Posts Tagged ‘Refrigeration’

 

Live from the 23rd ICR: latest research shows cost advantages of introducing R290

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

The highly anticipated International Congress of Refrigeration (ICR) organised by the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) and held once every four years opened this week in Prague, Czech Republic.  On the first day of the conference the latest cost-analysis of R290 air conditioning revealed some expenditure benefits of conversion to the natural refrigerant.

With members from 61 countries the IIR has been organising the ICR since 1908, when the first Congress was held at the Sorbonne in Paris. With the tagline for “Refrigeration for Sustainable Development”, throughout the ICR Technical Sessions various papers will be presented on natural refrigerants including hydrocarbons. At the technical session “Development in refrigerant cycles for air conditioning” Daniel Colbourne presented the cost implications of R290 split-air conditioners.

Costs analysis of producing split-type air conditioners using HC-290, Colburne D., Croiset I. C., Ederberg L., Usinger J.

The cost analysis study presented an overview of the cost effectiveness of using various alternative refrigerants in Article 5 countries. With decisions about which refrigerant to opt for as an alternative to HCFC 22 sensitive to cost implications, the data presented provide a valuable understanding of the outlays involved when investing R290.

To begin with, the figures from first hand experiential data were normalised to a standard set of conditions based on the following assumptions:

  • It was assumed that a manufacturer already produces the same number of air conditioners (some 250,000 units) annually using HCFC 22
  • That the production facilities are ageing
  • Production was deemed to be in an article 5 country or developing country.
  • Personnel costs were taken to be an average of those with high production of air conditioners – Brazil, China, India, Thailand and Turkey.
  • Total number of staff involved in the production line would be in the order of 150 to 250 employees.

Product costs

Based on the above assumption, the costs associated with system materials, production line, product development, infrastructure and staff training were all calculated as the following:

  • System materials: R290 favours smaller diameter tubing, requiring less copper for the interconnecting pipe work, evaporator and condenser, and a reduction in costs in comparison to R410A of €6 million.
  • Production line costs: results show there is a cost increase associated with the use of R290 due to safety equipment needed to manage flammability. The study estimates this cost to be €105,000 to €200,000.
  • Product development: product development costs were assumed to be in the order to €250,000 and €3,500,000 depending on whether companies spend significant amounts of research and development (R&D) or carry out the minimum of R&D activities.
  • Infrastructure and training costs: these were calculated based on various assumptions, resulting in training outlays for R290 of €900 for nine days.
  • Tools and equipment: with regard to tools and equipment sources of ignition are a concern. Whilst recovery machines can be designed to remove any potential ignition source, the vacuum pump requires priming the refrigerant with nitrogen and switching the pump on and off at a remote position. As a result additional costs of €100 – €600 were calculated.

Overall R290 costs

According to the study, R290 incurs additional production costs, calculated as 50% higher than for R410A, but these costs are offset by the lower costs of product construction, with savings achieved as a result of minimising the use of certain materials. Moreover, there is a significant benefit in terms of cost effectiveness associated with greenhouse gas emission reduction. Compared to R410A which has a calculated cost-effectiveness of emission reduction of €408, R290 has a cost-effectiveness of -€0.3.

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IOR calls for award nominations

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

The British Institute of Refrigeration (IOR) promotes achievement and innovation through a number of annual awards. Nominations for the 2011 awards are now being accepted. The presentations will take place at the prestigious 112th IOR Annual Dinner on 23 February 2012.

Nominations are encouraged from individuals at all stages of their career in the following categories:

• The J&E Hall Gold Medal is a world-recognized award for individuals for their practical contribution to the development of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning technology. The deadline for nominations is 28th September 2011.

• The Ted Perry Award or Student Research Award to encourage and promote research by students related to refrigeration and air condition. The deadline for nominations is 1stNovember 2011.

• The Kenneth Lightfoot Medal provides a prize of £500 and a Medal to the best paper presented in the IOR program of free evening lectures that are published in the Annual IOR Proceedings.

• Service Engineer Lifetime Achievement recognition also offers a lifetime achievement award to recognize an individual’s commitment to a career in service, maintenance or installation engineering. Deadline for nominations 1st November 2011. 

