ACR Journal

The RAC Engineer’s Guide to Low GWP Refrigerants 16 No compromise with safety For several years Tecumseh has been investing heavily in research and development, preparing for this transition by developing new equipment and working with new, low GWP alternatives. Care is taken in selection and the key criteria applied are: Safety: flammability, pressure and toxicity. Reliability: temperature (operating window), compatibility and lubrification. Performance: volumetric capacity, energy efficiency and glide. Environment: GWP/TEWI, standards, approvals (federal, state and local laws). A2L alternatives Equipment running on A2L alternatives to the currently most-used refrigerants is available from Tecumseh. R454C and R455A are a response to the use of R404A. R134a will be replaced by R1234yf. This makes it possible to offer our customers the best alternatives. The use of these new refrigerants From a contractor’s perspective working with A2L alternatives is similar to working with HFC refrigerants but to comply with the F-Gas Regulation a risk analysis is important before work begins. As with any other refrigerant, A2Ls should only be handled by a qualified refrigeration technician and the relevant safety criteria should apply to the volume of refrigerant and the equipment used for each job. A2L refrigerants are not suitable for retrofitting to existing installations. There are also restrictions on transporting A2Ls, different charge calculations and new tools needed. For more information on this turn to Pages 24-25. The partner of choice in the transition Tecumseh will continue to evaluate sustainable alternatives and limit the proliferation of refrigerants on the EU market. Tecumseh believes that now is the time for engineers to start training to use new A2L refrigerants. The company offers components compatible with redesigned and qualified sustainable refrigerant alternatives – including low-GWP synthetic refrigerants as well as naturals such as CO 2 or propane. Changing from HFCs to HFOs Making the switch can be relatively easy on commercial refrigeration systems ranging from 1Kw to 15Kw. A2Ls can be employed on direct expansion cooling systems and are fine alternatives for good technical and economic reasons. R1234yf R455A/ R454C