Choosing the right refrigerant for the right application

Fenagy works with three natural refrigerants, each with its own strengths. See where CO2, isobutane and propane fit best
— and how each refrigerant supports different temperature ranges, system features and operating conditions. 

Temperature ranges

With CO2, isobutane and propane, Fenagy can cover almost any application within industrial heating and cooling. The diagram shows the temperature range of each refrigerant.

Diagram showing temperature ranges of natural refrigerants CO2 (R744, Isobutane (R600a) and Propane (R290)

CO2 (R744)

  • Natural refrigerant with a wide temperature range

  • Non-toxic and non-flammable

  • Excellent choice for air-sourced heat pumps for direct use in the energy collectors and with high delta T on the heat sink side

  • Optimal for medium-temperature water-sourced heat pumps, chillers and combined heating and cooling applications

  • Medium-high temperature level on heat sink (up to 85°C supply temp) with high delta T on the heat sink (dT: 30-40K)

Applications

District heating · Heat networks · Industrial processes · Food industry · Greenhouses · Data centres · Logistics centres · Offices · Hospitals · HVAC in general

Isobutane (R600a)

  • High-temperature natural refrigerant

  • Suitable for water-sourced heat pumps and chillers

  • Can be used in a wide temperature range on
    both the heat source and heat sink sides

  • Robust operation under various operating conditions

  • Use of efficient screw compressors and high COP of the cycle

  • High temperature level on heat source
    (up to 40°C evap. temp)

  • High temperature level on heat sink
    (up to 95°C supply temp) and ideal with low
    delta T on heat sink - serial coupling on water
    side at higher delta T

Applications

Data centres · CCUS · Biogas · Geothermal · PtX · Industrial processes · CO2 heat pump sub-cooler · Booster in district heating systems

Propane (R290)

  • Low-temperature natural refrigerant

  • Suitable for lower temperature water-sourced heat pumps and chillers

  • Low temperature level on heat source
    (down to -30 °C evap. temp)

  • Medium temperature level on heat sink
    (up to 75 °C supply temp)

  • Ideal with low delta T on sink and heat source

  • High refrigeration capacity ensures compact solutions with small footprint

  • Can be combined with isobutane in serial hydraulic couplings

Applications

Heat networks · Industrial processes · Food industry · Data centres · Offices · Hospitals · HVAC in general