COMPRESSORS


Why A2L refrigerants and CO2


journey to net zero . B


ITZER has taken a strong stance about the need to future-proof equipment. How aware are end-users and contractors of this as an issue?


Kevin Glass (KG): After the millions of words written and spoken about the need to prepare, I hope all end-users and contractors are now fully aware of the key issues facing the industry, and the actions they need to take to safeguard their businesses.


Having said that, even now I sometimes hear the question “what is this PED thing about?”. The bottom line is, if cooling matters to your business, there is no excuse for not being on top of the changes coming.


How much equipment is out there that still operates on higher GWP refrigerants, such as R404A? KG: The truth is, we don’t know for sure. However, anecdotally the amount of equipment still reliant on such high GWP fluids has massively reduced compared with a few years ago. OEMs have played a big part in designing out these refrigerants, and bringing the new generation of lower GWP refrigerants onstream.


What are the risks for operators still using this equipment, as the F-Gas restrictions bite over the next few years? KG: The simple answer is – costs will rise exponentially as availability of refrigerant plummets, resulting in some very expensive, unplanned replacement projects.


The major upside of the new lower GWP A2L refrigerants is obviously their reduced direct impact on the environment. However, are they as energy efficient as the fluids they replace? Thinking of the indirect impact here. KG: It is undeniable that refrigerants such as R404A are very efficient, and do a great job if you leave their environmental impact out of the equation. The challenge with the new replacements is to ensure a similar – or better – level of efficiency, while reducing direct impacts. The key is to take a whole system approach, not just focus on the refrigerant, and ensure that all aspects of the cycle – heat exchange, motors,


14 November 2022 • www.acr-news.com are vital in the


With pressure on to accelerate F-gas phase-down, ACR News talks to Kevin Glass, managing director of Bitzer UK, about the crucial future role of A2L refrigerants and CO2


pumps, flows, and so on – are optimised to give the best possible result.


This is not only important for environmental protection. With energy costs soaring, the cost of powering refrigeration systems accounts for an ever larger slice of end users operating costs. The viability of businesses that rely heavily on refrigeration – such as food manufacturers – depends more than ever on minimising energy use.


The other potential downside, of course, is the mild flammability of A2Ls. What are the risks, and how can they be mitigated? KG: From the manufacturer’s point of view, the main difference between a system designed for an A2L versus an A1 refrigerant is the conformity assessment required, which is normally more in depth in the case of an A2L. As long as suitable components are used, and the design is compliant, there is very little difference in the actual system. When contained within the circuit, A2L refrigerants of course


present no particular concerns. The issue is when refrigerant is outside the system (ie in the wrong place). The key is effective risk assessment and training, to ensure systems are maintained and handled correctly. In response to environmental concerns, there has been


a gradual but important change of philosophy within the industry, that broadly now accepts that the substantial environmental benefit of using A2Ls is worth the small and manageable additional risk.


There are a number of A2L refrigerants appearing on the market, and the situation is quite confusing. Is Bitzer equipment compatible with all mainstream options, or have you chosen to back a single preferred fluid? KG: The biggest challenge here is physically testing the equipment with each new fluid, to make sure it is effective, safe and delivers what is promised. We have to repeat the tests with all ranges. Only then can we add them to our selection software. This requires a degree of educated guesswork, to select the likely mainstream solutions, then pick up the second tier options in due course.


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