R290 HVAC Solutions

AURORA R290 HVAC Solutions:
Efficient. Safe. Future-proof.

R290 heat pumps in mobile applications:
HVAC solutions for buses and cabins

AURORA is actively driving the mobility of tomorrow: As one of the few
manufacturers, we already offer an R290 heat pump on the market today, whose safety concept was coordinated with TÜV SÜD. At the same time, we are strategically expanding our R290 portfolio to include sustainable and
energy-efficient HVAC systems for buses and cabins.

The brand-new PGHP* (PropaneGreenHeatPump) R290 rooftop HVAC solution is based on our
established technology and transforms it into a modern, future-proof, and high-performance new generation.

*PGHP (PropaneGreenHeatPump) is a registered trademark of AURORA.

Why AURORA relies on R290 as a refrigerant:

AURORA uses the natural refrigerant R290 (propane) an energy-efficient, climate-friendly, and long-term reliable alternative to synthetic substances. As a fluorine-free medium, R290 not only meets the requirements of the EU F-Gas Regulation
(EU 2024/573) but also complies with the upcoming PFAS regulation. Operators benefit early from a solution that avoids future restrictions on fluorinated refrigerants while ensuring high operational safety and stable performance.

R290 offers optimal conditions for modern HVAC solutions in vehicles:
high efficiency, reliable performance even in demanding climates, and long-term regulatory stability. AURORA specifically uses this natural refrigerant to provide sustainable, economical, and future-proof climate control for buses and cabins.

Safety and acceptance of R290 in vehicles:

R290 is a flammable refrigerant—but it can be used safely if a reliable safety concept is in place. The R290 safety concept developed by AURORA was coordinated in collaboration with TÜV SÜD. Initial applications are already in series use and confirm both practical suitability and high operational safety.

Advantages of the natural refrigerant R290:

Low Global Warming Potential (GWP = 3) – significantly more climate-friendly than synthetic alternatives

Thermodynamic properties - comparable to R134a

Reliable cooling performance even at high ambient
temperatures (>35°C), ideal for hot climates regions

Reliable availability and economically attractive - a long-term viable option

High energy efficiency for mobile HVAC applications:
- Lower energy consumption
- Reduced operating costs
- Increased range for electric vehicles
- Lower system weight.

F-Gas compliant - meets all current requirements without the risk of future bans or significant usage restrictions

Future-proof through PFAS compliance - ready for upcoming requirements for fluorine-free refrigerants

R290 compared to
alternative natural refrigerants (e.g., CO₂)

Significantly better cooling performance in hot climate regions
- CO₂-based systems lose efficiency at high ambient temperatures
- R290 systems demonstrate high efficiency in real-world operation, resulting in greater vehicle range
Thermodynamic properties comparable to R134a - technically straightforward integration

Our expertise in R290 HVAC solutions
for vehicles:

R290 heat pump with a TÜV SÜD coordinated safety concept – already
established in the market
Further development of our proven technology into a new generation of
energy-efficient HVAC solutions, including the PGHP
Continuous expansion of our R290 portfolio
Optimally designed for the technological transition to electromobility

The PGHP: A new generation of R290 heat pumps

The PGHP (PropaneGreenHeatPump) is a completely new development and is not based on an adapted existing system. This allowed key system components to be optimally designed from the start for the thermodynamic properties of the natural refrigerant R290:

System architecture for maximum performance
Component selection and design tailored to R290
Safety concept developed for use in modern vehicles

The result: a safe, efficient, and future-proof R290 HVAC solution for
electric buses.