Past winner awardee’s achievements in the natural refrigerant industry

The J&E Hall Gold Medal presented last year by the British Institute of Refrigeration was given to Professor Donald Cleland for his research in hydrocarbon and his contribution, among other achievements, in replacing fluorocarbons by hydrocarbon refrigerant in farm milk cooling vats, as well as the development of industrial heat pumps using carbon dioxide.

Professor Cleland of Massey University, New Zealand has been involved in research into food refrigeration and energy efficiency for 28 years. His work is used globally by industrial practitioners and has formed the basis of training courses to industry in the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan.

His analysis and publications have covered a wide range of applications, including food product heat transfer, moisture sorption of packaging, air infiltration through doors and refrigerated display cabinet design. Today, his original contributions are widely used by industrial practitioners.

About the IOR 

The Institute was founded in 1899 as the Cold Storage and Ice Association and was the first national society of mechanical refrigeration in the world. In 1944, qualified membership was introduced in order to raise the status of the association and of those engaged in the science and practice of refrigeration, and the present name of the Institute of Refrigeration was adopted.

To view details of the nomination and voting procedure and past winners, click here.

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UPDATED: Get involved in AHRI’s research programme to assess low GWP refrigerants

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) has announced an industry-wide cooperative research programme to identify and evaluate promising low-GWP refrigerants, including natural refrigerants, for major product categories. UPDATE: Manufacturers and laboratories are now invited to apply for testing identified refrigerant candidates, including propane and isobutane.

Titled ‘Low GWP Alternative Refrigerants Evaluation Program’ (low GWP AREP), the initiative announced by AHRI on 23 March 2011 aims at accelerating the industry’s response to environmental challenges, by facilitating the selection of the most promising refrigerants and identify technical challenges and research needs.

Refrigerants encompassing a low Global Warming Potential (GWP), including natural refrigerants such as hydrocarbons, will be considered for application in the following major product categories:

  • Air conditioners
  • Heat pumps
  • Dehumidifiers
  • Chillers
  • Water heaters
  • Ice makers
  • Refrigeration equipment


Call for testing identified refrigerants including hydrocarbons

Since 23 August 2011, AHRI is soliciting the participation of US-based as well as foreign manufacturers and research laboratories in testing a group of identified synthetic and natural refrigerant candidates, including hydrocarbons:

  • Isobutane (R600a)
  • Propane (R290)
  • A 40% R290 and 60% R600a hydrocarbon blend

The programme also invites submissions of existing test results and test proposals aimed at filling known gaps on comparisons to other alternative refrigerants for the following natural refrigerants:

  • Hydrocarbon R1270 (propylene or propene) R1270,
  • R717 (ammonia), and
  • R744 (carbon dioxide)

On the synthetic refrigerant side, candidates include newly developed low GWP refrigerants as well as pure HFC32 and its various blends with other HFCs. There are also some additional candidates that are proprietary refrigerants whose compositions remain confidential until the completion of the programme.

Testing at laboratories of participating companies

Participating companies will include both US and international manufacturers. Testing will be carried out at company laboratories and will encompass:

  • Compressor calorimeter testing
  • System drop-in testing
  • Soft-optimised system testing

Moreover, the programme will include heat transfer coefficient measurements performed by universities and private research laboratories.

Companies interested in testing will be required to perform all tests at their laboratories with at least one candidate refrigerant compared to its baseline, using own resources, at their own expense. Testing companies will have early access to testing results under the programme.

Submit a test plan by end of September 2011

Companies interested in testing the refrigerant candidates may request copies of the Participants’ Handbook and Test Plan Submission Template by contacting AHRI Manager of Research Xudong Wang (xwang@ahrinet.org).
Testing plans should be submitted to AHRI by 30 September 2011.

The testing results and final reports will ultimately be made available to the public once approved by AHRI.

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Marks and Spencer opens its second “sustainable learning” retail outlet

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

British retailer Marks and Spencer is expected to open its most carbon-efficient store at Stratford City, close to the 2012 Olympic Park in September. Within the scope of the company’s refrigerant policy striving for more environmentally friendly solutions, the up-coming store will be already the fourth to use a system based on hydrocarbon-CO2 refrigeration technology.

