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HC Case Studies: R290 in high-ambient AC, high charge HC in medical cold rooms & more

2013-05-24 17:18:40

With the phase-out of HCFCs, and R-22 in particular, there is concern over the choice of alternatives for AC in countries with hot climates. At the upcoming UNIDO ATMOsphere conference (June 3-4 Vienna) this topic will be analysed in a Case Study by Godrej India/GIZ Proklima. Other examples of hydrocarbons in high ambient temperatures will be discussed including a presentation showcasing a medical store room with a 24 kilo refrigerant charge in Costa Rica, cold store facilities in Viet Nam, and a UNEP/UNIDO program promoting low-GWP alternatives. Registration (free of charge) is still open!

Foster Refrigerator raises green bar with second CSR Report

2013-05-23 16:15:03

Foster Refrigerator has claimed to have raised the green bar higher for commercial refrigeration with the release of its second CSR (corporate social responsibility) report, detailing independently verified carbon footprint improvements and waste reduction.

Two years ago Foster claimed to be the first European company in commercial refrigeration to set its own robust environmental targets. Now the company says its slogan of ‘working today, protecting tomorrow’, is paying off, with independent verification to back up its claims.

Natural Solutions for Developing Countries - UNIDO ATMOsphere Technology Summit

2013-05-23 16:01:02

ATMOsphere is teaming up with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), to co-organise the UNIDO ATMOsphere Technology Summit, an international conference focusing on natural solutions for the HVAC&R and foam sectors in developing countries. The Summit will take place at the UN headquarters in Vienna, Austria, from 3 - 4 June 2013, and will bring together a unique blend of participants.

RAC Cooling Industry Awards: Deadline Extended to June 3rd

2013-05-21 20:01:11

The deadline to enter the Cooling Awards has been extended, allowing companies one final window of opportunity to gain recognition in the most prestigious awards in the industry.

Secop, compressor manufacturer, partners with hydrocarbons21.com

2013-05-21 12:49:22

Secop, manufacturer of advanced compressor technologies, has joined hydrocarbons21.com to help bring awareness to their range of compressors using R600a and R290 for household and light-commercial applications.

Kiruna Declaration: On the Occasion of the Eighth Ministerial Meeting of the Arctic Council

2013-05-21 00:00:00

Kiruna Declaration, published by the Arctic Council on 15 April 2013, calls for action to be taken “as soon as possible” to phase down HFCs under the Montreal Protocol and to reduce black carbon and methane emissions in the Arctic.

This Declaration summarizes the concluding remarks of the Eighth Ministerial meeting of the Arctic Council which took place in Kiruna, Sweden, and brought together Ministers representing the eight Arctic States, joined by the representatives of the six Permanent Participant organizations of the Arctic Council.

Practical Application of Refrigerants R600A and R290 in small hermetic systems

2013-05-21 00:00:00

Refrigerants R600a – isobutane and R290 – propane are possible replacements for other refrigerants which heavily impact the environment and can be applied to small hermetic systems such as factory made household and commercial refrigerators and freezers. These refrigerants have zero ozone depletion potential ODP and a neglectible global warming potential GWP. Furthermore they are petrol gases from natural sources.

Secop Whitepaper: high-efficiency compressors

2013-05-21 00:00:00

This paper reflects on the value to end-users of high efficiency compressors with low noise. It provides inspiration for thinking ”outside-the-box” with regards to value optimization of cabinets.

Ultra low temperature freezers with 100% natural HC blends at BIOtech 2013, Japan

2013-05-17 10:20:59

BIOtech 2013 in Japan, 13th International Bio Technology Exhibition & Conference, brought together over 10,000 attendees over the course of three days. 600 exhibitors presented their biotechnology products and latest research developments. hydrocarbons21.com attended the event to explore this rapidly growing industry, meet suppliers using hydrocarbon refrigerants and identify new opportunities for natural refrigerants in this emerging market. +PHOTOS

Refrigerant Market – Hydro Chlorofluorocarbons (HCFC), Hydro fluorocarbon (HFC), Hydrocarbon (HC), Inorganic (Ammonia, Carbon dioxide) - Trends & Forecasts to 2018

2013-05-17 09:31:28

Global refrigerant demand is anticipated to grow by 5.2% to reach 1.6 million metric tons by 2018. Gains will be fueled by increasing production of refrigerator and cooling products/equipment, economic growth of developing nations, increasing standard of living, and rising global temperatures.

The refrigerant market is very mature with high degree of competition. In this scenario, companies are coming up with new and more environment friendly products. For instance, in domestic refrigerators, hydrocarbon refrigerants (R600A) are used as an alternative to HFC.

A.S. Trust & Holdings takes its R441A and R443A hydrocarbon formula to Japanese market

2013-05-16 11:49:02

While on stand-by for clearance in automotive AC systems in the US, A.S. Trust & Holdings’ hydrocarbon formula R441A makes progress with its exclusive distributor in Japan, Kyozon Technology. Energy-saving testing of the R441A formula in Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) will be carried out in two types of automobile fleets operated by a taxi company in Yokohama.

