Hydrocarbon refrigerants

The implications of the European F-gas regulations and phase down will be discussed in a new forum set up for public sector employees in London and the South East.

With natural refrigerants ready to step in as replacements for f-gases in HVAC&R technology, a workshop held on the margins of the 29th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol (20-24 November 2017), organised by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), set out ways to combat growing use of high-GWP HFCs.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has cleared the way for hydrocarbon refrigerants to be used in new household refrigerators and freezers.

Emerson announced it has launched propane-ready models for its Copeland M-Line condensing unit platform. The new models, which feature the latest Copeland reciprocating hermetic compressors, are designed to deliver up to 30% in energy savings.

European standardisation bodies CEN-CENELEC today began to act on the European Commission’s request to alleviate barriers posed by European standards that impede wider use of flammable refrigerants

From 20-24 November 2017, policy representatives from approximately 200 countries and various UN agencies, as well as interested industry and non-governmental representatives, are meeting in Montreal, Canada to discuss alternatives to Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) and high GWP HFCs.

In a sign of growing interest in natural refrigerants in the Asia-Pacific, training organisations in Australia and New Zealand are seeing increased demand for natural refrigerant system training from owners, operators, and technicians in the region.

While Japan remains the world leader in using CO₂-based heat pumps, hydrocarbons are gaining ground in the European heat pump market, according to a speaker from Emerson at the European Heat Pump Summit, sponsored by Chillventa.

Just two months before next year’s major cut in HFC refrigerants, a survey of European retailers has revealed that 40% are not fully aware of the regulatory changes.

During a meeting on 7 October in Vladivostok, International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Working Group SC61C – formed to update the international standard for commercial refrigeration, IEC 60335-2-89 – agreed to finalize its work and advance the draft amendment (committee draft for vote; CDV) for public comments.

There is still time to submit your abstract for the inaugural IIR International Conference on the Application of HFO Refrigerants with an extended deadline to 30 October 2017.

After a brief respite, refrigerant prices in China are reported to be on the rise again.

India-based Godrej Appliances has launched a line of R290 air conditioners in the Maldives.

Mayekawa and Panasonic were among the companies reporting impressive growth in NatRef systems at ATMOsphere Asia 2017.

The Brazilian compressor manufacturer told the 9th International Conference on Compressors and Coolants that propane increases the efficiency of the compressor by 30% compared to HFCs.

Representatives from local governments in Southeast Asia detailed the current state of HFC phase-down plans and highlighted the natural refrigerant projects currently underway in the region.

The global refrigerants market is estimated at USD 14.49 Billion in 2017 and is projected to reach USD 18.05 Billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2017 to 2022. In this report, 2016 is considered the base year and the forecast period is from 2017 to 2022.

The IIR International Conference on the Application of HFO Refrigerants is calling for papers. Submission is quick and easy. Click here to visit the conference website for full details. The deadline for abstracts is Monday 2nd October.

On 25 August, the small Caribbean island country of Grenada installed its first two air-conditioning (AC) units to use hydrocarbons. The installation of the R290-based (propane) units is part of a regional demonstration project implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

The European directive on mobile air-conditioning (MAC) entered into force in 2006. It introduces a gradual ban on greenhouse gases in passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. Since January 1, 2011, new vehicles’ air conditioning systems must be filled with a refrigerant with a lower GWP. R134a has been banned totally since January 2017. All cars must be equipped with a system with a GWP below 150.