R-290 Refrigerant is a Top Choice for Reliability & Performance
As the foodservice industry adapts to the refrigerant phasedown mandated by the AIM Act, operators must decide which refrigerants best meet their operational needs. This choice depends on regulatory compliance, system design, budget, and external environmental factors like ambient temperature.
Refrigerant Categories
Refrigerants are categorized by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Classifications are based on chemical properties, environmental impact, and safety considerations. These include:
- Global Warming Potential (GWP) that measures the environmental impact of a refrigerant. Lower GWP values are better for the environment.
- Flammability for safety, ranging from non-flammable (classified as A1), mildly flammable (A2L), and highly flammable (A3).
- Toxicity from low (A) to high (B – rarely used in foodservice applications)
- Operating pressure – some high-pressure refrigerants may require specialized equipment.
Why R-290 is Best for Self-Contained Refrigeration Systems
The AIM Act, enacted in 2020, mandates a significant reduction of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) – potent greenhouse gases used in many refrigerants – over the next several years. This increases the need for eco-friendly alternatives. R-290 refrigerant offers unparalleled advantages for most equipment types.
With respect to evolving regulations, R-290 is projected to be a future-proof solution for refrigeration applications. It has an ultra-low GWP and excellent energy efficiency, and it’s especially suitable for self-contained refrigeration systems commonly used in foodservice, performing well across a broad range of ambient temperatures.
Norlake is one of the only manufacturers to design and produce refrigeration systems with R-290 refrigerant entirely in-house in the USA. This helps ensure compliance and protects operators from rising costs associated with maintaining legacy systems.
Norlake’s Capsule Pak ECO™ systems use R-290, featuring a patented design that lowers GWP to 3.
Environmentally Friendly & Cost Effective
R-290 refrigerant has a 100-year GWP rating of 3, making it one of the most eco-friendly options available. For comparison, commonly used HFC refrigerants like R-448 and R-449 have GWPs of 1,000+.
Given its high thermal conductivity, R-290 is highly cost-effective and efficient. It transfers heat much better than other common refrigerants, resulting more energy savings. In fact, field comparison tests have shown that systems operating with R-290 have electrical energy savings of 30 to 50% or more over legacy systems using HFC refrigerants.
Systems operating on R-290 also have lower compressor pressure at the point where refrigerant exits (often referred to as the “high side” of the refrigeration cycle). This means the compressor operates at a lower temperature which extends its life and, again, lowers overall cost of ownership.
Natural, Non-Toxic, & Safe
R-290 is a natural hydrocarbon (HC) byproduct of natural gas refinement and may be used in medium and low temperature refrigeration applications. Since it is non-toxic and environmentally friendly, it does not need to be recaptured or recycled during service like other refrigerants.
While it is classified as a flammable refrigerant, the amount used in a refrigeration system is restricted to a safe charge limit. In addition to the increased safety, the lower charge limit also reduces overall cost of ownership as less refrigerant is needed per system.
Takeaways for Foodservice Operators
Choosing the right refrigerant requires careful consideration of several factors:
- Climate and Location:R-290is a great choice for most climates.
- System Size and Application: Self-contained systems common in foodservice benefit most from R-290.
- Regulatory Compliance: R-290offers an affordable solution that offers long-term compliance beyond the requirements outlined in the AIM act.
Why Choose Refrigeration from Norlake?
As one of the few manufacturers in the foodservice industry to design and build refrigeration systems in-house, Norlake brings unmatched expertise. Norlake systems are engineered to:
- Maximize efficiency across various refrigerant types.
- Ensure compliance with evolving regulations like the AIM Act.
- Guarantee safety and reliability, no matter the refrigerant. Systems are fully compliant with UL safety standards, incorporate leak detection, and engineered with fail-safes to prevent issues before they arise.
With in-depth knowledge and commitment to innovation, Norlake helps foodservice operators navigate the complexities of refrigerant regulations and select the best solutions for their needs, ensuring long-term success without the risk of last-minute upgrades or compliance issues.
