HFO-1233zd(E) CHOSEN FOR THE RENOVATION OF THE CHANNEL TUNNEL REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

HFO-1233zd(E) has been chosen for the replacement of the outdated Eurotunnel HCFC-22 refrigeration system.

Following the EU ODS Regulation, since 1 January 2015 HCFC-22 refilling was not allowed and maintenance was practically impossible.

Eventually, Eurotunnel decided to change the machines and to use HFO-1233zd(E), which has no ODP and a GWP of 1.

In order to maintain the Tunnel temperature below 30, refrigeration is needed, since, although at 50 meters below the sea level, its temperature would reach 50 C because of the heat generated by the circulation of the trains.

Eight months of the year, huge fans circulating air cooled in cooling towers are sufficient to regulate the temperature in the tunnel, but in the summer additional refrigeration is needed.

Four HFO-1233zd(E) chillers are to be installed, two at Sangatte (France), one at Shakespeare Cliff (UK), and a fourth in the near future, delivering cold water in pipes along the 50 km railway tunnels in order to keep temperatures below 30°C and to cool the returning hot water.

The new chillers should deliver 26 MW refrigeration each; they weigh more than 60 tons, and are the largest of their type, up to several times the size of standard chillers, customizable to fit unique installation specifications, and achieving a 10% higher energy efficiency.

Source (in French) :  Nord Litoral