As part of a programme to cut its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, a Dutch retailer is converting the refrigeration systems in some 200 of its supermarkets to the new Opteon XP40 (R-449A) refrigerant from DuPont. This decision is the outcome of practical trials which the company carried out in close cooperation with DuPont Chemicals & Fluoroproducts and the Dutch consultants PW Vlaskamp BV Refrigerants Consultancy, Sleeuwijk.
Opteon XP40 is part of the new low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant family from DuPont and is suitable as an alternative to R-404A/R-507A in new and existing commercial and industrial medium and low temperature refrigeration systems. Having a GWP of 1397, its global warming potential is 65% lower than these existing refrigerants. Moreover, its elevated energy efficiency means it can help in bringing about a significant reduction in the overall CO2 emissions arising from refrigeration system operation.
The Dutch retailer has a target to cut its CO2 emissions per square metre of sales floor by 20% relative to 2008 levels by 2020. Achieving this will also involve reducing the overall greenhouse gas emissions arising from leaks and energy consumption by medium and low temperature refrigeration systems so far operated with R-507A. The company accordingly tested various alternative refrigerants with reduced GWP.
In the course of the trials, three supermarkets were converted to Opteon XP40, one from R-407F and two from R-507A. The conversion was carried out by the Dutch company Retail Technics B, Nijkerk. The conversion work took three to four hours in each case and took place outside opening hours. Once the original refrigerant charge had been removed, the filter dryer was firstly replaced, as is usual during servicing. The system was then evacuated, subjected to leak testing and filled with Opteon XP40. Because the company uses electronic expansion valves and the Danfoss ADAP-KOOL† System, it was very easy to make the conversion to Opteon XP40. New coefficients were entered via laptop, no further components had to be replaced and no oil change was required. Measurements were taken before and after the retrofit and they revealed that this refrigerant has a significantly higher energy efficiency than the previously used R-407F and R-507A.
The technical manager commented: 'The conversion to Opteon XP40 was completely straightforward and unproblematic in every case. Calculations carried out together with DuPont and Vlaskamp have shown that the capital expenditure will be paid back within an acceptable time due to the refrigeration systems’ significantly lower energy consumption. Management has therefore decided to convert some 200 systems which are currently operated with R-507A to the new DuPont refrigerant. Work started in September 2014 and is set to be completed shortly.'
The consultant has calculated that this conversion to Opteon XP40 will cut total direct greenhouse gas emissions by 10,360 tonnes of CO2 per year. The company has considered the new European F-Gas Regulation (EU) No. 517/2014 which came into force on 1 January 2015 and specifies that the number of tonnes of CO2 equivalents available on the market will be gradually reduced over a 15 year period. In addition, from 1 January 2020, servicing systems using HFCs with a GWP value of 2500 or more will be prohibited for the majority of commercial applications.
Changing R-404A/R-507A refrigeration systems over to Opteon XP40 will ensure that these installed base systems will continue to comply with the requirements of this regulation for the remainder of their service life. This discipline is for the company an extra step next to the future new installations which will be built according to the CGF resolution.
*Please contact BOC for further information. Email: specialproducts@boc.com or mob: 07768 215442
†ADAP-KOOL® is a registered trademark of Danfoss A/S