The Urgent Need to Transition from Harmful Refrigerants
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) have long been relied upon as refrigerants in a wide range of applications, from air conditioning and refrigeration to heat pumps and dehumidifiers. However, these fluorinated gases pose significant environmental concerns due to their high global warming potential (GWP) and the persistent trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) they produce as a degradation byproduct.
The rising levels of TFA detected around the globe reveal an urgent need to replace these fluorinated refrigerants with more environmentally friendly, non-fluorinated alternatives. Not only do these harmful emissions contribute to climate change, but the direct release of HFCs and HFOs through leakage, improper loading, or improper removal can also have devastating consequences.
“Technically, there are only slight barriers to overcome in order to replace fluorinated refrigerants in almost all newly developed systems conforming to existing standards,” state the researchers in a recent study published in Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts. The good news is that a transition to non-fluorinated refrigerants is already underway in many sectors, and a wide range of practical solutions are available today.
Exploring the Landscape of Non-Fluorinated Refrigerant Alternatives
As the plumbing and heating industry works to phase out the use of harmful fluorinated refrigerants, a variety of non-fluorinated alternatives have emerged as viable replacements. These alternatives offer not only environmental benefits but also impressive performance characteristics, making them well-suited for a diverse range of applications.
Hydrocarbons: A Promising Solution for Many Applications
Hydrocarbons, such as propane (R-290) and isobutane (R-600a), have emerged as highly efficient and climate-friendly alternatives to HFCs and HFOs in numerous applications. These natural refrigerants have a significantly lower global warming potential, making them a more sustainable choice.
Hydrocarbons have proven to be particularly effective in commercial refrigeration applications, including stand-alone equipment, condensing units, and centralized systems. Plug-in equipment used in small stores and supermarkets, such as vending machines, have successfully adopted hydrocarbon-based refrigerants. Additionally, hydrocarbon-based systems have been widely adopted in Europe for stationary air conditioning, including room air conditioning systems and chillers.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2): A Versatile and Efficient Option
Carbon dioxide (CO2) has also gained traction as a non-fluorinated refrigerant alternative, particularly in industrial refrigeration and commercial refrigeration applications. In large refrigeration systems for supermarkets, CO2 cascade systems have been introduced as an efficient alternative to commonly used HFC systems, especially in moderate and cooler climates.
In the industrial refrigeration sector, such as large cooling facilities for food processing or process cooling in the chemical industry, ammonia-based systems have been used for many years and continue to be a popular replacement for R-404A. Increasingly, cascade systems combining ammonia and CO2 are being installed in the food and beverage industry, both in Europe and North America.
Ammonia: A Long-Standing and Effective Alternative
Ammonia (R-717) has been used as a refrigerant for decades, particularly in industrial refrigeration applications. It is a safe and energy-efficient alternative to HFCs, performing well under both moderate and high ambient temperature conditions. Ammonia-based systems have been widely adopted in the food and beverage industry, as well as in other industrial cooling applications.
Emerging Alternatives for Mobile and Niche Applications
In the mobile air conditioning sector, the refrigerant R-134a used in traditional car air conditioning systems has been prohibited in new vehicles thanks to the EU’s Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) Directive. The main substitute is R-1234yf, which is now almost exclusively used. Additionally, CO2 is expected to become more widespread as an alternative in the future for duty vehicles, buses, and trains.
For insulation materials, such as polyurethane (PU) foam and extruded polystyrene (XPS), the use of HFC blowing agents has been largely phased out in favor of hydrocarbon-based or unsaturated HFO alternatives, which offer improved energy efficiency.
Overcoming Barriers and Accelerating the Transition
While the transition to non-fluorinated refrigerants is well underway, there are still some barriers that need to be addressed. The suitability of a particular alternative must be carefully considered for each product and equipment category, taking into account factors such as thermodynamic properties, safety characteristics, and geographical location.
“It is important, however, also to select refrigerants with high efficiencies to avoid increasing indirect CO2 emissions due to higher energy consumption during the use phase,” the researchers emphasize. By prioritizing high-efficiency alternatives, the industry can ensure that the transition not only reduces direct emissions but also minimizes indirect emissions associated with energy consumption.
To support a speedy transition to non-fluorinated refrigerants, the researchers suggest making the derogations proposed in the EU’s PFAS restriction proposal more specific. This would help ensure that alternatives are available for all use cases, further accelerating the shift away from harmful fluorinated gases.
Conclusion: A Sustainable Future for Heating and Cooling
The plumbing and heating industry is at a critical juncture, faced with the urgent need to transition away from fluorinated refrigerants. Fortunately, a diverse array of non-fluorinated alternatives, including hydrocarbons, CO2, and ammonia, have proven to be viable and effective replacements in a wide range of applications.
By embracing these sustainable solutions, the industry can not only reduce the environmental impact of refrigerant emissions but also enhance the energy efficiency and overall performance of heating and cooling systems. As we strive for a greener future, this transition towards non-fluorinated refrigerants is a crucial step in creating a more sustainable and comfortable living environment for all.
To learn more about the latest advancements in plumbing and heating technology, be sure to visit DD Plumbing and Heating. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing practical solutions and expert guidance to help you optimize your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.
