Hydrocarbon refrigerants

A newly released report by the European Commission (EC) pushes the adoption of heat pumps using natural refrigerants as a way to develop the European heat pump market against non-European competition.

Based on a survey of key OEMs, ATMOsphere estimates that, as of September 2022, there are 55,000 stores with transcritical CO₂ systems in Europe, including 50,000 using a centralized system (racks) and 5,000 using condensing units.

A new study on the risks associated with the use of propane (R290) in refrigeration and air conditioning will be used to support revisions of international safety standards.

The IOR has updated its guidance note on fixed leak detection, which is now available for download.

As an extension of the study published in 2014, AFCE publishes here the final report of this independent study launched end of 2017 entitled energy efficiency of possible alternatives . The study has been carried out by experts from EREIE – CEMAFROID and CITEPA.

In this transitional period, new fluids are being developed to replace the high-GWP refrigerants. That’s why the blue book, an essential tool for all users of refrigerants, has just been republished and updated.

With the phase-out of HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer progressing, the introduction of alternatives with not only zero ozone depleting potential (ODP) but also low global warming potential (GWP) and improved energy efficiency is becoming an issue of increasing importance, especially in developing countries.

In the future we will see more alternative refrigerants to HFCs due to the EU F-gas Regulation and future international phase-down of High Global Warming Potential Substances. To lower global warming impact it is necessary to have a less stable molecule as a refrigerant, which means that the substance becomes flammable. The equipment and the tools for installation, maintenance and repair of future equipment containing flammable low GWP refrigerants need to be properly handled by competent personnel.

Stratospheric ozone depletion as well as atmospheric greenhouse effect due to refrigerant emissions have led to drastic changes in the refrigeration and air conditioning technology since the beginning of the 1990s.

Report summarizes key findings from National Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) Inventories.

With the introduction of the revised EU Ozone Depleting Substances Regulation and the introduction of a Climate Change Policy by the UK Government, it is considered likely that more refrigeration system designers and users will be turning to alternative refrigerants such as hydrocarbons. The increased application of this technology will bring with it many technical and safety issues.