VATIS UPDATE Article

S-RAM Dynamics, the United States, has developed a heat pump that uses air; a natural refrigerant in place of environmentally-damaging HFCs. HFCs are commonly used in today’s HVAC equipment, contributing to the emission of greenhouse gas emissions. S-RAM Dynamic’s heat pump has the potential to slash heating and cooling costs in half. It is also unique due to its ability to operate in extreme climates, ranging from the very cold (30 degrees below zero) to the very hot (210 degrees). The system initially is manufactured as 20-ton units to be installed in low-rise commercial buildings or rooftops of commercial buildings.

Thermolift is also developing a heat pump that aims to make buildings greener and more energy efficient. It is working on a prototype that can provide heating, cooling and hot water for residential and commercial buildings by using natural gas and heat energy from the surrounding air. It is also designed to help reduce peak electricity consumption during the summer. Similar to S-Ram Dynamic’s heat pump, Thermolift’s design does not use HFCs. It automatically responds to environmental variables such as outdoor temperature and is set to improve efficiency in space heating by 200 percent and water heating and space cooling by 150 percent.