Light Commercial Refrigeration - Position Paper 2020 - Embraco
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Position Paper
Light Commercial Refrigeration
Refrigerants Outlook for Europe
2020
www.embraco.com
Introduction With the Kigali Amendment EU F-gas regulations impose
to the Montreal Protocol, the a ban on high global warming
global community made another potential (GWP) refrigerants in
important step towards preserving several categories of commercial
our planet for future generations applications over the next few
by reducing CO2 emissions due years and has considerably
to human activities. The global limited the available quantities of
phase-down of HFCs in the these refrigerants on the market.
refrigeration sector represents Several alternative synthetic
an important contribution to refrigerants have been developed
international climate change by the chemical industry and more
mitigation efforts. are coming.
For many years, Embraco has been Embraco has performed extensive
actively investing in this direction tests to assess the capacity of
by developing and promoting these alternatives to replace high-
hermetic compressors for use GWP refrigerants presently in use.
with low-atmospheric impact The biggest difficulty was found in
refrigerants on all continents. In trying to replace R404A.
addition to isobutane (R600a) in
household appliances, significant This paper will summarize current
progress has been made in testing for R404A and R134a
integrating propane (R290) into replacements, with a focus on
light commercial plug-in systems reliability and performances as
as a natural alternative to R404A, well as the evolution of related
as well as in the use of carbon safety legislation.
dioxide in supermarket sector.
2Embraco Policy ● Embraco will encourage the ● Embraco will continue to
Statement use of low GWP refrigerants develop products for both
to support global effort to natural and synthetic
mitigate climate change. low-GWP refrigerants that
exceed present and future
● Embraco will continue to
energy efficiency standards
provide solutions to improve
in order to assure the
the energy efficiency of
competitiveness of our
refrigeration equipment with
products and expectations
low-GWP refrigerants.
of our end users.
● Embraco will support proactive
● Embraco will continue to work
use of natural refrigerants
with international legislative
without compromising
bodies on the safe use of
appliance safety or technician
low-GWP refrigerant options.
training
3EU F-Gas Regulation
The European Union’s F-gas From January 1st, 2020 Questions on the interpretation
regulations (517/2014) - Hermetically sealed systems of this new regulation can be
limit the use of refrigerants that contains HFCs with GWP of addressed directly thru the European
with high GWP values. 2500 or more (e.g. R404A, R507A) Commission (DG Clima) website or
will be banned in refrigerators to major industry associations (e.g.
The EU deadlines for use
and freezers used for storage, ASERCOM, EPEE, AREA), and/or by
of refrigerant substances
display or distribution of products contacting the national authority in
for different refrigeration in retail and food service charge of EU F-gas regulations.
segments are: (commercial use).
EXISTING SYSTEMS
From January 1st, 2022
MAINTENANCE
- Hermetically sealed systems
From January 1, 2020 the use
that contains HFCs with GWP of
of F-gases with GWP of 2500 or
150 or more (e.g. R134a R407F,
more in refrigeration equipment
R407C, R410A) will be banned in
with gas charge size exceeding
refrigerators and freezers used for
40TCO2equiv (e.g., more than
storage, display or distribution of
10,2 kg of R404A) will be banned.
products in retail and food service
(commercial use). This does not include reclaimed
or recycled refrigerants, which will
From January 1st, 2020 be allowed until January 1, 2030.
- Stationary refrigeration equipment
that contains, or that relies upon For systems impacted by these
for its functioning, HFCs with GWP service and maintenance bans
of 2500 or more (except equipment there are two options: retrofit
intended for application designed with gases with GWP lower than
to cool products to temperatures 2500 or replace them with new
below -50°C) will be banned. equipment that uses a lower GWP
refrigerant.
4QUOTA SYSTEM 100%
93%
EU F-gas regulations (517/2014) 90%
limit the sale and distribution of 80%
high-GWP gases under a quota
70%
allocation system (see Figure 1), 63%
60%
leading to a declining supply and
50%
a significant increase in HFC prices 45%
40%
(see Figure 2). The amounts of HFC 31%
30%
gases available for all applications 24% 21%
are limited based on GWP value 20%
(as of 2018, a reduction of 49% 10%
from 2015 usage - 87MTCO2equiv) 0%
and industry has been forced 2015 2017 2019 2021 2023 2025 2027 2029 2031
to switch quickly to low-GWP Fig.1 HFC Phase Down Schedule (EU regulation 517/2014)
alternatives.
