Held in Chicago, the three-day trade event hosted more than 2,000 exhibiting companies and 50,000 visitors, all interested in the newest industry trends. Even though the emphasis was more on air-conditioning and traditional refrigerants, R744.com talked to many manufacturers of CO₂ equipment that see a positive change for the future of CO₂ in North America.

 

Some of the main companies that were presenting CO₂ components are listed below:

 

Mayekawa: The natural refrigerant pioneer from Tokyo showcased the first Unimo air to water hot water heat pump outside of Japan at the AHR Expo. Visitors could see live the high efficient unit with a COP of up to 4.2 that supplies water up to 194°F (90°C). In addition, Mayekawa had information on its Eco Sirocco water heat source CO₂ air heat pump and its well-known water heat source heat pump Eco Cute that were both the first in the market and are now also available in the US. Mayekawa confirmed an especially positive trend for the water-to-water heater but also mentioned a clear lack of awareness about CO₂ as a refrigerant among the US industry in general. 

 

Parker: The supplier of controls and valves displayed its new transcritical CO₂ valves in Chicago. It has already supplied the components to Carrier Transicold for transport refrigeration. Parker announced the launch of a complete CO₂ TC product range for this year. Moreover, through its new educational “10 Minutes Tech Talks” the company was educating visitors about the characteristics and use of CO₂ in supermarkets both on Monday and Tuesday, showing its commitment to help natural refrigerants penetrate the market faster through better education and training.

 

Dorin: The successful compressor manufacturer showed a semi-hermetic piston compressor for booster and cascade CO₂ as well as material on its CD compressor range of semi-hermetic reciprocating compressors for CO₂ applications.

 

AGRAMKOW: Besides its subsidiaries in Asia, Latin America and Europe, AGRAMKOW is also very active in North America indicating a higher demand for its CO₂ charging equipment in this region over the last months. The company highlighted its PROMAX CO₂ that features massflow technology and high CO₂ density that guarantees short charging cycle times. 

 

Bitzer: With over 15 years of experience in CO₂ technology, international compressor expert with its headquarters in Germany is getting ready for a strong push for CO₂ in the US market. At the AHR expo Bitzer showcased its semi-hermetic reciprocating Octagon compressor ranges for transcritical as well as subcritical applications.

 

SWEP: Showcasing its B17 brazed plate heat exchanger, SWEP highlighted the important role of CO₂ refrigeration for the future US industry. Designed for high-pressure CO₂ applications, the B17 is suitable for cold chain applications, heat pumps and mobile air-conditioning. SWEP also exhibited the B16DW brazed heat exchanger for high-pressure R744 refrigeration, industrial chillers & heat pump applications.

 

Carel: The international expert for HVAC&R solutions had its EXV - Sistema systems on display that are also suitable for CO₂. Carel EXV electronics have been also recently installed for a Hill Phoenix CO₂ system in a Californian supermarket. As the focus of the AHR is always more on air conditioning, the company reduced its appearance as regards natural refrigerants there with plans to have a stronger focus on CO₂ at the FMI trade show targeted to the food marketing industry in May 2012 in Dallas. 

 

Luvata: As one of the leaders for heat transfer technology, Luvata was also present at the AHR to promote its 6.35mm diameter coil for high pressure specifically designed for CO₂ gas cooler applications that can be also used for the evaporator side with lower pressure. Even though, Luvata does not see CO₂ on the mainstream market in North America, the company has experienced an increase in demand for its CO₂ products in the US.