International. Johnson Controls expands its portfolio of HVAC solutions in Latin America with the new YORK YCPB air-to-water heat pump, a device designed for heating applications in low ambient temperature conditions.
This equipment integrates high-capacity scroll compressors with Enhanced Steam Injection (EVI) technology.
The unit has been developed to operate in extreme climates, reaching heating capacities at outdoor temperatures down to -25°C, while maintaining operational stability and efficiency. In terms of thermal production, the YCPB can supply hot water up to 60 °C at full load and up to 62 °C at part load, expanding its range of application in projects that demand high supply temperatures.
System Architecture and Configuration
The YCPB series incorporates an independent dual refrigeration circuit design, each equipped with scroll compressors in tandem or trio configuration, integrating EVI and IDV (Intermediate Discharge Valves) technologies to optimize performance at both full and partial load.
The equipment is available in 2-tube versions, aimed at reversible heating and cooling applications, and 4-tube versions, designed for simultaneous production of cold and heat. The latter allows for multiple operational combinations, including 100% concurrent operation in both modes, which is especially relevant in buildings with simultaneous thermal loads.
Among the main technical elements are:
- High-efficiency economizer, which improves the refrigeration cycle by optimizing subcooling and steam injection.
- Electronic Expansion Valve (EEV), which allows precise control of refrigerant flow in bidirectional operation.
- Optimized heat exchangers, with counter-current design in heating mode to maximize heat transfer.
- Batteries with 7 mm tubes and hydrophilic fins, which improve heat exchange and reduce pressure losses on the air side.
- Fans with patented bionic design, achieving noise level reductions of up to 4–5 dBA and efficiency improvements in the order of 9–10%.
In addition, the system integrates a 4-way low-pressure loss reversing valve, designed specifically for high-capacity applications, and a patented coolant distribution system that optimizes behavior during defrost cycles.
Control, Integration and Operation
The YCPB incorporates an intelligent control platform developed by Johnson Controls, with plug-and-play architecture and support for Modbus and BACnet protocols, facilitating its integration into building automation systems (BAS).
The system includes advanced features such as self-adaptive defrosting, optimized fan control, and efficient management in low ambient temperature conditions, improving operational reliability.
Energy efficiency and sustainability
One of the differentiating attributes of the series is its high SCOP in heating, which positions the equipment within the highest standards of efficiency on the market, in compliance with Ecodesign guidelines.
The YCPB uses refrigerant R454B, classified as A2L (low toxicity and low flammability), with a GWP of 466, representing a reduction of 78% compared to R410A and 31% compared to R32. In addition, the system reduces refrigerant charge by approximately 10%, helping to minimise its environmental impact.
Thanks to its wide operating range (303 to 890 kW) and its ability to operate in extreme conditions, the YCPB is aimed at applications in:
- Commercial buildings (shopping malls, hotels, offices)
- Health sector (hospitals)
- Educational institutions
- Industrial processes with simultaneous heating and cooling requirements
With this new solution, Johnson Controls reinforces its commitment to high-efficiency technologies, aimed at the decarbonization of the HVAC sector and the optimization of energy performance in buildings.
The company will be showing this launch at Expo Frío Calor Chile, from April 14 to 16 in Centro Parque, Las Condes.
