Refrigerant selection - Revision history

Editor at 09:22, 10 April 2024

2024-04-10T09:22:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:22, 10 April 2024
Line 4:		Line 4:

	The challenge for businesses is not only choosing the right refrigerant to reduce emissions, but also making the right choice to have a positive effect on operational efficiency, which reduces operating cost. In the case of supermarkets and other high-profile users of refrigerants there is also the benefit of good publicity through the use of environmentally-friendly refrigerants.		The challenge for businesses is not only choosing the right refrigerant to reduce emissions, but also making the right choice to have a positive effect on operational efficiency, which reduces operating cost. In the case of supermarkets and other high-profile users of refrigerants there is also the benefit of good publicity through the use of environmentally-friendly refrigerants.
		+
		+	See also heat pump refrigerants, efficiencies and impacts, types of refrigerants, and refrigerants in buildings.

	= Types of available refrigerant =		= Types of available refrigerant =
Line 106:		Line 108:
	* Refrigerants.		* Refrigerants.

−	~~[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]]~~ [[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:Other_legislation]] [[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Design]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:Other_legislation]] [[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Design]]

103.238.104.88 at 16:50, 10 June 2021

2021-06-10T16:50:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:50, 10 June 2021
Line 106:		Line 106:
	* Refrigerants.		* Refrigerants.

−	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:Other_legislation]] [[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Design]]	+	[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]] [[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:Other_legislation]] [[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Design]]

Editor at 19:39, 4 March 2021

2021-03-04T19:39:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:39, 4 March 2021
Line 102:		Line 102:
	* Ozone depleting substances.		* Ozone depleting substances.
	* Phase change.		* Phase change.
−	* R22 phase out	+	* R22 phase out.
		+	* R404A phase out.
	* Refrigerants.		* Refrigerants.

	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:Other_legislation]] [[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Design]]		[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:Other_legislation]] [[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Design]]

Editor at 12:53, 4 March 2021

2021-03-04T12:53:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:53, 4 March 2021
Line 52:		Line 52:
	* Low gas flow rate per unit of cooling at compressor.		* Low gas flow rate per unit of cooling at compressor.

−	As it is unlikely that there will be a refrigerant that matches the perfect profile, it may be necessary to prioritise which of the criteria for the ideal refrigerant is of most importance. For example, ~~If minimizing~~ the environmental impact is a key criteria, the efficiency of the refrigerant in the operational phase of the system will outweigh the impact of the production and disposal stages.	+	As it is unlikely that there will be a refrigerant that matches the perfect profile, it may be necessary to prioritise which of the criteria for the ideal refrigerant is of most importance. For example, if minimising the environmental impact is a key criteria, the efficiency of the refrigerant in the operational phase of the system will outweigh the impact of the production and disposal stages.

	= Suitability of the available refrigerants =		= Suitability of the available refrigerants =
Line 82:		Line 82:
	There are alternative refrigerants on the market, it is now up to the designers and operators to specify something new to move the industry forward.		There are alternative refrigerants on the market, it is now up to the designers and operators to specify something new to move the industry forward.

−	Note: On 15 October 2016 it was announced that 170 countries in Kigali, Rwanda, had agreed that all ~~HFC’s~~ should be phased out through an amendment to the Montreal Protocol. See HFC phase out for more information.	+	Note: On 15 October 2016 it was announced that 170 countries in Kigali, Rwanda, had agreed that all HFCs should be phased out through an amendment to the Montreal Protocol. See HFC phase out for more information.

	-----		-----
Line 94:		Line 94:
	* BREEAM Impact of refrigerants.		* BREEAM Impact of refrigerants.
	* Cooling systems for buildings.		* Cooling systems for buildings.
		+	* EMEA compressor market 2020 - 2023.
	* Greenhouse gas.		* Greenhouse gas.
	* HFC phase out.		* HFC phase out.

