R-32

Air conditioning professionals attending this year's AHR Expo had the opportunity to preview Danfoss' extensive portfolio of rooftop components that unite to help OEMs tackle seasonal efficiency and refrigerant changes—including innovations like the Interlaced Micro Channel Heat Exchanger (iMCHE). Designers of rooftop units are facing a pair of environmental challenges: the US Department of Energy's 2023 energy efficiency standards requirement of a 15% increase in integrated energy efficiency ratio (IEER), and the introduction of regulations by a growing number of states to replace HFC refrigerants like R-410A with lower-GWP alternatives. Part-Load Efficiency And Switch Refrigerants At AHR Expo 2020, Danfoss showcased a substantial portfolio of components that solve these challenges by helping manufacturers improve part-load efficiency and switch refrigerants, often with minimal redesign costs, and shared with visitors the system-level benefits revealed in laboratory tests. Danfoss iMCHE enables several circuits to share the heat transfer area in a single coil Several of the innovations and solutions combine to give OEMs an immediate boost in part-load efficiency. Some of the components can achieve savings of more than 15% on their own, helping OEMs meet the more stringent 2023 IEER regulations. Heat-Transfer Efficiency The Danfoss iMCHE enables several circuits to share the heat transfer area in a single coil, improving part-load efficiency by more than 20%, maximizing heat-transfer efficiency, and reducing refrigerant charge in a compact shape which minimizes weight. The third-generation VZH variable-speed inverter scroll has a higher part-load performance and wider operating map than ever before. The scrolls range from 4 to 26 TR, which can be further expanded to 52 TR in a hybrid tandem, and, like all Danfoss inverter scrolls, now include Intermediate Discharge Valve (IDV) technology for maximum part-load efficiency. Compressor Control Logic The powerful new MCX15B2 and MCX20B2 controllers are ideal for use in rooftop units. As enhanced versions of the popular MCX-B-series units, they offer best-in-class connectivity and safety, along with new compressor control logic for industry-leading Danfoss VZH inverter scrolls, enabling system designers to get the biggest possible benefit from variable-speed compression in any conditions. Danfoss manifolds are designed to minimize OEMs’ system losses, and are assembled in Danfoss facilities Pre-assembled tandem and trio manifolds enable OEMs to improve their system’s seasonal efficiency while reducing complexity in the supply chain and manufacturing processes. Danfoss manifolds are designed to minimize OEMs’ system losses, and are assembled in Danfoss facilities using the highest quality manufacturing techniques to ensure reliability. They include multiple combinations in even and uneven tandems and trios, and hybrid tandem configurations—and all feature patented Organ Pipe technology for optimized oil management under part-load conditions. Multi-Refrigerant DSH Scrolls With more than half the US population living in a state included in the United States Climate Alliance, many manufacturers are working on two or more rooftop configurations in parallel—one using R-410A, and one using refrigerants with a GWP rating of 750 or less, such as R-452B, R-454B, or R-32. As there is no single, clear R-410A replacement, visitors to AHR Expo 2020 were able to discuss with Danfoss experts the ways to maximize refrigerant flexibility. Multi-refrigerant DSH scrolls are qualified for use with refrigerants R-454B, R-452B, R-410A, enabling multi-refrigerant drop-in support while minimizing inventory and redesign requirements. Like Danfoss VZH scrolls, they include IDV technology to improve IEER. Danfoss Colibri® Electric Expansion Valves DSH scrolls are just one part of Danfoss' extensive range of multi-refrigerant components qualified for use with low-GWP A2L refrigerants. For example, Danfoss Colibri® electric expansion valves are qualified for use with more than 30 refrigerants—including R-410A, R-32, R-452B, R-454B, and R-1234yf. This flexibility enables manufacturers to benefit from precise liquid injection in a light, easy-to-install format, without a need to redesign their system for each refrigerant. ETS Colibri will also benefit from its own power back module, the EKE2U, to be released later in 2020, to enhance system reliability in case of unplanned system shutdowns. Victor Marinich, Global Marketing Director—Air Conditioning at Danfoss, said: "The need to protect our environment means rooftop manufacturers are responding to a fast-moving regulatory landscape.The best part is, these components all work together perfectly. That means you can use them to create a big, cumulative impact on part-load efficiency, while also maximizing reliability."

