The phasedown of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants is a given, considering that common HFCs have global warming potentials (GWPs) between 1,400 and 4,000 times that of CO2. Environmental advocates and regulatory agencies around the world are focused on this fact. Some seek rapid phasedowns or even immediate bans of HFCs. What remains to be seen is when and how rapid that phasedown will occur, and what will emerge as the next generation of refrigerants — hydrocarbons (HCs), hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), CO2, something entirely different, or a combination of these. The world is grappling with both these issues, which present leadership opportunities that our industry and the U.S. cannot afford to abdicate.
MONTREAL
The Montreal Protocol is the global vehicle established in 1987 to eliminate the use of gases with ozone depletion potential (ODP). Through this international agreement, the phaseout of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and ongoing phaseout of HCFCs have successfully reduced emissions of ODP gases, and atmospheric chlorine concentrations are now trending downward. The Montreal Protocol has knowledgeable staff in place around the globe that understands refrigerants and the complexity of modern air conditioning and refrigeration systems. As a result, the Montreal Protocol is widely recognized as the most successful multilateral environmental agreement.
It’s not surprising then, that 91 countries, led by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, support the Montreal Protocol as the vehicle-of-choice to phasedown HFCs on a GWP-weighted basis.
Supporting a planned, orderly phasedown of HFCs makes sense. Environmentally, it’s the right thing to do. Most importantly, the phasedown on a GWP-weighted basis provides the certainty and flexibility that industry needs to continue to provide products that are critical to society.
But from a business perspective, it’s just as important that our entire industry, including OEMs and contractors, be actively engaged in, even leading, the movement that will transition us in an orderly manner to alternatives with lower GWP. By being proactive and shaping policy discussions, we take charge of our destiny and eliminate the potentially negative impact of regulations imposed by those without a stake in our industry where HFCs could be lumped into the so-called big basket of gases.
ALTERNATIVES IN ROTATION
Likely alternatives to HFCs do exist. CO2, for example, has a very low GWP and is ideal in certain systems. In the U.S. and Europe especially, leading supermarkets are beginning to use CO2systems. Naturally occurring propane and isobutane also offer low GWPs but are flammable. To date, their use has been limited to self-contained systems with very small charges and isolated arcing components. There are now millions of refrigerators and freezers around the world with propane and isobutane charges.
Developing countries are currently evaluating R-32 as an alternative to R-410A to replace R-22. Recently, a petition was submitted for U.S. EPA SNAP (Significant New Alternatives Policy) approval of R-32 — a sign that alternatives to R-410A are beginning to move forward in the U. S. While R-32 is an HFC, its GWP of 675 is one-third that of R-410A, providing a substantial GWP reduction for A/C applications, as well as chillers, heat pumps, and medium temperature refrigeration systems. It also enables a 20% to 40% system charge reduction compared to R-410A, but it is slightly flammable. So, equipment manufacturers must compensate for flammability in their designs.
ASHRAE Standard 34-2010, which classifies refrigerants, has recently added a new “A2L” rating for very mildly flammable refrigerants such as R-32. The option to use R-32 is an example of the importance of an orderly phasedown of HFCs on a GWP weighted basis. Such a regulatory regime allows industry to choose the best refrigerant to meet the phasedown.
New synthetics and blends, including HFO-1234yf, offer yet another alternative to HFCs. R-1234yf is designed to replace R-134a in automobile A/C and similar systems. The refrigerant’s thermophysical and chemical properties require only minimal changes to systems designed for R-134a, and, like R-32, R-1234yf is very mildly flammable and rated A2L. Blends of HFO-1234yf with existing HFCs are likely to provide lower GWP alternatives for other applications.
Although each of these alternative refrigerants may be thermodynamically viable, they should not be suddenly and broadly applied without careful consideration of design changes to existing systems. Adequate time is necessary to research, develop, and test systems to ensure a safe transition that does not compromise energy efficiency, reliability, safety, or other important characteristics. It is also important to note that the application plan for new refrigerants should include serviceability, carefully considering and anticipating contractors’ work plans for reclamation and end-of-life disposal.
LEAD OR BE LED
Movements are underway in many countries to restrict the use of HFCs. As mentioned earlier, many countries already support the Montreal Protocol as the vehicle to enact a phasedown. Although a 2010 proposal submitted by the North American countries was defeated, 91 countries signed a supportive declaration that encouraged all countries to promote policies and measures aimed at selecting low-GWP alternatives to HCFCs and other ozone-depleting substances and declared their intent to pursue further action under the Montreal Protocol aimed at transitioning the world to environmentally-sound alternatives to HCFCs and CFCs.
However, developing countries like India, China, and Brazil opposed the proposal, citing concerns about the economic development constraints such an agreement could impose. In an effort to collaborate with India, the U.S. State Department and the EPA helped to establish the Indo-U.S. Technical Task Force on HFCs as an outgrowth of the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16), which was held in Mexico in December 2010 to continue negotiations on efforts to address climate change. As members of this task force, industry representatives, representatives of environmental groups, scientists and government officials from India and the United States are actively evaluating strategies that would make the phasedown of HFCs under the Montreal Protocol, or similar vehicle, a viable and appealing proposal for the Indian government and industry community.
Meanwhile, China is working on alternative refrigerants, such as R-290 (propane) and R-32, and other countries are enacting their own regulations regarding refrigerants, which could lead to a complex patchwork of regulations.
A well-coordinated global action would be a better solution — one that would prevent such a patchwork from forming and would minimize the trade problems associated with patchwork legislation. And as a global industry, it is in our best interest to help lead the charge toward such a solution, using as our guide the success of the Montreal Protocol with regards to the transition from CFCs and HCFCs to HFCs.
The reasons to assume a leadership role are many. As an industry, we possess firsthand experience and knowledge of refrigerants and their applications. We understand the complexities surrounding the refrigerant issue. We’re also immersed in the search for alternatives to HFCs and are best able to evaluate their impact on existing systems, applications, and operating efficiencies. And, we’ve demonstrated success, with energy efficiency levels in the A/C industry that are double those of a few decades ago.
Just as importantly, our industry understands the value of a measured approach to any transition — one that allows time and flexibility to adapt existing systems to operate with a new alternative — and the potential implications of a transition on the industries that we serve. By leading rather than following, we are better positioned to minimize the impact of abrupt transitions and avoid legislation that could be both cumbersome and unrealistic in its expectations and its processes.
The time to act is now. Even though some countries are resisting proposals already submitted, they face financial considerations that make negotiations not only possible but necessary to their economic future. The Montreal Protocol represents the best body to ensure progress, with global respect and the governance structure in place and the power to enforce an agreement. Our job is to ensure the agreement addresses the needs and concerns of our industry by claiming a seat at the table and leveraging our understanding of HVACR technology to shape the conversation — before someone else shapes it for us.
Note: At the time this article was written, EPA was in the process of evaluating SNAP approval of various applications with new refrigerants. ES
