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Ohrid 2015: Ammonia and CO2 refrigeration technologies at the forefront

In light of the intense debate on the F-Gas regulation, its implementation worldwide, as well as proposed amendments to the Montreal Protocol, the conference provided the ideal forum for the exchange of knowledge on ammonia and CO2 technologies.
A strategic opportunity

 

“Let’s start with a new approach: PHASE-IN of natural refrigerants.” Prof. Risto Ciconkov

 

Building on the success of previous conferences held biennially since 2005, the 6th in the series attracted a wide scope of key industry stakeholders, ranging from manufacturers, end users to research institutions.

 

From 40 different countries, participants seized the opportunity to meet and exchange with experts from well-known international companies such as Johnson Controls (Sabroe), GEA Refrigeration, Mayekawa (Mycom), Bitzer, Dorin, Baltimore Aircoil, Evapco, Guentner, Lu-Ve Group, Garden City Ammonia Group, Danfoss, Int. Copper Alliance, Friterm, RV Cooling Tech, EPTA and Unilever, to name but a few.

 

In light of the intense debate on the F-Gas regulation and its implementation worldwide, as well as proposed amendments to the Montreal Protocol for the phase-down of HFCs, the conference provided the ideal forum for the exchange of knowledge on ammonia and CO2 technologies, and their combination, as the most viable option in future.

 

In a region where ammonia was, and still is, a traditional refrigerant, this event provided the perfect opportunity to introduce CO2 as a refrigerant and focused on:

 

  • greener alternatives
  • advancing future green technologies
  • economic benefits of these technologies.

 

 

Similarly, as the event was held in a country where refrigeration and related technologies are becoming increasingly important, it attracted many from developing countries where similar matters are of equal concern, presenting strategic opportunities for many.

 

The focus

 

Held on 16-18 April 2015 in Ohrid, Macedonia, FYROM the 6th Ammonia and CO2 Refrigeration Technologies Conference triumphed once again. It aimed to clarify future uncertainties regarding both the Montreal and the Kyoto Protocols and environmental regulations applicable to natural refrigerants.

 

This year the conference provided an enhanced programme including CO2 refrigeration technologies which focused on the global trend towards using natural refrigerant. More specifically ammonia, carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons used in various refrigeration applications worldwide.

 

Consequently, conference participation increased, from approximately 100 individuals in the past to 140 participants this year.

 

Of all refrigerants applied today, ammonia and CO2 are the oldest; having been used since the 19th century. With the development and use of more ammonia and CO2 refrigerants, the event remains in line with growing trends towards employing environmentally friendly refrigeration technologies.

 

 

The programme

 

With the 53 high quality research papers submitted from 23 countries, the scientific and technical programme covered issues at the heart of new technologies and applications of ammonia and CO2 as refrigerants.

 

 

Topics included:

 

  • Design of modern ammonia (NH3) systems and technological innovation
  • Design of carbon dioxide (CO2) refrigeration and heat pump systems
  • New innovative components
  • Energy efficiency of ammonia and CO2 refrigerating systems
  • Applications of ammonia and CO2 refrigeration
  • Absorption machines
  • Ammonia and CO2 systems in developing countries
  • Technical and safety issues; Guidelines and training materials
  • Public awareness of the image and benefits of natural refrigerants.

 

 

Keynote speakers

 

As in previous years, the 6th Ammonia and CO2 Refrigeration Technologies Conference did not fail to impress with a b line-up of international keynote speakers and lectures delivered by:

 

  • Andy Pearson, UK, Star Refrigeration Ltd on “Why is ammonia such a good refrigerant?”
  • PredragHrnjak, USA, University of Illinois on “In-tube evaporation of CO2: visualization and effect of oil”
  • Armin Hafner, Norway, SINTEF Energi AS on “2020 Perspectives for CO2 refrigeration and heat pump systems”
  • Eric Smith, USA, Int. Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration on “Navigating the regulatory environment and opportunities for new technologies in the U.S.”
  • Maurice Young, UK, Maurice Young Consulting Ltd on “The compliance of ammonia refrigeration plants with the dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres regulations 2002 (DSEAR) as required by the EU ATEX directives”

 

 

During the closing ceremony Prof. Risto Ciconkov (see photo), president of the conference Organizing Committee, stated “Instead of being occupied with a phase-down of HFC gases, drop-in refrigerants, retrofit of systems, environmental taxes, restrictions, calculations of F-gas quotas, let’s start with a new approach: PHASE-IN of natural refrigerants.”

 

More on the conference: http://www.mf.edu.mk/web_ohrid2015/ohrid-2015.html

 

The IIR at the heart of the action

 

Co-organised with the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Skopje, Macedonia, the IIR confirmed its position as the leading international organisation in the field of refrigeration, whilst equally reinforcing its activities in South East Europe.

 

Commissions B1, B2 and D1 of the IIR were actively involved in the organisation of this event and its interactive programme.