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Alternative refrigerants to high-GWP HFCs

Intensification of international regulations on HFCs such as the Kigali Agreement or the European F-Gas Regulation leads refrigerant manufacturers to search for alternatives to high-GWP HFCs. Focus on some alternatives to R410A and R23.

Intensification of international regulations on HFCs such as the Kigali Amendment or the European F-Gas Regulation leads refrigerant manufacturers to search for alternatives to HFCs.


Last month, we evoked the last project of Daikin. The company is currently using R32 (GWP 675), but they are trying to develop another alternative refrigerant to R410A (GWP 2100). This one could have a GWP equal to or less than 10.


Last summer, we discovered the alternative proposed by Honeywell: R466A (link fiche 24138). Classified A1 (non-flammable),its ASHRAE approval process is still ongoing. It has a GWP of 733. However, its composition (49% R32, 11.5% R125 and 39.5% CF3l) raised some criticisms during the Chillventa 2018 edition, since Bitzer annual report indicated that there were still some uncertainties about the stability of the product (see ACR Journal, p.46).


Honeywell is also working on a new option, evoked at the 18th Conference on techniques of refrigeration and air conditioning: HDR147. It would have a GWP of about 400. According to the tests, it would demonstrate a 2% higher efficiency than R410A, and a 7% higher refrigerating capacity. R466A capacity is only 1% higher. Its composition is still unknown, Honeywell just said that this refrigerant also contained CF3l. ASHRAE has not yet certified this product.


But R410A is not the only refrigerant for which alternatives are being searched!


Alternatives to R23, used for low temperatures (-40 to -80°C), are also under study. The R23 has a very high GWP of 14,800. Weiss Technik has been working for 7 years with the Technical University of Dresden to propose an alternative with less impact on global warming. Weiss Technik recently released the results of its tests. The new refrigerant, named WT69, would have a GWP of 1357, a 90% reduction compared to R23. The product is non-flammable (category A1), non-toxic, and does not deplete the ozone layer. It is said to be appropriate for use in applications reaching temperatures as low as -70°C. Different tests have also demonstrated its stability.


Weiss Technik hopes to be able to market the WT69 by the end of 2019.


For further information, please follow the links below.