ENERGY SAVING


Footprint space for the refrigeration equipment was also a limiting factor and the single system approach added this additional benefi t.


The challenge for implementing R-454C was that the system would need approximately 400kg of refrigerant. This quantity is far greater than the maximum charge size specifi ed within EN 378 for an occupied space (57kg for R-454C), plus R-454C falls into the higher risk fl uid group 1 under the pressure equipment safety regulation (PE(S)R). To the best of the knowledge of all the participants and


the refrigerant manufacturer, this is the biggest single circuit chill store installation in the UK using a refrigerant of the same safety classifi cation and an innovation that could easily be repeated in many other future installations, off ering a cost eff ective, environmentally sustainable and energy effi cient solution in the drive towards very low GWP refrigerant adoption. Working together using their combined knowledge of


standards and regulations, EJM and Climalife determined that within EN 378 there is a derogation for applications where there is a derogation for applications where there is <1 person per 10m² which does not limit the refrigerant charge quantity. This derogation does not mean that no further protective measures are required and with reference to EN 378 it was recommended that gas detection was placed at any potential leakage location, automatic shut-off valves were installed to each item of plant within the chill store isolating each component to maintain safe limits within the enclosed space if a leak was detected, and audio and visual alarms, again linked to the gas detection system. Although the compressor enclosure was external to the chill store, additional ventilation, linked to gas detection, was installed to ensure no hazardous zones were created.


It is important to note that a system using a similar


refrigerant charge of R-448A/R-449A, under the F-Gas regulation, would also require fi xed gas detection to be installed.


20% lower energy consumption than an equivalent R-744 system


The system was commissioned in October 2022 and has not had suffi cient operating time to perform a detailed energy analysis however, based on the design conditions and the theoretical performance calculations the energy consumption is expected to be at least 20% lower than an equivalent R-744 system with total annual emissions at least 17% lower, assuming a 5% per annum refrigerant leakage rate (should be much lower due to extensive gas detection) and using electricity CO2


conversion factors published by


the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (formerly BEIS Paul Cable (EJM Managing Director) says: “EJM have a great deal of experience installing industrial systems using higher risk refrigerants such as R-744, R-717 and R-290 but using an A2L refrigerant was new for us. The knowledge and expertise provided by Climalife allowed us to proceed with confi dence and deliver the innovative very low GWP solution the customer wanted.”


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"The


knowledge and expertise provided by Climalife


Neil Roberts (Climalife Senior Technical Sales Manager) adds: “It can be diffi cult to keep up to date with the latest refrigerants, latest legislation and how standards apply to the new refrigerants, so it’s important that we stay informed and are able to advise our customers on the best options and what needs to be done to ensure compliance. Working with EJM was a perfect combination. Climalife were able to advise EJM on the best performing options and how to use them within current standards and legislation and EJM had all the knowledge and expertise to make it a reality, providing the customer with a cost and energy effi cient sustainable very low GWP solution.“


allowed us to proceed with confi dence and deliver the innovative very low GWP solution the customer wanted."


www.acr-news.com • January 2024 23


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