REFRIGERANT FOR CHILLERS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS · REFRIGERANT FOR CHILLERS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ... For how much longer can I use a chiller charged with R-22 ... What are

COMPANY PRIVATE- FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY

REFRIGERANT FOR CHILLERS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

UTC HVAC Europe - Marketing Department

Issue N° 2, May 2016

http://www.cadblocksfree.com/downloaddetails.php?id=902

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COMPANY PRIVATE -FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY This paper is provided for informational and marketing purposes only and shall not be deemed to create any implied or express warranties or covenants with respect to the products of Carrier Corporation or those of any third party. Ce document ne doit pas être considéré comme donnant lieu d’avis technique. Le non-respect ou la mauvaise utilisation des informations contenues dans ce document ne peut en aucun cas engager la responsabilité de notre société. Tous droits réservés. Reproduction interdite.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. For how much longer can I use a chiller charged with R-22 refrigerant?

2. What are the alternatives to replace R2-2 in an existing chiller?

3. How will the new F-gas regulation affect the choice of refrigerant for chillers?

4. Will it be possible to service chillers using R-134a or R-410A in the future?

5. I have heard about possible taxes on HFC’s, can you tell me more?

6. How do you expect HFC prices to change in the future?

7. What is Carrier’s competitive position on refrigerant charge?

8. What are the alternatives to R410A?

9. What is Carrier’s refrigerant strategy for scroll chillers?

10. What are the alternatives to R134a?

11. What is Carrier’s refrigerant strategy for screw chillers?

12. What is Carrier’s refrigerant strategy for centrifugal chillers?

13. Can we use CO2 as a refrigerant for chillers?

14. Can we use ammonia as a refrigerant for chillers?

15. What are the car industry’s strategies for refrigerant?

16. What HVAC products are currently available with lower GWP refrigerants?

17. Can we retrofit a R-134a chiller with HFO R-1234ze(E)?

18. Do you plan to phase out chillers with R-134a refrigerant in Europe?

19. Why did you choose R-1234ze(E) and not R-1234yf used in the automotive industry?

20. Do we expect higher maintenance costs with HFO units?

21. What is the life time of the HFO R-1234ze(E) in the atmosphere?

22. What are the risks with the HFO R-1234ze(E)?

23. What are the safety requirements to install chillers with HFO?

24. Do we have specific HFO refrigerant leakage detectors recommended by Carrier?

25. What is the GWP of HFO R-1234ze(E)?

26. What is the price difference between HFO R-1234ze(E) and a HFC-134a unit?

27. Is the R-1234ze(E) a long term refrigerant solution?

28. Is there another advantage for my customer to buy a chiller with HFO R-1234ze(E)

29. What is PUREtec?

30. I have heard about constraints for importers of HVAC equipment made outside Europe

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1. For how much longer can I use a chiller charged with R-22 refrigerant?

There is no restriction on the operation of a chiller that uses R-22. However, since January

2015, the use of R-22 to service or repair equipment is prohibited. This ban applies to all R-22

even that recovered or reclaimed from other equipment. So, it is possible to continue operating

the unit for as long as it works without service intervention. In conclusion, it is highly

recommended to replace the chiller because in case of refrigerant leaks or failure, it won’t be

possible to repair it.

2. What are the alternatives to replace R-22 in existing chillers?

Most chillers operating with R-22 are now 15/20 years old. Very often they have reciprocating

compressors and a basic control system. Given that these units are coming to the end of their

expected life, it is strongly recommended to consider replacing them with new, more energy

efficient units. Attempting to convert such units to an alternative refrigerant is likely to be a false

economy. Conversion may require significant modification of the unit, but produce unpredictable

results in terms of both performance and reliability.

