Development of high efficiency CO₂ Heat Pump for domestic hot water

New thermal regulations in France require reducing drastically the power consumption in new buildings. After important improvement of insulation and ventilation efficiency, the domestic hot water arrives in first position as the main power consumer item.
Based on the heat pump technology using the natural refrigerant CO₂ and a large study of the market requirements, an innovative eco-design process has been carried out. Generations of heat pump prototypes have been built and optimised to show, by lab tests and long term field tests in 10 family homes, the great interest of the concept. Concrete results show its economical and environmental advantages compared to conventional systems.
Analysis of operating parameters from real life usage combined with installers and users feedback allowed us to identify areas for improvement. The learned lessons have been considered in the recently commercialized product that brings a green solution to the strict regulations and reconciles comfort with ecology.