Designing Buildings at 12:58, 8 February 2021

2021-02-08T12:58:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:58, 8 February 2021
Line 87:		Line 87:
	This article originally appeared in the [https://www.bsria.co.uk/information-membership/bookshop/publication/delta-t-september-2014/ September 2014 edition of BSRIA’s Delta T magazine]. It was written by Salim Deramchi, Senior Building Services Consultant, BSRIA Sustainable Construction Group. It has been posted here by --[[User:BSRIA\|BSRIA]] 10:42, 5 December 2014 (UTC)		This article originally appeared in the [https://www.bsria.co.uk/information-membership/bookshop/publication/delta-t-september-2014/ September 2014 edition of BSRIA’s Delta T magazine]. It was written by Salim Deramchi, Senior Building Services Consultant, BSRIA Sustainable Construction Group. It has been posted here by --[[User:BSRIA\|BSRIA]] 10:42, 5 December 2014 (UTC)

−	~~= Find out more =~~	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
−		+
−	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===	+

	* Absorption refrigeration.		* Absorption refrigeration.
Line 106:		Line 104:
	* Refrigerants.		* Refrigerants.

−	[[Category:~~DCN_Dataset~~]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:Other_legislation]] [[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Design]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:Other_legislation]] [[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Design]]

Designing Buildings at 08:23, 11 October 2020

2020-10-11T08:23:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:23, 11 October 2020
Line 106:		Line 106:
	* Refrigerants.		* Refrigerants.

−	[[Category:~~Other_legislation~~]] [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Design]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Dataset]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:Other_legislation]] [[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Design]]

Designing Buildings at 08:44, 27 April 2018

2018-04-27T08:44:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:44, 27 April 2018
Line 94:		Line 94:
	* Air conditioning inspection.		* Air conditioning inspection.
	* Air conditioning.		* Air conditioning.
		+	* BREEAM Impact of refrigerants.
	* Cooling systems for buildings.		* Cooling systems for buildings.
	* Greenhouse gas.		* Greenhouse gas.
Line 105:		Line 106:
	* Refrigerants.		* Refrigerants.

−	[[Category:Other_legislation]] [[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Design]]	+	[[Category:Other_legislation]] [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Design]]

Designing Buildings at 09:22, 17 October 2016

2016-10-17T09:22:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:22, 17 October 2016
Line 81:		Line 81:

	There are alternative refrigerants on the market, it is now up to the designers and operators to specify something new to move the industry forward.		There are alternative refrigerants on the market, it is now up to the designers and operators to specify something new to move the industry forward.
		+
		+	Note: On 15 October 2016 it was announced that 170 countries in Kigali, Rwanda, had agreed that all HFC’s should be phased out through an amendment to the Montreal Protocol. See HFC phase out for more information.

	-----		-----
Line 94:		Line 96:
	* Cooling systems for buildings.		* Cooling systems for buildings.
	* Greenhouse gas.		* Greenhouse gas.
		+	* HFC phase out.
	* Heat pumps		* Heat pumps
	* HVAC.		* HVAC.

BSRIA at 09:46, 10 December 2015

2015-12-10T09:46:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:46, 10 December 2015
Line 1:		Line 1:
−
	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

Line 26:		Line 25:
	== Carbon dioxide (CO2) ==		== Carbon dioxide (CO2) ==

−	Carbon dioxide is not a new refrigerant. The use of carbon dioxide as a refrigerant lasted for well over a century, but was abandoned in the mid-1950s, with the widespread use of the CFC refrigerants, which were more efficient, more stable and safer. It was ‘rediscovered’ in the early 1990s. Due to its low environmental impact, low toxicity and non-flammability, ~~CO<sub>2</sub>~~ is now regaining popularity with refrigeration system designers whilst an alternative to fluorocarbons is being sought.	+	Carbon dioxide is not a new refrigerant. The use of carbon dioxide as a refrigerant lasted for well over a century, but was abandoned in the mid-1950s, with the widespread use of the CFC refrigerants, which were more efficient, more stable and safer. It was ‘rediscovered’ in the early 1990s. Due to its low environmental impact, low toxicity and non-flammability, CO2 is now regaining popularity with refrigeration system designers whilst an alternative to fluorocarbons is being sought.

	= Selection criteria for refrigerants =		= Selection criteria for refrigerants =

	There is no rule of thumb governing the selection of refrigerants. However, there are five criteria should be taken into account:		There is no rule of thumb governing the selection of refrigerants. However, there are five criteria should be taken into account:
−	*Thermophysical properties.	+
−	*Technological issues.	+	* Thermophysical properties.
−	*Economic aspects.	+	* Technological issues.
−	*Safety.	+	* Economic aspects.
−	*Environmental factors.	+	* Safety.
		+	* Environmental factors.

