Road transport refrigeration expands use of A2L low GWP R-454A

Compared to non-flammable R-452A (GWP 2140) widely used in refrigerated road transport, A2L mildly flammable low GWP R-454A (F-gas GWP 237) reduces GWP by 89%. The safety standard for refrigerated road transport (EN 17893:2024) provides a framework for the use of flammable refrigerants with regard to design and operation, including demonstration that risks are mitigated to acceptable levels. According to one equipment supplier, “A2L refrigerants represent a balance between lower GWP and strong thermodynamic performance, while remaining compatible with modern refrigeration system architectures. These characteristics have contributed to their growing adoption across the refrigeration technology. However, the trade-off of this evolution means that flammability considerations should be incorporated into system design and addressed throughout the product lifecycle.”

System architectures address the safety considerations of the A2L refrigerant by integrating robust safety precautions into core designs to retain refrigerant in systems. Design features can include comprehensive risk management systems, automated leak detection and concentration monitoring, and pump-down systems in the event of leakage.

Refrigeration systems using low GWP R-454A are reported to achieve equivalent cooling performance, maintaining the temperature control, cooling capacity, rapid pulldown, and fuel and power efficiency, compared to R-452A systems. Several refrigerated road transport equipment suppliers now offer R-454A systems as standard.

Explanatory notes. F-gas regulation 2024/573 requirements for transport refrigeration: There are no specific GWP limits for transport refrigeration in Annex IV, although, the use of fluorinated greenhouse gases, with a global warming potential of 2500 (e.g. R-404A) or more, for the maintenance or servicing of any refrigeration equipment is prohibited (Art. 13 para 3).  Leak check requirements (Art. 5) apply to refrigeration units of refrigerated trucks and refrigerated trailers and, from 12 March 2027 to refrigeration units of refrigerated light-duty vehicles, intermodal containers, including reefers, and train wagons. By 1 July 2027, the Commission shall publish a report assessing whether cost-effective, technically feasible, energy- efficient and reliable alternatives exist, which make the replacement of fluorinated greenhouse gases possible in mobile refrigeration (Art. 35).

Non-flammable R-452A (GWP 2140) had earlier replaced R-404A (GWP 3922) as it has a good match of properties and discharge temperature.

Sources: Manufacturers’ information reported in LogisticsBusiness, FleetTransport, ThermalControl