3. How will the new F-gas regulation affect the choice of refrigerant for chillers?

Chillers and other commercial air conditioning systems will be impacted by the new 2014 F-gas

regulation on a long term basis. Although the new regulation doesn’t include bans for chillers

and other commercial HVAC systems, the gradual phase down of HFC’s quantities on the

market will push the industry to use lower GWP refrigerants. We expect the price of HFC’s to

rise significantly, especially for those gases with high GWP’s. However because of uncertainties

on the price and eventually the availability of HFC refrigerants at 2030 horizon and beyond we

recommend our customers to evaluate HFO alternatives for screw and centrifugal chiller with

long life span.

Note: In the new F-gas regulation, the use of HFC’s with GWP greater than 750 will be

prohibited from 2025 for mono split-system room air conditioners containing less than 3 kg of

HFC’s

4. Will it be possible to service chillers using R-134a or R-410A in the future?

In the new 2014 F-gas regulation there are no restrictions on the use of R-134a or R-410A

refrigerant for servicing refrigeration or air conditioning equipment. The new regulation

introduces a gradual phase down of HFC’s quantities (in tons of C02 equivalent) with 21% of the

reference level still available after 2030 to service equipment. Therefore, it should be possible to

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service or maintain chillers with R-134a or R-410A for the foreseeable future. However because

of uncertainties on the price and eventually the availability of HFC refrigerants at 2030 horizon

and beyond we recommend our customers to evaluate HFO alternatives for screw and

centrifugal chiller with long life span.

Note: In the new F-gas regulation, the use of virgin refrigerant with very GWP > 2500 (R-404A,

R-507A) to service large commercial & industrial refrigeration systems will be prohibited from

2020. After that date only reclaimed and recycled refrigerant can be used up to 2030.

5. I have heard about possible taxes on HFC’s, can you tell me more?

Several governments, eg, Denmark, Norway & Spain… have introduced taxes on HFC’s. Some

schemes tax all sales of refrigerant, others only tax refrigerant used for the servicing of

equipment. The level of tax is typically related to the GWP of the refrigerant (for example; 13.3 €

per tonne of CO2 equivalent in Spain). With uncertainties on refrigerant price, we should

anticipate that the quantity of refrigerant in a unit and the GWP of the refrigerant are going to

become significant market drivers for customers who will operate chillers for the next 15/20

years. Thanks to their innovative designs, Carrier chillers have up to 50% less refrigerant charge

than similar competitors units and are thus well positioned to minimize operating costs in the

event of HFC taxation and price rises.

6. How do you expect HFC prices to change in the future?

It is difficult to predict the future, however with the implementation of refrigerant quotas from

2015 (see F-gas regulation) refrigerant suppliers have to reduce the overall tonnage of CO2

equivalent of all refrigerant they place on the market. To achieve this target, while still keeping

the same level of sales, refrigerant suppliers will increase the price of those refrigerants with

high GWP’s to push customers to use alternative gases with lower GWP’s. There is also the

possibility that national governments will implement / increase taxes on HFC’s. Overall, the

quantity of refrigerant in a chiller, and the refrigerant GWP, are going to play a crucial role in

determining life-cycle operating costs.

7. What is Carrier’s competitive position on refrigerant charge?

Over the last 10 years, Carrier has introduced several technologies that minimize refrigerant

charge, eg: MCHE, BPHE. Carrier products are best in class in terms of refrigerant charge and

have up to 50% less refrigerant than competitors units. With uncertainties over refrigerant price,

the charge of a system becomes an important purchasing driver for customers who will operate

chillers for the next 15/20 years.

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8. What are the alternatives to R-410A?

There are multiple solutions to replace R-410A in chillers.

Medium GWP HFC’s (GWP 500-700), including R-32 & HFC/HFO blends are potential

candidates to replace R-410A, all are mildly flammable (A2L safety class). All these substances

are HFC’s and fall in the basket of fluorinated gases controlled by the F-gas regulation, therefore

most likely they are solutions of transition. If you look backward, these solutions are equivalent

to what R-407C was when the industry phased out R-22. A few years later R-407C was replaced

by R-410A.

