Let the Refrigerant Part-in Start

This rule follows the steering of the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 60335-2-89, 2nd version product security and ASHRAE 15 gear design requirements, which embrace provisions for the protected use of A2L refrigerants in self-contained, factory-charged items and distant, field-charged refrigeration gear. UL 60335-2-89, 2nd version additionally consists of steering for elevated cost limits of R-290 in self-contained refrigeration items and industrial ice machines.

The EPA not too long ago launched new listings and use circumstances for lower-flammability A2L refrigerants in industrial refrigeration underneath its proposed Important New Alternate options Coverage (SNAP) Rule 26. Mixed, the EPA’s Expertise Transitions Rule and SNAP Rule 26 proposal are key efforts in establishing a brand new period of lower-GWP refrigerant applied sciences.

On the similar time, environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives are prompting many firms to pledge operational sustainability targets over the approaching years and a long time. As a result of refrigerants are a probably vital contributor to greenhouse gasoline (GHG) emissions — each straight from leaks into the environment and not directly from their impression on energy-efficient efficiency — deciding on a next-generation different is among the many most essential sustainability selections an organization could make.

CO₂ development in North America

CO2 refrigeration applied sciences have been adopted efficiently all through the world for practically twenty years. With a GWP of 1 and 0 ozone depletion potential (ODP), CO2 is a sustainable different that’s poised to play a key function within the U.S. refrigerant transition. Copeland has been creating CO2 system applied sciences for greater than a decade, together with compression, controls and parts built-in to ship seamless efficiency and assist simplify CO2 refrigeration functions. CO2 techniques and parts are designed to handle its inherent excessive pressures, whereas R-744’s distinctive thermophysical traits current new alternatives to leverage reclaimed warmth for warm water, indoor heating and different repurposing methods.

Massive, centralized CO₂ techniques

For big stores, CO2 transcritical booster (TCB) techniques present a centralized, all-CO2 technique for each medium- (MT) and low-temperature (LT) masses. Though early CO2 TCB techniques proved to carry out properly in cooler climates, trendy CO2 TCB techniques make the most of new design approaches to optimize system efficiency in heat climate circumstances as properly.

When contemplating a brand new CO2 TCB set up, meals retailers ought to consider utility prices — together with electrical energy and water — and choose a design optimization technique that delivers the bottom whole price of possession (TCO) of their area. Contemplating that month-to-month electrical energy charges are sometimes pushed by peak consumption durations, retailers with installations in high-cost kW/hr areas ought to do every thing potential to attenuate excessive peak utilization situations.

The increasing potential of R-290

Over the previous decade, the pure refrigerant R-290 has emerged as a viable low-GWP (GWP = 3) different, particularly in smaller, self-contained refrigeration items that don’t require massive refrigeration masses. Right now, most retailers are accustomed to R-290’s widespread use in spot merchandising functions, corresponding to reach-in show instances, beverage coolers, ice machines and ice cream freezers — which don’t require massive refrigeration masses.

Though R-290 provides confirmed sustainability and efficiency advantages, its A3 “larger flammability” classification should be considered. To mitigate R-290 security dangers and handle security issues, the governing our bodies that regulate the protected use of refrigerants within the U.S. have lengthy established a 150 grams (5.3 ounces or 0.33 pound) most cost restrict. The revised UL 60335-2-89, 2nd version normal authorised larger cost limits that probably might broaden the dimensions of R-290 instances, elevating the cost limits on industrial self-contained, plug-in shows based mostly on whether or not they have an open or closed design:

• 500 grams for open home equipment (with out doorways)
• 300 grams for home equipment with doorways or drawers

It’s essential to notice that at present in-progress SNAP 26 proposals — in addition to mannequin and constructing code updates — should first be authorised earlier than the trade can implement these larger R-290 prices. For now, retailers ought to be conscious that the potential for larger-capacity, self-contained, R-290 items is on the horizon. Copeland is qualifying its R-290 compression traces to allow these bigger prices and assist OEMs to provoke their new gear design cycles. Our variable pace Copeland™ scroll compressors ship twice the capability and better speeds, enabling as much as 7 HP techniques with the anticipated cost restrict will increase.

Getting ready for the emergence of A2Ls

A2L refrigerants have lengthy been acknowledged as probably viable alternate options to high-GWP HFCs. A2Ls are composed of a number of chemical parts — together with these with excessive hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) content material — leading to a variety of GWP scores, together with these beneath 300 and 150 GWP regulatory thresholds. Reaching these low-GWP ranges leads to a level of flammability, warranting the A2L “decrease flammability” classification, which would require the usage of correct security administration and danger mitigation methods. Leak detection sensors, correct air flow and security shut-off valves could also be required in some distant techniques with bigger A2L refrigerant prices.

Not solely is Copeland qualifying our compression traces to be used with A2Ls with excessive HFO content material, however we’re additionally creating superior leak detection sensors and controls applied sciences to assist retailers guarantee A2L security, protect their refrigerant investments, and maximize system efficiency. Choose A2L-qualified compressor fashions can be found on the market at the moment, whereas samples of all compressors throughout the A2L qualification course of (and their efficiency knowledge) can be found on request. Our new Copeland variable frequency drives, EVM and EVH collection, have additionally been certified to be used in techniques with flammable A2L and A3 refrigerants, per related part security requirements for industrial refrigeration.

A2L refrigerants fill a much-needed area of interest throughout the refrigerant panorama. With cost limits exceeding these proposed for R-290, A2Ls additionally ship roughly 20 % extra compressor capability than R-290. Thus, A2Ls supply a probably higher-capacity different in self-contained functions and a lower-GWP answer for higher-charge distributed and/or distant system functions, corresponding to outside condensing items (OCUs) or mini-racks utilized in smaller-format shops. These distinctive traits might additionally present decrease utilized prices than CO₂ in comparable functions.

A2L adoption in U.S. industrial refrigeration continues to be in its early phases, as regulatory approvals and security requirements and constructing codes are at present being finalized and/or adopted. No matter which A2L functions could change into extra commonplace, A2Ls will give retailers one other high-performance, low-GWP possibility for his or her next-generation refrigeration portfolios.

Take advantage of knowledgeable refrigerant selections

As retailers plan their refrigerant transitions, many are searching for steering on easy methods to part out their high-GWP HFC infrastructures whereas phasing in lower-GWP, extra sustainable alternative refrigerant methods. Copeland has the appliance experience, product portfolios and value-added providers to assist retailers make profitable and cost-effective refrigerant transitions.

We not too long ago accomplished two in depth analysis tasks designed to assist retailers consider which refrigerants and infrastructures align closest with their operational and sustainability targets. Our Whole Price of Possession (TCO) research might help you to check varied low-GWP refrigerant architectures to find out which methods ship probably the most optimum short- and long-term price financial savings and GWP reductions to your operation.

For these retailers exploring CO₂ TCB techniques for brand spanking new retailer installations, our CO₂ Local weather Research can present steering on deciding on a design optimization technique that may show you how to to maximise vitality efficiencies and ship the bottom TCO per your distinctive local weather zone and utility concerns.

No matter the place your organization is on its refrigerant transition, Copeland is prepared that can assist you consider rising refrigerant options and take the following steps in your journey. To be taught extra about Copeland’s low-GWP, different refrigerant-based options and software experience, please go to the rising refrigerants part of our web site.