EU F-gas regulation considers the average consumption between 2009 and 2012
expressed in MT CO2equiv as the phase down baseline
%
1200
■ R404A (GWP 3922)
1000
■ R410A (GWP 2088)
■ R407C (GWP 1774)
800
■ R134a (GWP 1430)
600
400
200
0
2014 Q1 Q3 Q1 Q3 Q1 Q3 Q1
2016 2016 2017 2017 2018 2018 2019
Q4 Q2 Q4 Q2 Q4 Q2 Q4 Q2
2015 2016 2016 2017 2017 2018 2018 2019
Fig.2 R404A and R134a Price Increases in the EU (2014 = 100%)
5Alternative Refrigerants for Commercial Refrigeration Embraco is working on products This means products that meet We recommend, if possible, going for the light commercial the final target limit (
Final Target Limit Hydrocarbons
PROPANE (R290) The IEC standard is directly a larger and heavier compressor
applicable in most of the world, frame. Isobutane’s evaporating
Embraco offers full product line of
and with some regional deviations temperature range is also limited.
HC compressors as a final solution like es. in Europe, with EN version. The Embraco catalogue features a
to meet EU F-gases regulation. These revisions are still in full range of products for both LBP
Propane (R290) is already widely progress and will not be concluded and HBP applications, including
used on several commercial and before 2020. small chest freezers, bottle
air conditioning applications. Most Until when EU authorities will coolers and wine coolers.
of the existing light commercial adopt recently approved new IEC
application can be adapted for global standard charge limit, it
OTHER HYDROCARBONS:
use of HC refrigerants. remains still at 150 g per circuit. PROPYLENE (R1270)
Recently the IEC standard In case of larger applications
used for hermetically sealed multi-circuit configuration is a Propylene has very similar
applications (IEC60335-2-89) was feasible option. properties to propane. Although
updated, raising the charge slightly less efficient, it has the
limit to approximately 500 g for advantage of a higher specific
OTHER HYDROCARBONS:
propane or 1,2 kg for A2L safety ISOBUTANE (R600a) cooling capacity.
class flammable refrigerants. Therefore, propylene use must be
This makes the transition to low- R600a - isobutane - represents a limited to very specific situations.
GWP refrigerants much easier valid alternative solution for Embraco has no plans to develop
than under the previous 150 small appliances. It offers benefits compressors for propylene.
g limit. Under the IEC SC61C/ in terms of efficiency but has Its use can be approved in ad-hoc
WG4 working group, the industry significant limitations in terms solutions for specific situations
has defined a series of specific of cooling capacity. Due to its under the supervision of Embraco
additional measures needed to low specific cooling capacity, technical support.
allow higher charge levels without it requires bigger compressor
increasing risk as set by the displacement compared to other
previous standard. refrigerants and consequently,
7Next Generation HFCs
R404A ALTERNATIVES
In the long term, industry under the It is important for the refrigeration class refrigerants. However, Embraco
AHRI’s AREP (Alternative Refrigerant industry to avoid refrigerant is ready to address any specific
Evaluation Program) has tested a proliferation. An important step customer requests for compressor
series of new mixtures with GWP toward allowing the wider use of for use with A2L refrigerants.
below than 150. All these candidates A2L class refrigerants is the revision
are slightly flammable and belong of safety standards. Adoption of new Hopefully market forces will help
to the A2/A2L classification with IEC charge limits in the EU is crucial speed up the adoption of a global
temperature glide up to 12 K. because with only 150 grams of standard. (the same applies to A3
Tables 5 and 6 list some long-term charge it’s almost impossible today safety class mentioned before).
alternatives to R404A that Embraco to design any type of refrigeration
is testing for the light commercial system falling under the scope of
segment. the -89 product standard using A2L
Table 2 Alternative Blends Physical Data
R 404A R455A R454C
TYPE HFC blend HFC blend HFC blend
SAFETY CLASS A1 A2L A2L
BOILING TEMP @ 1atm -47°C -46°C -45°C
CRITICAL TEMP 72°C 83°C 82°C
BUBBLE-DEW @1 bar (ABS) 0,8K 12,4K 8,2K
Table 3 Embraco Evaluation Summary
R 404A R455A R454C
GWP 3920 146 146
APPLICATION FIELD L/MBP L/MBP L/MBP
CAPACITY Ref Same Lower
EFFICIENCY Ref Better Better
RELIABILITY Ref NA NA
LUBRICANT POE POE POE
MOTOR TEMP Ref Higher Higher
DISCHARGE TEMP Ref Higher Higher
NA – not available
8Next Generation HFCs
R134a ALTERNATIVES
R1234yf is a valid alternative to valid alternative to R134a for light
replace R134a, Embraco offers commercial systems because of
some compressor models for its low specific cooling capacity.
this refrigerant in its catalogue, Its use would require a completely
but nowadays its use is limited new product line that, at this
to very specific applications. stage, does not seem to not be a
R1234ze is not considered as a solution for this market segment.