In response to a global shift away from R410A and R22, Danfoss has added a complete portfolio of components to help OEMs develop air conditioning systems with R32. With its relatively low global warming potential (GWP) at GWP-675, high volumetric capacity and efficiency, lower purchase price and system charge, R32 has become one of the most popular alternatives—along with R452B and R454B—to R410A for commercial air conditioning systems and heat pumps. In response to high demand—and following the release of the multi-refrigerant portfolio for R410A/R452B/R454B earlier this year—Danfoss has announced a full range of components that enable OEMs to design R32 systems up to 700kW/260TR. The portfolio includes: DSF fixed-speed scroll compressors with IDVs, optimized for R32 – full range available by the end of 2020 Micro plate heat exchangers (MPHE-Z design), optimized for R32 – full range available by the end of 2020 Micro channel heat exchangers (MCHE) adapted for R32 The Colibri Electronic expansion valve (ETS C), TGE and TR6 expansion valves for the US residential units System protectors and line components such as NRV check valves, GBC ball valves, STF 4 way valves, EVR v2 solenoid valves, ACB switches and DST P110 sensors, DML and DCL for residential and DCRE filter driers for larger air conditioning units, SG sight glasses, all qualified for R32. Compatibility has been checked with every raw material and connections over 25mm are all validated according to PED category II except for the EVR v2 and with US approval. seasonal efficiency requirements Importantly, Danfoss’s scroll design enables OEMs to take full advantage of R32’s thermodynamic properties, with +10% volumetric capacity for a same compressor size. This optimized design improves the $/TR-€/kW ratio. It also mitigates the impact of high discharge gas temperature, without the need for costly liquid or vapor injection—a significant applied cost benefit – and enables a wide operating map, suitable for use in reversible systems. And like Danfoss’s DSH multi-refrigerant range, the DSF range is equipped with intermediate discharge valve (IDV) technology to meet the latest seasonal efficiency requirements. Matthieu Stoll, Danfoss Cooling, AC Segment Marketing Director said: "Around the world, air conditioning OEMs are switching away from R410A. By adding a new R32 range of products on top of our existing multi-refrigerant R410A/R452B/R454B portfolio, we’re committed to providing the broadest range of options to our customers.”

Koura, a global renowned firm in the development, manufacture and supply of fluoroproducts, will be exhibiting at AHR Expo, Orlando, the world’s largest HVACR marketplace. Koura, formerly known as Mexichem Fluor, is one of the largest producers of fluorspar in the world, accounting for over 20 percent of global supply, and also produces around 10 percent of the global hydrofluoric acid supply. Unitary Air-Conditioning Fluid The global firm will be exhibiting its highly recognized Klea brand and discuss the innovative products it has in development The global firm will be exhibiting its highly recognized Klea brand, as well as discussing the innovative products it has in development, including a Unitary Air-Conditioning Fluid with close performance match to the R-410A.  Sarah Hughes, Commercial Director at Koura said, “We’re looking forward to attending AHR Expo, which enables us to connect directly with our vast range of customers and partners across the globe. We’re pleased to attend this event every year to showcase our innovative products and stay up to date with our industry peers.” AHR Expo Celebrating its ninetieth year, AHR Expo takes place on 3rd-5th February at the Orange County Convention Centre in Orlando, Florida, USA. The event will see thousands of representatives from the industry showing products and networking. The Koura team will be available on Stand 5952 to discuss the Klea brand and its innovative products. Koura supplies l to a range of industries across the world, including automotive, HVAC and construction.

