Johnson Controls, the global expert in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, announced the launch of two next-generation industrial heat pumps, known as YMAE and YCPB. These innovative energy solutions will bolster Johnson Controls' already prestigious reputation within the heating industry, and align with the European Union's Heat Pump Action Plan as Europe moves steadily towards less reliance on boilers and fossil energy.

Deepak Ramesh Bhat, product director for Chillers & Heat Pumps, EMEA and India at Johnson Controls, expressed his belief in the essential role of heat pumps in combating climate change.

“With heating and cooling contributing to a significant portion of carbon emissions from buildings, sustainable solutions like heat pumps can be key,” said Bhat. He went on to emphasise heat pumps' recognition as an efficient, affordable, and sustainable solution for both heating and cooling - a critical component in supporting Europe's transition towards a cleaner, greener and more resilient and secure energy future.

The new entrants, YMAE and YCPB, are Air Sourced Heat Pumps designed for lighter commercial operations; such as small shopping centres, hospitals, hotels, office buildings and schools. Both models utilise an eco-friendly refrigerant, R454B low GWP, that possesses proven efficiency within Johnson Controls’ YORK product range and aligns with imminent European regulations on F-gases in heat pumps and air conditioners from 2027.

YMAE is a next-generation platform of the award-winning Amichi series, boasting state-of-the-art heat pump technologies to deliver top-tier energy efficiency and an expanded operation range capable of withstanding the harshest European climate conditions. YMAE's creative design combines an inverter scroll compressor, EC fans and a York Smart control system to adjust the pump's capacity output according to changes in building load.

YMAE can function at ambient temperatures down to -25 ºC and up to 60 ºC hot water, triumphing over the traditional heat pump capabilities of -15 ºC and 55 ºC. The first 130kW will be available in the second quarter of 2024, with other models to follow in various stages.

YCPB, another newcomer, is designed specifically for low ambient heating solutions. Like YMAE, it also offers an extended operating envelope (ambient temperature -25 ºC, hot water up to 60 ºC) and ensures heating capacity, efficiency, and hot water temperature at low ambient. It is available in both standard 2-pipe, and innovative 4-pipe version attuned for simultaneous heating and cooling applications. The YCPB units will be available in Europe from the third quarter of 2024.

Johnson Controls boasts more than 50 years of experience in the heat pump field, making effective use of sustainable refrigerants at various temperature operating ranges. The company was the first to pioneer eco-friendly heat pumps in 1982 and currently boasts the most extensive range of technology and refrigerants available in Europe.