R-410a

Panasonic Corporation has developed VIXELL, a vacuum-insulated box that can store items in -70ºC environment for up to 18 days, using refrigerants such as dry ice. The transport of vaccines and other medical supplies requires strict temperature control. Up until now, conventional insulated boxes have been manufactured by joining vacuum-insulated panels (VIPs) together, but a drawback of this structure has been that cool air leaks through the gaps where the panels join. Panasonic has long been engaged in the research and development of VIPs, and has used them to reduce energy usage in refrigerators and other products. Utilizing its accumulated technologies and expertise, the company has eliminated this leakage, an inevitable issue when using VIPs, through the development of VIXELL. VIXELL boxes VIXELL boxes are created using a proprietary cast-molding method that completely prevents cool air from escaping through gaps seen in conventional boxes. The 57-liter type boxes use urethane foam and glass wool as an insulating material, and compared to previous Panasonic prototypes, improves coolness retention performance by around 30%. Inside VIXELL boxes are thermal storage units, and the temperature is maintained by filling the inside and outside of these units with refrigerant. By switching the types of these units and refrigerants, VIXELL can accommodate a diverse range of temperature zones, including the dry ice temperature zone (below -70ºC), the below -20ºC zone, and the 2ºC-8ºC zone. Shock-absorbing structure The shock-absorbing structure of VIXELL reduces the risk of damage to the plastic sheet Until now, the insulating material used in these cooling boxes has been covered in a plastic sheet. When using dry ice as a refrigerant, however, the temperature of this plastic drops below the ‘brittle temperature’, meaning it is more prone to damage when subjected to drops or vibrations during transport. The shock-absorbing structure of VIXELL reduces the risk of damage to this plastic sheet. This has enabled reliable, stable transportation even in the dry ice temperature zone. Panasonic will begin offering samples of VIXELL to pharmaceutical and logistics companies at the end of FY2021, ending in March 2021, with the aim for commercialization as soon as possible. Features Cast molded for outstanding thermal insulation The cast-molded box structure ensures cool air doesn't escape through gaps in VIPs. The 57-liter type uses both urethane foam and glass wool as an insulating material, and compared to previous Panasonic prototypes, improves coolness retention performance by around 30%. Coolness retention performance that caters to frozen transport below -70ºC The vacuum-insulated box contains a dry ice temperature zone thermal storage unit and can maintain a -70ºC environment for up to 18 days when filled with dry ice. Shock-absorbing structure When a vacuum-insulated box, which has been cooled to dry-ice temperature, is dropped or accidentally subjected to any other shock, the brittle plastic sheet covering the box is easily damaged. VIXELL's new shock-absorbing structure mitigates shock and reduces the risk of damage when the box is dropped.

Registration is now open for the 2021 ASHRAE Virtual Winter Conference, slated to take place from February 9th to February 11th, 2021. The convenient online format of the conference will allow for global participation with a group of the world’s renowned presenters delivering timely and useful industry content. 2021 ASHRAE Virtual Conference “ASHRAE’s Virtual Winter Conference will include three-days packed with learning and live discussions from top experts,” said 2020-21 ASHRAE President Charles E. Gulledge III, P.E. He adds, “This is the perfect platform and opportunity for built environment professionals to take advantage of the Society’s strong technical content. The conference will provide us the opportunity to amplify ASHRAE’s important research and resources to address the challenges of the times we’re living in.” COVID-19, energy conservation, refrigerants & HVAC standards The conference will feature nearly 98 live and on-demand sessions with updates from industry experts The conference will feature nearly 98 live and on-demand sessions with updates from industry experts and virtual networking events. Technical sessions will address building performance, COVID-19, energy conservation, refrigerants, ethics, equipment and standards. Conference registration is now open on the official virtual event page. During the weeks leading up to the conference, ASHRAE will also conduct virtual business, committee and technical meetings that are typically held during onsite at the Winter Conference. The cost to attend the virtual conference is US$ 249 for ASHRAE members (US$ 479 for non-members, which includes an ASHRAE membership for one year). Registration includes: Tuesday, February 9th - Thursday, February 11th - Live Event More than 35 technical sessions presented live, including sessions scheduled for live participation from attendees in different time zones across the globe. Leadership moments providing updates from society leaders. Keynote presentation hosted by women in ASHRAE. Live 30-minute forum sessions for interactive participation. Opportunities to interact with fellow attendees in 30-minute round table discussions and meet-ups. Recognition of more than 150 award recipients of ASHRAE’s most prestigious society awards. Conference proceedings. Interested individuals can download the technical papers, conference papers and extended abstracts. Post-Conference 26 live Q&A chat sessions for on-demand paper session for the opportunity to chat with speakers scheduled on Friday, February 12. All sessions presented live will be recorded and available on-demand until August 11, 2022. Over 80 additional on-demand sessions accessible on personal terms for 18 months. Examining how to improve global HVAC efficiency The technical program is comprised of eight tracks, exploring occupant comfort and energy systems use The technical program is comprised of eight tracks, exploring occupant comfort, energy systems use and examining how to improve HVAC efficiency on a global scale. “Engineers and designers are being tasked to take closer looks at buildings and their systems to provide comfort to the occupants while also finding ways to reduce the impact on the environment and energy use,” said Maggie Moninski, Chair of the 2021 ASHRAE Virtual Winter Conference. International Design and the Future of HVAC Work Maggie adds, “The 2021 Winter Conference attendees will be given a great opportunity to learn from some of the leaders of the industry with a focus on the foundations of the HVAC&R industry along with specialty topics like International Design and the Future of HVAC Work.” ASHRAE President, Charles E. Gulledge III, P.E. will provide an update on the 2020-21 Society theme, The ASHRAE Digital Lighthouse and Industry 4.0 members will be recognized for the industry and Society accomplishments. Major contributors to ASHRAE’s Building campaign, RP campaign and scholarship donors will also be recognized. Professional development hours can be earned for all on-demand sessions and more than 35 live sessions upon successfully completing a short quiz. Registration includes access to all the technical content on-demand for 18 months. Company packages are also available.

Carrier AquaSnap scroll chiller range is now available with R-32 refrigerant, which improves performance and reduces direct greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%, compared to the previous range using R-410A refrigerant. The innovative air-cooled range meets requirements for the European F-Gas phase-down of HFC refrigerants and Ecodesign requirements for 2021. Carrier, a globally renowned provider of high-technology heating, air conditioning and refrigeration solutions, is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, an international organization in the field of innovative heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC), refrigeration, fire, security and building automation technologies. AquaSnap scroll chiller range Carrier selected R-32 refrigerant, which has a low global warming potential (GWP) of 675 Carrier selected R-32 refrigerant, which has a low global warming potential (GWP) of 675, for use in commercial scroll chiller ranges. R-32 has a GWP that is two thirds less than the GWP of the current R-410A version and this change, combined with a significant system refrigerant charge reduction – up to 30% – allows for an exceptional 80% reduction in direct greenhouse gas emissions. The AquaSnap range reaches an outstanding Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER12/7) of up to 5.33 and a Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) of up to 3.77. The range covers capacities from 40 kW to 940 kW. Equipped with R-32 refrigerant “Carrier’s AquaSnap range with R-32 refrigerant allows our customers to anticipate compliance to Ecodesign 2021 requirements while supporting the next phase down steps of the European F-Gas regulation for HFC,” said Didier Genois, Vice President, Carrier HVAC-Commercial (Europe), adding “The range also provides customers with best-in-class performance in heating and cooling conditions.” The AquaSnap with R-32 refrigerant can meet the needs of a wide scope of applications. The range ½ covers an extended operating map, up to 48 degrees Celsius outdoor air temperature, and features Carrier’s best-in class technologies for maximum efficiency in all conditions, including: - Multiple scroll compressors able to match load requirements. - Brazed asymmetric plate heat exchangers with true dual-circuit design for high performance in both full and partial-load conditions. - Smart energy monitoring function providing real time capacity provided and energy consumption measurement. - Greenspeed intelligence on premium versions: variable-speed fans and variable-speed pumps.

