Johnson Controls launches Sabroe HitemHP: single-stage industrial heat pump delivering up to 122 °C

# What the product is Johnson Controls has introduced the Sabroe HitemHP, a packaged industrial heat pump family that provides hot water at temperatures up to 122 °C. The line targets industrial process heating tasks where high temperatures are required and where operators are looking to replace fossil‑fuel or electric boilers.

# How it works and refrigerants The HitemHP uses a single‑stage Sabroe SMC reciprocating compressor and direct‑expansion evaporator. Two natural hydrocarbon refrigerants are specified: R600 (n‑butane) and R600a (isobutane). Johnson Controls states the refrigerant circuit operates below 28 barg.

# Capacity, performance and operating conditions

• At an evaporator circuit of 50 °C → 45 °C and condenser 100 °C → 120 °C: heating capacities of 125 kW to 511 kW and shaft power of 45 kW to 173 kW, yielding COPs around 2.8–3.0.
• At a higher condenser entry (65 °C → 103 °C) with the same evaporator conditions: heating capacities of 240 kW to 964 kW and COPs of about 4.1–4.4.

The units can modulate down to 18% of rated capacity. Johnson Controls reports that part‑load operation can increase COP by up to 20% versus full‑load performance.

# Intended applications Johnson Controls positions the HitemHP for food and beverage processing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, chemicals, and advanced manufacturing. The company lists pasteurization, sterilization and indirect steam production among specific process uses where the product can replace boilers.

# Installation, safety and options

# Claimed site results and manufacturer caveats Johnson Controls cites a customer application combining the HitemHP with refrigeration waste heat that achieved up to three times the energy efficiency of an electric boiler and estimated reductions of more than 91% in energy costs and up to 82% in on‑site CO2 emissions. These results were based on site‑specific energy prices, water volumes and water quality assumptions, per the manufacturer.

# What this means for plant operators The HitemHP offers a packaged option for processes that need high‑temperature hot water or indirect steam without multi‑stage systems. The single‑stage hydrocarbon approach keeps system complexity lower than two‑stage designs and supports factory testing and modular delivery. Operators should evaluate site temperatures, available waste heat, noise limits, refrigerant charge and safety measures when considering the product.

# Practical next steps for readers

• Compare HitemHP reference COPs to existing boiler and electric heater performance at your site temperatures.
• Check local safety and refrigerant handling requirements for hydrocarbon refrigerants and available space for a 5.75–6.5 m packaged unit.