Danfoss first developed the VZH inverter scroll compressor range in response to environmental and energy challenges. Delivering superior efficiency, precision, and 4:1 continuous modulation ratio, VZH compressors are suitable for commercial air-conditioning and process cooling applications where low energy consumption are required. The third generation of the VZH variable speed scroll compressors adds innovative Intermediate Discharge Valves (IDVs) in all models, boosting the line's part-load cooling performance. Through its VZH compressors, Danfoss offers the widest range of variable speed scroll compressors commercially available on the market. VZH compressors are qualified for use in tandem configuration to further extend the capacity range. energy-intensive applications The third-generation VZH compressors retains the strengths of previous generations with added benefits VZH compressors use variable speed technology to deliver precise cooling and humidity management, low start-up current, and high energy efficiency to address the challenges of meeting today's energy regulations. The level of precision offered by VZH performs best in demanding, energy-intensive applications with load variations. The new third-generation VZH compressors retains the strengths of previous generations with the added benefits that come with IDV technology (for 13-TR to 26-TR compressors). IDVs reduce excessive refrigerant compression under part-load conditions while maintaining the same cooling capacity as standard air-conditioning systems. seasonal energy efficiency They adapt the effort of the motor to the pressure conditions in the system, opening when the operating pressure ratio falls below the built-in pressure ratio and the pressure inside the scroll pocket exceeds the condensing pressure. This reduces the effort of the motor and its electrical consumption, improving the system’s seasonal energy efficiency. The new VZH compressors are backward compatible with previous generations of Danfoss VZH scrolls, reducing complexity and minimizing any need for redesign and requalification. The Danfoss VZH line with IDV technology offers a single solution with a wide operating map for multiple applications that would otherwise require different optimizations and compressor models, reducing complexity and simplifying inventory management. Looking forward, the Danfoss VZH range is expected to be qualified for use with low-GWP refrigerants R-452B and R-454B in early 2020, with R-32 following soon after.

Bacharach, an industry renowned company in gas detection and analysis instrumentation, has announced that its award-winning Parasense Refrigerant Tracking and Compliance Software is available for free with full-feature capabilities and unlimited users, sites, and refrigeration assets. Parasense Refrigerant Tracking  The Parasense Refrigerant Tracking and Compliance Software is a cloud-based software, and includes usage, tracking, and reporting for unlimited users, sites and refrigeration assets and is ideal for any organization looking to reduce refrigerant emissions and support regulatory tracking and reporting needs while eliminating reliance on spreadsheets or other less sophisticated methods. The software is an enterprise-scale system to track refrigerant usage, leak inspections, and leak events, as well as provide compliance reporting for EPA 608, CARB, F-Gas and GreenChill. Notable software features include: Compliance Calendar that automatically schedules and reminds about compliance activities. Regulation Workflow that maps regulations into specific tasks to maintain compliance. Compliance Score that gives a visual indicator to the state of compliance across the enterprise, regions, sites, or assets. Automatic Leak Rate Calculator that provides a rolling 12-month view of refrigerant usage as a percent of system charge. Enterprise-level to Single-site filters and data summaries. Refrigerant management Parasense Refrigerant Tracking software is designed for facility managers and compliance officers who support multi-site organizations like supermarkets, food processing plants, cold storage warehouses, hospitals, universities, or K-12 schools. The software is also valuable for smaller organizations, as well as for mechanical and refrigeration contractors that want to offer refrigerant management as part of their service. The software is also supported by professional services from the Parasense Information Center (PIC) team The software is also supported by professional services from the Parasense Information Center (PIC) team. The PIC team provides fee-based, value-added services such as data importing, pro-active data review and recommendations, periodic report preparation, and contractor coordination for timely completion of inspections, repairs, testing, and record-keeping.  The combination of the software and the PIC team services provides a complete solution for enterprise-grade refrigerant tracking and compliance. Fixed and portable refrigerant leak detection systems The use of Bacharach’s high-performance fixed and portable refrigerant leak detection systems provides organizations with a complementary, proven solution for identifying low-level refrigerant leaks, reducing refrigerant emissions, and achieving best-in-class leak rate performance (less than 10%/year).  The Parasense software portfolio is in use by over 1,000 sites including supermarkets, food processing, and data centers.

