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In the United States, refrigeration and air-conditioning manufacturers must phase out all ozone-depleting, chlorine-based refrigerants by 2010, in accordance with the Montreal Protocol. Over the next two years, common ozone-depleting hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants like R-22 will transition to hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants like R-410A for air conditioning and R-404A for refrigeration. Emerson Climate Technologies is supporting customers through this difficult change by assisting them with the transition to these new refrigerants in advance of the regulation while also helping to protect the environment.
Today, there is also increased attention on global warming and the reduction of greenhouse gases. Many scientists now believe that greenhouse gases contribute to global warming; and carbon dioxide – produced primarily by the combustion of fossil fuels for electrical generation and by transportation – is by far the most significant of these gases.
Air conditioning and refrigeration systems consume energy, so higher energy efficiency results in less carbon dioxide production. Since refrigerant choice can greatly influence energy efficiency, the industry has carefully investigated many replacements for R-22 to identify the most environmentally friendly alternative. For example, R-410A is a more efficient refrigerant that can help reduce the overall energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power plants providing power to R-410A-compatibile Copeland Scroll compressors. This improved efficiency helps to reduce potential global warming emissions.
For an R-22 replacement refrigerant to be considered a long-term option, several test criteria have been established. New refrigerants must be safe to humans, environmentally friendly and energy efficient. Leading replacements include R-410A for air-conditioning applications and R-404A for refrigeration applications. Both are HFCs, which means that they have no ozone depletion potential. They are also energy efficient and nonflammable.
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