When it comes to refrigerants, accurate information is not always readily available which is why HyChill Australia general manager, Mario Balen, says its time to debunk some of the more common myths.
There is hardly an industry more beset with opposing views than the refrigeration industry which falls into two camps. There is the synthetic refrigerants industry and the other camp, natural refrigerants which is made up of the mighty five - ammonia, CO2, hydrocarbons, air and water.
With the synthetic refrigerants industry supported by huge marketing budgets accurate information about natural refrigerants isn't always readily available. There are some facts that are indisputable.
For example, the global refrigerants market in 2012 topped $13.2 billion and is growing at a rate of 6.9 per cent. It is forecast to reach $20 billion in 2018.
At the same time the HVACR sector will consume up to 25 per cent of all global electricity(1). Australian numbers are equally staggering: in 2012 the refrigerants market stood at $533 million, with the electricity cost for running HVACR equipment totalling $14 billion(2).
The overwhelming prevalence of synthetic refrigerants has in recent years been substantially undermined by their environmental harm (Ozone depleting and Global Warming Potential), opening the door for natural alternatives. The Montreal and Kyoto Protocols have placed substantial restrictions on the use of HCFC refrigerants and moves are underway to further restrict and phase down HFC refrigerants.
It is in this environment that natural refrigerants have made substantial inroads with industry witnessing first hand the excellent cooling qualities and energy efficiency benefits that the 'mighty five' can provide.
Today, natural refrigerants are used in basically every HVACR application from the automotive AC and refrigerated transport, domestic and commercial refrigeration and air conditioning, to industrial cooling and refrigeration.
Not surprisingly, this has led to the synthetic refrigerant industry trying to restore market dominance by talking down the competition rather than emphasising comparative advantages. A prime example is the mud-slinging directed at hydrocarbon refrigerants (HCR). This is why it is time to debunk the myths:
Myth 1: Hydrocarbon refrigerants are “highly dangerous”
Almost 10 per cent of all vehicles on Australian roads today have air conditioning system charged with hydrocarbon refrigerant (HCR), that's around 1,200,000 vehicles(2). The average car will have around 250 g of charge, barely more than an average aerosol can! Companies like HyChill have been supplying HCRs for over 20 years and, in spite of the doomsday scenarios there is no evidence to confirm the 'danger' of using HCRs in automotive retrofits.
HCRs are also the dominant refrigerant for domestic and light commercial refrigeration, adopted worldwide for its energy and operational efficiency. This is supported by organisations such as the Consumer Goods Forum, an alliance of 400
leading global food retailers and suppliers with a combined turnover of $3.5 trillion per annum.
From 2015 these leading retailers have made the switch to exclusively use natural refrigerant based technologies including hydrocarbons.
Myth 2: Those using hydrocarbon refrigerants are “dodgy cowboys”(3)
Recent anecdotal evidence shows that up to 60 per cent of workshops use both, R134a and HCRs, tailoring their use to particular applications. The dodgy cowboy label is a slap in the face to all those skilled mechanics, auto-electricians and air-conditioning professionals who have spent their working lives safely using HCRs day in and day out.
Myth 3: HCRs are known to damage air conditioning systems, increase risks and cause repair bills
It is actually known across the industry that, due to lower operating pressure and better lubricant miscibility, HCRs perform more efficiently and put less stress on compressors. Some studies show that hydrocarbons are up to 20 per cent more efficient than corresponding HFC refrigerants(4).
The simple fact is: There are no multiple failures of compressors or other components of air conditioning systems resulting from use of HCRs. Some compressor manufacturers/re-conditioners even offer extended warranty if HCRs are used (C.A.R. Melbourne). Another myth busted!
(1) The white paper - Refrigerants options now and in the future, Danfoss
(2) Cold Hard Facts 2, Federal Government commissioned study in the HVACR industry, 2012
(3) VASA, article in the Automotive Engineer magazine, October 2014
(4) Comparative performance of HCRs - Maclaine-cross & Leonardi