Refrigeration Systems, CO2, and the Sustainable Future

Today, we open the door to natural refrigerants and the history of CO2 in the world of refrigeration systems. In this area, the need for change and innovation is increasingly evident. We are living in a phase where efficiency, capacity, and environmental response must share space. In this post, we will understand how the transition to natural refrigerants, namely CO2, happened.

Carbon dioxide is often presented as the villain. However, it has the potential to reduce further emissions and the impact on climate change. This is the most recent conclusion, but it wasn't always this way. The truth is that CO2 was once the leader, but it lost momentum in the 1960s.

During the 19th century, CO2 gained popularity and began to be used as a refrigerant. Compared to other refrigerants (Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) or Ammonia (NH3)), it had the advantage of being non-flammable and non-toxic. Its importance remained in the early twentieth century until the development of the first synthetic refrigerants.

For nearly half a century, CFCs have dominated the market. They were used until they were banned by the Montreal Protocol (1989). Scientists realized that CFCs contributed to the depletion of the ozone layer. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) have emerged as substitutes. But it was quickly realized that these are very potent greenhouse gases. The Kyoto Protocol, established in 1997, set reduction targets for greenhouse gases, which included HFCs.

CO2 has thus regained its place. The main factors in determining which fluid may be the best choice in the future are:

• environmental properties (low GWP);
• energy efficiency;
• safety (flammability and toxicity);
• cost;
• availability.

Taking these factors into account, this is the CO2 reading:

• GWP = 1
• Non-toxic
• Heavier than air: will settle at lowest level
• High vapor density (700% compared with R134a @-10°C) and high evaporating enthalphy (125% of R134a @-10°C)
• High volumetric refrigeration capacity
• Low viscosity in liquid and gas lines (small pressure losses)
• High heat transfer coefficients and high thermal conductivity
• Compatible with most materials (non corrosive)

With technological advances, the transition to natural refrigerants, more specifically CO2, has gained importance. It is a commitment to a future where refrigeration is synonymous with responsibility and innovation.

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