Technology and Market Development of CO2 Heat Pump Water Heaters (ECO CUTE) in Japan
In Japan, numerous heat pump water heaters for the residential sector have been developed in recent years, and are growing rapidly in popularity. Of these water heaters, the ECO CUTE*1 variety using CO2 as a refrigerant is attracting attention for its ability to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. ECO CUTE technology was developed commercially in collaboration between TEPCO, Denso and CRIEPI in 2001. Several other manufacturers have also joined the market, and a government support program has been introduced with a target to increase total ECO CUTE installation to 5.2 million by 2010.