R-32

Armstrong Fluid Technology has announced a series of six new webinars for the month of April designed to help building managers, engineers and maintenance professionals navigate energy savings during a changing environment. ‘Smart HVAC Systems’ webinars Focusing on a variety of critical topics from ‘Remote Connectivity’ to ‘Indoor Air Quality’ and ‘Smart HVAC Systems for a New World’, the insightful sessions address all aspects of building performance. The individual webinars and a link to free registration are listed below: Benefits of Remote Connectivity to Intelligent HVAC Systems, Equipment April 3rd at 1 PM EST Viewers will discover how this advanced capability will make a difference to all installations With the advent of built-in intelligence and edge computing, remote connectivity to intelligent equipment adds value such as virtual asset management, objective data measurement for improved understanding, improved on site safety and improved long-term occupant comfort. Viewers will discover how this advanced capability will make a difference to all installations. Booster Pump Maintenance Basics - Water pressure in high-rise residential buildings April 7th at 11 AM EST Whether preference lies in condition based maintenance or predictive maintenance as an asset management approach, the basic requirements for maintaining a pressure booster system are important components in an operations plan. This webinar will review the steps facility managers and operators should take on a regular basis to guarantee water supply for building occupants, as well as how to review booster system settings and performance data to identify potential issues. Indoor Air Quality steps are more important than ever. How can you improve IAQ? April 8th at 11 AM EST While indoor air quality (IAQ) has long been a topic of discussion and concern, the quality of air in indoor spaces has taken on even greater importance in recent weeks. Topics covered will include pollutants and sources, case histories, short-term and long-term effects of poor IAQ, and why building and facility managers should put increased focused on IAQ. Smart HVAC Systems for a New World April 14th at 11 AM EST New emerging HVAC technologies are extending the capabilities of equipment operation, remote connectivity, asset management with ground-breaking maintenance and service tools. This session will cover some of these new technologies and show how you can capitalize on the benefits while mitigating risk, with added focus on how these capabilities have even more value during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Building Air Quality and HVAC Controls April 21st at 11 AM EST Management, control and automation of HVAC systems play a key role in the air quality that circulates in buildings With increased interest in occupant health and safety, indoor air quality is a key topic of discussion. Management, control, maintenance and automation of HVAC systems play a key role in the air quality that circulates in buildings. This webinar focuses on options for control and automation in HVAC systems and how they can be used to the greatest effect for balancing indoor air quality, tenant comfort and efficiency. Save Time and Money with Repairable Circulators April 24th at 11 AM EST Many circulator designs support easy repair or replacement of wear parts. For many users, this is the lowest cost approach over the long-term. But what are the differentiating factors between a throwaway design and a repairable design. And what kinds of repairs are possible? This webinar answers all these questions and reviews the basics of circulator repair, with a view to informing customers' future purchase decisions. Each of these insightful webinars is less than 60 minutes in length and includes a question and answer session at the conclusion. A library of previous Armstrong webinars covering a variety of informative topics can be accessed on the company’s website.

Amid concerns about the increasing scope of the coronavirus (COVID 19), International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) has announced the cancellation of its 2020 IIAR Natural Refrigeration Conference & Heavy Equipment Expo, a major industry event focused on natural refrigerants in the industrial and commercial sectors. IIAR Conference cancelled IIAR joins a growing list of HVAC&R organizations worldwide that have cancelled trade gatherings over the coronavirus. The IIAR Conference had been scheduled to take place March 15-18 at the Rosen Shingle Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel and Convention Center in Orlando, Florida (U.S.). Last year’s conference in Phoenix, Arizona (U.S.) had over 1,700 in attendance, according to the IIAR website. IIAR joins a growing list of HVAC&R firms worldwide that have cancelled trade events over the coronavirus IIAR had indicated its intention this week to proceed with the event, but changed course on March 11 after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the coronavirus was a worldwide pandemic. “Given this significant announcement from the World Health Organization, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the conference this year,” said Dave Rule, President, IIAR in a message emailed to registered conference attendees. “The health and safety of the conference attendees remains our primary concern.” Coronavirus pandemic threat “We trust that all of you will understand this decision and support your IIAR organization as the Executive Committee and Board of Directors begins to deal with this dramatic event,” he added. IIAR’s Executive Committee had begun developing plans “to address appropriate measures moving forward,” said Rule. “Further information concerning the cancellation of the IIAR Conference will be available over the course of the next few weeks”, Rule said, adding, “We request your patience and support as the IIAR Staff and management deal with these issues.” Global HVACR events cancelled Elsewhere in the world, two other HVAC&R industry trade shows scheduled in March were canceled, Mostra Convegno Expocomfort (rescheduled to September 8-11) in Italy and HVAC&R Japan. HVACR Live, scheduled to take place April 20-22 in London, was postponed till the spring of 2021. In addition, the ARBS (Air Conditioning, Refrigeration Building Services) 2020 exhibition in Melbourne, Australia, scheduled for May 19‐21, has been postponed.

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.

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.