The Institute for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology (ILK Dresden) is steadily expanding its testing infrastructure. Starting in the fall of 2026, the institute will be able to test compressors with a flow rate of up to 48 m³/h that operate with the natural refrigerant propane (R290). With this expansion, ILK Dresden is increasing its current capacity by approximately 60 percent and responding to the growing demand for high-performance testing capabilities for climate-friendly heat pump and refrigeration applications.
Benefits for manufacturers of sustainable heat pump and refrigeration systems:
Lifespan and stress testing from a single source
Faster product development and greater operational reliability
Wider performance range (up to 48 m³/h)
Expand your product portfolio and secure your future with natural refrigerants (R290)
Compressors in this performance class are used primarily in heat pumps, commercial refrigeration systems, and other medium-sized refrigeration applications. With this expansion, ILK Dresden is strengthening its position as a development partner for manufacturers and suppliers throughout the entire product development process—from development and validation to the optimization of new generations of compressors.
“The development of efficient heat pumps and refrigeration systems requires test conditions that replicate their eventual use as closely as possible. By expanding our compressor test bench, we are creating new opportunities to validate components under demanding operating conditions and demonstrate their long-term reliability. In this way, we are helping our industry partners bring innovations to market faster and more reliably.”
Design of a Test Bench for Propane Compressors with a Capacity of Up to 48 m³/h
Tests in accordance with standards and under real-world operating conditions
At the heart of the expansion is a newly developed automation solution that goes far beyond traditional performance testing. In addition to measuring cooling capacity in accordance with DIN EN 13771:2016, the new test bench enables sophisticated stress and lifetime tests. This allows compressors to be tested over long periods under defined load cycles and realistic operating conditions.
In addition, condition analyses and studies of dynamic oil behavior provide detailed insights into the operational behavior of the components. The measurement data obtained enable a well-founded assessment of wear mechanisms, lubrication conditions, and other factors that are critical to the reliability, efficiency, and service life of compressors.
Research and Development for Natural Refrigerants
With this new testing capability, ILK Dresden is systematically expanding its range of services in the development and testing of compressors and heat pumps with a focus on natural refrigerants. Propane (R290) is characterized by a very low global warming potential (GWP 0.02) and is becoming increasingly important in light of the European F-Gas Regulation.
In the future, manufacturers will benefit from expanded opportunities for standards-compliant performance evaluation, testing of new compressor designs, and the development of durable and energy-efficient products. The new testing services help companies bring innovative systems to market more quickly and meet the growing demands for efficiency, sustainability, and product safety.
