Reflecting its commitment to decarbonization and the transition to electric heating, Danfoss is excited to introduce an economizer for cold climate heat pumps. A brazed plate heat exchanger coupled with an extra expansion device, the economizer enables scroll compressors with vapor injection, like the Danfoss PSH vapor injection compressor, to operate efficiently at higher operating envelopes. Due to the challenging ambient conditions, cold climate heat pumps have a very high compression ratio, which causes the compressor to use more energy. The economizer helps vapor injection compressors operate efficiently in these conditions by reducing the workload on the compressor and enhancing heat transfer, thus improving energy efficiency.
The economizer subcools the refrigerant before it enters the expansion valve, increasing its heat absorption capacity in the evaporator. This results in improved heating performance in cold climates. By providing cooler refrigerant during compression, the economizer reduces the workload on the compressor. This improves the system's energy efficiency and extends compressor life. The Danfoss economizer contains a highly efficient Danfoss brazed plate heat exchanger.
This heat exchanger utilizes unique bi-metal connections that allow manufacturers to easily install high-volume quantities with a simple brazed joint. There is no need to use high-content silver or flux while connecting copper tubing to the brazed plate. The product also features flexible configurations with the use of either electronic expansion valves or thermostatic expansion valves, providing for precise liquid injection across a wide capacity range for residential, light commercial and commercial cold climate heat pumps. In order to reach decarbonization goals in North America, transition to electric heat sources is needed. But concerns about the effectiveness of heat pumps in colder climates have been a barrier to their adoption.
Working in conjunction with a compressor’s vapor injection capabilities, the new Danfoss economizer will help make cold climate heat pumps a viable option for both residential and commercial customers. “The economizer brings us one step closer to full electrification in HVAC,” said Jeff Staub, sales director at Danfoss Climate Solutions. “By enabling heat pumps to be effective in colder ambient conditions while reducing energy consumption, the economizer will help remove a key barrier to heat pump adoption."
