AHR Expo: CO₂ on the rise in the U.S.

The world’s leading exhibition for the air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration industry closed its doors yesterday in Chicago, USA. Several companies showcased CO₂ products, as can be seen in the photo gallery below.

The AHR Expo, taking place from 26-28 January in Chicago, welcomed more than 1,850 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services in the HVAC&R industry. Contractors, engineers, facility managers and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) met to find state-of-the art solutions for their next projects. Special emphasis this year was on energy efficiency, energy saving and reclaiming, green building design & sustainability, as well as alternative energy sources.

The most stunning observation one could make this year was probably that, despite the turbulent economy, the 2009 AHR show and the 61^st edition of the world’s largest HVAC&R trade show surpassed the already successful 2008 New York edition in terms of exhibiting companies and square feet of space covered.

CO₂ on display

Despite the fact that CO₂ has traditionally not been the U.S. industry’s favourite until now, and that the North American market is in general slower in the uptake of natural refrigerants solutions, several leading suppliers were showcasing their CO₂ (R744) products. Responding to questions  by R744.com, exhibitors indicated that they had perceived a geniune interest  questions about their R744 solutions, companies’ general responses ranged from “yes” to “many”. In an exclusive video message to all R744.com readers, Giacomo Pisano from Dorin confirmed that feedback had been positive. Most suppliers of CO₂ refrigeration, heating and air conditioning systems expect this positive trend to continue after CO2 has already made inroads in European markets. Compared to 2008, this year’s exposition contained significantly more R744 solutions on display.

Companies displaying CO₂ solutions included Danfoss (compressors, pressure controls), Alfa Laval (single- and double-circuit brazed plate heat exchangers), Embraco (compressors, beverage cooler solution), Bitzer (compressors), Carel (controls, valves), Dorin (compressors), Hydro (tubing, evaporator), Inficon (leak detectors), Swep (heat exchangers), and Parker (expansion valves).

The photo gallery below visualizes the R744 products described above. An exclusive video message by Giacomo Pisano, Dorin, provides a short overview of how reactions have been at the AHR Expo: