CO2 Cooling Systems: what's the current situation?
SCM Frigo S.p.A.
Leader in the Design and Production of CO2 Condensing Units, Chillers and Compressor Packs
Approximately 25% of all European food stores now utilize CO2 refrigeration technology. An estimated 68,500 stores!
This reflects the significant shift towards natural refrigerants driven by the F-Gas Regulation. This regulation aims to phase out refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP), promoting more environmentally friendly alternatives like CO2 systems.
CO2 refrigeration systems are revolutionizing the way we think about cooling. Due to their sustainability and efficiency, they are expected to become the norm in retail and industrial sectors. Discover how these systems are changing the game and what it means for businesses.
Regulatory Changes and the Adoption of CO2 Refrigeration Systems
F-Gas Regulation in Europe is on the table and is here to stay. So, let’s discover its key aspects:
1. Phasing down high-GWP refrigerants
The F-Gas Regulation requires a gradual decrease in the use of high-GWP refrigerants. It puts limits on the amount of HFCs that can be sold to prompt businesses to switch to low-GWP options like CO2.
2. Bans and Restrictions
Certain high-GWP refrigerants are banned in new equipment, forcing the adoption of natural refrigerants. For example, some types of heat pumps and air conditioning contain F-gases.
3. Leakage Controls
The regulation also includes strict requirements for the prevention and repair of leaks. This makes CO2 systems, which are less prone to leaks, more attractive.
From March 2026 to March 2027, Member States must create or adjust certification programs for personnel who carry out installation, maintenance, servicing, repair, decommissioning, leak checks, and recovery for F-gases and alternatives.
Growth in CO2 Refrigeration Systems
Since late 2023, about 25% of all food stores in Europe have started using CO2 refrigeration systems. We believe the impact of these regulatory changes is one of the reasons, but not only:
1. Regulatory Compliance
There's no secret anymore. Businesses must comply with laws that restrict the use of high-GWP refrigerants. If this happens, as it is, the adoption of CO2 systems will increase.
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2. Technological Advancements
Continuous improvements in CO2 refrigeration technology have enhanced system efficiency and reliability. These advancements make CO2 systems applicable in a wider range of climates and operational conditions.
3. Environmental Concerns
Growing awareness of environmental issues and the need to reduce carbon footprints have also impacted this adoption. CO2 is a natural refrigerant with a GWP of 1, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional refrigerants.
Technological Advancements in CO2 Refrigeration Systems
CO2 refrigeration systems have seen significant technological advancements. They are more and more efficient, reliable, and adaptable to various climates. These improvements make CO2 a competitive and sustainable alternative to traditional refrigerants.
We share some of the recent key innovations:
1. Transcritical CO2 Systems
These systems are used in small to large-capacity applications, with recent growth in Industrial Refrigeration. They have been optimized to handle the high pressures and temperatures associated with CO2, making them more efficient and reliable. With the right design, these systems can adjust to varied climates, from cooler to warmer.
2. Ejectors
The integration of ejectors helps in recovering and utilizing pressure energy, which significantly boosts the system's overall efficiency. These components are crucial in improving the coefficient of performance (COP) of CO2 systems.
3. Parallel Compression
This solution has been developed to use CO2 as the only refrigerant. It focuses on simplification and energy efficiency. It is the first step in making CO2 a viable option in warmer climates, especially for larger installations. This method is gaining popularity as an energy-efficient CO2 solution.
Parallel compression works by compressing the extra gas at the highest pressure level to improve energy efficiency. This approach significantly improves the COP in warm climates.
4. High-Pressure Components
High-strength materials and strong design practices have been used to develop components that can handle high operating pressures. This ensures that CO2 systems can work well even in very tough conditions, preventing system failures.
Advancements in technology and regulations have made CO2 systems more efficient and suitable for different climates. These factors also reinforce the advantages of using CO2 as a refrigerant. And businesses are recognizing it. As a result, the adoption rate of CO2 refrigeration is expected to continue rising.
Passionate about NH3/CO2 refrigeration and personal development.
8 个月And speaking of technological advances, pressure exchanger has been in the business for many many years. Much like a heat exchanger that transfers heat between two fluid streams, a pressure exchanger transfers pressure energy. It recovers pressure energy from high-pressure CO2 and transfer it to low-pressure CO2. It can operate as both a compressor and a high-pressure valve, thereby reducing the compressor's workload. This enhances cooling capacity, system stability, and energy efficiency. #refrigerationmentor #energyrecovery #pxg1300