Daikin companies in North America (Goodman Global Group, Inc.; Daikin North America LLC; Daikin Applied Americas Inc.; Daikin America, Inc.; and Daikin U.S. Corporation) announced they are developing ducted and ductless residential, light-commercial, and applied products utilizing R-32 refrigerant. In evaluating alternative, low global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerants for North America, Daikin–a global technology pioneer in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry–is focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and climate impacts. The company also took a holistic approach to include safety, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Based on comprehensive evaluation and testing, Daikin concluded R-32 is the ideal low-GWP alternative to R-410A for many key residential, light commercial, and applied products in North America. Daikin’s choice of R-32 is based on the beneficial attributes of the refrigerant. Compared to R-410A and certain alternative refrigerants, R-32 can mitigate effects of direct refrigerant emissions by reducing the equipment refrigerant charge. Daikin believes R-32 can effectively help to minimize the environmental impact of HVAC equipment Reduce Refrigerant Charge Daikin has found that in comparison to R-410A, R-32 has a drastically lower GWP and could reduce refrigerant charge in certain equipment by up to 40 percent. The company has also found that equipment using R-32 can be more energy efficient and compact–thereby consuming fewer manufacturing resources–when compared to equipment using R-410A or certain alternative refrigerants. Daikin believes that R-32–a pure, single component refrigerant available globally from multiple suppliers–is easier to reuse, reclaim, and recycle when compared to other refrigerants that are blends of R-32 and other components. In summary, Daikin believes R-32 can effectively help to minimize the environmental impact of HVAC equipment. Dominant Refrigerant For Residential HVAC Equipment The choice of R-32 for the North American region is consistent with the wide global acceptance of the refrigerant. In Japan, R-32 is the dominant refrigerant for residential HVAC equipment while in other Asian countries—including China—and in many European countries, the refrigerant has become an increasing popular choice for HVAC equipment. Daikin has estimated that more than 84 million R-32 residential units have been installed by the industry across 70 countries. According to a Japan Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News, Ltd. (JARN) report, in 2018 alone, over 25 million residential units using R-32 were sold worldwide, accounting for more than 25 percent of total residential units sold in that year. This number is expected to increase in 2019. R-32 For Ducted And Ductless Residential Products The company was the first to introduce R-32 residential air conditioners and heat pumps globally Furthermore, in the United States, acceptance of the refrigerant has already begun in some HVAC applications: JARN reports that in 2018, almost half of window air conditioning units sold across the U.S. used R-32. By selecting R-32 for various ducted and ductless residential, light-commercial, and applied products, Daikin is extending its leadership position in North America. The company was the first to introduce R-32 residential air conditioners and heat pumps globally and has, since 2012, sold more than 21 million R-32 residential units worldwide. Measurable Environmental And Performance Qualities To advance the adoption of R-32, Daikin has committed to share its knowledge and expertise. Earlier this year, Daikin announced its patent non-assertion pledge of identified patents to further facilitate the use of the R-32 in HVAC products. Daikin has also provided education and training programs for the refrigerant–programs that have been supported by many governmental agencies. Daikin’s overarching goal is to ensure that North America can benefit from the use of a refrigerant that provides measurable environmental and performance qualities that will advantage the environment and consumers. Effect Of Air Conditioning “We know that the net effect of air conditioning on the environment is a combination of the refrigerant used and energy consumed,” said Daikin Applied Americas’ President and CEO Mike Schwartz. “R-32 enables home and building owners to achieve reduced climate impact, superior performance, and operational savings. Daikin is in a unique position as a manufacturer of both HVAC equipment and refrigerants. R-32 brings many benefits including energy efficiency, resource reduction, and environmental mitigation" “Our approach has always been to use our expertise to choose the right refrigerant for each application. R-32 is the right low GWP refrigerant choice for many of our residential, light-commercial, and applied products in North America.” Right Choice For HVAC Manufacturers Goodman Global’s President and CEO Satoru Akama said, “Daikin’s choice of R-32 demonstrates our strong commitment as a U.S. HVAC manufacturer to minimize environmental impacts of our equipment including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. R-32 brings many benefits including energy efficiency, resource reduction, and overall environmental mitigation. Based on our global experience, we are confident R-32 is the right choice for HVAC manufacturers, contractors, and consumers.” Daikin’s North American production of R-32 products is the latest step in its efforts to advance technologies that reduce environmental impact and provide consumers superior technology. These efforts will take account of the developments in various North American jurisdictions as they enact appropriate regulations, codes, and standards.

