Refrigeration

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In industrial countries, production and consumption of HFCs should reach 15 percent of their 2013-2015 reference levels by 2035, stated the proposal. Developing countries would have until 2050 to reach the 15 percent level of their 2028-2030 use and consumption reference levels.

In the evolving world of refrigerants, the HVACR industry is preparing for the inclusion of mildly flammable or flammable refrigerants in an increasing number of applications. But the expanded use of these refrigerants won’t happen overnight, as there is a multistep approval process they must undergo to be approved for new applications.

EVAPCO Inc. has introduced the Evapcold Packaged Refrigeration System, a factory-assembled, low-charge ammonia refrigeration system that requires just 2.5 to 3.0 pounds of ammonia per ton of refrigeration for an entire system. 

ASHRAE has published the Advanced Energy Design Guide for Grocery Stores, which focuses on grocery stores ranging in size from 25,000 to 65,000 square feet with medium- and low-temperature refrigerated cases and walk-ins.

Emerson Climate Technologies has approved DuPont Opteon® XP40 (R-449A) and XP10 (R-513A) for use in a wide range of its scroll and semi-hermetic compressors. This approval paves the way for the use of Opteon refrigerants in new and existing compressors for a number of refrigeration applications.

The refrigeration industry may have a new folk hero on its hands. On April 1, Rep. Ed Whitfield, R-Kentucky, sent a letter to Gina McCarthy, administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In it, Whitfield mapped out a number of “significant concerns” regarding EPA’s proposed rule that seeks to restrict the use of HFCs.

The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) has released its latest safety video detailing key lessons learned from the major anhydrous ammonia release that occurred at Millard Refrigerated Services Inc. on August 23, 2010. The accident resulted in over 150 exposures to offsite workers, 30 of which were hospitalized.

A new zero-emission refrigeration system for transportation applications, developed in the United Kingdom, which delivers both power and cooling from liquid nitrogen, has begun on-vehicle testing. Dearman said the system, which features the company’s liquid nitrogen-powered engine, has already produced promising results.

Natural refrigeration technology is gaining traction with end users, yet, despite technological successes, there are still challenges to overcome in the form of regulatory obstacles and skill shortages.

To aid in energy efficient grocery store design that provides balance between refrigeration, food service, and HVAC, ASHRAE has announced the newly published Advanced Energy Design Guide for Grocery Stores, which focuses on grocery stores ranging in size from 25,000 to 65,000 square feet.