OCHSNER REFRIGERANT
R452B – HFO/HFC MIXTURE
REFRIGERANT AT OCHSNER
R452B is a synthetic refrigerant mixture made from two partially halogenated fluorocarbons (R32, R125) and one hydrofluoroolefin (R1234yf, HFO). It was developed as an energetically optimized successor to R410A and combines a significantly reduced greenhouse potential with thermodynamic properties that are close to R410A. OCHSNER uses R452B in the ground and groundwater heat pumps TERRA FOX and AQUA FOX – applications with indoor installation, where a non-flammable or weakly flammable behavior represents the best constructive solution.
What Characterizes R452B
R452B has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 698 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 67%. The ozone depletion potential (ODP) is zero. Thermodynamically, R452B operates with pressure levels and volume flows that are very close to R410A – a significant advantage in the design of ground and groundwater heat pumps. In combination with speed-controlled scroll compressors and the consistently moderate source temperature from the ground or groundwater, particularly high efficiencies are achieved. The TERRA FOX and AQUA FOX series thus reach SCOP values of 5.6 to 5.8 – top values in the current competitive environment.
Safety Class A2L:
What This Means Technically.
R452B is classified as "slightly flammable" in safety class A2L according to DIN EN 378-2. "A" stands for low toxicity, "2L" for a very low burning speed. In practice, this means: For R452B to ignite at all, a very high concentration must be present in the room; a flame, if it occurs, spreads only slowly and often extinguishes by itself. For the ground and groundwater heat pumps TERRA FOX and AQUA FOX with indoor installation, this is a constructively significant advantage over more flammable refrigerants: The heat pump can be installed in utility rooms, hallways, or ancillary rooms without requiring elaborate additional measures. The safety measures to be observed according to DIN EN 378 are documented and can be implemented without any problems in practice.
OCHSNER Heat Pumps
Using Refrigerant R452B
R452B is used at OCHSNER in the ground and groundwater heat pumps TERRA FOX and AQUA FOX – applications with indoor installation, where the A2L classification represents the most direct constructive path.
TERRA FOX
Ground source heat pump for heating loads from 2 to 18 kW. Flow temperatures up to 65 °C, suitable for underfloor heating and radiators. SCOP values from 5.6 to 5.8, energy efficiency class A+++. Available as a compact tower S200 with integrated hot water storage or as a space-saving indoor unit S1. Heat source via flat collectors or ground probes.
AQUA FOX
Groundwater heat pump for heating loads from 2 to 18 kW. Flow temperatures up to 65 °C. SCOP values from 5.6 to 5.8 – top values compared to all other heat sources. For the use of groundwater, an intermediate heat exchanger is required for system separation. Available as tower S200 or as indoor unit S1. SG-Ready for the use of solar power and intelligent power grids.
OCHSNER with Refrigerant R452B
Efficiency in Real Operation
R452B shows its strengths in conjunction with a thermally stable heat source. The ground and groundwater provide consistent source temperatures throughout the heating period, significantly higher and more stable than outside air in winter. The OCHSNER R452B heat pumps operate with inverter technology and adjust their output in multiple stages to the current heat demand. This eliminates the need for a separate heating buffer storage in many systems.
In combination with scroll compressor technology and the proven OCHSNER TRONIC FOX (OTF) control, TERRA FOX and AQUA FOX achieve SCOP values of 5.6 to 5.8 – values that are also economically viable for demanding renovation projects with radiators. The indoor installation is practical. The heat pump is located inside the building, with only brine or groundwater pipes leading outside. This protects the system from weather influences, avoids heat losses during transport, and allows for complete integration into the residential building stock.
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