MORRIS TOWNSHIP, N.J. - Honeywell has announced that its Genetron® R-245fa refrigerant is being used to help homeowners generate electricity from the sun’s heat. The refrigerant is being utilized in an organic rankine cycle (ORC) called the 35Z Micro Power Plant, manufactured by Germany-based Turbolina GmbH & Co. KG. The unit is designed to use water heated by thermal solar panels to evaporate the refrigerant, which in turn drives a turbine to generate electricity. Because no fuel is burned to create the electricity, the unit does not produce any carbon dioxide emissions. The remaining heat from the 35Z can be used to supply heating and hot water.

“When we began designing the 35Z, we knew we needed a reliable, low-temperature working fluid, and Honeywell’s R-245fa refrigerant was the perfect choice,” said Hermann Helmbold, general manager of Turbolina. “The 35Z is a source of energy that helps homeowners both reduce their carbon emissions and become independent from traditional sources of energy.”

Honeywell said R-245fa is non-flammable, non-ozone-depleting, and has low toxicity. The heat transfer properties of R-245fa, including its low boiling point of 59.5°F (15.3°C), are said to make it ideal for use in ORC systems that use low-temperature heat and waste heat to generate electricity.

The 35Z offers an electrical power output of 3.5 kW, which is suitable for the needs of homeowners. Turbolina specializes in the development, production, and sale of ORC systems.

“This unique application is a great example of how Honeywell technologies are helping homeowners become more energy efficient,” said David Diggs, global business director for Honeywell Fluorine Products.

For more information, visit www.genetron.com.

Publication date:11/23/2009