The YORK® brand of Johnson Controls, the global provider for smart and sustainable buildings, is launching an efficient, reliable and competitive package unit designed to lower smog-producing gases while delivering high performance and reliable comfort. The YORK Ultra-low NOx Residential Package Equipment offers a compact, robust, all-in-one HVAC system that provides reliability and quick installation for space-challenged homes. “The YORK Ultra-low NOx Residential Package Equipment provides a unique combination of installation flexibility, simplified maintenance and reliable performance while reducing greenhouse gases,” said Regan Axtell, residential product manager, Johnson Controls. “This equipment provides contractors with a high performance, all-in-one solution for space-challenged applications where internal installation of conventional split systems is not an option or when homeowners want to minimize in-house servicing or construction.” Reducing greenhouse and smog-producing gases The heart of the ultra-low NOx technology is a proven burner system for reducing greenhouse and smog-producing gases by up to 65 percent versus standard low-NOx models. In addition, it is available with 81 percent AFUE, providing greater comfort for less money. The units are available in 14 SEER, single-stage heating and cooling, a variety of tonnages, and single-and three-phase electrical configurations, providing the contractor with solutions to meet virtually every application, while the homeowner is provided with comfort tailored to their individual needs. Rapidly cool or heat a home “High-performance Ultra-Low NOx Residential Package Equipment moves a lot of air, which provides good airflow to help rapidly cool or heat a home,” said Axtell. “This high-quality airflow performance is also what allows the system to overcome legacy ductwork layout challenges in older homes where some spaces don’t get enough air.” Installation and maintenance time and costs are minimized due to individual access panels for all major components, and easy power and control wiring connections. In addition, all units are completely wired, charged with R-410A refrigerant and tested prior to shipment. For homeowners, low-noise fans and vibration-reducing technology minimize noise to provide quiet comfort year-round. Reliable performance The upward airflow carries the normal operating noise up and away from the living area while the rigid top panel effectively isolates noise. The isolator-mounted compressor and rippled fins in the outdoor coil muffle the normal fan motor and compressor operating sounds. The uniquely formed base pan further aids in sound attenuation. The durable YORK Ultra-low NOx Residential Package Units provide reliable performance following rigorous accelerated life testing at -20 to 125 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, homeowners can enjoy greater peace of mind provided by class-leading warranties.

Danfoss is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its popular TU stainless steel thermostatic expansion valve, trusted for the most demanding refrigeration applications by OEMs and installers worldwide. TU thermostatic expansion valve With more than 15 million valves sold since its launch in 1995, TU's combination of high precision and unique stainless-steel construction has made it a staple of cold-chain systems in particular. Equipment manufacturers have come to value the TU's robustness, reliability and consistent performance in challenging environments, using it everywhere from refrigerated shipping containers and trucks/trailers to ice makers and ice cream machines. Heat resistant and flexible design The valve's flexible design allows customization for a wide variety of applications Moreover, the valve's flexible design allows customization for a wide variety of applications, sizes, refrigerants and connections. A more recent innovation enables each valve to be OEM/custom laser-engraved with its exact configuration, ensuring the correct version is always used. A newly developed low-GWP bulb charge also helps significantly reduce CO2 emissions. The TU stainless steel thermostatic expansion valve is no less popular with installers. Its heat-resistant stainless-steel casing and bi-metal connections makes it easy to braze, with no need for time-consuming wet wrapping. At the forefront of a sustainable cooling industry While the valve was first designed in response to the original Montreal protocol agreement, the resulting hermetically sealed construction also make it ideal for current refrigerant transition challenges, like handling A2L refrigerants without leakage. The TU remains a key part of Danfoss's work to qualify the widest possible portfolio of components for all viable low-GWP alternatives. The TU valve anniversary celebration embodies Danfoss's passion and unique expertise in designing top-end expansion devices, including other iconic valves like the T2 and ETS Colibri, which meet the most stringent application and regulatory requirements. Thermostatic expansion range valves "The TU is one of the crown jewels of our thermostatic expansion range," said Arpit Sharma, Danfoss Global Product Portfolio Manager for Expansion Valves, adding "Manufacturers love it because of its high degree of quality and reliability exhibited in the field. And like all Danfoss expansion valves, it’s accurate to a very narrow set point, which means even systems in challenging environments can be energy efficient too." He further said, "It's fitting that a valve Danfoss developed to protect the environment is still at the forefront of reducing direct and indirect impact from the refrigeration industry, now and into the future."