Hydrocarbons, such as propane, have a very low GWP’s but are highly flammable or explosive

(A3 refrigerant safety class). As such, they could be acceptable for very small air cooled systems

with limited refrigerant charge.

Although CO2, is a very effective refrigerant for commercial refrigeration, it is not suitable for air

conditioning applications because of its low efficiency. It may, however, find applications in high

temperature heat pumps used to produce domestic hot water.

HFO refrigerants with nearly zero GWP are long term solutions but they are not suitable with

rotary and scroll compressor technology.

9. What is Carrier’s refrigerant strategy for scroll chillers?

Long term refrigerant solutions will have to meet likely a GWP threshold under 150 (2030

horizon and beyond) and deliver higher efficiency to satisfy Ecodesign requirements. For scroll

chillers applications, there is no good long term refrigerant solution available with GWP below

150. Alternatives exist with medium GWP HFC’s (GWP 500-700), eg: R-32 & HFC/HFO blends,

however these substances are HFC’s and fall in the basket of fluorinated gases controlled by the

F-gas regulation. They are most likely solutions of transition that will not last over the next 10

years. HFO’s with nearly zero GWP refrigerants could be long term solution but they will require

different compressor technology. Carrier is exploring several alternatives to replace R-410A.

New refrigerants will be introduced as soon as systems have been fully qualified so we can

deliver the same level of reliability as today.

10. What are the alternatives to R134a?

There are multiple solutions to replace R-134a in chillers.

Pure HFO’s, eg: R-1234ze(E), with nearly zero GWP is the long term solutions for new screw

chillers. HFO R-1234ze(E) offers very good efficiency but is slightly flammable (A2L safety

class).

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HFC/HFO blends eg: R-513A, R-450A…with medium GWP (500-700) could also be used for

screw chillers. These substances are non-flammable however they should be considered as a

short term transition solution. On a chemical point of view they are HFC refrigerants and it is

important to note that ALL HFC/HFO blends fall into the basket of fluorinated gases controlled by

the F-gas regulation and are therefore not future proof solutions. We do believe that these

solutions will most likely not last beyond the next 5-10 years.

Hydrocarbons have almost no GWP. They are not generally suitable for large machines because

of their high flammability (A3 refrigerant safety class).

Although CO2 is a very effective refrigerant for commercial refrigeration, it is not suitable for air

conditioning applications because of its low efficiency.

Ammonia can be an acceptable refrigerant for industrial process chillers; however it is toxic,

mildly flammable (B2L refrigerant safety class) and the technology requires high capital costs.

11. What is Carrier’s refrigerant strategy for screw chiller?

We believe that long term refrigerant solutions will have to meet a GWP threshold under 150

(2030 horizon and beyond) and deliver higher efficiency to satisfy Ecodesign requirements. Any

alternative refrigerant must provide an acceptable compromise in terms of GWP, human safety,

energy efficiency, and system cost. After several years of extensive research and development,

Carrier has selected pure HFO R-1234ze(E) as the long term solution for screw chillers (the

suffix “E” indicates that it is an isomer). The main advantages of R-1234ze(E) are

With nearly zero GWP (< 1) it is a F-gas regulation future proof solution

It offers superior efficiency versus R-134a

New applications are possible for heat pump with hot water temperature up to 85°

R-1234ze(E) is slightly flammable (A2L safety class) however it has the unique property not to

be flammable at the ambient temperature .

12. What is Carrier’s refrigerant strategy for centrifugal chillers?

There is not one single refrigerant solution for every application but Carrier will have a refrigerant

solution for every application. For centrifugal compressor technology Carrier has made the

choice of the HFO R-1233zd refrigerant. The R-1233zd refrigerant is non-flammable, particularly

adapted for centrifugal chillers and has nearly zero global warming impact (GWP = 1). The

product has been presented at the China trade show earlier this year, and we plan to introduce it

in the European market in 2017.

