Performance testing of Ben Jerrys R290 freezer and more case studies

Comparative performance testing of different appliances, including R290 freezers from IARP for Ben & Jerry’s and True Manufacturing appliances as well as efficiency savings and reduced charge rates by EPA approved blended hydrocarbons are just some of the issues covered during the two technology case study sessions at ATMOsphere America 2012.

With the recent approval of new SNAP rulings for hydrocarbon applications by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), some interesting developments on the market for small commercial refrigeration can be expected in the US and beyond.

This will be also one of the key topics at ATMOsphere America 2012, taking place on 12-13 June in Washington DC. hydrocarbons21.com gives a first overview of the hydrocarbon related case studies that will be presented at the event:

Propane Compressors for Light Commercial Refrigeration Segment in US Market by Embraco: Propane can be considered as the most interesting refrigerant both for low evaporating temperature field as well as for positive temperature evaporation appliances. Recent EPA SNAP positive conclusion opens opportunity in US household and light commercial refrigeration applications. Comparative analysis of different types of propane applications will be presented, including a performance testing (R290 vs R404A) of a Ben &Jerry freezer produced by IARP for a Unilever field test in US with an Embraco compressor as well as a comparative performance testing (R290 vs R404A) of a True Manufacturing appliance for the US market and more.

EPA-Approved Multiblend Pure‐Hydrocarbon Refrigerant Used for Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Applications by Richard H. Maruya and Steven Mella, AS TRUST: As the first hydrocarbon refrigerant to be approved for sale in the United States, R441a is a blend of pure hydrocarbons. Compared to single‐component hydrocarbons, these blended hydrocarbons demonstrate higher energy savings, reduced charge rates, lower risk of flammability, smaller size system components, improved cooling capacity, faster cooling operation and reduced component wear. This paper describes the successful use of R441a in a Whirlpool residential refrigerator, a Haier residential refrigerator and a Toyota T100 truck, as well as case study results for use of R443a in two commercial air‐conditioning units at Cal Expo. Operational efficiency and cost results are presented, along with a discussion of lessons learned and plans for the next installations.

SUPERVALU’s Development of Next Generation Refrigeration Systems: Application of Ammonia, CO₂, and Propane by Richard Heath, SUPERVALU and Jim Armer, CTA Architects Engineers: In late July of 2012, SUPERVALU will be opening their first complete natural refrigeration store in the US. Through application of original technologies and innovations with the natural refrigerants ammonia, carbon dioxide, and propane, an industry influencing solution will be available. An on‐site comparison will be made between the ammonia primary system and a redundant R407A primary system. The result from this comparison will allow SUPERVALU and the industry to understand the achievable balance of Total Equivalent Warming Impact (TEWI), equipment and operating costs, maintenance considerations, and repeatability.

Other case studies in the field of Natural Refrigerants to be presented at ATMOsphere America 2012:

First Transcritical CO₂ Booster System Installation in the US & Global Technology Trends by Michael Englebright, Danfoss
Ammonia/CO₂ Cascade Refrigeration System at a Defence Commissary Agency Project by Rob Arthur CTA Architects Engineers
Industrial Ammonia Heat Pumps in Food Processing by Sam Gladis, Emerson/Vilter
Product innovations in the field of natural refrigerants for North America, by Marc-André Lesmerises, Carnot
Commercial and Industrial Hot Water from Transcritical CO₂Heat Pumps by Merle Rocke, EcoThermics
Innovation in low charge, packaged ammonia refrigeration systems for temperature controlled storage and HVAC applications by Rob Lamb, Star Refrigeration
Safe ammonia system design in various applications, by Alexander Cohr Pachai, Johnson Controls
Latest Ultra Low Charge Ammonia Shell and Tube Evaporator by Zahid Ayub, Isotherm