Table 4 Alternative Blends Physical Data
R 134a R1234yf R1234ze (E)
TYPE HFC HFC HFC
SAFETY CLASS A1 A2L A2L
BOILING TEMP @ 1atm -26°C -30°C -19°C
CRITICAL TEMP 101°C 95°C 110°C
BUBBLE-DEW @1 bar (ABS) 0K 0K 0K
Table 5 Embraco Evaluation Summary
R 134a R1234yf R1234ze (E)
GWP 1430 Below 1 Below 1
CAPACITY Ref Slightly lower Much Lower
EFFICIENCY Ref Lower Lower
RELIABILITY Ref Same NA
LUBRICANT POE POE NA
MOTOR TEMP Ref Same NA
DISCHARGE TEMP Ref Same NA
NA – not available
9HFC Transitional Solutions
R404A REPLACEMENT They are all in safety class A1
To ease the transition to (non-toxic, non-flammable) and
refrigerants that comply with are characterized by considerably
target final GWP limits, the higher temperature glide than
chemical industry offers several R404A. Tables 6 and 7 outline
alternatives to existing high- Embraco’s evaluation of the main
GWP HFC refrigerants. The most physical proprieties of these
notable intermediate refrigerant blends.
candidates are HFC blends like
R407F, R407A, R448A, R449A
and R452A.
Table 6 Alternative Blends Physical Data
R 404A R407F R407A R448A R449A R452A
TYPE HFC blend HFC blend HFC blend HFC blend HFC blend HFC blend
SAFETY CLASS A1 A1 A1 A1 A1 A1
BOILING TEMP @ 1atm -47°C -46°C -45°C -45°C -46°C -47°C
CRITICAL TEMP 72°C 83°C 82°C 84°C 82 °C 75°C
BUBBLE-DEW @ 1 bar (ABS) 0,8K 6,4K 6,4K 6,3K 6,1K 3,8K
Table 7 Embraco Evaluation Summary
R 404A R407F R407A R448A R449A R452A
GWP 3920 1820 2100 1386 1397 2140
CAPACITY Ref Same Same Better Better Same
EFFICIENCY Ref Lower Lower Better Better Same
RELIABILITY Ref Much Lower Much Lower Lower Lower Same
LUBRICANT POE POE POE POE POE POE
MOTOR TEMP Ref Much Higher Much Higher Higher Higher Same
DISCHARGE TEMP Ref Much Higher Much Higher Higher Higher Same
10HFC Transitional Solutions
Compressor temperatures tend R452A presents the same or lower restricted operating envelope than
to increase significantly with thermal profile than R404A. R452A R404A due to the higher internal
R407F and R407A. A slightly can be considered as an alternative compressor thermal level. The
lower temperature increase was for Embraco’s R404A product line restricted envelope for R448A/
observed when testing R448A and (ECN R452A 2016) with the same R449A is presented in Figure 3. If
R449A. Increased temperature operating envelope of R404A in an application is using an Embraco
can lead to motors overheating LBP and MBP applications. Both R404A compressor outside of this
and/or overload protectors being R448A and R449A were approved restricted envelope, please contact
tripped. This leads to a reduction as an alternative refrigerant to Technical Support for further
in reliability and life expectancy R404A for NE/NT/NJ compressor instructions on how to adjust the
(see conclusion notes for their series (ECN R449A 2018 and ECN thermal level of the compressor eg.
eventual use). R448A 2019), but only with a more by reducing return gas temperature.
Tc
150
Operation Condition
140
Transient Condition
130
Tc Condensing Temperature °F
120
Te Evaporating Temperature °F
110
100
90
80
Te
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Fig.3 Restricted R448A/R449A Envelope (max. return 20°C)
In addition, customers always by changing compressor models
have the option of converting and relative system design
systems from R404A to R134a adjustment.
during the transition period just
11HFC Transitional Solutions
R134a REPLACEMENT
The only reason to use the above Both R513A and R450A are
mentioned R134a alternative approved for NB/NE/NT/NJ
blends during the transition series (ECN R513A R450A 2017
period is because of their lower and ECN CR/2966/en/18/10)
GWP allowing greater quantities as alternative refrigerant for
under quota limitations. Embraco R134a models.
