Honeywell releases low GWP R404A option
Honeywell has announced the availability of Solstice L40X, aka R455A, its low GWP replacement for R404A.
The refrigerant, which blends an HFO and an HFC with CO2, is designed for medium- and low-temperature stand-alone applications such as hermetically sealed systems in refrigerated plug-in-type cabinets. In these applications, Solstice L40X is said to provide up to 3% higher capacity and up to 6% better efficiency at low temperature than R404A.
A blend of 75.5% HFO R1234yf, 21.5% R32 and 3% CO2, it is an A2L gas with a low GWP of 146. It is said to match the capacity of R404A and has the same or better efficiency.
With the European F-gas regulations putting pressure on the use of high GWP refrigerants, Julien Soulet, managing director for Honeywell Fluorine Products EMEA and India, said: “Solstice L40X is available now and meets the demands of these regulations, while providing similar or even better performance compared to solutions that are being phased out. As companies evaluate the range of options that are available for medium- and low-temperature standalone applications, we expect that Solstice L40X will be an ideal solution that helps them meet environmental targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
Solstice L40X is rated A2L by ASHRAE. Leading hermetic compressor manufacturers have validated the performance of L40X in tests over the last 18 months and are said to have reported similar capacity and discharge temperatures, but with improved efficiency, when compared to R404A.
Honeywell says that Solstice L40X can be used across many segments of the HVACR industry, including small charge, plug-in type cabinets, condensing units and monoblocks for cold rooms and freezer rooms, small chillers, heat pumps, and chillers.