A2L refrigerants in different industry sectors: R-454C and its wide operating envelope

Evaluating charge limitations and safety measures in accordance with EN378 and national legislation considering the flammability of A2L refrigerants. The impact of system, - design, control and complexity.

Description

south_east

Speaker

south_east

When & Where

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Wed, 09.10.2024, 10:20 – 10:40

place

Hall 7A / 7A-638

Details

Format: Lecture

Language: English

Description

R-454C is a mildly flammable (A2L), non-ozone depleting, low-GWP (148) refrigerant for low, medium and high temperature applications in system installations that is compliant with the latest EU F-Gas regulation and Eco-design Directive. It represents a future-proof long-term solution in commercial refrigeration applications that provides high performance, energy efficiency and sustainability.
Moving away from common medium and high GWP legacy refrigerants to low-GWP refrigerants requires certain changes and a different approach. No matter using an A1 refrigerant such as R-744 a very high-pressure fluid, a mildly flammable A2L refrigerant like R-454C or a highly flammable A3 alternative like R-290, charge limitations, safety and risk considerations are key elements. Due to its unique characteristics, the system architectures/designs and controls and installation and handling procedures must be adjusted accordingly. These parameters increase the overall system and project complexity.
This presentation provides an overview of multiple real-life installations and concrete assessments where R-454C has been chosen as the preferred refrigerant. Showing the impact of flammability, charge restrictions and system design in different industry sectors while benefitting from the advantages of having lower flammability compared to A3 alternatives and lower system complexity compared to A1 solutions. Demonstrating that A2L refrigerants can be used in various applications while being a safe and sustainable alternative.