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IIR’s historical commitment to heat pump excellence and sustainable solutions

IIR is committed to supporting, informing and connecting scientists, policymakers, manufacturers and end-users of heat pump technologies through reference publications and dedicated conferences. 

True to our mission to disseminate knowledge on all applications of refrigeration, the IIR provides a wealth of reference publications on heat pump technologies, aiming to inform scientists, policymakers, manufacturers and end-users of this critical technology for sustainable heating and cooling.

  

IIR, a historical reference for expert insight on heat pump technology  

 

IIR’s comprehensive database dedicated to refrigeration information contains over 7,000 conference papers, journal articles, books, guides and technical briefs related to heat pump technology. 

 

IIR has closely documented and contributed to the history of heat pump technology, which started in the 19th century with Lord Kelvin laying the theoretical foundation for reverse-cycle thermal engines and French engineer Lèbre producing the first comprehensive study on heat pump performance of heat pumps in 1927 [1]. 

As early as 1957, IIR experts examined the advantages of a two-stage heat pump for the air-conditioning and the heating of residential spaces [2]. 

 

 

 

In 1985, the IIR partnered with Electricité de France (EDF) to produce a practical guide on the design and operation of average and large capacity electrical heat pumps. This reference book provided objective information and visual representation for a large audience, as well as safety guidelines and regulation insights for technicians and end-users. 

 

 

 

 

In 1992, IIR published the Compression Cycles for Environmentally Acceptable Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Systems, written by renown experts and coordinated by Prof Horst Kruse (Germany). This reference manual describes the fundamental principles of heat pump cycles and highlights the importance of the environmental impact of refrigerants. The realisation in the 1970s that synthetic CFC refrigerants harmed the ozone layer revolutionised the refrigeration industry, prompting pioneers like Prof. Gustav Lorentzen, Prof. Horst Kruse, Forbes Pearson, and others to start promoting natural refrigerants as an alternative. 

 

 

 

Today, IIR remains at the forefront of sustainable heating and cooling thanks to the expertise of members of the dedicated section of the Science and Technology Council (STC), Section E on “Air conditioning, heat pumps and energy recovery” headed by Prof. Xianting Li (China) 

Our global network of experts releases publications supporting the design and adoption of energy efficient heat pump technologies that harness the potential of waste heat recovery and refrigerant charge optimisation, enhancing safety and reducing dependency on fossil fuels while meeting evolving regulatory and environmental requirements. 

 

In 2024, IIR released its technical brief on domestic hydrocarbon heat pumps. This strategic document highlights their key role in decarbonising heating systems in Europe, while analysing the market trends, technological advances and regulatory developments that are shaping this essential transition to a sustainable future. 

 

 

 

 

 

IIR is launching a new conference series on heat pumps and air conditioning  

 

Since the early 1980s, IIR has partnered with the International Energy Agency (IEA) to co-sponsor the IEA Heat Pump Conference, a platform for exchanging insights on technological advancements and market trends in heat pumps, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems across residential, commercial, and industrial applications.  

 

In 2028, IIR will launch a new IIR Conference on Heat Pumps and Air Conditioning (HPAC 2028). 

HPAC 2028 conference aims to bring together researchers, engineers, policymakers, and industry leaders to exchange knowledge on the latest advancements, challenges, and sustainable solutions in heat pump and air conditioning technologies. 

 

 

Sources 

[1] Foreword by Prof. P. Glansdorff 1985. in Guide for the design and operation of average and large capacity electrical heat pumps. https://iifiir.org/en/fridoc/guide-for-the-design-and-operation-of-average-and-large-capacity-150999 

[2] Werden R. G. A pratical heat pump. Some aspects of industrial air-conditioning. [Proceedings of the meetings]: Padua, Italy, May 29-31, 1957. https://iifiir.org/en/fridoc/a-pratical-heat-pump-151071