Q: Tell us more about Carrier's latest innovation, the AquaSnap® 61AQ. What makes it a standout solution in the HVACR market?
The AquaSnap® 61AQ is our latest high-temperature air source heat pump, and it’s been specially designed to work with R-290 refrigerant – helping our customers meet their sustainability goals. It’s a big step forward for sustainable heating, combining advanced technology with Carrier’s decades of expertise. Plus, it delivers impressive energy efficiency, reduces environmental impact, and performs reliably in temperatures down to -25°C.
What really makes the AquaSnap® 61AQ stand out is its versatility. It offers flexible modular configurations, operates with noise levels significantly below regulatory thresholds, and integrates seamlessly with existing building systems. Whether it’s a hotel, a hospital, or another commercial setting, it’s built to support the global drive for decarbonisation and offers a clean, efficient alternative to traditional fossil-fuel systems. It’s Carrier’s vision for a greener, more energy-efficient future brought to life.
Q: What does the name “61AQ” signify for Carrier’s new product?
The name “61AQ” reflects Carrier’s established naming convention, which dates back to when the company was founded in 1915. The “61” indicates that this product is a heating solution, while “AQ”, specifically the “Q”, relates to thermodynamics as Q represents heat transfer between a system and its surroundings. So AQ highlights the unit’s advanced qualities on delivering high-temperature heating.
Q: Why did Carrier select R-290 as the refrigerant for the AquaSnap® 61AQ?
We chose R-290 because of its exceptional thermodynamic properties, which make it highly efficient with acceptable operating pressures – perfect for heating applications. Historically, R-32 was the most commonly used refrigerant due to its efficiency and ease of use, but its ozone depletion potential makes it environmentally unsustainable.
R-290 offers comparable thermodynamic properties to R-32, but with an ultra-low Global Warming Potential (GWP) of just 0.02 and no ozone depletion potential. Another advantage of R-290 is that it requires a relatively low charge volume to achieve the same level of efficiency, which not only reduces environmental impact but also minimises associated risks. By optimising the AquaSnap® 61AQ for R-290, Carrier has created a solution that ticks all the boxes – performance, sustainability, safety, and staying ahead of regulations – perfectly in step with the HVAC industry’s move toward decarbonisation.
Q: How does the AquaSnap® 61AQ address safety concerns associated with R-290?
Safety was a top priority in designing the AquaSnap® 61AQ. The unit minimises refrigerant volume by limiting the charge per circuit to 4 kg. All refrigerant-containing components are housed within ventilated enclosures to reduce ignition risks. The smart and comprehensive engineering design further reduces the volume of refrigerant in the piping and isolates all refrigerant-containing elements in a protective enclosure. This enclosure prevents direct contact with electrical components or potential sources of ignition.
The AquaSnap® 61AQ was designed with the whole picture in mind – not just how it’s used, but how it’s made, transported and serviced. By thinking through every stage of its lifecycle, we demonstrate how important safety is, from assembly to installation and ongoing maintenance.
What’s more, in modular configurations, the refrigerant is contained within each unit. So, if there’s ever a leak, it’s contained to just one module, keeping the rest of the system running smoothly.
Q: What design innovations make the AquaSnap® 61AQ stand out in the market?
The AquaSnap® 61AQ is a true reflection of Carrier’s expertise and cutting-edge engineering. Every aspect of the system’s design has been optimised using our latest technology, applied in the most efficient way. The innovation lies not just in the individual components but in how they are assembled, sized, and laid out to achieve the best possible balance between performance, safety, and efficiency.
One of the key innovations is the scroll, variable-speed compressor, which was specially designed by our manufacturing partner. The compressor’s geometry, including the scroll and the pressure ratio between the intake and discharge volumes, was meticulously designed for R-290. This customisation ensures the compressor operates with peak efficiency and performance, leveraging the unique thermodynamic properties of R-290. The tight geometry and pressure optimisation were essential to delivering high-temperature heating while maintaining low refrigerant volume and energy efficiency.
We also carefully selected and optimised the sizes and layouts of the heat exchangers, both air-cooled and water-cooled, to minimise the amount of refrigerant required, reducing it to the strict minimum without compromising performance. We also incorporated a smart system design to manage potential flammability issues, enclosing refrigerant-containing elements in a way that isolates them from potential ignition sources.
From a vibration and noise perspective, the AquaSnap® 61AQ excels. Variable-speed compressors can create a wide range of operating frequencies, which, in other systems, might energise vibrations in the piping. Our engineers designed the system to eliminate excessive vibration risks, ensuring mechanical stability and reducing the likelihood of leaks. This advanced vibration control also contributes to quieter operation, with noise levels 10 dB(A) below Ecodesign recommendations.
This product reflects the combined expertise of dozens of Carrier engineers specialising in heat transfer, compression, vibration, acoustics, and mechanical structure. The AquaSnap® 61AQ is the result of years of collaborative innovation, making it a well-designed, highly advanced solution that sets it apart from the competition.
Q: How has the AquaSnap® 61AQ been tested to ensure reliability and low noise levels?
The AquaSnap® 61AQ underwent thousands of hours of lab testing to evaluate its performance, reliability, and safety. Extensive vibration and acoustic testing was conducted at Carrier’s specialist manufacturing and testing facility in Montluel in France to ensure minimal operational noise and disruption. These tests demonstrated that the unit operates quietly and consistently making it ideal for a variety of settings, including hotels, healthcare facilities, and large residential buildings.
Q: How does the AquaSnap® 61AQ contribute to decarbonisation goals and energy efficiency?
The AquaSnap® 61AQ directly supports decarbonisation by replacing traditional fossil-fuel systems with a highly efficient and sustainable alternative. Thanks to its advanced thermodynamic design and variable-speed scroll compressors, it operates 30% above ecodesign requirements. That means lower carbon emissions and reduced energy bills – a win-win for both the planet and end-users. All in all, the 61AQ represents a compelling choice for sustainable heating solutions.