	In addition to these criteria, other considerations such as; local regulations and standards, maintainability and capability (such as having staff with skills to support the units). User training requirements should be taken into account.		In addition to these criteria, other considerations such as; local regulations and standards, maintainability and capability (such as having staff with skills to support the units). User training requirements should be taken into account.

	The desirable characteristics of ‘ideal’ refrigerants are considered to be as follows:		The desirable characteristics of ‘ideal’ refrigerants are considered to be as follows:
−	*Normal boiling point below 0°C.	+
−	*Non-flammable.	+	* Normal boiling point below 0°C.
−	*Non-toxic.	+	* Non-flammable.
−	*Easily detectable in case of leakage.	+	* Non-toxic.
−	*Stable under operating conditions.	+	* Easily detectable in case of leakage.
−	*Easy to recycle after use.	+	* Stable under operating conditions.
−	*Relatively large area for heat evaporation.	+	* Easy to recycle after use.
−	*Relatively inexpensive to produce.	+	* Relatively large area for heat evaporation.
−	*Low environmental impacts in case of accidental venting.	+	* Relatively inexpensive to produce.
−	*Low gas flow rate per unit of cooling at compressor.	+	* Low environmental impacts in case of accidental venting.
		+	* Low gas flow rate per unit of cooling at compressor.

	As it is unlikely that there will be a refrigerant that matches the perfect profile, it may be necessary to prioritise which of the criteria for the ideal refrigerant is of most importance. For example, If minimizing the environmental impact is a key criteria, the efficiency of the refrigerant in the operational phase of the system will outweigh the impact of the production and disposal stages.		As it is unlikely that there will be a refrigerant that matches the perfect profile, it may be necessary to prioritise which of the criteria for the ideal refrigerant is of most importance. For example, If minimizing the environmental impact is a key criteria, the efficiency of the refrigerant in the operational phase of the system will outweigh the impact of the production and disposal stages.
Line 55:		Line 56:
	= Suitability of the available refrigerants =		= Suitability of the available refrigerants =

−	Supermarket retailers are gradually moving away from long-established HFC refrigeration systems towards using a group of non-HFC natural refrigerants. Such installations often use ammonia, ~~CO<sub>2</sub>~~ or hydrocarbons, which have comparatively little or no impact on global warming and zero impact on the ozone layer. For instance, ~~CO<sub>2</sub>~~ has a global warming potential (GWP) of just one, compared with a figure of almost 4,000 for HFC-404A.	+	Supermarket retailers are gradually moving away from long-established HFC refrigeration systems towards using a group of non-HFC natural refrigerants. Such installations often use ammonia, CO2 or hydrocarbons, which have comparatively little or no impact on global warming and zero impact on the ozone layer. For instance, CO2 has a global warming potential (GWP) of just one, compared with a figure of almost 4,000 for HFC-404A.

	One quick fix option for reducing the environmental impact of emissions from a retailer’s existing estate is to replace HFC-404A with a drop-in alternative such as HFC-407F (GWP 1,705) or HFC-407A (GWP 1,990). While these blends still have a significant environmental impact, their GWPs are about half that of HFC-404A, so transitioning to these blends in existing equipment can dramatically cut the impact of leaking refrigerants in the short term.		One quick fix option for reducing the environmental impact of emissions from a retailer’s existing estate is to replace HFC-404A with a drop-in alternative such as HFC-407F (GWP 1,705) or HFC-407A (GWP 1,990). While these blends still have a significant environmental impact, their GWPs are about half that of HFC-404A, so transitioning to these blends in existing equipment can dramatically cut the impact of leaking refrigerants in the short term.

−	~~CO<sub>2</sub>~~ suitable for use as a refrigerant is commonly named R744 in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.	+	CO2 suitable for use as a refrigerant is commonly named R744 in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.

	The advantages are:		The advantages are:
−	*Low toxicity.	+
−	*Non-flammability.	+	* Low toxicity.
−	*Zero ozone depletion potential.	+	* Non-flammability.
−	*Very low global warming potential (GWP=1).	+	* Zero ozone depletion potential.
−	*Excellent thermodynamic properties and low energy requirements.	+	* Very low global warming potential (GWP=1).
		+	* Excellent thermodynamic properties and low energy requirements.