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13. Can we use CO2 as refrigerant for chillers?

Carrier pioneered the use of natural CO2 refrigerant for commercial refrigeration. CO2OLtec

refrigeration systems are installed in more than 1900 stores throughout Europe and the

NaturaLINE unit is the world’s first and only container refrigeration system to use the natural

refrigerant carbon dioxide CO2.

For chillers, CO2 (R-744) does not deliver the right energy efficiency because comfort chillers

typically operate in summer time and tend to operate in the ‘trans-critical’ region of the fluid

properties. However, CO2 can be a good solution for high temperature heat pumps such as

those intended for domestic hot water production.

14. Can we use ammonia as refrigerant for chillers?

Yes, ammonia (R-717) has been used for many years; however it is not an attractive solution for

comfort chillers because of its toxicity and high installation and maintenance costs. Ammonia

has 0 GWP but it is toxic and mildly flammable (B2L refrigerant safety class). It is not compatible

with copper and therefore requires costly open drive compressors with their potential refrigerant

leaks. Ammonia chillers cost approximately twice the price of chillers that use an HFC and they

require expensive safety protection in machine rooms. They also suffer from high service costs

because of the toxicity of the refrigerant and the requirement to change the compressor shaft

seal. In addition ammonia refrigerant is not well suited to air cooled applications because of its

high discharge temperature.

15. What are the car industry’s strategies for refrigerant?

The EU Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) directive restricts the use of refrigerant with GWP > 150

in motor vehicles. Some years ago the worldwide car industry has agreed to use HFO R-1234yf,

mildly flammable (A2L safety class) as an alternative to R-134a. In Europe since January 2013

new models must have an air conditioning system using a refrigerant with GWP < 150, today

approximately 8 million cars using R-1234yf are on the road. From January 2017 all new cars

shall use a refrigerant with GWP < 150.

16. What HVAC products are currently available with lower GWP refrigerants?

Most Japanese manufacturers have introduced single split-system air conditioners operating

with medium GWP HFC-R32 refrigerant for residential applications (1.5 to 5.5 kW). For the time

sales of R32 products are modest because in several countries local building safety codes may

restrict the installation of air conditioners using mildly flammable refrigerants (A2L safety class).

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Several manufacturers have a limited offer of screw chillers operating with HFC/HFO blend R-

513A or centrifugal chillers with HFO R-1234ze(E) (Turbocor) or HFO-R1233zd

Thanks to Aquaforce with PUREtec refrigerant Carrier is the first manufacturer to propose a

complete range of air cooled, water cooled and water to water heat pumps operating with HFO

R-1234ze(E) long term refrigerant solution

17. Can we retrofit a R-134a chiller with HFO R-1234ze(E)?

No it’s not possible to retrofit an existing R-134a chiller with HFO refrigerant. R-1234ze(E)

refrigerant requires several design changes, eg: oil management, mitigation of refrigerant

flammability issue…etc

However it is possible to operate a chiller designed for HFO R-1234ze(E) with HFC R-134a. This

solution can be envisaged for customers willing to minimize the initial first cost while anticipating

potential issue with HFC’s in the future.

18. Do you plan to phase out chillers with R134a refrigerant in Europe?

Carrier is introducing nearly zero GWP HFO R-1234ze(E) chillers but Carrier will continue to

provide HFC R-134a chillers in all regions including Europe. The introduction of very low GWP

HFO R-1234ze(E) screw chillers broadens our product portfolio and provides our customers the

ability to select one or the other. In the near future, Carrier anticipates that customer demand for

nearly zero GWP HFO R-1234ze(E) chillers will grow for the following reasons :

Firstly, the evolution of European and National regulations, will favor very low GWP HFO R-

1234ze(E) solutions for screw chillers. As an example, the ban of HFC refrigerants for chillers

above 600kW in Switzerland will most likely position our Swiss customers as “early HFO

adopters”.

