R-410A STILL HAS AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY DURING HFC PHASE-DOWN

While R-32 is replacing R-410A in a range of air-conditioning and heat pump applications, R-410A still has an important role to play during the F-Gas phase-down of HFCs for some applications due to its technical and safety properties. This newsletter reports on R-410A heat pump applications, as a replacement for R-404A, reclamation of R-410A for reuse in new equipment and for cooling battery storage power stations used to manage capacity on the national grid including renewable energy storage.

R-410A REPLACES R-404A IN NEW MORE EFFICIENT ICE-MAKERS

New commercial modular dice ice cube machine range uses R-410A with redesigned equipment offering improved efficiency and reduced water consumption compared to previous models that use R-404A as refrigerant. The use programmable ice production and scheduling is claimed to improve efficiency by up to 43% compared to the previous models and reduce water usage by an average of 23%. R-410A has a GWP that is 47% lower than R-404A.

Over half a million hours of testing during development has resulted in a more reliable model range, and some machines have features allowing them to adapt to their environment to predict optimum freeze times for the ice machine.

Source: Catering Insight

R-410A USED FOR NEW RANGE OF WATER TO WATER HEAT PUMPS

A new range of water to water heat pumps are equipped with the latest generation of R-410A scroll compressors which are optimised for high-performance. The variable water flow (VWF) technology of the variable-flow pump optimises system operation and enhances energy efficiency. The heat pumps are compact monobloc with built-in hydronic module allowing easy installation. The heat pumps are optimised for heating for commercial, residential and industrial applications achieving leaving water temperatures up to 65°C (without auxiliary heating) and a COP of above 5. Natural water or the output from industrial processes can be used as the heat source. Weather compensation controls four supplementary electric heating stages or a relief boiler.

Source:  ACR Journal UK  & manufacturer’s information

R-410A HIGH EFFICIENCY PACKAGED SYSTEMS TO COOL LITHIUM BATTERY POWER STORAGE STATIONS

Lithium ion battery power storage is being installed to improve resilience and security of electricity supply to the national grid. To maintain efficiency, optimum operation and prolong working life of the batteries, effective cooling is critical during charging and discharging. R-410A reversible heat pump packaged air conditioning units, a combined cooling capacity of 340 kW have been selected for each of three 20 MW power storage sites, following a 10 MW pilot installed in 2016. Battery power storage provides milliseconds grid connection response and can be used to store power generated from renewable sources. The compact air-to-air packaged systems supply large volumes of cool air within a consistent temperature and humidity range. The conditioned air is fed into the power station’s air circulation system at 17.3°C and 96% RH, pulled over the batteries and then returned at 29°C and 50% RH.

Source: Refrigeration Industry & manufacturer’s information