	R744 refrigerant properties are surprisingly conducive to the cooling process. Despite the need for high pressure, the R744 agent is capable of running smoothly, efficiently, and with reduced waste as the heat waste can be rerouted and reused in other parts of the production process.		R744 refrigerant properties are surprisingly conducive to the cooling process. Despite the need for high pressure, the R744 agent is capable of running smoothly, efficiently, and with reduced waste as the heat waste can be rerouted and reused in other parts of the production process.

−	In cases when ~~CO<sub>2</sub>~~ is used for low temperature refrigeration, it is used either as a heat-conductor refrigerant, or in cascade with another refrigerant (R404A, NH3, R134a, etc.).	+	In cases when CO2 is used for low temperature refrigeration, it is used either as a heat-conductor refrigerant, or in cascade with another refrigerant (R404A, NH3, R134a, etc.).

	If R744 is considered as a refrigerant then the following must be taken into account:		If R744 is considered as a refrigerant then the following must be taken into account:
−	*High pressure: ~~CO<sub>2</sub>~~ circuits operate at much higher pressures than a conventional R404A system. This requires the use of components and assembly techniques that are unusual in the field of refrigeration.	+
−	*Maintenance: The operation mode requires a different design compared to conventional HFC systems design that is unfamiliar to most technicians in refrigeration for supermarkets.	+	* High pressure: CO2 circuits operate at much higher pressures than a conventional R404A system. This requires the use of components and assembly techniques that are unusual in the field of refrigeration.
−	*Cost: The high pressures require more binding materials and with R744 not yet widely used there is limited choice and a tendency to cost more.	+	* Maintenance: The operation mode requires a different design compared to conventional HFC systems design that is unfamiliar to most technicians in refrigeration for supermarkets.
		+	* Cost: The high pressures require more binding materials and with R744 not yet widely used there is limited choice and a tendency to cost more.

	There are alternative refrigerants on the market, it is now up to the designers and operators to specify something new to move the industry forward.		There are alternative refrigerants on the market, it is now up to the designers and operators to specify something new to move the industry forward.

−	----	+	-----
−		+	This article originally appeared in the [https://www.bsria.co.uk/information-membership/bookshop/publication/delta-t-september-2014/ September 2014 edition of BSRIA’s Delta T magazine]. It was written by Salim Deramchi, Senior Building Services Consultant, BSRIA Sustainable Construction Group. It has been posted here by --[[User:BSRIA\|BSRIA]] 10:42, 5 December 2014 (UTC)
−	This article originally appeared in the [https://www.bsria.co.uk/information-membership/bookshop/publication/delta-t-september-2014/ September 2014 edition of BSRIA’s Delta T magazine]. It was written by Salim Deramchi, Senior Building Services Consultant, BSRIA Sustainable Construction Group. It has been posted here by --[[User~~%3ABSRIA~~\|BSRIA]] 10:42, 5 December 2014 (UTC)	+

	= Find out more =		= Find out more =

	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===		=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===
−	*Absorption refrigeration.
−	*Air conditioning inspection.
−	*Air conditioning.
−	*Cooling systems for buildings.
−	*Greenhouse gas.
−	*Heat pumps
−	*HVAC.
−	*Montreal Protocol.
−	*Ozone depleting substances.
−	*Phase change.
−	*R22 phase out
−	*Refrigerants.

−	[[Category:Other_legislation]]	+	* Absorption refrigeration.
−	[[Category:Sustainability]]	+	* Air conditioning inspection.
−	[[Category:Design]]	+	* Air conditioning.
		+	* Cooling systems for buildings.
		+	* Greenhouse gas.
		+	* Heat pumps
		+	* HVAC.
		+	* Montreal Protocol.
		+	* Ozone depleting substances.
		+	* Phase change.
		+	* R22 phase out
		+	* Refrigerants.
		+
		+	[[Category:Other_legislation]] [[Category:Sustainability]] [[Category:Design]]

Designing Buildings at 12:02, 26 March 2015

2015-03-26T12:02:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:02, 26 March 2015
Line 93:		Line 93:
	*Heat pumps		*Heat pumps
	*HVAC.		*HVAC.
		+	*Montreal Protocol.
	*Ozone depleting substances.		*Ozone depleting substances.
	*Phase change.		*Phase change.