Industrial refrigeration

CAREL talk through their new control solutions for small-scale CO₂ systems and outline their expectations for the future of CO₂ as a refrigerant.

CAREL talk through their new control solutions for small-scale CO₂ systems and outline their expectations for the future of CO₂ as a refrigerant.

The wide acceptance of new technologies depends on a myriad of factors, in the technological, economic and social field, that form part of a complex network of interactions. Both innovators and technology adopters share a common concern for respecting the economic bottom-line and for choosing solutions that provide the highest possible level of investment security while being framed by solid industry support and favourable policy conditions.

The wide acceptance of new technologies depends on a myriad of factors, in the technological, economic and social field, that form part of a complex network of interactions. Both innovators and technology adopters share a common concern for respecting the economic bottom-line and for choosing solutions that provide the highest possible level of investment security while being framed by solid industry support and favourable policy conditions. The industrial refrigeration industry is no exception to this. While the use of ammonia has not been challenged on grounds of lacking energy efficiency nor overall environmental benefits, the trend towards reducing the refrigerant charge for increased safety is currently changing the industry.

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

Experts attending the 2016 Gustav Lorentzen conference this week were optimistic that China’s HCFC phase-out plan will trigger wider uptake of natural refrigerants across the Asian powerhouse.

Danish manufacturer Advansor is working on the biggest CO₂ industrial refrigeration system known in the world in a lettuce plant in the Netherlands.

A new energy efficiency network within the global retail giant Metro Group is translating into a strong commitment to natural refrigerants.

‘Advanced Cooling’, launched last weekend at the Clean Energy Ministerial in San Francisco, challenges governments and businesses to develop and use efficient, smart, affordable and climate-friendly cooling technologies.

CO₂ is termed a “Natural Refrigerant” because it exists in the natural environment. Release into the atmosphere from refrigeration systems has a negligible effect compared to other CO₂ sources that are driving the global warming debate. As a refrigerant, it is a manufactured product that conforms to strict purity specifications. Its physical properties require special handling.

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.

Fluorocarbon refrigerants are synthetic chemicals which usually have a high global warming potential, and some still have the potential to cause damage to the ozone layer as well if released to the atmosphere.

Climate change is an increasingly important global concern with far reaching effects. The heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) industry is allotting a significant amount of effort to reduce the environmental impacts of HVAC&R systems. Discussions about the climate impact is often limited to the GWP of the fluids used, but this is far too restrictive, as it does not take into account the real emissions of fluids, and ignores indirect emissions, especially those related to energy use over the life time of the equipment.

This practical guide is designed to improve the skills and knowledge of professionals in the refrigeration sector that need to be certified in accordance with the requirements of the EEU (Eurasian Economic Union). The guide contains basic information on refrigeration equipment, main components of the refrigeration system, Besides, it provides information on commercial, industrial and mobile air conditioners, transport refrigeration, brazing of pipes of the refrigeration system, etc.

With the US facing restrictions on higher GWP refrigerants, ASHRAE is looking to modify its safety standard to incorporate “mildly flammable” A2L gases.

New initiatives on reducing the consumption of HFC refrigerants are expected to save the emission of more than 1 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent by 2025.

In a move to encourage the adoption of R32 refrigerant, Daikin is to offer rival manufacturers worldwide free access to its patents.

Green Point, Bitzer’s compressor remanufacturing operation, is expanding its service in the UK to include other makers of compressor.