Hydrocarbon refrigerants

Engineers in Germany developing a propane-based refrigeration circuit for heat pumps are said to have achieved a heating capacity of 12.8kW with only 124g of propane.

From 6-8 September 2022, Cool Contributions Fighting Climate Change Phase II (C4II) supported the Technology Training Week at the Cold Chain Innovation Hub (CCI) in the Philippines. The Hub is cooled by two R290 split air conditioning units provided in the first Phase of C4.

Daikin Europe NV, a subsidiary of Daikin Industries Limited, a global leader, present in more than 171 countries, shaping the future of heating, cooling, ventilation and refrigeration systems, reveals two new natural refrigerant products, the Monoblock of the future and CO₂ ZEAS range.

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.

Panasonic Corporation announced that its Heating & Ventilation A/C Company is expediting its growth strategy for its air-to-water (A2W) heat pumps business in Europe. The company plans to release three new environmentally conscious models for homes (with different heating capacities) using natural refrigerants in Europe in May 2023, a first for a Japanese manufacturer, and to more than double the lineup by fiscal year ending in March 2026.

A group of trainers from the UK, Germany and Italy, in collaboration with manufacturer Clivet, have launched a joint training programme to increase awareness and build competency in the use of hydrocarbon refrigerants in split systems.

Strengthening the competitiveness of its range of freecooling chillers, Kaltra has introduced in the market the new Lightstream Scroll II with refrigerant R454b. These chillers are the latest in an array of innovative products to help users stay one step ahead of rising energy costs and increasingly stringent environmental legislation.

With a belief that natural refrigerants will be the “only option” in the future, Enrad, a Swedish manufacturer liquid chillers and heat pumps, has been working exclusively with propane since 2008.

Krack – a brand of U.S–based OEM Hussmann – has launched its microDS Monoblock, a propane (R290)–based, self–contained refrigeration unit for walk–in cold rooms and freezers.

Bitzer, the refrigeration and air conditioning specialist presents its SPEEDLITE ELV52 scroll compressor, which was specially developed for electric buses and rail vehicles.

Austrian technology start-up pbx will launch its ecos M24 propane (R290)-based refrigeration unit for light commercial electric vehicles (EVs) at the IAA Transportation conference, which takes place on September 20–25 in Hanover, Germany.

Roche Pharma Viet Nam, a division of Swiss multinational healthcare company Roche, has chosen six propane (R290)-based chillers to meet the cooling needs at its new facility located in Sang Pharma Warehouse, Long An Province, Viet Nam, in what is thought to be the first such project in the country.

Hydrocarbons like propane (R290), propylene (R1270) and/or isobutane (R600a) are a feasible choice for applications in any temperature range, especially in supermarket applications where integrated systems can show great efficiency and reduce costs, according to Joachim Schadt, General Manager at German hydrocarbon chiller manufacturer Secon.

In Ghana, 17,436MWh of energy and 14,445 metric tons of CO₂ emissions have been saved thanks to the ECOFRIDGES GO program, which incentivizes customers to swap out end-of-life fridges for R600a models that cut electricity costs.

The German Environment Agency (UBA) has released an interim report confirming that only heat pumps charged with natural refrigerants will be awarded the new German “Blue Angel” ecolabel certification.

A recently published study by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Vienna found that adopting propane (R290) in split air conditioners (ACs) worldwide would reduce global warming up to 0.12°C (0.22°F).

One of France’s most popular grocery retailers, E.Leclerc, recently chose PLUTON SPACE semi vertical cabinets from FREOR for its new supermarkets.

A switch to propane refrigerant for space cooling could avoid a 0.09°C increase in global temperature by the end of the century, a new report suggests.

The models being launched come with a set of new features, in comparison with Embraco’s previous condensing units’ portfolios. One is the mini-channel condenser technology, which is based on thinner tubes that raise the pressure on the refrigerant and require a smaller refrigerant charge than other technologies. Another feature is the electronic fan motors (ECM technology) in all models, which further increases energy efficiency.

Started accepting orders for commercial freezers using natural refrigerants.