Low GWP R-454C now used in wide range of HVAC equipment
F-gas Regulation 2024/573 has placing on the market prohibitions for F-gas refrigerants that require the use of refrigerants with GWP to < 150 for certain air-conditioning and heat pump equipment from 1 January 2027 with additional prohibitions from 2029 and 2030 (see the EFCTC website for details). Refrigerant R-454C, A2L classified, has a GWP of 146 meeting the GWP requirement for these applications.
A recently launched high-performance split heat pump range, designed for flexible installation and enhanced serviceability, built around the next-generation R-454C refrigerant, offers a compact and adaptable solution suited to a wide variety of residential projects, from detached houses to multi-family apartment buildings. The range is available in 3, 5, 7 and 9 kW capacities and delivers strong seasonal efficiency, with energy ratings of up to A++ at 55°C and up to A+++ at 35°C flow temperatures, alongside domestic hot water performance rated up to A+. The range is built to adapt to diverse building layouts and offers low operating noise giving installers more freedom when placing the outdoor units.
A new range of roof-top units designed for retail, logistics, industry, and light commercial applications, with nominal cooling and heating capacities in the range 22-50 kW uses R-454C refrigerant and scroll variable-speed compressors. The systems offer free-cooling and energy recovery and a wide operating range up to +50 °C and down to -18 °C wet bulb, while exceeding Ecodesign requirements up to +40% in cooling and +15% in heating. The units offer fresh air management, CO₂ sensors, filtration options and airflow control to help to create healthier and more comfortable indoor environments.
A new generation of cooling systems for the growing demands of 5G, edge and critical infrastructure applications, combines low global warming potential (GWP) R-454C refrigerant, integrated free cooling and a certified EN 378 safety architecture in a technical design focused on efficiency, reliability and future proofing. A key element is the EN 378 compliant multi-stage safety architecture developed specifically for low GWP safety class A2L (low flammability) refrigerants such as R-454C. The evaporator fan is positioned at the bottom to quickly dilute and extract refrigerant gases in the event of a leak. A two-stage sensor system activates maximum fan speed and shuts down other power consumers at 10 percent of the lower flammability limit (LFL), while at 20 per cent LFL the unit is fully disconnected from the power supply. An enclosed IP54 control cabinet further eliminates potential ignition sources. Addressing rising thermal densities, as well as the strict requirements of the F-gas Regulation, the systems provide reliable cooling for telecommunications containers, shelters, radio stations and edge data centres. The new designs, in combined free cooling and mixed-mode operation, can reduce operating costs by up to 80 per cent and operate reliably across a wide temperature range, from -20°C to +54°C. For extreme climates, an optional winter kit extends operation down to -40°C.
Sources: Manufacturers’ information reported in Refindustry, Heat Pump News, DataCenterDynamics