Secondly, the introduction of high leaving hot water temperature screw chillers combined with

very low GWP HFO R-1234ze(E) as a refrigerant extend Carrier’s Heat pump offer for Heating

applications.

Finally, Carrier considers that the very low GWP HFO R-1234ze(E) is for screw chillers the long

term sustainable solution for the next generation to come and the best alternative that supports

the 2030 F-Gas CO2 equivalent reduction goals.

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19. Why did you choose R-1234ze(E) and not R-1234yf used in the automotive industry?

R-1234ze(E) & R-1234yf are both nearly zero GWP refrigerants. They are non-toxic and

classified in the lower flammability (or mildly flammable) A2L safety class

R-1234ze(E) is in the lower segment of the 2L refrigerant class. A unique characteristic of this

refrigerant is the absence of flammable mixture with air under 30°C of ambience. R-1234ze is

the only refrigerant in the A2L safety group classified PED non dangerous (today situation). It is

considered as non-flammable for transportation (same as R-134a)

In the automotive industry, the space available is a key constraint. Therefore it is necessarily to

have a refrigerant which is a close to drop-in to R-134a. R-1234yf was created for that purpose.

R-1234yf is an expensive refrigerant as it is an expensive process to produce it. Its price is

estimated to be up to 5 times the price of R-1234ze(E) while R-1234ze(E) is already 3 times

more expensive to R-134a (today situation). This is not an issue for automotive where refrigerant

charge is in the range of 300-500 g. At the opposite, on commercial chillers, refrigerant charge

can reach as high as high 400-500 kg (~2 MW chiller). Think as well on the impact of refrigerant

cost to service the equipment

R-1234yf is a less efficient refrigerant compared to R-1234ze(E). It is not a good choice for

commercial chillers. The long term refrigerant option shall be very low GWP (Lower direct

emissions) and provide higher efficiency (lower indirect emissions).

20. Do we expect higher maintenance costs with HFO units?

The price of HFO R-1234ze(E) refrigerant is today approximately 3 times higher than R-134a

refrigerant however the gap is expecting to close in the future as a result of on-going HFC price

increase and potential reduction of HFO prices driven by mass production.

When comparing maintenance and repair costs one should also look at other aspects of

importance during the whole life cycle of units: higher reliability of compressor and components

operating with low pressure HFO refrigerant, costs of mandatory refrigerant leakage checks for

unit operating with R-134a, potential cost for refrigerant conversion in case of R-134a shortage

or ban in the future...A good example is the current maintenance cost for our customers that

have an old unit designed to operate with R-22.

In conclusion the maintenance costs will be very similar between HFC R-134a and HFO R-

1234ze(E) chillers during the first years of operation but the cumulated maintenance costs over

a period of 10 to 15 years will be most probably lower for HFO units.

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21. What is the expected life time of the HFO R-1234ze(E) in the atmosphere?

HFO R-1234ze(E) has a very short atmospheric lifetime of 16 days in the atmosphere compared

with 14 years for the R-134a.

22. What are the risks with the HFO R-1234ze(E)?

According to ISO-817, R-1234ze(E) is classified in safety group A2L. It is in the lower segment

of the mildly flammable refrigerants. One of the characteristic of this refrigerant is the absence of

flammable mixture with air under 21°C of ambiance and controlled humidity conditions.

However when humidity or temperature goes up this refrigerant can become flammable.

Therefore flammability risks shall be properly mitigated within the machine room installation.

Local building codes and safety standards shall be followed.

Carrier also provides additional guidelines for the safe use of R-1234ze(E) refrigerant that

should be added to the requirements of safety standards and building codes to insure that the

risks are minimized to acceptable levels.