The third largest M&S store of 136,000 sq ft (about 12,634 m2) will use hydrocarbon R290 propane in its refrigeration system. This step comes in accordance with the long-term strategy of the famous retailer, which aims to completely eliminate HFC refrigeration systems from its stores by 2030.

Refrigeration system generates 200kW cooling capacity

The technology designed by Oaksmere Refrigeration and manufactured by GEA Searle utilizes pumped volatile CO2 as the distributed fluid. With the overall cooling capacity of 200kW the system is composed of:

  • 2 central packages using R290 low-pressure receiver systems configured in 4 independent circuits
  • 2 CO2 circuits providing cooling to the sales floor display cases and back stage rooms

While the fluid at -3 ˚C directly cools the high temperature cases, the low temperature cases are cooled by a sub-critical CO2 system evaporating at -35 ˚C. At the same time, the retailer has put to test a limited number of integral display cases using the hydrocarbon R290 each with system charge of 1.04kg split into 2 independent circuits of 520g.
Safety measures in place

In addition to the compliance with the DSEAR requirements fire accreditation companies, fire authorities and the company’s own Fire and Safety Department has been involved during the development process to assess possible risks and provide safety analysis for the equipment used. In order to ensure safety the personnel dealing with the maintenance and service of the system has been given an appropriate training.

‘Sustainable learning’ stores

Marks and Spencer intends to become the world’s most sustainable retailer by 2015 and aims to create stores that will incorporate sustainable and innovative construction features which means creating stores that:

  • Have zero embodied carbon in construction;
  • Are made from 100% recycled material;
  • Are 100% recyclable when refurbished or no longer needed;
  • Have a net positive biodiversity impact;
  • Are resilient to climate change.

First of the ‘sustainable learning’ retail outlets opened its door to the public in Sheffield in April 2011.

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Key hydrocarbons events in 2012

Monday, January 16th, 2012

In 2012, hydrocarbons21.com will be reporting from leading refrigeration and air conditioning conferences, workshops and trade shows around the world to keep you informed about latest developments regarding the use of hydrocarbons as natural refrigerants. Read on to find out which are the must-go to events to add to your calendar.

January

ASHRAE Winter Conference, Chicago, USA, 21-25 January 2012: ASHRAE members will discuss the latest topics in the building industry, such as high performing buildings and integrated design. Registrants can also participate in technical tours or attend ASHRAE Learning Institute courses and earn professional credits or obtain ASHRAE certifications.

AHR Expo, Chicago, USA, 23-25 January 2012: Co-sponsored and held in conjunction with the ASHRAE Winter Conference, the AHR Expo is aiming at bringing leading manufacturers and innovative suppliers to network, examine the latest technology and learn about the newest practices in terms of energy efficiency and sustainable building technology.

February

HVAC&R, Tokyo, Japan, 14-17 February 2012: The 37th Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigerating Expo organised by the Japan Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry Association (JRAIA) is a forum facilitating the development of HVAC&R industries initiatives and the introduction of new products. The programme of the events will include various lectures and seminars on technology featuring experts from government, academia and industry sectors.

ACREX 2012, Bangalore, India, 23-25 February 2012: The 13th edition of ACREX India is organised by the Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE). This platform is an occasion for providers to showcase innovative, environmental friendly and sustainable technologies to meet the ever growing Indian market needs.

March

Mostra Convegno Expocomfort, Milan, Italy, 27-30 March 2012: This international showroom for renewable energy, energy efficiency and saving is aiming at showing how heating, air-conditioning, refrigeration, plumbing technology, water treatment and HVAC components improve the quality of life facing the challenge of a sustainable comfort.

April

China Refrigeration Expo, Beijing, China, 11-13 April 2012: International exhibition for refrigeration, air-conditioning, heating and ventilation, frozen food processing, packaging and storage.

Food Retail Show, FMI2012, Dallas, United States, 30 April-3 May 2012: This event attracts yearly about 1,000 top decision-makers from the full spectrum of the food industry, not only from national and regional chain supermarkets, distributors, and wholesalers, but also from consumer outlets with emerging importance and potentially powerful impact.

