R-410a

Panasonic has launched the Aquarea High Performance J Generation Bi-Bloc, an advanced heating and cooling solution, ideal for new installations, refurbishments, and low energy homes. Producing outstanding results, the heat pump can reach the highest possible energy rating of A+++ in heating. In furthering its contribution to the ‘decarburization of society’, Panasonic continues to develop the Aquarea range of highly efficient air source heat pumps. The smart choice for heating and cooling, Aquarea High Performance J Generation Bi-Bloc is the latest addition to the range. Utilizing air-to-water heat pump technology and R32 refrigerant, it is a highly efficient and more environmentally friendly solution compared to R410A refrigerant. reduce CO2 emissions By converting heat energy in the air into household warmth, the highly efficient Aquarea technology helps to reduce CO2 emissions and environmental impact compared to conventional boilers and electric heaters. Thanks to its reliable Panasonic Inverter Compressors, the heat pump adapts its operation to the demand of the house. Even in adverse weather conditions as low as -20°C, the Aquarea unit warms their customers’ home effectively and efficiently. Each tank reduces energy loss thanks to its high levels of insulation, resulting in the most efficient solution Not only does it provide heating throughout the cold months, it is also able to cool their home in summer for year-round comfort. The J Series also includes quieter outdoor units compared to previous models. This helps to reduce noise outside of the property, which is particularly noticeable in quiet, rural areas. For even higher energy savings, the unit can be combined with high efficiency hot water tanks, such as the anode-free “A” Stainless Steel Tank in 192-liter and 280-liter capacities. efficient use of energy Each tank reduces energy loss thanks to its high levels of insulation, resulting in the most efficient solution. The already eco-friendly Aquarea J Generation range can synchronize with solar panels for an even greener solution. With this optional interface, Aquarea can optimize the use of energy in the most efficient way and balance the heat pump’s consumption and in-house comfort based on the outside temperature - perfect for those who are concerned about their environmental impact while looking for a cost-effective solution. monitoring energy consumption Providing a simple yet sophisticated control solution, Aquarea J Generation is also compatible with the Aquarea Smart Cloud, a powerful and intuitive service for remotely controlling the full range of heating and hot water functions, including monitoring energy consumption. It is also available with Service Cloud for installer maintenance, allowing remote care of customer’s heating system, saving time, money, and ultimately increasing customer satisfaction. For the ultimate time-saving convenience, Aquarea works in harmony with IFTTT, the advanced technology which stands for the simple process of ‘If This, Then That’. It enables simple instructions like turning on and off, to more complicated instructions such as sending emails or error notifications. Other elements of the smart home can also be incorporated, such as a pre-programmed mode can be instructed that changes temperature and turns on lights in response to climate changes outside.

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.

Friedrich’s ductless line of products will happily replace their gas or expensive electric heaters with extremely efficient heat pump operation all the way down to 0°F. While typical heat pumps only operate down to ~40°F before switching into “Emergency heat” electric heat mode, Friedrich heat pumps can continue to work for 40 more degrees, offering Heating Seasonal Performance (HSPF) ratings as high as 11.00.   Heat pumps work by taking the heat energy from the outdoor and transferring it to the indoor space using refrigerant (R-410A). While it’s true that colder outdoor temperatures make it harder to find heat to remove, their Precision Inverter will find any heat available and transfers it into their customer's home.   Friedrich Heat Pump  According to recent studies by the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships, “When entire units are replaced, the annual ASHPs savings are around 3,000kWh (or $459) as compared to electric resistant heaters and 6,200kWh (or $948) as compared to oil systems. When displacing oil (i.e. the oil system remains, but operates less frequently), the average annual savings is near 3,000 kWh (or about $300).”   When one lives in an area that experiences snow and ice during the winters, it’s recommended that the outdoor unit be placed in an area either higher than one’s anticipated snow depth or placed in a structure that keeps it clear of snow, so the system will not get blocked by snow or ice. Don’t be fooled by harsh winter conditions, condensers can be installed indoors. Customers in the Northeast Region of the US have installed Friedrich’s condensers in their garage so they can enjoy the deep winter savings of a Friedrich Heat Pump air conditioner into the single-digit and negative temperatures. 

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.”

