US funds $5.2m flammable refrigerant study
The US government and trade bodies are to fund a $5.2m research programme into the properties and the use of flammable refrigerants.
Seen as part of the ongoing global effort to phase down the use of high GWP refrigerants and identify appropriate climate-friendly alternatives, the new research is being funded by ASHRAE, AHRI and the US Department of Energy (DOE).
Described as “vital research” the partners say that the intention is to establish a more robust fact base about the properties and the use of flammable refrigerants. Of the total funding, DOE is contributing $3m, ASHRAE $1.2m, and AHRI $1m.
Recognising the efforts of industry In researching potential alternatives in anticipation of a global phase down of high-GWP refrigerants, ASHRAE says in a statement: “Through that effort, several promising refrigerants were identified, many of which are low toxicity but are classified as mildly flammable or flammable. This new research programme will provide the technical knowledge needed to facilitate and accelerate the safe use of these refrigerants.”