If there is to be a next generation of refrigerants in stationary equipment beyond hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), it appears they will be hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs). And if that transition is to take place in the United States, it could be because of regulations or better energy efficiencies - or both.

Ammonia in compact systems using micro-channel technology. Building warehouses as high-rises as a way to save energy and reduce ammonia refrigerant charges. Ammonia in integrated heating and cooling systems. These were just some of the directions technical papers took at the recent International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration Industrial Conference.

A company from Vermont called Freeaire Refrigeration has come up with a technology, according to the company, designed to reduce electrical consumption “by eliminating unnecessary operation of every part of a system” and, for colder climates, adding an element that allows the use of cold outside air.

At the AHR Expo, a large number of the attendees were contractors - and, a lot of them were looking for chillers. McQuay was among those exhibitors with new products. The NEWS worked with McQuay to draw a select group of contractors into the booth to perform a product tour and review, and videotape the proceedings.

Consider the chiller. One of the most basic definitions is “a machine that removes heat from a liquid via a vapor-compression or absorption refrigeration cycle. This liquid can then be circulated through a heat exchanger to cool air or equipment as required.” But these days a lot more terminology is attached to the equipment.

Every once in a while, a brief quote within all the presentations and comments at a conference will catch my attention as having potentially significant impact. Such was the case at the most recent annual conference of the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration.

While CO2 is being successfully used in subcritical applications in the United States, it is more of a challenge in transcritical situations because of demanding compressor technology and high pressures. The UK office of Sanyo Air Conditioners recently issued two case histories showing the refrigerant being used for heat pumps in commercial applications.

The EPA has issued final approval for a new refrigerant for use in vehicle air conditioning systems. HFO-1234yf may now be used in air conditioning for new cars and light trucks. There is much to be said about this announcement because it is possible that someday HFOs might impact those of us in stationary HVACR. But not right now.

This issue with a focus on recovery and recycling had all the makings of a nostalgia fest. It was 24 years ago that the Montreal Protocol first surfaced and soon thereafter brought the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirement that HVACR contractors have this device called a recovery/recycling machine available.

Issues that could some day affect the way HVACR contractors do business continue to draw attention in both Europe and Asia. Nothing being talked about right now has any direct impact on the North American market, but the issues remain on the industry’s radar screen for what possibly could happen in the future.