May

ARBS Trade Exhibition, Melbourne, Australia, 7-9 May 2012: This major HVACR and building services event will be held over 3 days and features the trade exhibition, an informative seminar program and the national awards gala event. Showcasing the very latest innovations and technologies, ARBS connects local, national, and international exhibitors with major buyers, specifies, design and consulting engineers and technicians.

June

ATMOsphere America, Washington DC, United States, 12-13 June 2012: A meeting place for industry experts to discuss natural refrigerant trends, latest technologies and regulatory issues in the US and Canada. ATMOsphere America 2012 is very timely as several SNAP rulings for hydrocarbon applications have been approved just recently.

IIR-Gustav Lorentzen Conference on Natural Working Fluids, Delft, The Netherlands, 25-27 June 2012: The 10th edition of this biennial conference provides the opportunity to approach and network with the Netherlands refrigeration market and learn where the country currently stands on research. International speakers, local and international delegates will discuss the latest research results and advances of natural refrigerant applications.

September

ATMOsphere Europe, Brussels, Belgium, 17-19 September 2012 (dates to be confirmed):Do not miss the 4th edition of this international and interactive workshop on Natural Refrigerants. Policy and industry experts will come together to discuss strategies and concepts to bring natural refrigerants faster to Europe and prove the business case for natural refrigerants.

October

Chillventa, Nuremberg, Germany, 9-11 October 2012: International trade fair for refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation and heat pumps hosting, among other side events, the European Heat Pump Summit 2012.

Other important events in 2012 to be confirmed:

  • Underwriters Laboratory (UL) Flammable Refrigerants Workshop, Chicago, USA, 26 January 2012.
  • IRHACE Energy efficiency and compliance conference, Melbourne, Australia, 7-9 May 2012.
  • ASHRAE/NIST Refrigerants conference, Gaithersburg, USA, 29-30 October 2012.
  • 24th UNEP Meetings of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol, Geneva, Switzerland, 12-16 November 2012.

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Refrigerant Price Falls as Low Season Begins

Wednesday, November 9th, 2011

Since July 2011, refrigerant sales have entered the low season and prices have fallen drastically. The price of R22 has fallen from the high of RMB 25,000 per metric ton (about US$ 3,900) to RMB 16,000 per metric ton (about US$ 2,500). The price for R410A decreased from RMB 68,000 per metric ton (about US$ 10,600) to RMB 46,000 per metric ton (about US$ 7,200), dropping 32%. The price of R134a has fallen from RMB 65,000 per metric ton (about US$ 10,200) to RMB 45,000 per metric ton (about US$ 7,000), a decrease of 31%. The price of R125 dropped from RMB 105,000 per metric ton (about US$ 16,500) to RMB 60,000 per metric ton (about US$ 9,400), a fall of 43%. The price of R32 fell from RMB 28,000 per metric ton (about US$ 4,400) to RMB 22,000 per metric ton (about US$ 3,500), falling 21%. The prices of other fluorine chemical products have also been adjusted under the influence of the low season and the price fluctuation of raw materials.

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Hydrocarbon refrigeration, what every technician should know – Part 2

Monday, November 7th, 2011

This second article about the webinar “What ever refrigeration technician should know about hydrocarbon refrigeration” organised in the US provides an overview of the following considerations when dealing with hydrocarbons: material compatibility, purity, lubrication and filter driers, as well as flammability and safety.

With hydrocarbons soon to enter the US market Tecumseh expert Keith Gifford explained to technicians the different aspects of hydrocarbon refrigerants, including material compatibility, purity, lubrications, filter driers, and safety aspects.

