UPDATE: Atmosphere 2009 - CO₂ highlights

During a dedicated workshop session on 19 October end-users, manufacturers, and engineering companies shed light on the best-practice use of R744 in Mobile Air Conditioning for conventional and next-generation electric vehicles, vending machines, hot water heat pumps, and supermarkets. Presentations now available.

At the international conference on the natural refrigerants CO₂, hydrocarbons, and ammonia, more than 150 participants from 30 countries gathered in Brussels on 19-20 October to discuss policy frameworks and finance schemes that could help getting natural refrigerants faster to market.

On 19 October, a dedicated workshop session on the best practice use of carbon dioxide as a natural refrigerant in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration sparked high interest. Topics ranged from MAC in today’s and tomorrow’s cars, CO₂ for medium and low temperature applications in supermarkets, an end-user perspective on the efficient use in food stores, and issues to be taken into account when designing a highly efficient compressor. The main purpose of presentations at Atmosphere 2009 was not to discuss latest technological progress on single components, but to highlight the state of play for different applications and world regions.

The Presentations

CO₂ in Supermarkets: Bernd Heinbokel from Carrier updated participants about the use of CO₂ in super- and hypermarkets in Germany and beyond. His presentation span the topics of energy efficiency, the use of R744 in subcritical and transcritical applications, and recent installations designed by Carrier. Heinbokel drew attention to the fact that the latest generation of proposed HFCS – namely HFO1234yf and HFO1234ze - would be classified as extremely flammable to be used only in explosion proof systems. The use of multi compressor units with direct expansion would not be possible with these substances. Compared to R404a, R744 in a hypermarket would reduce annual CO₂ emissions by 56% which would equal taking 415 cars off the road. In a small discounter food market it would still equal 19 cars less (120 g/km CO₂ emissions). Carrier has a refrigeration capacity of 12.000 kW running in 90 stores throughout Europe, with 20 more being ordered.

CO₂ in Commercial HW Heat Pumps: Hirotaka Itou, President of Nihon Itomic, presented an overview of hot water heat pumps operating with major success in Japan. “EcoCute” models for residential use have been sold to 1.7 million households, while commercial units amount to 8,000 units, out of which itomic has produced 1,300. Major success factors for establishing CO₂ heat pumps also outside Europe would include supports by government and extra-governmental organisations, regular industry and educational events, energy efficiency awards, the creation of a strong brand name and marketing efforts, as well as a collaboration of electricity providers and heat pump manufacturers.

CO₂ in Vending Machines: Antoine Azar from The Coca-Cola Company highlighted the importance of using environmentally friendly refrigerants for marketing and sales equipment that makes up 15% of the company’s total carbon footprint – three times more than the manufacturing process. Coca Cola is still holding on to its commitment to phase out HFC refrigerant where commercially available, with a focus on CO₂ Technology.

Presentations available soon

CO₂-related presentations will be made available to R744.com readers next week. Please check the website regularly for updates.