For further details on physical properties, flammability & toxicity characteristics, hazards

Identification, installation safety requirements, etc, refer to standards such as:

ISO-817, ISO-5149 & EN378

Safety Data Sheet (SDS) supplied by the refrigerant manufacturer

European union’s REACH database (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and

Restriction of Chemicals)

For road transportation R-1234ze(E) has the same ADR dangerous good classification as non-

flammable R-410A (UN 3163).

23. What are the safety requirements to install chillers with HFO?

First it is mandatory to comply with safety requirements from local building safety codes with

regard to the installation and operation of refrigeration equipment in buildings

In general for air cooled chillers, there is no specific requirement

In general for water cooled chillers, machine rooms shall comply with safety requirements from

EN378 for A2 safety class refrigerant or ISO 5749 for A2L in terms of access doors, ventilation,

refrigerant leak detectors…etc. Please refer to the unit IOM for more details.

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24. Do we have specific HFO refrigerant leakage detectors recommended by Carrier?

Several suppliers announced they have detectors compatible with R-1234ze(E). Today,

CARRIER doesn’t supply refrigerant detectors.

25. What is the GWP of HFO R-1234ze(E)?

GWP values are determined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) the

leading international body for the assessment of climate change. According to the last report

published by this organization: IPCC 5th assessment report, R-1234ze(E) has a GWP < 1

In the EU F-gas regulation R-1234ze(E) has a GWP of 7 based on an older source (2010

assessment report of the Scientific Assessment Panel).

26. What is the price difference between a HFO R-1234ze(E) and a HFC R-134a chiller?

HFO R-1234ze(E) has a lower volumetric capacity than R-134a, in other words a compressor

with a bigger displacement is required to deliver a given capacity. As the compressor

arrangement depends from unit to unit it is not possible to indicate a precise price difference.

With uncertainties on the future of HFC’s at 2030 horizon the total cost of ownership of a HFO

chiller over a period of 15/20 years will be very likely lower than R-134a units although the initial

investment cost is higher today.

27. Is the HFO R-1234ze(E) a long term refrigerant solution

Carrier considers that the nearly zero GWP HFO R-1234ze(E) is the long term sustainable

solution for screw chillers for the next generation to come and the best alternative that supports

the 2030 F-Gas CO2 equivalent reduction goals.

28. Is there another advantage for my customer to buy a chiller with HFO R-1234ze(E)

The building sector has developed BREEAM, HQE…certifications to value the environmental

performance of buildings. BREEAM is rewarding the use of sustainable heating and air-

conditioning equipment using refrigerant with GWP ≤ 10. For chillers with HFO R-1234ze(E) two

credits are awarded and one additional credit can be awarded where the systems have a low

Total Equivalent Warming Impact.

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29. What is PUREtec?

PUREtec is not refrigerant, PUREtec is Carrier’s brand name for the family of long term

refrigerant solutions with nearly zero GWP. HFO R-1234ze(E) is the first member of this family,

in the future PUREtec will include other refrigerants.

30. I have heard about constraints for importers of HVAC equipment made outside Europe

According to the new F-gas regulation from January 2017 importers of HVAC equipment made

outside the EU shall ensure that the refrigerant contained in the equipment is covered by F-gas

quotas.

In practical terms importers of equipment shall purchase from a refrigerant producer or importer

in Europe an authorization to use its quotas. The cost of the authorization will represent a non-

negligible asset for the importer and will have an impact on the price of the equipment. In

addition every year the importer shall request an accredited auditor to reconcile the quantity of

refrigerant allowed by the authorization with the actual quantity placed on the market in products.

In conclusion from 2017 it will be complex and more costly to import HVAC equipment, therefore

certain customers might have a preference for EU made products

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GLOSSARY

1. HCFC refrigerant

2. HFC refrigerant

3. HFO refrigerant

4. HFC/HFO blends

5. Refrigerant GWP

6. New 2014 F-gas regulation

7. MAC Directive

8. EN 378 standard

9. Refrigerant safety class

10. Building safety codes

1. HCFC refrigerant

HCFC stands for hydrochlorofluorocarbons. HCFC’s like R-22 refrigerant are substances

depleting the ozone layer. HCFC’s are being phased out under the Montreal Protocol. In Europe

since the 2000’s HCFC refrigerants are prohibited in new equipment and their production

banned since 2010.

