OCHSNER REFRIGERANT
R32 – DIFLUOROMETHANE
REFRIGERANT AT OCHSNER
R32 is a synthetic refrigerant from the group of partially halogenated fluorocarbons (HFCs), chemically a single, clearly defined pure substance (CH₂F₂). It is characterized by very good thermodynamic properties, high volumetric cooling capacity, and low filling quantities. OCHSNER uses R32 where a flexible installation – especially as a split system with an indoor unit – and a non-flammable or difficult-to-burn behavior of the application are required.
What Characterizes R32
R32 has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 675 according to the 4th Assessment Report of the IPCC, which continues to serve as the calculation basis for fluorinated greenhouse gases under EU Regulation 2024/573. Compared to the predecessor refrigerant R410A (GWP 2,088), this represents a reduction of about 68%. The ozone depletion potential (ODP) is zero. Thermodynamically, R32 operates with high evaporation enthalpy and an approximately 50% increased volumetric cooling capacity compared to R410A. This enables more compact compressors, smaller filling quantities, and thus lower refrigerant-related emission contributions over the entire lifespan of the system. The high critical temperature also supports stable efficiencies even at higher flow temperatures.
Safety Class A2L:
What This Means Technically.
R32 is classified as "flammable" in safety class A2L according to DIN EN 378. "A" stands for low toxicity, "2L" for a very low burning speed. Unlike A3 refrigerants, R32 requires significantly less restrictive installation conditions but is not completely non-flammable. The product safety standard EN 60335-2-40 defines clear, practically easily achievable limits for filling quantity, room size, and installation height. For the OCHSNER AIR HAWK series, this is a central constructive advantage: The split design with an indoor unit can be implemented with R32 without elaborate additional measures – this opens up a significantly wider range of installation situations than flammable refrigerants.
OCHSNER Heat Pumps
Using Refrigerant R32
R32 is used in the AIR HAWK series – in the performance classes above the particularly compact models that operate with other refrigerants.
AIR HAWK 616
Air heat pump in split design for heating loads from 6 to 16 kW. Flow temperatures up to 65 °C, suitable for new buildings with underfloor heating as well as for renovations with existing radiators. SCOP 5.02 and sound pressure level in Silent Mode 35.7 dB(A) at 3 m. Optional active cooling via underfloor heating or fan coils.
AIR HAWK 726
Air heat pump in split design for heating loads from 18 to 22 kW, cascadeable. Flow temperatures up to 65 °C for heating and hot water. SCOP over 5 at 35 °C flow temperature. Proven horizontal table evaporator for the lowest sound levels among OCHSNER heat pumps. Ideal for densely built residential areas.
AIR HAWK 1850
High-end air heat pump for heating loads up to 43 kW, cascadeable up to 160 kW total output. Innovative V-split evaporator with two table evaporator surfaces for high performance at low noise emissions. Flow temperatures up to 60 °C, SCOP 4.74. Suitable for multi-family houses, office and commercial buildings, as well as renovation projects with high heat demand.
OCHSNER with Refrigerant R32
Efficiency in Real Operation
R32 demonstrates its strength throughout the entire heating season. The combination of high volumetric performance, favorable pressure conditions, and speed-controlled compressors enables high annual performance factors over a wide load range. The OCHSNER R32 heat pumps operate fully modulating – the compressor continuously adjusts its output to the actual heat demand, runs almost continuously, and avoids inefficient cycling.
In combination with the large surface horizontal table evaporators, the series achieves SCOP values up to 5.02 (AIR HAWK 616) and over 5 (AIR HAWK 726). All models are classified in energy efficiency class A+++ (at 35 °C flow temperature). Practically relevant is the flow temperature. 65 °C is a central value in existing buildings: Existing radiators can remain, and a conversion to underfloor heating is unnecessary. Thus, AIR HAWK 616 and 726 are suitable for both new construction with underfloor heating and for the modernization of existing buildings.
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