Table 8 Alternative Blends Physical Data
R134a R450A R513A
TYPE HFC HFC blend HFC blend
SAFETY CLASS A1 A1 A1
BOILING TEMP @ 1atm -26°C -24°C -29°C
CRITICAL TEMP 101°C 106°C 98°C
BUBBLE-DEW @ 1 bar (ABS) 0K 0,8K 0,8K
Table 9 Embraco Evaluation Summary
R134a R450A R513A
GWP 1430 547 573
CAPACITY Ref Lower Same
EFFICIENCY Ref Same Same
RELIABILITY Ref Same Same
LUBRICANT POE POE POE
MOTOR TEMP Ref Same Same
DISCHARGE TEMP Ref Same Same
12Performance It is important to consider that a mid-point approach should be
Evaluation refrigerants with significant glide used. How to define mid-point
have to be differently than in temperature is illustrated in
the past. A dew point pressure Figure 4.
approach cannot be used to define
actual system operating conditions;
Fig.4 Mid-point Temperature Chart and Formulas
13Warning Warning Statement About Use
of Flammable Refrigerants (A2L,
A3) with Embraco Compressors,
approved for A1 Safety Class
Refrigerants (R134a, R404A, etc.)
Embraco is currently producing 4.
hermetic compressors for use Given the above-mentioned charge
with A3 and A2L refrigerants to limitations and considering that
replace high-GWP HFCs. However, all flammable refrigerants require
it is important to note that: the same design, manufacturing
and maintenance precautions, we
1.
strongly recommend the use of
Embraco compressors designed
HC solutions wherever technically
and approved for non-flammable
possible.
refrigerants (A1 class), cannot be
used with any type of flammable 5.
refrigerants, including both A3 Embraco offers a full portfolio of
and A2L class refrigerants. compressor models for R290, the
refrigerant considered the best
2.
option for both systems with a
All Embraco products mentioned
150 g charge limit as well as those
in the Declaration of Conformity
with the new IEC charge limit once
are compliant with all relevant EU
the harmonized EU standards are
directives.
approved.
3
6.
For refrigeration systems falling
Embraco declines any responsibility
under the scope of the harmonized
for compressors used without
standard EN 60335-2-89, EU
approved refrigerants (as listed
regulations allow the use of
above) and warns that potential
flammable refrigerants up to
reliability issues, such as motor
150 g refrigerant charge for each
overheating and electrical
single refrigeration circuit until
component malfunction, could
the new IEC limit is adopted.
occur following the use of
unauthorized refrigerants.
14Conclusions Hydrocarbons (isobutane-R600a Embraco R404A compressors
and propane-R290) represent may require system changes
the best long term solution for such as a reduction in condensing
both low and medium pressure temperature (larger condenser,
light commercial self-contained improved ventilation) or return gas
applications. Future EU legislation temperature in order to achieve a
changes are expected to remove similar thermal profile to R404A.
some of the existing roadblocks To maintain an Embraco warranty,
related to charge limits. As for the final application needs to
the transition period between be validated by the Embraco
now and 2022, R452A can also Technical Support Team on a case-
be considered as an alternative by-case basis. In particular, using
refrigerant (see ECN R452A 2016) these blends in systems operating
for both LBP and MBP but also under high compression ratio
R448A, and R449A mixtures can conditions should be avoided.
be used with specific Embraco R513A and R450A are approved
R404A series within a restricted as alternative to R134a for use
operating envelope (see ECN during the transition period in
R448A 2019 and ECN R449A specific Embraco R134a series
2018). Using the blends mentioned (see ECN R513A R450A 2017 and
above outside of Embraco ECN CR/2966/en/18/10). Though
approved system conditions, or its flammability must be taken
using other transition blends like into consideration, R1234yf is
R407F or R407A as an alternative also an acceptable alternative for
refrigerant for systems using R134a for the long term.
CURRENT TEMPORARY FINAL
REFRIGERANT SOLUTION SOLUTION
LBP MBP LBP MBP
■ Embraco Approved Refrigerant R404A R452A R452A R290* R290*
■ Please contact Technical Support
R507 R134a* R134a* R455A R455A
■ Not Approved
R407C R407C R454C R454C
* different displacement R448A R448A** R1270 R1270
**NE/NT/NJ restrict envelope R449A R449A** R744 R744
***only NE/NT/NJ products R407A R407A
R407F R407F
R134a R134a R134a R1234yf R1234yf
R513A*** R513A*** R600a* R600a*
R450A*** R450A*** R290* R290*
15General Trends
Light Commercial
Segment from
Embraco’s Prospective
LIGHT COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATION
WATT 150 - 5000
REGION/YEAR TODAY 2022 2025
AMERICA
EUROPE
HC JAPAN
CHINA
REST OF THE WORLD
AMERICA
EUROPE
HIGH GWP JAPAN
HFC’s CHINA
REST OF THE WORLD
AMERICA
EUROPE
LOW GWP JAPAN
HFC’s CHINA
REST OF THE WORLD
AMERICA
EUROPE
CO2 JAPAN
CHINA
REST OF THE WORLD
■ MAIN REFRIGERANT
■ REGULAR USE
■ NICHE USE
■ NO CLEAR
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