SMART CONTROLS


Get smart about gas leaks


HVAC systems are an integral part of modern buildings, with the main objective of these systems being the health and comfort of occupants. However, these systems come with inherent risks. Shaun Evers, managing director of Stonegate Instruments, highlights an often overlooked hazard associated with HVAC systems and looks at how smart technology can minimise this risk.


L


iving or working in a building without fully functioning heating,


ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units is unthinkable – they make buildings safe and comfortable. However, these systems also pose several safety hazards, one of which is exposure to refrigerant gas. HVAC units use R32 coolants which, despite their high efficacy and low Global Warming Potential (GWP), are composed of hazardous chlorofluorocarbons. If coolant leaks from a system, it can rapidly evaporate into a lethal gas which can cause asphyxiation. More commonly, it can cause breathing difficulties, coughing, nausea and vomiting, skin and eye irritation, and headaches.


In addition, refrigerant gas leaks can cause


irreversible compressor damage, making HVAC systems extremely inefficient and consequently forcing it to work harder to compensate. This increases electricity consumption and accordingly, monthly energy bills. In fact, it has been found that a leaking air conditioning unit consumes almost 20% more electricity than a fully


30 July 2022 • www.acr-news.com


functioning one. Of course, gas leaks also have harmful environmental impacts.


Environmental legislation and regulation Since January 2020, under UK and EU legislation, a ban has been in force that prevents refrigerants with a GWP greater than 2,500 being used to service or refill refrigeration systems with a refrigerant charge size of 40 tonnes of CO2 equivalent or more. In addition, the topping up with new fluid of systems that use certain hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant gases has been banned. These regulations have also raised the


requirements for regular gas leak checks on HVAC systems. EU regulations stipulate that systems with 300kg or more of refrigerants be fitted with a leak detector. Where detectors aren’t installed, the frequency of mandatory gas leak checks increases.


An additional ban came into effect on 1 January


2022. From the start of this year, the use of F-Gas with a GWP of 150 or more in hermetically sealed refrigerant systems that are for commercial use are banned. Products with recycled or reclaimed HFCs are not exempt from the ban. With F-Gas regulations in the UK currently under review, ore regulations are possible by the end of this year.


Employing smart technology Gas leaks can occur for any number of reasons, from mechanical damage or equipment failure


to poor maintenance work. Whatever the cause, the key to limiting F-gas exposure lies in the early detection of any gas release. Thanks to rapidly evolving technology, the latest generation of sensors and systems are smart, self-contained single fixed gas sensors, which are particularly suited to target R32 gases associated with HVAC units. Many of these sensors have a proven return on investment of just two years, and that is without taking into consideration the cost of repairs to an existing faulty system.


Smart sensor equipment with signalling alarms, LED lights that indicate the presence and status of each sensor, as well as audio/ visual alarms to alert staff, is also available. These systems help ensure that leaks are quickly identified and repaired at the first opportunity, minimising the risk to the health and safety of building occupants and preventing breaches in regulatory compliance.


Despite coming a long way since the early days of relying on volatile, toxic, and dangerous coolant gases, such as ammonia and methyl chloride, HVAC systems still present certain risks. However, when managed in a controlled environment and coupled with smart safety and monitoring equipment, they can operate at their most efficient level, ensuring the health and comfort of building occupants.


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