Material compatibility
Hydrocarbon refrigerants are compatible with all common elastomers and plastic refrigeration materials used in valve seals, seals & gaskets. These include: neoprene, vitron, nitrile rubber, HNBR, PTFE and nylon. Incompatible materials are silicone-based rubbers, or natural rubbers.
Purity
Purity specifications for hydrocarbons are determined by international standard DIN 8960, which requires purity greater than 99.5% moisture, as a percentage by mass. The presence of moisture and acids reduces cooling capacity and increases energy consumption, whilst other impurities can result in capillary tube blockage. It is important to point out that the propane used for heating cannot be used in refrigeration systems because the purity level is not high enough.
Lubrication and filter driers
Hydrocarbon refrigerants are compatible with various lubricants necessary for reducing friction, sealing the refrigerant in the cylinder, and cooling the motor and pump. Specifically, they are compatible with Mineral Oil (MO), and Synthetic Alkylates (SA), and Polyol Ester (POE).
With regard to filter driers hydrocarbon refrigerants allow the use of molecular sieve desiccant types such as XH5, XH6, XH7, XH9 and the universal filer drier MS 594.
Silica based lubricants or filter driers are not compatible with hydrocarbons.
Flammability and classification
The flammability limits of hydrocarbons, between which the proportion of combustible gases in a mixture are flammable are as follows:
  • R290: the lower explosion limit (LEL) is 2.1 and an upper explosion limit (UEL) is 9.5. This means for example, that for R290 the LEL is equivalent to 39g/m3 and the UEL is 177g/m3.
  • R600a the LEL is 1.8 and UEL is 8.5.
The charge limitation to be imposed by SNAP, the added safety requirements such as non-sparking electrical components, and ensuring the spark is contained if there is a spark, result in a very low probability of explosion. Moreover, if there were an explosion the small charge would contain it to a relatively minor level.
With regards to classification, refrigerants are classified into two groups: group A, which pertains to flammability and group B, which pertains to toxicity. Hydrocarbons are classified as A3 refrigerants due to their low toxicity and high flammability. R12 and R134a are classified as A1.
Safety
Unlike the propane used for heating, which has sulphur added so that it can be smelled; refrigerant grade hydrocarbons do not have any smell, and cannot be seen. Therefore, proper monitoring equipment is essential.
The general precautions to take are:
  • Monitoring: Combustible gas monitors should always be turned on before entering any service area and only turned off when technicians leave the service area
  • Ventilation: A good ventilation of the service area should be established and maintained. It should be noted that hydrocarbons are heavier than air and tend to collect at a lower level.
  • Elimination: Prior to beginning work technicians should extinguish sources of ignition in the service, for example by disconnecting power to appliances, etc.
  • Pressure: A pressure relief valve should be used and systems should not be pressurised beyond 150 psig field leak test pressure
  • Fans: Those installed inside or outside the refrigerated space should not produce electrical arcs, even when short circuited or blocked
Finally, it should be noted that the risk of explosion is higher inside the cabinet where the refrigerant is confined, than outside.

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Hydrocarbon refrigeration gets good press in Argentina and Latin America

Monday, November 7th, 2011

A new article in the Argentine newspaper La Nacion lent support to hydrocarbon refrigerators, and the contribution they can make to reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). The leading Latin American HVAC&R portal also recently evaluated the future of hydrocarbons.

Whilst hydrocarbon refrigerators are widely accepted in Europe, where isobutane has become the norm, the technology has been slower to enter the North and South American markets. Progress is only now being made in countries like Brazil and Argentina.

