Frascold has introduced its Nexus series of semi‑hermetic screw compressors, a platform developed to unlock the next generation of high‑temperature industrial heat pumps as viable replacements for gas‑fired boilers. Announced in January 2026, the launch aligns with Europe’s Green Deal, Fit for 55, and REPowerEU objectives, which are drivingthe industry to reduce emissions and cut exposure to volatile fossil‑fuel prices.
From boilers to high‑temperature heat pumps
For decades, energy‑intensive industries such as drying, food processing, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals have relied on steam and high‑temperature water produced by combustion boilers to guarantee stable, continuous heat. As regulations tighten and fuel costs fluctuate, industrial air‑water and water‑water heat pumps are emerging as an alternative capable of delivering high supply temperatures with far greater efficiency.
The key technical barrier has been maintaining compressor reliability and performance at very high compression ratios and operating temperatures. Frascold’s Nexus screw compressors are designed specifically to address this challenge, enabling heat pumps to deliver pressurised water and process heat at temperatures previously associated with conventional thermal systems.
Technical innovations in the Nexus screw series
The new Nexus generation incorporates several design changes aimed at ensuring stability in “extreme” thermal conditions.
- Extended temperature envelope: The compressors can manage suction fluid temperatures up to about 100°C, with discharge temperatures around 150°C, expanding the operating window for ultra‑high‑temperature heat pump applications.
- High‑efficiency motors: Motors are sized and insulated to cope with elevated winding temperatures and high electrical absorption, supporting continuous operation under heavy loads.
- Reinforced electrical and mechanical design: Frascold has reinforced the insulation plate and upgraded thermal protection on the motor terminal box to tolerate higher temperatures.
- Advanced bearings and tolerances: New‑generation bearing materials and revised internal clearances compensate for thermal expansion at high suction temperatures and pressures, reducing wear over long duty cycles.
- Optimised lubrication circuit: A specially formulated oil reduces refrigerant solubility, preserving viscosity across the operating range and ensuring reliable lubrication of bearings and rotors.
- External inverter compatibility: The compressors are designed to operate with external variable‑speed drives in the 30–60 Hz range, allowing precise modulation of capacity and improved seasonal efficiency.
According to Frascold, the Nexus family spans volumetric displacements of roughly 316–912 m³/h at 50 Hz, with motor ratings from about 130 to 300 HP, positioning the units for large‑capacity industrial heat pumps with heating capacities exceeding 1 MW.
Low‑GWP refrigerants at high temperatures
A core design requirement for the Nexus screws is compatibility with low‑GWP working fluids. The series is intended for use with HFO refrigerants such as R1233zd as well as hydrocarbons, including butane and isopentane, particularly in water‑to‑water configurations. This choice supports decarbonisation not only through higher system efficiency but also through reduced direct emissions from refrigerant leakage.
Frascold is also involved in European demonstration projects that showcase ultra‑high‑temperature heat pumps using hydrocarbon‑charged screw compressors to supply process temperatures in the range of 150–170°C, underscoring the wider trend toward natural and low‑GWP refrigerants in high‑grade heat recovery.
Tested performance and market outlook
Frascold reports that the reliability of the Nexus compressors has been verified through field applications and a test campaign led by the Danish Technological Institute between early 2024 and mid‑2025, where units were operated under demanding high‑temperature conditions. These tests are part of broader European efforts to demonstrate that high‑temperature heat pumps can deliver the operational continuity required in industrial settings.
With the Nexus screw series, Frascold positions itself at the centre of the transition from gas boilers to electrically driven, high‑temperature heat pumps, targeting customers that need robust, continuous‑duty equipment for process heat, drying, and steam generation. The company has indicated that further innovations in the high‑temperature segment are already under development to push performance and efficiency to even higher levels.