2. HFC refrigerant

HFC stands for hydrofluorocarbons. They belong to the family of fluorinated gases. HFC’s have

been developed by the industry to replace substances depleting the ozone layer. HFC’s are

mainly used as refrigerant for refrigeration & air conditioning equipment, aerosols sprays and

insulation foams. HFC’s are non-toxic and have zero ozone depletion potential. All HFC’s are

potent greenhouse gases

With a GWP of 675 HFC R-32 is a potential lower GWP alternative to R410A however it still falls

into the basket of fluorinated gases controlled by the F-gas regulation and therefore not a future

proof solution

3. HFO refrigerant

HFO stands for hydrofluoroolefin. It’s the latest generation of synthetic refrigerants. Pure HFO’s

has zero impact on the ozone layer (ODP) and nearly zero global warming potential (GWP).

HFO’s are non-toxic; however in certain conditions most of them are mildly flammable when

mixed with air. HFO R-1234yf has been designed as a substitute of HFC R-134a.for the car

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industry. HFO refrigerants developed for the HVAC industry are R-1234ze(E) and R-1233zd.

With nearly zero GWP, pure HFO’s are not subject to the measures of the F-gas regulation and

are therefore long term refrigerant solutions.

4. HFC/HFO blend refrigerant

HFO can be mixed with HFC to offer closer thermodynamic properties to existing HFC

refrigerants. R32 based HFC/HFO blends designed as an alternative to R-410A, eg: R-452B, R-

454B are generally mildly flammable while R-134a alternatives, eg R-513A, R-450A are non-

flammable. It is important to note that ALL HFC/HFO blends are on a chemical point of view

HFC’S. All HFC/HFO blends fall into the basket of fluorinated gases controlled by the F-gas

regulation and are therefore not future proof solutions.

5. Refrigerant GWP

GWP stands for Global Warming Potential. It is a relative index to quantify the amount of heat

trapped in the atmosphere by a greenhouse gas. By definition the GWP of carbon dioxide

(CO2) is equal to 1.

Example: R-134a with GWP 1430 means that 1 kg of R134a has the same impact on global

warming as 1430 kg of CO2.

GWP values are calculated over a period of 100 years and are updated by the

intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on a regular basis. Thus GWP values may

slightly differ in the different publications.

Refrigerant can be classified in five GWP categories

1. Nearly zero GWP < 10

2. Low GWP: < 150

3. Medium GWP: < 750

4. High GWP: > 750

5. Very high GWP: > 2500

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GWP of main refrigerants (2014 F-gas regulation)

Refrigerant GWP GWP category

HFC R-507A 3985 Very high

HFC R-404A 3920 Very high

HFC R-410A 2090 High

HFC R-134a 1430 High

HFC R-407C 1725 High

HFC R-32 675 Medium

HFC R-513A 631 Medium

HFO R-1234yf 4, {<1 see note} Nearly zero

HFO R-1234ze(E) 7 {<1 see note} Nearly zero

HFO R-1233zd 4.5 Nearly zero

R-717 (NH3) 0 Nearly zero

R-744 (CO2) 1 Nearly zero

R-290 (propane) 3 Nearly zero

Notes

GWP values based on IPCC 4th assessment report except for HFO R-1234yf and R-1234ze based on 2010 Scientific Assessment

Report of the Montreal Protocol

For HFO R-1234yf and R-1234ze GWP values into bracket { } based on 5th IPCC assessment report

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6. New F-gas regulation

The first European regulation on fluorinated gases (F-gas) was adopted in 2006 to reduce the

emission of fluorinated gases with high global warming potential and thus to protect the

environment. Since 1st January 2015 the new F-gas regulation N° 517/2014 is applicable in all

EU member states.

