 for non-fluorinated substances. In older literature, the value "3" can still be found, which is based on the 4th Assessment Report. Both values lead to the same conclusion: If one kilogram of R290 enters the atmosphere, its climate impact is negligible – CO₂ serves as a reference with GWP 1. The refrigerant is also non-toxic and has an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) of zero.
Safety Class A3:
What this means technically.
R290 is classified as "highly flammable" in safety class A3 according to the ASHRAE 34 standard. The gas is heavier than air, odorless, and forms a flammable atmosphere when mixed with air in a defined concentration range. This property is – contrary to what is often communicated in general terms – not a hindrance, but a constructive requirement. Those who meet it correctly in planning unlock the full potential of the refrigerant. The product safety standard EN 60335-2-40 limits the filling quantity of A3 refrigerants indoors depending on room size and installation height.
For the OCHSNER R290 product families, this can be solved without restrictions – through outdoor installation as a monoblock and through active safety devices that structurally exclude any risk of refrigerant entering the building.
OCHSNER Heat Pumps
with Refrigerant R290
R290 is currently used in four OCHSNER product families – in applications where outdoor installation or factory system separation is optimally effective from a safety perspective.
AIR MILAN
Air heat pump for single and multi-family houses, monoblock design with Safety Box. Heating loads from 3 to 20 kW (models 307, 612, 1016, 1220). Flow temperatures up to 70 °C, suitable for low-temperature heating systems, classic radiators, and bivalent heating systems. SCOP values depending on the model between 4.70 and 5.10. Fully modulating operation with inverter technology.
AIR EAGLE
Monoblock design with factory-integrated brine intermediate circuit. Heating loads up to 30 kW, from Q4 2026 also up to 45 kW (AIR EAGLE 2545). Flow temperatures up to 70 °C for heating and hot water. SCOP 5.31 at 35 °C flow temperature. Suitable for multi-family houses, commercial use, and renovations of existing buildings with radiators. Optional active cooling.
GEO FOX
Ground source heat pump with R290 for heating loads from 2 to 12 kW. SCOP up to 5.40, energy efficiency class A+++. Achievable flow temperatures up to 70 °C. Available as Tower S200 with integrated stainless steel hot water storage tank or as a compact indoor unit S1. Specific R290 safety concept protects against refrigerant leaks, also allowing installation in utility or ancillary rooms.
EUROPA N
Hot water heat pump with R290. Provides around 400 liters of hot water from a 300-liter storage tank. Low filling quantities, compact design, easy installation. The normative installation guidelines for A3 refrigerants also apply here, which can be easily met for the compact device class.
OCHSNER with Refrigerant R290
Efficiency in Real Operation
R290 demonstrates its strength throughout the entire heating season. The combination of high evaporation enthalpy and favorable pressure conditions enables high annual performance factors over a wide load range. The OCHSNER R290 heat pumps operate fully modulating with speed-controlled compressors – this means the compressor continuously adjusts its output to the actual heat demand, runs almost continuously, and avoids inefficient cycling.
In combination with generously sized heat exchangers – in the air heat pumps as a horizontal table evaporator – the portfolio achieves current peak values: SCOP 5.31 for the AIR EAGLE 1830, up to 5.40 for the GEO FOX, up to 5.10 for the AIR MILAN 307. All models are therefore classified in energy efficiency class A+++.
Practically relevant is the flow temperature. 70 °C is a central point in existing buildings: Existing radiators can remain, and a conversion to surface heating is unnecessary. Thus, AIR EAGLE and AIR MILAN are also suitable for the renovation of existing buildings.
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