Use of nonHFC refrigerants in small and mediumsized

Use of non-HFC refrigerants in small and medium-sized airconditioning and heat pump systems Petter Nekså, SINTEF Energy Research, Norway Petter. Neksa@sintef. no Refrigerants – history and the way forward pre-1930 -50 Use of natural refrigerants – ethylether, SO 2, methylchloride, NH 3, propane, isobutane, CO 2 etc. Introduction of synthetic fluids, i. e. CFC-12 and HCFC-22 1987 Montreal-protocol established. CFC og HCFC ozone depleting substances due to. chlorine/bromide. Phase-out of CFC (1995) og HCFC (2010) 1987 Hydro. Fluoro. Carbons (HFC) are introduced 1997 Kyoto-protocol is established. HFC controlled due to high GWP-values 2006/2007 1990 -now EUs F-gas directive Increased focus on use of environmentally benign, natural refrigerants, in particular ammonia, hydrocarbons, water and CO 2 A sound and long term option will be Phase-In of Natural Refrigerants. All refrigerants can achieve acceptable efficiencies and cost, even in hot climates 1 Technology for a better society 1

Non-HFC refrigerants in small and medium-sized air-conditioning and heat pump systems Status on Phase-In of natural refrigerant in AC and HPs Hydrocarbons, e. g. propane (Safety class A 3) Can use existing components as long as standards are applied Can easily compete in efficiency Challenge: standards limits maximum charge due to flammability Applications commercialised • Small ac and hp-equipment, usually charge less than 150 grams • Medium capacity systems according to strict standards Carbon dioxide (CO 2, R-744) (Safety class A 1) Needs high pressure components, to a large extent developed and available Challenge: high-ambient applications needs system enhancements, e. g. ejector Applications commercialised • Heat pump water heaters and combination with space heating • Condensing units and multi-split systems for moderate climate conditions Under development • AC units for hot climates Phase-In of Natural Refrigerants is ongoing Hot climates are challenging, but there and will be found solutions 2 Technology for a better society 2