Study shows negligible R290 flammability risk in ice cream cabinets

2013-05-15 10:58:36

A recent study shows that the flammability risk of R290 (propane) within horizontal type ice cream cabinets is negligible compared to background and other reference values. The research results show that the ignition frequency is between 1×10⁻⁸ and 2×10⁻¹³ per year. The maximum overpressure and thermal intensity within the room is 3 kPa and 200 s (kW m⁻²)^4/3, respectively 6.5 kPa and 20 s (kW m⁻²)^4/3within the compressor compartment.

Danfoss Looks To Bring Efficient Hydrocarbons To The US Refrigeration Market

2013-05-14 11:16:37

Today, small refrigeration units like glass door merchandisers are being adapted for use with hydrocarbons. But some of the interest in hydrocarbons in the US stems from customers looking for alternative solutions for larger applications - such as heat pumps and self-contained display cases for supermarkets - because hydrocarbons are seen as much more energy efficient than the hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants currently used.

The hydrocarbons R290 and R600, for example, have already proven to significantly reduce energy bills for customers in Europe. Some customers have even complained after switching to R290 or R600 that their unit was broken - when it was in fact working perfectly - because it consumed so little energy.

Bahrain To Host Asian Ozone Officers' Meeting

2013-05-13 12:42:56

Manama-May-09(BNA)The Joint Network Meeting of Ozone Officers of Asia and the Pacific will be open in Bahrain on Sunday (May12). The four-day event is being held under the patronage of His Majesty's Personal Representative and President of Supreme Council for the Environment Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al-Khalifa.

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Regional Office for West Asia is organising the meeting in cooperation with the Supreme Council for the Environment. The meeting will be held on the sidelines of a regional workshop on carbon management (HPMPs). The workshop will highlight the crucial importance of strategies and executive plans aimed to empower countries to honour their commitments as stipulated in Montreal Protocol.

Steadily growing interest in hydrocarbon training in the U.S. - Exclusive interview with Mark Lowry

2013-05-13 12:21:26

The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES), the US HVACR Training Authority, recently released its "Hydrocarbon Refrigerants” training material and certificate, available through RSES eLearning as a training course and test, or a test-only option. hydrocarbons21.com interviewed Mr. Mark Lowry, Executive Vice President of RSES about the “Hydrocarbon Refrigerants” study guide and his views on hydrocarbon training in the US market.

Seeking to Smooth Out Natural Refrigerants’ Rocky Road

2013-05-08 16:05:53

The road to natural refrigerants is a rocky one. There is much talk, but not a lot of action. However, this sector is certainly expanding. This “road” was a topic of discussion during the most recent International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) Industrial Refrigeration Conference & Exposition in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Marc Chasserot, managing director for Shecco, a marketing firm that has websites for a number of natural refrigerants, told an audience of several hundred refrigeration engineers and contractors, “Yes, natural refrigerants are making inroads. But besides ammonia, it’s peanuts,” in terms of impact.

He said Europe “has the greatest immediate adoption potential for natural refrigerants while other regions show good potential.” He listed the naturals as ammonia (R-717), CO2 (R-744), air (R-729), propane (R-290), isobutene (R-600a), and water (R-718).

6th EHPA European Heat Pump Forum on Renewable Heating

2013-05-08 15:55:04

The European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) will hold the 6^th European Heat Pump Forum to provide insights into the latest market trends and recent development in EU legislation affecting the heat pump technology. The event will take place on 15 May 2013 in the Solvay Library in Brussels, Belgium and will provide participants the chance to discuss with their national representatives at European level.

EU pushes for international agreement on HFCs in 2013

2013-05-08 15:48:16

During the recent international climate talks in Bonn, the EU highlighted that the issue of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) should be included in the Montreal Protocol process and expressed hope that a decision be taken in the November 2013 climate talks. North American countries and Micronesia had previously backed the idea by re-submitting amendment proposals to the Montreal Protocol in April 2013.

20-30% energy savings with hydrocarbon ice machines

2013-05-07 12:24:16

For the development of an energy efficient and environmentally friendly ice machine, Manitowoc Ice, Inc. teamed up with Danfoss. Together, the companies created two new models within Manitowoc’s Indigo Series and two Q-series under-counter units, all cooled with hydrocarbons. One study showed 20-30% less energy consumption in the R290 ice machine than in comparable systems.

Home cool home

2013-05-06 09:32:38

You might pay more for a 5 star AC, but you pay less on electricity bills. Companies keep upgrading technology, so watch out for newer and more energy-efficient models. For instance, Godrej has a new range that reportedly gives power savings that's up to 20 per cent more than other ACs in the same bracket. A typical 5-star AC consumes around 1570 watts/hr. “Godrej's Green Balance AC uses R290, a hydro carbon refrigerant rather than regular refrigerant. So they consume only 912 watts/hour for a 1 tonne AC, which is less power than a hair dryer,” says Bhargav.