The Rise of Propane: A Sustainable Triumph Over Synthetic Refrigerants

Author: Ilona Brant Pav?ukova

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In recent years, the field of refrigeration has witnessed a transformative shift, marking the dawn of a new era guided by ecological consciousness. As environmental concerns gain momentum and the need to mitigate climate change becomes more urgent, synthetic refrigerants known for their harmful impact are making way for a generation of ecological alternatives.

Widely used but harmful

Refrigeration equipment with standard, synthetic refrigerants is still widely used in many countries. The most popular refrigerants used in Europe are R410A (hydrofluorocarbon blend) and R32 (difluoromethane). Although these refrigerants are attractive for business due to extremely favorable price, supply and service nuances, they still have one major drawback - high global warming potential (GWP). The GWP of R410A is around 1725 while R32 has a GWP of 675. Such high GWP refrigerants contribute to climate change primarily through their ability to trap heat in the earth's atmosphere, thus directly contributing to global warming.

Environmentally friendly alternative

Due to environmental concerns associated with high GWP refrigerants and evolving regulations, a new refrigerant has been gaining traction in commercial and industrial refrigeration sectors – a pure hydrocarbon refrigerant consisting of only carbon and hydrogen atoms known as R290 (propane).

R290 has an extremely low GWP of 3, making it one of the most environmentally friendly refrigerant options available. This makes it a suitable choice for businesses aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting environmental standards.

Propane has excellent thermodynamic properties. It can transfer heat more efficiently, requiring less energy input to achieve and maintain the desired cooling effect. This reduces the workload on the system's components, leading to a longer equipment lifespan, lower electricity bills and reduced maintenance needs, further contributing to cost savings over time.

Experts in the production of propane systems

Refra was one of the first to start the production of propane refrigeration units approximately 10 years ago. Over time, the company has developed reliable and high-quality propane chillers, and in 2018, it also started producing propane heat pumps. Refra team has observed stable sales growth of units with natural refrigerants over the past 7 years, and was surprised by the 150% increase in sales of propane systems in 2022.

Although propane is a flammable gas, and this characteristic worries many participants in the refrigeration market, modern propane systems are designed with safety in mind. They incorporate advanced leak detection systems and safety protocols to mitigate any potential risks.

Refra boasts an impeccable reputation for the devices it manufactures. During the entire production period of propane systems, not a single accident was recorded during the operation of Refra propane units. This shows the exceptional attention to safety and the high quality of the devices. Regular maintenance and proper installation of these systems are essential to ensure safe operation.

While the initial investment in propane refrigeration system might be slightly higher, the ongoing operational savings in terms of energy consumption, maintenance, and longer equipment life can lead to a lower total costs over the system's lifespan.

The future belongs to green cooling

The adoption of propane in commercial refrigeration is expected to continue growing as businesses seek alternatives that align with environmental goals and regulations. Refra, like any other progressive business, strives to contribute to the reduction of pollution in the world and believes that ecological solutions are the future of production.

?For this very reason, Refra changed the course of its production 10 years ago by incorporating natural refrigerants into production. Right now, our CO2 Systems and Propane systems make up the majority of products we manufacture.“ – says Ilona Brant Pav?ukova, Marketing manager at Refra.

Overall, the use of propane in commercial and industrial refrigeration reflects a broader shift in the industry toward more sustainable and energy-efficient solutions. It offers a way for businesses to reduce the impact on environment, comply with regulations, and improve their bottom line through energy savings.

With the rise of ecological refrigerants, we embark on a journey that not only enhances energy efficiency and system performance but also champions the wellbeing of our planet and future generations.