Short Description
The ProLuft research project, titled “Development of a Sustainable Propane-Based Air Heating System for Energy-Efficient and Flexible Residential Building Climate Control,” is further developing the existing SchwörerHaus air heating system—which consists of a ventilation system with heat recovery and an integrated air-to-air heat pump—based on sound scientific principles. The goal is to develop a climate-friendly, energy-efficient, and flexibly controllable air heating system for modern residential buildings.
A key focus is the transition to the natural refrigerant propane (R290). To ensure the safe use of propane indoors, the entire refrigeration cycle is being redesigned. Through an optimized piping design, reduced internal volumes, and a safety-optimized arrangement of relevant components, the refrigerant charge is specifically kept below the applicable limits. This results in a system that will meet future regulatory requirements in the long term.
The ProLuft research project, titled “Development of a Sustainable Propane-Based Air Heating System for Energy-Efficient and Flexible Residential Building Climate Control,” is further developing the existing SchwörerHaus air heating system—which consists of a ventilation system with heat recovery and an integrated air-to-air heat pump—based on sound scientific principles. The goal is to develop a climate-friendly, energy-efficient, and flexibly controllable air heating system for modern residential buildings.
A key focus is the transition to the natural refrigerant propane (R290). To ensure the safe use of propane indoors, the entire refrigeration cycle is being redesigned. Through an optimized piping design, reduced internal volumes, and a safety-optimized arrangement of relevant components, the refrigerant charge is specifically kept below the applicable limits. This results in a system that will meet future regulatory requirements in the long term.
Duration
01.07.2025 – 30.06.2027
Project Partner
Funding Program
The “ProLuft” project, which runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, is funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labor, and Tourism of the State of Baden-Württemberg through the project management organization VID/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH under grant number BW7_2285. The project team would like to express its gratitude for the support and assumes responsibility for the content of this article.
Dr.-Ing. Henner Kerskes
Team Lead
Mashhur Gheni (Aini Maixiwuer), M.Sc.
Academic employee