A key deadline for phasing out hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) from residential air conditioning systems is less than a year away. Jan. 1, 2020, is the deadline after which there will be no U.S. production or import of HCFC-142b and HCFC-22 (also called R-22). The deadline is part of an incremental phazeout of HCFC consumption and production based on the U.S. commitment in the 1997 Montreal Protocol aimed at protecting stratospheric ozone. Section 605 of the Clean Air Act establishes phazeout targets for the chemicals. The phazeout will be complete in 2030, after which time there will be no production or import of any HCFCs. HCFC-142b retrofit refrigerant HCFC-142b is used in small quantities in refrigerant blends and as a retrofit refrigerant in motor vehicle ACs HCFC-142b is used in small quantities in refrigerant blends and as a retrofit refrigerant in motor vehicle air conditioners that previously used chloroflurococarbons (CFCs), which were eliminated in the mid-1990s for their potential to deplete the ozone layer. HCFC-22 is the most commonly used refrigerant in applications such as unitary air conditioners, cold storage, retail food refrigeration equipment, chillers and industrial process refrigeration. Any air conditioner or heat pump manufactured before 2010 likely uses HCFC-22 refrigerant. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons in air conditioning systems On Jan. 1, 2020, U.S. production or import of HCFC-22 and HCFC-142b will not be permitted in the United States. After this happens, only recycled/reclaimed or stockpiled quantities of HCFC-22 and HCFC-142b will be available for servicing existing equipment, and they will likely be more expensive. These substances have been in the process of being phazed out since 2015, when supplies were reduced by 90 percent. Since 2010, HCFC-22 and HCFC-142b have been available exclusively for use to service existing equipment.   There are several non-ozone-depleting alternatives to HCFC-22. They include R-134a and R-410A, which can be used in a new installation; and R-407C and R-407A, which can be used in a new or a retrofit installation. The most common alternative is R-410A, which is manufactured and sold under various trade names such as GENTRON AZ-20, SUVA 410A, and PURON. Significant New Alternatives Policy SNAP (Significant New Alternatives Policy) was established by the U.S. Clean Air Act to identify and evaluate substitutes for ozone-depleting substances. The program looks at overall risks to human health and the environment of existing and new substitutes, publishes lists and promotes the use of acceptable substances, and provides the public with information. EPA reviews alternative refrigerants and maintains a list of acceptable substitutes for household and light commercial air conditioning. For the last 25 years, the air conditioning and refrigeration industry has been working to reduce its use of CFC refrigerants, which are no longer available on new equipment. The industry has used alternative refrigerants and achieved higher efficiency ratings to achieve the goals. CFC refrigerants Long life of AC equipment has extended the continuing use of CFC refrigerants by existing equipment However, the long useful life of air conditioning equipment has extended the continuing use of CFC refrigerants by existing equipment. Green building groups have supported legislative action to reduce federal depreciation schedules for this equipment, which would accelerate the replacement of older equipment and hasten the total elimination of CFC refrigerant use. The HEAT Act, which Congress passed in 2017 as part of the landmark Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, reduced commercial HVAC expensing from 39 years to immediate (zero years). Phazing out ozone-depleting refrigerants The European Union is also committed to protecting the ozone layer and has some of the strictest regulations in the world. Since 2010, there has been a ban on the use of “virgin” HCFCs to service and maintain refrigeration and air conditioning equipment; use of reclaimed or recycled HCFCs for service or maintenance has been banned since 2015.

The new CIE in Denmark will meet a growing demand for a qualified workforce in the field of electronic engineering. Advanced labs for education and research will put a high demand on the cooling system. Therefore, Danfoss and partner G.I. Industrial Holding are introducing one of the first chillers using the refrigerant R452B. It has some of the lowest Global Warming Potential for scroll systems available.   The low GWP is a specific choice from Danfoss owners, The BMC Foundation, who supports the university. The chiller using R452B will cut the GWP by 67%, reducing CO impact on the environment.  Multi-refrigerant Danfoss Scrolls   They want to increase their energy savings and reduce their climate footprint" The solutions provided by G.I. Industrial Holding features multi refrigerant Danfoss Scrolls DSH, MPHE, electronics, sensors and valves.   “We definitely see customers asking for low GWP solutions. They want to increase their energy savings and reduce their climate footprint,” says Francesco Fadiga, Technical Director, G.I. Industrial Holding SpA.   chiller with R452B “The transition to lower GWP refrigerants is accelerating. This solution here is actually the first in Denmark where we are using the new refrigerant combined with the Danfoss compressor Scroll with IDVs." "We chose to develop the chiller with R452B and DSH multi refrigerant compressors as it allows us to reach the same high-efficiency, reliable and flexible solution compared to standard units with R410A refrigerant but with a much lower GWP,” he adds. 

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.