HVAC

The ban on the use of R134a in mobile air-conditioning systems within the EU has triggered a series of research projects. Apart from the CO₂ technology (page 35), new refrigerants with very low GWP values and similar thermodynamic properties as R134a have been developed.

The ban on the use of R134a in mobile air-conditioning systems within the EU has triggered a series of research projects. Apart from the CO₂ technology (page 35), new refrigerants with very low GWP values and similar thermodynamic properties as R134a have been developed.

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory High-Ambient-Temperature Evaluation Program for Low Global Warming Potential (Low-GWP) Refrigerants project was aimed to develop an understanding of the performance of low-GWP alternative refrigerants to hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) and hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants in mini-split air conditioners under high-ambient-temperature conditions. This final report describes the parties involved, the alternative refrigerant selection process, the test procedures, and the final results.

The viability of new lower GWP alternative refrigerants in high ambients are said to have been proven in new tests.

In the largest HFO chiller installation of its kind in the world, Trane CenTraVac’s using R1233zd(E) will replace the existing R22 chillers serving the Channel Tunnel.

Bitzer has become the first compressor manufacturer to approve a full range of new low GWP refrigerants.