Europe
Spray-on Biocide Developed
A new technique of trapping and neutralizing micro- organisms in air conditioning units has been developed in the United Kingdom. It consists in spraying a biocide over the surface of the intake air filter to create a mesh of micro ‘needles’ which trap the pathogens. Called AirConSafe, it is currently available for domestic split air conditioners up to around 17 kW. No quantitative experimental d...
New Compressor for Ammonia
On display at ISH/Aircontec was a new compressor from Germany based GCM Kaltesysteme designed to use ammonia (R717) as a refrigerant. The range covers capacities from 100 to 1,000 kW and is usable with air- cooled or water-cooled condensers. Although suitable for the newer refrigerants such as R1234yf, the energy efficiency ratio is 25% higher when running with ammonia. Source: KI - Kalte L...
GWP - the New Index for Refrigerants
Global warming potential (GWP) has become the criterion in the re-vised F-gas Regulations by which HFCs will be judged in future. Refrigerants with a GWP above 2,500 will be banned for new plant by 2020 but reclaimed/recycled fluids can still be supplied for breakdown and maintenance up to 2030. The intention is to ‘phase out’ fluids such as R404A and to ‘phase down’ others such as R410A, R...
The Success of VRF
Over the last 20 years VRF has established a leading position in the air conditioning and refrigeration industry selling an estimated one million systems worldwide in 2013 of which 120,000 in Europe. Some of the key features of VRF which have contributed to its success are summarized as: a single outdoor unit sup-plying multiple indoor units on a ring system; high annual coefficient of performance...
Decentralized IAQ Control
Independent air ‘purifiers’ in the form of recirculating fan/filter units are becoming increasingly popular as a back up to central air conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems. The argument is that treated air from the central system becomes rapidly diluted with room contaminants and needs its quality maintained by in-situ boosters. One of the main concerns is to avoid high concentr...
Remanufacturing - the Potential in Retail Refrigeration
Compressor remanufacturing is already a well-established well-proven industry but could become a realistic prospect for refrigerated display cases as used in shops and supermarkets. Nearly 90% of the existing 800,000 cases in the United Kingdom are estimated to be scrapped every year and at least half of these are capable of being remanufactured to virtually as -new condition and in conformity wit...
New Angle on Beating the R22 Ban
Labeling cardboard cartons of refrigerant cylinders as R134a was not a clever idea when customs opened the cartons they found the cylinders themselves were clearly stamped R22. The total consignment of some 20 tons - originating in China - was impounded by officials in Vyborg, Russia. Although R22 is still avail-able in Russia, its price is high, encouraging the demand for cheap illegal imports. &...
Growth in Mechanical Ventilation for Dwellings
Latest figures from Interconnection Consulting in Vienna, Austria, shows steady growth in the market for pack-aged ventilation systems in houses and flats in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In 2014 sales totaled over 77,000 central ducted systems and 122,000 single room packaged units making a total value of around ?290 million (US$ 318 million). All these installations featured some form of he...
Carel Presents New Frontiers for Natural Refrigerants
Carel took part in the 6th ATMO-sphere Europe, the annual meeting held to discuss the latest technologies involving natural refrigerants in Europe, on March 16-17 in Brussels. The hot topic this year ...
TEGA gains rights to hydrocarbon blends
21 Apr 2015 GERMANY: TEGA has received exclusive rights to blend and distribute two new hydrocarbon refrigerants. The agreement with US company AS Trust & Holdings involves two refrigerants...
