AIR CONDITIONING
To boldly go...
Aermec’s James Prosser takes a look at what lies ahead for the air conditioning industry
I
ncreasing awareness and the need for sustainable and more energy effi cient solutions will continue to dominate the air conditioning industry, but the landscape is changing rapidly. It is being infl uenced by increasing legislation, refrigerants, greater awareness of indoor air quality, product innovation and technology, all of which present many challenges but also open up a raft of opportunities. Despite a sluggish and subdued start to the year, analysts are predicting a period of steady growth for the air conditioning industry from 2019 onwards. Yes, the market is still very much price-driven but the combination of legislation, technology, customer expectations, the demand for better, smarter systems and being able to do more with less are all helping to shape and propel the industry forwards. The tightening of legislation encourages better practice and fuels innovation. It also helps manufacturers and suppliers to stay focused, competitive and off er the best solutions for their customers. Sometimes there can be confl icting advice and implementation as customers (and manufacturers) follow ‘guidelines’ which are exactly that and nothing more. In some cases, units can be over specifi ed, redundant even, or ripped out altogether a few months down the line in the mistaken assumption they cannot be part of the HVAC system as the ‘guidelines’ state otherwise.
The EU’s Ecodesign Directive is a key tool for steering member states further down the path of improved energy effi ciency. It requires the air conditioning industry’s manufacturers to demonstrate the levels of effi ciency of their products. This is good news for customers as it goes some way to simplifying the product selection process. Prior to this, EN378, a safety and environmental standard was published last year by CEN, the European Committee for Standards. This provides a guide for businesses which design, manufacture, install, operate, service and maintain and use vapour compression systems for refrigeration, heat pumps chillers and air conditioning including other similar systems. It is not a legal requirement in its own right and systems can still be installed as long as they comply with all other relevant regulations.
36 September 2018
But EN378 gives no presumption of conformity with the ATEX workplace directive or the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR). Air handlers are, for example, subject to machine directives but they also need to comply with the ATEX regulations. Air conditioning units can be a potential hazard, with components that can be a potential ignition source. Their location and refrigerants used dictate what precautions need to be adopted. The Ecodesign Directive and EN378 provide customers with valuable information on energy effi ciency and off er confi dence in the safety of products. Refrigerants are having a huge impact on the air conditioning industry, with a steady transition towards low and ultra-low GWP products. With many common refrigerants targeted for a gradual phase-down, the race is on to fi nd alternatives. Refrigerant manufacturers are continually trialling new material and helping to steer businesses towards HFOs or natural refrigerants like hydrocarbons, such as propane R290, carbon dioxide and ammonia.
The new generation of refrigerants has raised fl ammability concerns. ASHRAE introduced a new classifi cation, A2L for the HFO products that have lower fl ammability. A2L refrigerants have a lot to off er and many are already being piloted. R1234yf (predominantly used in cars) and R1234ze are both being used as an alternative to R134a. R32 and R452B are also gaining traction. Long-term refrigerants are likely to comprise HFO blends and naturals. but their usage will depend on the market and applications. Whilst manufacturers and suppliers are at the vanguard, the government is not sitting on the side-lines, although some would argue they could do more.
The F-Gas Regulations, and government initiatives such as the Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) schemes, CRC Energy Effi ciency Scheme and Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), all help to drive change and improve our environments.
Customer input is gaining momentum. They are more aware of their environments, commercially and domestically; more informed and concerned about health and safety; and
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