Greenfreeze technology recommended
One of the leading Argentina newspapers, La Nacion, recently carried an article referring to Greenfreeze technology, a hydrocarbon blend of isobutene and cyclopentane, which was originally supported by Greenpeace in the early 1990s. The refrigerant is both ozone and climate friendly with a low ozone depletion potential (ODP and low global warming potential (GWP). Helping to raise awareness of the technology, the September 2011 article carried a quote from Enersto Boerio, Climate Change and Energy campaign coordinator for Greenpeace Argentina.
“Isobutane is a natural gas. Emissions of isobutene remain in the atmosphere for a very short time, only a few days. It does not have the time to cause damage because it disappears”, said Mr. Boerio.
It was the European Greenfreeze breakthrough that eventually inspired several Argentine companies to start producing hydrocarbon refrigerators. However, of those that initially switched to hydrocarbons, few were successful. One of those was Autosal, which produces the brands Columbia and Koh-i-noor. The company initially invested €1.5 million in the conversion of its production plant, €800,000 of which came from the Montreal Protocol Multilateral Fund (MLF).
According to Guillermo Moro, Marketing Manager for Autosal, apart from a gas leak detection system, the production plant producing the isobutene and cyclopentane fridges does not require significantly different safety measures when compared to other refrigerator plants.
Hydrocarbon fridges rate highly under energy labelling scheme
Since 2006 energy labelling of domestic appliances, such as refrigerators has been mandatory in Argentina. The labelling system classifies energy efficiency from A to E, with A being the most energy efficient products and E the least. Hydrocarbon refrigerators rate highly under the system, saving between 17% and 39% energy compared to other available technologies.
The effect of fridges on Argentine energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions is far from negligible, and the energy labelling is helping to steer consumers towards more efficient products. According to electrical engineer Carlos Tanides residential energy consumption is responsible for 25% of the country’s energy consumption, and refrigerators are responsible for 30% of the energy consumed in the residential sector.
Hydrocarbons yet to enter markets other than domestic refrigeration
Despite their obvious advantages in Argentina hydrocarbon refrigerants have yet to be used in applications other than domestic refrigerators. Their flammability still causes concern.
The situation is slightly different in Uruguay. According to Roberto Marvi of the Uruguayan Ozone Unit whilst isobutene and cyclopentane is now often found in new fridges, isobutene/ propane mixes are also used in some converted air conditioning systems. This is partly because of the similar thermodynamic properties the hydrocarbons have to the original air conditioning refrigerant R12. However, Mr Marvi points out that system retrofits should respect safety norms.
Finally, the growth in Uruguay in commercial refrigeration has not yet been accompanied by investment in hydrocarbon commercial display cabinets, says Mr Marvi. This is likely due to restriction in the allowable charge.

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Exclusive interview with Professor J. Chen about hydrocarbon air conditioning and heat pumps in China

Monday, November 7th, 2011

Dr. Jiangping Chen, Professor of the Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, talked to hydrocarbons21.com about research on propane (R290) air conditioners and heat pumps, the market for hydrocarbon air conditioners in China, and the Chinese HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP).

hydrocarbons21.com: At the 23rd IIR International Congress of Refrigeration you presented the paper “Experimental study of R290 enhanced system performance in residential air-conditioners and heat pumps”. Can you tell us, what your main conclusions are regarding use of hydrocarbon R290 as the working fluid in air conditioners and heat pumps?

