TLDR

• Johnson Controls launched the Sabroe HitemHP, an industrial heat pump that delivers hot water up to 122°C for process heating in sectors like food, pharma, and manufacturing.
• The unit uses natural refrigerants R600 and R600a, operates below 28 barg pressure, and meets tightening low-GWP regulations while offering 100 kW to 1 MW capacity options.
• This heat pump can replace fossil-fuel boilers to cut costs and emissions, making it a key solution for contractors, plant operators, and HVAC sellers focusing on industrial electrification.

Johnson Controls has launched the Sabroe HitemHP, an industrial heat pump that delivers hot water up to 122°C—hot enough for industrial process heating, not just space heating. It comes in ten models with heating capacities ranging from 100 kW to 1 MW, offering flexible sizing for various projects. The system uses natural refrigerants R600 (n-butane) and R600a (isobutane), keeping the refrigerant circuit pressure below 28 barg to meet tightening low-global warming potential (GWP) regulations. Built in Holme, Denmark, the unit targets energy-intensive industries like food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.

Regulatory fit: natural refrigerants and low-GWP goals

Johnson Controls’ Sabroe HitemHP uses R600 and R600a, which are natural refrigerants with very low global warming potential (GWP). Low GWP means they have less impact on the climate compared to common synthetic refrigerants. The system’s refrigerant circuit operates below 28 barg, which is a gauge pressure measurement. Staying under this pressure limit helps meet safety standards and lowers regulatory hurdles in many countries. This design also positions facilities to reduce their use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a group of refrigerants facing stricter bans and limits worldwide. By adopting natural refrigerants and a low-pressure design, the Sabroe HitemHP helps industrial sites comply with tightening environmental rules while supporting sustainable heat pump use.

Who benefits: sectors, use cases, and savings

Johnson Controls’ Sabroe HitemHP targets industries like food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing that need hot water between 80 and 122°C. This temperature range works well for many industrial process heat applications. The heat pump can replace or support fossil-fuel boilers, helping facilities cut fuel costs and reduce emissions. This makes it a solid choice for sites aiming to electrify their heating and lower their carbon footprint. Demand is growing for high-temperature heat pumps that fit both retrofit projects and new builds. These units offer a practical path for industrial sites to move away from fossil fuels while meeting their hot water needs efficiently.

Key specs and integration notes

Johnson Controls offers the Sabroe HitemHP in 10 factory-made models. These cover nominal heating capacities from about 100 kilowatts (kW) up to 1 megawatt (MW), providing options for different industrial needs. The unit is built in Holme, Denmark, designed for continuous heavy-duty use in industrial settings. It can work alongside existing heat sources or cooling systems, making it flexible for integration. The heat pump uses natural refrigerants R600 (n-butane) and R600a (isobutane). Handling these requires trained technicians because they are flammable and must be installed safely. Only qualified teams should install and maintain the system to ensure safe and efficient operation.

What to do now: screen sites, pilot, and plan

Contractors should focus on sites with steady heat demands between 70 and 122°C. Check that the electrical system can support the heat pump and confirm the layout of thermal loops to ensure smooth integration. Plant operators and property managers need to compare current boiler fuel costs with the projected efficiency of the heat pump, known as COP or coefficient of performance, at the target temperatures. Reviewing available rebates and tariffs can help improve the project's financial outlook. Sellers should prepare by offering safety training for handling natural refrigerants like R600 and R600a. Stocking key parts such as heat exchangers, pumps, and controls will help meet demand quickly. Adding high-temperature heat pumps to your proposals can open new opportunities. If you’re unsure about sizing, tools are available to get the right fit in seconds, making the process faster and more accurate.

Key Takeaways

• Johnson Controls’ Sabroe HitemHP heat pump delivers hot water up to 122°C, making it suitable for industrial process heat beyond just space heating. It offers 10 models with heating capacities from 100 kW to 1 MW, providing flexible sizing for various projects. The system uses natural refrigerants R600 (n-butane) and R600a (isobutane), which have low global warming potential (GWP), and operates below 28 barg to meet tightening environmental and safety regulations. Targeting energy-intensive industries like food, beverage, and pharmaceuticals, this heat pump helps reduce fossil fuel use and operating costs by replacing traditional boilers with electrified heating solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Johnson Controls Sabroe HitemHP industrial heat pump?

The Sabroe HitemHP is a new industrial heat pump that delivers hot water up to 122°C, suitable for industrial process heating. It comes in 10 models with heating capacities ranging from 100 kW to 1 MW, offering flexibility for different project sizes.

What refrigerants does the Sabroe HitemHP use and why does that matter?

It uses natural refrigerants R600 (n-butane) and R600a (isobutane), which have low global warming potential (GWP). This helps facilities meet tightening environmental regulations and reduces reliance on harmful synthetic refrigerants.

Which industries can benefit most from this heat pump?

The unit targets energy-intensive sectors like food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. These industries often need hot water between 80°C and 122°C for their processes, making this heat pump a good fit to replace or back up fossil-fuel boilers.

What should contractors and plant operators consider before installing this heat pump?

Contractors should look for sites with steady heating demands between 70°C and 122°C and confirm electrical capacity. Plant operators should compare current boiler fuel costs against the heat pump’s efficiency and check for any rebates or tariffs that support electrification upgrades.

Related Topics: Johnson Controls, Sabroe HitemHP, 122°C hot water, natural refrigerant HVAC, industrial process heat, high-temperature HVAC, low-GWP refrigerants, boiler fuel savings, energy-efficient heating, HVAC for industry, process heat solutions, sustainable HVAC systems