R&D for HVAC/R integrated system intelligence

Research and Development in HVAC/R is how we design the control intelligence that makes heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems more efficient, connected and sustainable.

Our R&D brings together multidisciplinary teams across hardware, firmware, software, mechanics, thermodynamics, IoT and digital services, representing more than 12% of the Group workforce within the Technology Division. With more than 5% of revenue invested in research and development every year, CAREL grows skills and connects disciplines, markets and applications to turn HVAC/R complexity into measurable value for OEMs, partners and end users.

R&D turns HVAC/R complexity into integrated control intelligence

In our product development and applied research laboratories, customer needs are transformed into applied research for HVAC/R technologies, developing integrated control intelligence for HVAC/R systems. This means designing technologies that make energy efficiency a built-in function of the system, rather than an external feature added later. The goal is to support an evolution to integrated solutions provider through hardware, software, algorithms and services.

Our R&D priorities respond to four market drivers: digitisation, natural refrigerants, automation and demand for high-efficiency HVAC/R systems. These drivers guide the development of controllers, sensors, electronic expansion valves, inverters, software platforms and digital services for air conditioning, refrigeration, heating, humidity control and critical infrastructure.

Four pillars support a global technology division

Our R&D is organised around four pillars: Innovation Center, electronic engineering, electromechanical engineering and digital technologies, in a structure that helps CAREL turn applied research into reliable, scalable HVAC/R solutions.

Together, these pillars are supported by specialised R&D laboratories and testing facilities (about 2,000 sqm) that provide the expertise, validation capabilities and engineering know-how needed to accelerate innovation, product development and the industrialisation of new HVAC/R technologies.

Innovation Center

Applied research, modelling, laboratory testing and experimental validation help explore new technologies before they are integrated into solutions for the market.

Electronic engineering

Hardware, firmware and control architectures are designed to support HVAC/R units, refrigeration systems, humidity control and connected equipment.

Electromechanical engineering

Mechanics, thermodynamics and system design come together to improve performance, reliability and efficiency in real operating conditions.

Digital technologies

IoT, software platforms, data-driven services and connectivity tools extend HVAC/R control intelligence beyond the individual machine.

Global HVAC/R R&D centres combine shared architectures with local expertise

CAREL's global R&D network combines shared technology platforms with deep local market expertise to develop solutions that address regional requirements while maintaining a consistent global approach.

European R&D centres lead the development of the Group's core product architectures, technologies and engineering capabilities, with particular expertise in electromechanical design, thermodynamics and natural refrigerant applications, supporting compliance with evolving international regulations.

R&D teams in China and the United States adapt global platforms to local market needs while contributing to the Group's worldwide innovation roadmap through their specialised expertise. This collaborative model enables knowledge sharing across regions, accelerates product development and ensures that innovations developed locally can be scaled to support customers around the world.

Testing tomorrow’s HVAC/R solutions with natural refrigerants

Advanced testing capabilities help turn innovation into efficient, reliable and safer HVAC/R technologies. At the Innovation Centre, around 130 m² of climate chambers are used to test units with natural refrigerants such as R290 and R744, with power ratings up to 100 kW.

Recently upgraded with improved measurement instrumentation and thermo-hygrometric performance, including modules and high-precision thermal sensors, these laboratories support the development of solutions designed for real operating conditions.

From customer insight to industrial-ready solutions

Innovation at CAREL is driven by continuous dialogue with customers, market trends and emerging technologies. Agile development methodologies enable R&D teams to rapidly transform insights into reliable, scalable solutions, responding to evolving applications, regional requirements and industry challenges.

Continuous technology scouting identifies emerging trends and evaluates new technologies with the potential to create future value. This forward-looking approach helps anticipate market evolution, accelerate product development and reduce time-to-market for new HVAC/R solutions.

Industrial readiness is embedded throughout the development process. Validation methodologies, including Product Part Approval Process (PPAP), ensure new technologies meet high standards of quality, reliability and manufacturability before production. The result is a seamless transition from applied research to industrial-ready solutions that OEMs and partners can adopt with confidence.

Discover how we innovate through our

Knowledge Center building

Quality approach

Lean transformation