Unmatched for quality, ease and control, Friedrich’s new 2019 smart models have integrated Wi-Fi control through Friedrich Connect™, and are voice command compatible. From the commercial-grade, 20-gauge steel cabinet and fully enclosed fan motors to its unrivaled QuietMaster technology, Kühl represents a new standard in room air conditioners. 6,000 - 35,000 Btu/hr. Cooling only, heat pumps and cooling + electric heat models.  Friedrichs Kühl's quiet design, superior construction and integrated Wi-Fi with voice command make it the most advanced room air conditioner on the market. Units are available in 6,000 - 35,000 Btu/hr in cooling only, heat pumps, and cooling + electric heat models. ENERGY STAR® qualified models also available.  The Friedrich Air Conditioning Difference   Quietmaster® Technology. Engineered for quiet performance with superior components. As much as 45% quieter than competitor’s products.  Steel inner wall and extra dense insulation blocks outdoor noise. Vibration isolating design and components reduce operating noise.  Precision engineering delivers maximum airflow and air dispersion at low sound levels.  Commercial Grade Quality & Durability  Superior components and construction. Attention to every detail. Every aspect of Kühl is ultra-premium, outside and in, down to the tiniest component. Constructed with only the finest-quality materials, Kühl is extremely durable and designed to withstand tough use in virtually any commercial setting.  Dual filtration technology  Kühl units are designed with dual filtration technology to fill the home with cleaner indoor air. A washable antimicrobial air filter and check filter reminder will help one maintain that fresh clean air feel.  Earth Friendly  Kühl units are designed with a slideout chassis for more permanent installation Friedrich’s commitment to environment-friendly cooling is shown in the Kühl. The unit is available in ENERGY STAR® qualified models, uses eco-friendly R-410A refrigerant in all models, and arrives in recyclable packaging.  slideout chassis  Kühl units are designed with a slideout chassis for more permanent installation and easier access for maintenance. Heavy-duty window installation hardware is included with Kühl units and an optional accessory for Kühl+ units.  Smart Wi-Fi Control with Voice Command  Home or away, one is in control with the Friedrich Connect™ App. Integrated Wi-Fi control from one’s smartphone and voice command compatible. New intuitive platform. Simplified 7-day programmability. With one’s advanced grouping program, one can control multiple units to work independently or as a single system. One can even invite other users to manage one or more of the units. 

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.

Since fluorinated gases, due to their atmosphere warming potential, are subject to increasing regulations, global supermarket chains need future-proof concepts to cater to their commercial refrigeration needs. One of the great long-term options to meet these stores’ commercial refrigeration requirement is CO2-based system. CO2 (R744) has proven itself to be a reliable and cost-effective natural refrigerant. CO2 systems are the chosen HVAC systems for larger supermarkets, both for their environmental reasons and power consumption efficiency, as developments in technology continue to reveal their performance gains, particularly in Central and Northern Europe. CO2-based systems in Norway's COOP stores FREOR has supplied the Norway-based retail stores with energy-efficient CO2 refrigeration equipment COOP PRIX store in Heggenes and COOP EXTRA store in Hvervenkastet, Norway are excellent examples of a major retailer’s choice to transition to HFC-free (hydrofluorocarbon-free) CO2 cooling. FREOR has supplied the Norway-based retail stores with energy-efficient CO2 refrigeration equipment, which were installed by the company’s partner in Norway, NordDisk. COOP stores were equipped with FREOR’s multi-decks - JUPITER Glass Doors for vegetables, dairy and meat products, semi verticals - PLUTON SPACE for pre-packed meat product refrigeration, and freezer islands - HELLA for various types of frozen produce. Green Wave CO2 by FREOR Green Wave CO2 by FREOR is the broad line of remote products, adapted to operate on CO2 refrigerant, in the central refrigeration system. CO2 is an environmentally sustainable refrigerant, with no major effect on global warming, in case of leakage and is well suited for colder climate countries, such as Norway. Natural refrigerants are future-oriented solutions, as they are not subject to any legislative requirements, under the global HFC phase-down, including the Kigali Amendment, to the Montreal Protocol and the European Union (EU) F-Gas Regulation.

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.