Australian Refrigeration Association (ATA) president, Tim Edwards, explains why the future refrigerant landscape will be reduced to HFOs and naturals.
Passionate about reducing emissions and tackling climate change, Edwards isn't shy when it comes to assessing the future of synthetic refrigerants. He will tell anyone willing to listen exactly what he thinks.
"We all know that HCFCs are history and that HFCs are not too far behind. The future is really down to natural refrigerants versus HFOs," he says adding that discussion about anything else is a total misrepresentation of the HVACR industry.
He points out that China, India and many others now agree with the United States - there needs to be a phase down of the use of HFCs.
"This policy will go global for three reasons. Firstly it is currently being incorporated into the Montreal Protocol with the agreement of the synthetic refrigerant industry," Edwards explains.
"Secondly, there is enormous opportunity for increased energy efficiency based on the use of natural refrigerants. The phase down of HFC is commercially warranted.
"And finally, OEMs are moving to low GWP refrigerants and they are doing it now. This is a global reality.
"The truth is that the developing world will cease importing / producing HCFCs by 2030 and there will be rapid reductions between now and then.
"Australia will effectively stop importing R22 next year."
Despite all the talk about reclaiming, reusing and recycling refrigerants, Edwards says this is not the total solution.
"There is no chance that recycling is going to span the gap for R22," he adds.
Despite all the discussion about how HCFC and HFC refrigerant leakage is vastly improved including better components for leak avoidance, Edwards says the automotive industry has introduced reduced barrier hoses that actually increase leakage.
But that's another story and Edwards wants to talk about the good news and the progress that Australia is making moving toward a low carbon future.
He says Australia has stated its intention to support the policy of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC). The CCAC policy calls for the phase down of HFC refrigerants on a steep curve by the sector over the next 15/20 yrs. This policy is being incorporated into the Montreal Protocol and its 197 members.
"Anyone investing in a HVACR system today that thinks they will have ample access to HFCs before the end of life of the equipment is dreaming," Edwards says.
"Properly maintained HVACR equipment can have a long life, certainly 20 years. Will there be sufficient HFC available by then?
"In any case why would anyone use an HFC refrigerant when a natural refrigerant based system will be more efficient and has virtually no Global Warming Potential (GWP).
"Admittedly some supermarkets are considering R404A but the major operators are taking their HVACR equipment to natural refrigerants because they want high efficiency and low GWP. For proof of this just check out the Consumer Goods Forum."
Edwards says that CO2 is often touted as an alternative to HCFC: "But what about ammonia or hydrocarbons?" he asks.
"All three are showing strong growth. All three have enormous potential because they are more energy efficient.
"Another refrigerant that gets mentioned as a viable alternative is R32. Nope, this certainly isnt the way to go. R32 has a 20 yr. GWP of 2330 times carbon.
"Likewise R32 / HFO blends also have a high GWP. They are not low GWP refrigerants.
"Anyone thinking about R32 should read the Safety Data Sheet and investigate the implications of thermal decomposition," he warns.
"Instead of continuing to talk about the issues surrounding the use of HCFCs and HFCs, the industry should have the capacity and vision to make the most of this great opportunity by choosing the solutions that deliver energy efficient HVACR.
"Let’s not kid ourselves about what it means to be green in HVACR."