Jiangping Chen: The paper presented is a joint research project with a local air conditioning company, reporting on testing of room air conditioners and heat pumps. Our main conclusion is that propane system performance can still be improved, using technology such as thermal-expansion valves, and internal heat exchangers. Work is still ongoing.
Results showed the performance for cooling of an enhanced R290 is quite good but not as good for heating. In fact for heating performance, it is about 10% lower. Overall we found the lower volumetric capacity of R290 compared to R22 resulted in a lower cooling capacity, but that this could be improved using a suction line heat exchanger (SLHX).
Whilst we are trying to improve performance, the key focus is refrigerant charge because of the safety issue.
Currently, there are now 2 companies in China with the technology for hydrocarbon room air conditioners.
hydrocarbons21.com: What is the focus of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Institute of Refrigeration? What are the next steps regarding your research?
Jiangping Chen: The work focus at the Institute is on refrigerants for room, commercial and mobile air conditioning systems. The work we undertake supports low GWP refrigerants. As most of these alternative refrigerants are flammable we are trying to evaluate the risk and optimise systems to fit the properties of the refrigerant.
With regards to our research, as a next step we are trying to use microchannel heat exchangers to reduce the refrigerant charge to 150g so that propane systems will comply with European safety standards. Microchannel heat exchangers are already used but the size of those available is not as compact as we expected.
hydrocarbons21.com: How would you evaluate the market for in China for hydrocarbon air conditioners?
Jiangping Chen: Companies like GREE have invested large amounts in developing the technology for hydrocarbon air conditioners, so I think that technically we are ready. In my opinion the public is also ready. In China there is a move to further develop servicing standards and provide teaching and training for personnel dealing with hydrocarbons, to ensure that accidents are avoided when charging air conditioning systems.
The Chinese government has a project to evaluate the risk of propane as a refrigerant. This project will be finished in the coming months, and will evaluate what happens in the case of refrigerant leakage, for example, what is the risk in the case of refrigerant ignition? This risk assessment should be published this October.
hydrocarbons21.com: You mentioned GREE, which recently launched production of hydrocarbon air conditioners. How do you think the Chinese market has reacted to the launch and what future developments do you see as a result?
Jiangping Chen: I was part of the review team for GREE’s project. Overall, sales will depend on the market. China is big country with varying climatic conditions. I think the air conditioners will definitely find a market in South China. For the Northern market, heat pumps will be of greater importance. Here we still have improvements to make with regard to performance, but I do not think that this is a big obstacle.
hydrocarbons21.com: When do you see hydrocarbon heat pumps being commercialised in China?
Jiangping Chen: Some customers have already approached GREE for propane heat pumps, but by and large most are waiting for the publication of the government risk assessment. I imagine GREE will eventually expand production to include heat pumps.
In China 90% of air conditioning systems are actually heat pumps. Whilst propane can have a good performance in heat pumps, this is only true with a higher charge, which impacts system safety. Reducing the charge to take into account safety means heat pump performance is not so good.
hydrocarbons21.com: You mention the importance of developing servicing standards and training, what is the current situation with regard to HVAC&R technician training in China?
Jiangping Chen: I have been involved in a project in China to draft a training handbook, which is almost ready. Publication will depend on the Chinese government. It has already passed the review stage, and although I don’t know the exact publication date I think it will be soon.
China’s HPMP has already been approved, and within the HPMP it is clearly stated that by 2015 China will have 5 million propane air conditioners, therefore we will need a competent servicing industry.
hydrocarbons21.com: Does the Chinese HCFC Phase out Management Plan (HPMP) put an emphasis in natural refrigerants?
Jiangping Chen: I think that for China propane will be the primary natural refrigerant. Although there is interest in R161 (fluoroethane), it is also flammable. So for me propane should be the preferred working fluid – it is not necessary to use R161. Much less is known about the performance of R161. Studying it would require more money and more time to research its performance with oils and its reliability. Some local companies are promoting R161, but I think the road ahead for them is not easy.

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2012 German Refrigeration Award opens call for applications

Monday, November 7th, 2011

The German Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety has launched for the fourth time the German Refrigeration Award in the field of refrigeration technology innovations. The total sum of €52,500 will be this time aimed especially at small businesses that can submit their application by 31 December 2011.

Since 2008 the German Environment Ministry has been financially supporting the uptake of innovative emissions-saving technologies in the commercial refrigeration area through the National Climate Protection programme. This initiative has, according to first evaluations, already contributed to a 40% reduction of energy consumption and CO2 emissions. In addition, the Ministry is now calling for the 4thtime for submissions from innovators to advance the use of refrigeration technologies with a lower carbon footprint than traditional systems. The winners of the German Refrigeration Award, to be announced in March 2012, will be supported with prizes ranging from €10,000 to €2,500.

For the first time the German Refrigeration Award, that in the past recognized a number of technologies using hydrocarbons and other natural working fluids, has created a new category that will specifically address small businesses with less than 50 employees. The next award will hence be granted in 3 categories:

  • Innovation in the area of air-conditioning or refrigeration technology
  • Installation of refrigeration or air-conditioning systems by small enterprises
  • Special application of refrigeration or air-conditioning technology

Interested companies are encouraged to submit their application before 31 December 2011 by email to kaeltepreis@co2online.be. The application form is accessible through the websitewww.co2online.de/kaelte.

Refrigeration & air-conditioning key to energy savings

It is estimated that there are about 120 million of refrigerators in Germany that use up to 15 % of the total electricity and are responsible for around 70 million tons of CO2 emissions, which have a negative effect on climate. Tanja Loitz, the general director of co2online GmbH, the non-profit company responsible for the practical organisation of the project said: “Experts believe that energy savings of 35% and sometimes even 75% are possible through introduction of energy efficiency measures. The refrigeration and air conditioning industry can make a significant contribution to climate change targets set by the federal government.”

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