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, global provider of transportation and logistical solutions, is expanding its fleet with a record-setting order of 5,000 refrigerated containers equipped with Carrier Transicold’s XtendFRESH atmosphere control technology, as part of a larger order. This innovative system manages oxygen and carbon dioxide levels within refrigerated containers and removes ethylene, thus slowing the ripening of produce and helping to preserve its quality beyond what can be achieved by refrigeration alone. XtendFRESH-equipped containers The XtendFRESH-equipped containers are being leased through SeaCube Containers LLC The XtendFRESH-equipped containers are being leased through SeaCube Containers LLC. Carrier Transicold is a part of UTC Climate, Controls & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp. “By adding atmosphere control for selected perishable cargoes, we are enhancing the care we provide for the valuable commodities we ship for our customers,” said Giuseppe Prudente, chief logistics officer, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company. “XtendFRESH technology enables MSC to transport fruit and other refrigerated cargo over longer distances, creating tremendous new opportunities for exporters and importers.” Controlled-atmosphere equipment MSC’s order is the largest for the XtendFRESH option since the system was introduced in 2013, and it represents a significant step in the growing trend among shipping lines to provide controlled-atmosphere technology for the benefit of their customers, according to Willy Yeo, Director of Marketing, Global Container Refrigeration, Carrier Transicold. SeaCube CEO Robert Sappio agrees that factors such as slow steaming and new trade routes, resulting from shipping line alliances and consolidations, are creating opportunities for XtendFRESH technology. “MSC is just one example of the very strong demand we’ve seen for controlled-atmosphere equipment. As shipping lines fine-tune their operations and optimize their networks, controlled atmosphere is a way for them to assure their customers that they are carrying their products more safely.” Fresh-air ventilation In use, the XtendFRESH system’s patented, self-regenerating activated-carbon scrubber assembly captures carbon dioxide and ethylene, a hormone given off by ripening produce that can accelerate ripening if left unchecked. As perishable cargo consumes oxygen, on-demand fresh-air ventilation automatically maintains the optimum level inside the container. “The innovative XtendFRESH system allows shipping lines to optimize conditions for specific commodities,” Carrier Transicold’s Yeo said. “It is the only atmosphere control solution with an integrated ethylene removal capability.” PrimeLINE refrigeration units PrimeLINE units use digital scroll compressors to deliver greater cooling capacity using less energy The XtendFRESH system was selected by MSC as an option for Carrier Transicold PrimeLINE refrigeration units being installed on new 40-foot high-cube containers. In support of its environmental initiatives, MSC specified PrimeLINE units with a new provision that enables conversion from R-134a to R-513A, a refrigerant with a significantly lower global warming potential. PrimeLINE units use digital scroll compressors to deliver greater cooling capacity using less energy than prior models from Carrier Transicold. The PrimeLINE unit’s value proposition also includes rapid pull-down, tight temperature control, high air-flow performance and excellent cost of ownership. Global shipping company With global headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. is a privately owned global shipping company with vessels that sail on more than 200 trade routes, calling at over 500 ports, with access to an integrated network of road, rail and sea transport resources that stretches across the globe.