Briefs: ARTI's 21st Century Research Program

During the 2004 ASHRAE Winter meeting in Anaheim, results from several research projects initiated under the ARTI (Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology Institute) 21st Century Research Program - initiated by ARI (Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute) - were presented. A comparative study of the performances of R-410A and R-22 air conditioners at high ambient temperatures - where the condenser of the R-410A system may be operating above the refrigerant's critical point - showed similar capacity and EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) performance at 27.8°C and slightly less at higher temperatures for R-410A than that of R-22. Another study concluded that in terms of LCCP (Life Cycle Climate Performance), for systems operating in Phoenix and other US cities, R-410A systems had better performances at temperatures under 36.4°C. For higher temperatures, R-22 performed better. For final reports on many other projects: www.arti-21cr.org/