The new F-gas regulation introduces three key measures:

a) A phase down mechanism with a freeze of HFC quantities placed on the market in 2015

followed by a gradual reduction down to 21% in 2030. To implement the phase down, the

European Commission allocates yearly quotas to refrigerant producers and importers for

placing HFC’s on the market. To take into account the GWP value of each gas, quotas

are expressed in tons of CO2 equivalent.

HFC phase down (tonnes of CO2 equivalent)

Year 2015

2016 2018 2021 2024 2027 2030

Quantity 100% 93% 63% 45% 31% 24% 21%

Note: 2015 base line = average 2009-2019

b) Bans on the placing on the market of the following products

Commercial refrigerators & freezers (hermetic systems) than contain

GWP ≥ 2500 January 2020


Stationary industrial & commercial refrigeration (exclusive of chillers) that contain


Multipack centralized commercial refrigeration with a capacity > 40 kW (except primary circuit of cascade system with GWP < 1500) that contain


Movable room air conditioners that contain GWP ≥ 150 January 2020

Single split system air conditioner with a charge less than 3 kg that contain


c) Bans on the use of HFC’s with very high GWP > 2500 (R404A…) to service equipment

Virgin refrigerant with GWP > 2500 to service equipment January 2020

Recovered or recycled refrigerant with GWP > 2500 to service equipment January 2030

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7. MAC Directive

Emissions from air conditioning systems in motor vehicles are regulated by the European Mobile

Air Conditioning directive (MAC).

This MAC directive stipulates that:

- From January 2013, new cars subject to full homologation shall use a refrigerant with GWP <

150.

- From January 2017, all new cars must use a refrigerant with GWP < 150.

8. EN 378 standard

The European standard EN378 relates to safety and environmental requirements in the design,

manufacture, construction, installation, operation, maintenance, repair and disposal of

refrigerating systems and appliances including heat pumps. It consists of four parts:

Part 1: Basic requirements, definitions, classification and selection criteria

Part 2: Design, construction, testing, marking and documentation

Part 3: Installation site and personal protection

Part 4: Operation, maintenance, repair and recovery Latest version is EN378: 2012. It’s currently under revision for inclusion of new 2L safety classes. Publication of revised standard is expected end 2016 or early 2017. 9. Refrigerant safety class

ISO 817 & EN378 standards set refrigerant safety classes depending on their flammability and

toxicity. Non toxic substances are classified from A1 non-flammable to A3 highly flammable

while toxic substances are classified from B1 non-flammable to B3 highly flammable.

New lower flammability A2L & B2L classes are being introduced in European EN378 for lower

flammability substances with a burning velocity < 0.1 m/second.

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Safety classes for main refrigerants

FLAMMABILITY LOWER TOXICITY HIGHER TOXICICITY

Class Refrigerants Class Refrigerants

Higher flammability A3 R-290 (propane) R-600a (isobutabe)...etc

B3

Flammable

A2 R-152A…etc. B2

Lower flammability (mildly flammable)

A2L (new)

R-32, R-1234yf, R-1234ze, R-452B…etc.

B2L (new)

R717 (ammonia)…etc.

Non flammable A1 R-22, R-407C, R-410A, R-134a, R-513A, R-744 (CO2)…etc.

A1

10. Building safety codes

National building safety code set mandatory safety requirements for different types of buildings.

For HVAC equipment they often refer to safety requirements from EN378 European standard.

Order No: 18346-76, 05.2016 – Supersedes order No: 04-2014 Manufacturer: Carrier SCS.

Manufacturer reserves the right to change any product specifications without notice. Printed in the European Union.

Documents

REFRIGERANT FOR CHILLERS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS · REFRIGERANT FOR CHILLERS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ... For how much longer can I use a chiller charged with R-22 ... What are