BlueBox’s ZETA ZERO HP provides cooling for ARFIT’s new facilities

The decarbonisation of buildings is no longer a trend; it has become a priority. Today, designing an HVAC system means finding the right balance between energy efficiency, thermal comfort, sustainability and preparedness for the regulatory challenges that will shape the future of the sector.

It was precisely with this vision that ARFIT defined the HVAC solution for its new facilities in Maia. The aim was not only to ensure the comfort of the administrative building, manufacturing facility and warehouse, but also to implement a technologically advanced and efficient solution, ready to meet the demands of the energy transition.

The choice fell on the ZETA ZERO HP by BlueBox, an air-to-water reversible heat pump that provides HVAC for the entire complex and represents a new generation of equipment designed for more sustainable and energy-efficient buildings.

The role of heat pumps in the energy transition

Heat pumps now play a key role in the decarbonisation of HVAC systems. By using renewable energy to provide heating and cooling, they can significantly reduce primary energy consumption and the carbon emissions associated with buildings.

As European carbon-neutrality targets become increasingly demanding, this technology is emerging as one of the most effective solutions for replacing traditional systems based on fossil fuels, both in new buildings and in energy renovation projects.

Choosing the ZETA ZERO HP

Among the various factors behind this decision, the use of the natural refrigerant R290 (propane) stands out.

With a virtually zero Global Warming Potential (GWP), no impact on the ozone layer and excellent thermodynamic properties, R290 provides a concrete response to current environmental challenges and to the evolution of European regulations on fluorinated gases. Combined with a low refrigerant charge, it helps minimise the environmental footprint of HVAC systems without compromising system performance.

At the same time, the ZETA ZERO HP combines high energy efficiency with an architecture optimised for demanding applications. The range offers capacities from 30 to 230 kW, incorporates scroll compressors specifically designed for R290 and can produce hot water at up to 70 °C with an outdoor temperature of -10 °C, reaching 75 °C in the Hi HP version.

Another distinguishing feature is the XR (Extreme Recovery) technology, designed to maintain high efficiency levels even under more demanding weather conditions, reducing capacity loss when outdoor temperatures drop significantly.

An investment that reflects ARFIT’s vision

The choice of the ZETA ZERO HP is part of a broader sustainability strategy implemented at ARFIT’s new facilities.

The site was designed to prioritise energy efficiency and intelligent building management, incorporating Building Automation and Control Systems (BACS), a Centralised Technical Management System (CTMS), energy generation through the installation of a photovoltaic solar plant, and a strategy for the progressive electrification of the company’s vehicle fleet.

More than simply providing HVAC for a building, ARFIT sought to create a space that puts into practice what it promotes every day to its customers: technologically advanced, energy-efficient solutions prepared to meet the challenges of decarbonisation.

A solution designed for the future

The transformation of the HVAC sector will inevitably depend on the adoption of technologies capable of reducing energy consumption, minimising environmental impact and increasing building efficiency. By choosing the ZETA ZERO HP from BlueBox to provide HVAC for its new facilities, ARFIT demonstrates its commitment to this path and to a future in which HVAC solutions are increasingly sustainable, intelligent and aligned with the goals of the energy transition.

BlueBox technology at the service of buildings

ARFIT’s commitment to HVAC solutions using natural refrigerant R290 (propane) goes far beyond the ZETA ZERO HP. As a BlueBox partner, we offer a portfolio of equipment designed to address the challenges of energy efficiency, decarbonisation and the use of natural refrigerants.

In addition to the ZETA ZERO HP, our portfolio includes the Geyser Sky, Titan Sky, Titan Zero, Omicron Zero and Sigma Zero ranges — solutions designed for different HVAC applications and requirements, while sharing a common commitment: high energy efficiency, reduced environmental impact and readiness to meet the future challenges of the HVAC sector.

Article prepared for Edifícios & Energia.