HEATING, VENTILATION & AIR CONDITIONING


MANAGING ENERGY LOSS AND


SAVING LIVES


HVAC systems are vital for businesses across many sectors. However, the refrigerants used in these systems pose risks to people, profits and the planet. Shaun Evers, managing


director of Stonegate Instruments, discusses how technology can be employed to minimise these risks


H


eating, ventilation, and air conditioning (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 frostbite, chemical burns and even brain damage. While such serious scenarios are thankfully rare, it is imperative to ensure all measures are taken to ensure a safe environment.


COUNTING THE COST Refrigerant gas leaks are the foremost contributor to energy loss in modern HVAC stores. When a leak occurs, the system becomes


phasing down the CO2 equivalent emissions from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 79% (relative


to 2015) by 2030. Although the UK has since left the EU, the government has specified that businesses will have to apply for a new GB hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) quota while they follow


the same CO2 phase down as was specified by the European Commission. 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 some HFC refrigerant gases has been banned.


“Refrigerant gas leaks are the foremost


contributor to energy loss in modern HVAC systems. When a leak occurs, the system


Shaun Evers


becomes inefficient and needs to work harder to maintain capacity, increasing electricity consumption and monthly energy bills”


inefficient and needs to work harder to maintain capacity, increasing electricity consumption and monthly energy bills. According to several studies, a leaking air


conditioning unit consumes almost 20% more electricity than a fully functioning one. It has even been suggested that a small continuous leak, left unrepaired for three months, could use an extra 10kW in electricity once the leak becomes critical. Considering current energy prices, that’s a cost few businesses can afford. Gas leaks can also have harmful environmental impacts and related regulatory consequences.


UNDERSTANDING REGULATIONS For anyone working with HVAC systems, an understanding of fluorinated gas (F-Gas) regulations is vital in order to take the action needed to comply, as well as future-proofing businesses and buildings. In early 2020 the European Commission


brought in F-Gas regulations as part of a policy to combat climate change with the aim of


20 These F-Gas regulations have also raised the


requirements for regular gas leak checks. EU regulations stipulate that a system with 300kg or more of refrigerants be fitted with a leak detector, a shift that affects operators of stationary refrigeration equipment, air conditioning, heat pumps and refrigeration units on refrigerated trucks and trailers. Where gas leak detection systems aren’t installed, the frequency of mandatory gas leak checks increase. An additional ban came into effect on 1 January


2022: 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, additional regulations are possible by the end of this year.


DETECTING DANGER Refrigerant gas is both odourless and colourless, which can make detecting a leak challenging.


ENERGY MANAGEMENT - Summer 2022


While there are a several things that can be done in the case of a suspected leak, nothing can replace the accuracy and efficiency of using specially designed technology for this task. Whether a leak results from mechanical


damage, equipment failure or poor maintenance, gas detection systems can ensure an early response, allowing for more rapid action to be taken to avoid the consequences and costs of hazardous gas leaks. Designers and manufacturers of electronic


equipment for the refrigeration and HVAC industries have worked diligently over the past few years to improve the effectiveness of refrigerant, toxic and combustible gas sensors, with modern sensors boasting greater intelligence and capabilities to combat risks posed by toxic and non-toxic gases. Thanks to rapidly evolving technology, the


latest generation of sensors and systems are robust, self-contained single fixed gas sensors. 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. As well as leak detectors, sophisticated


refrigerant sensor equipment is available with signalling alarms, LED lights that indicate the presence and status of each sensor, as well as audio/visual alarms to alert staff. Considering the risks gas leaks pose to people,


profits, and the planet, employing the latest gas detection technology is imperative. By ensuring that leaks are quickly identified and repaired, it will minimise the risk to the health and safety of employees, ensure regulatory compliance, and result in costs savings.


Stonegate Instruments T: 0113 224 4440 sales@stonegate-instruments.co.uk


www.energymanagementmag.co.uk

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