The story of Véotherm is one of a family-run SME meeting technology in need of a new lease of life. In a rapidly changing HVAC market, Véotherm embodies a renewal of French industry through an approach that is innovative, responsible and locally rooted. Specialising in the design of thermodynamic heat pumps from 17 to 500 kW, the company stands out for its bold technical choices and clear vision: to develop high-performance, sustainable systems that are adapted to the real constraints of the market.
It became part of the BG Industrie group in 2022, an experienced player in the sector and specialist in technical solutions for climate engineering, refrigeration and air treatment, Véotherm has breathed new life into a technology developed through research, backed by three patents that focus on optimising thermodynamic cycles, energy recovery and multi-exchanger management.
With short supply chains and components sourced mainly from France or Europe, the company is demonstrating its commitment to actively contributing to the reindustrialisation of the region.
« We have chosen to focus our model on French production, with local partners, combining technological innovation and environmental responsibility » explains Géraud Bully, CEO of Véotherm.
As environmental, safety and energy performance issues are becoming increasingly important, Véotherm has made a conscious decision to use A2L refrigerants with very low GWP, such as R-455A and R-1234yf. These alternatives, which are safer and easier to handle than propane, enable the company to offer reliable, energy efficient solutions that are suitable for even the most extreme climates.
Technological choices that deliver market performance
Designed to meet a wide variety of needs, from multi-unit residential buildings to logistics platforms, hotels and industry, Véotherm heat pumps stand out for their heating-focused design, whereas most manufacturers on the market start from a cooling model (chiller type).
Their heat pumps are designed to operate like boilers with a delta T of 20 on water, which allows them to produce water up to 75°C in extreme outdoor temperatures while maintaining performance.
A design focused on high-performance heating
The machines developed by Véotherm incorporate proprietary technologies from three registered patents, notably on:
- Internal heat recovery in the refrigeration cycle via a subcooling system connected to the condenser liquid line outlet, significantly improving the COP.
- Optimisation of defrost cycles, which are essential for maintaining heating power at sub-zero temperatures. For example, starting with the V80 machine, Véotherm adjusts defrosting according to the dew point in order to avoid unnecessary defrost cycles, which consume energy and reduce heating power.
- A finely controlled multi-exchanger architecture.
Véotherm has removed the 4-way valves on its machines and replaced them with two motorised 2-way valves, enabling it to control three exchangers simultaneously and operate with one air/fluid exchanger and two fluid/water exchangers. This system allows, for example,
two condensers and one evaporator to operate at the same time (or conversely, one condenser and two evaporators), enabling full cooling operation in summer and combined heating/cooling operation in winter.
This approach achieves a high level of energy efficiency while ensuring reliable operation, even at -30°C, thanks to the specific design of the exchangers. Véotherm heat pumps have exchangers designed with wider fins, with appropriate spacing and positioning. For example, the finned heat exchangers in the 40 kW V40 heat pump are positioned horizontally to optimise defrost cycles by removing ice through gravity, thus avoiding total melting.
Responsible and efficient refrigerant choices at the heart of the Véotherm solution
In response to regulatory and environmental changes in the HVAC sector, Véotherm has opted for A2L refrigerants, recognised for their low global warming potential (GWP) and increased safety compared to conventional flammable fluids such as propane.
- R-1234yf: versatility and low impact
Typically used in lower-powered machines, R-1234yf opens up the Véotherm range thanks to its availability and compatibility with international standards.
This refrigerant has an extremely low GWP (less than 1) and offers excellent thermal efficiency, while meeting safety requirements thanks to its A2L classification. - R-455A: an innovative refrigerant blend
This refrigerant, with a GWP of 146, completes the range and combines energy efficiency with environmental friendliness. Véotherm chose it for its greater thermodynamic capacity, even at lower ambient temperatures, which is crucial for heating applications in harsh climates. Its handling is simplified by an A2L classification, limiting safety constraints while offering a cleaner alternative to
traditional fluids. - Strict safety control
Following internal risk analyses carried out according to an established process, the choice of A2L refrigerants quickly became obvious as they are easy to handle without creating an ATEX environment.
This refrigerant strategy is fully in line with a circular economy and sustainable innovation approach, combining greenhouse gas emission reduction, safety and efficiency.
Components chosen for reliability and serviceability
The company has chosen components based on robustness and their common compatibility, to be sustainable for future maintenance operations:
- Semi-hermetic variable speed piston compressors (Frascold brand), fully repairable, reliable and less noisy.
- Open automation based on Schneider controllers, without proprietary cards.
- Priority given to French and European suppliers, with a view to controlling the value chain.
Modular power ratings with the same base machine
Thanks to its flexible thermal design, Véotherm can offer two ranges of machines from 17 kW to 560 kW depending on the refrigerant used:
- R-1234yf machines offer 20 to 400 kW and R-455A machines offer 30 to 560 kW, depending on the selection made below. This data complies with regulatory tests.
- Hydraulic systems at 65/45°C or 75/55°C are compatible, offering high performance even with high-temperature installations.
Véotherm, a leader in industrial and sustainable innovation in France
Véotherm is a perfect example of how a French SME can combine technological innovation, environmental responsibility and industrial relocation. Thanks to its cutting-edge technical expertise and forward-thinking choices, the company offers solutions tailored to the current challenges facing the HVAC sector.
With its modular thermodynamic heat pumps, designed for efficient heating even in extreme conditions, Véotherm provides a solid response to the energy efficiency needs of buildings and industries.
Examples: logistics platforms were equipped with 14 large machines during the winter of 2024. Clévia installed four large machines at a logistics platform for Samse, while Alpha Énergie installed six machines at Intersport, replacing a 2.5 MW machine. Véotherm won the contract with SOFINTHER group for a logistics platform, installed by Burlinchon et Fils in Lyon. And in other sectors such as shared housing or offices, such as the Euro Information headquarters of French banking group CIC (Crédit Industriel et Commercial), located in Tassin-la-Demi-Lune, a 1 MW machine was replaced by two Véotherm heat pumps for cooling, installed by ENGIE. These machines recover energy from the data centre to heat the offices.
This approach, combining protected patents, local manufacturing with short-supply chains and the use of very low-impact refrigerants, demonstrates a strong commitment to a sustainable future. Véotherm thus embodies an inspiring model for the industry, where technology and eco-responsibility go hand in hand.
Technical specifications of the range
Power ratings including defrosting
GWP values according to F-Gas III.