All you need to know about Carbon dioxide R744
It is normally used for transport cooling, retail cooling, industrial cooling and mobile air conditioners. The low evaporation temperature of -50°C also makes it a popular choice in freezer units. Carbon dioxide R744 is often used together with ammonia R717, and can replace the synthetic refrigerants R22, R134a and R404a.
Carbon dioxide R744 – an environmentally friendly refrigerant
Synthetic refrigerants are becoming increasingly restricted by the EU as they have an adverse impact on global warming and they emit PFAS. The EU is therefore phasing out synthetic refrigerants through the updated F-Gas regulation and the proposal to ban PFAS.
As a property owner, consultant or installer you will therefore soon be required to switch to natural refrigerants such as carbon dioxide. According to All about F gas carbon dioxide has a GWP of 1. This means that its impact on the climate does not increase over time and it is therefore less harmful to the planet than synthetic alternatives. Plants that use R744 are therefore more environmentally friendly and sustainable than processes using F-gases.
In addition, carbon dioxide R744 does not release any harmful substances such as PFAS or TFA and is both colourless and odourless.
Read more about natural refrigerants here.
Carbon dioxide R744 and energy efficiency
Due to its ability to absorb, transfer and emit heat, carbon dioxide R744 contributes to faster and more energy efficient cooling. Its high pressure, thermal capacity and low moisture content also means that CO2 is suitable for operations with narrower piping and smaller units. In addition, it has no corrosive effects on the system.
Disadvantages of carbon dioxide R744
Despite its advantages, there are also disadvantages in using carbon dioxide as a refrigerant.
One of its deficiencies is a drastic drop in efficiency the closer the gas to the low critical temperature (31°C). Its high pressure also requires specially designed cooling systems, which are often more expensive than units run on other natural refrigerants. And, is it not obvious to everyone that carbon dioxide emissions have an adverse impact on the environment?
Carbon dioxide emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels are bad for the planet.
In the cooling and heating industry, however, carbon dioxide in its pure form, R744 (GWP 1), is a much more environmentally friendly alternative than synthetic refrigerants such as R134a (GWP 1430) and R404a (GWP 3902). That is why R744 is considered a natural refrigerant.
Are you interested in switching to natural refrigerants such as carbon dioxide R744?
Please contact us and we will be happy to help you.
Read more:
Propylene R1270
Propane R290
Isobutane R600A
Ammonia R717
Are you ready to cross the threshold to a climate-neutral society?
Then we’d love to hear from you! It’s natural to have a few questions when replacing something you’re used to with something new. But we’re here to answer all your questions, whether they’re about our products or natural refrigerants in general.
Case / Francks Kylindustri
Grocery store refrigeration
When Francks Kylindustri received an inquiry from the grocery store ICA in Södertälje about a sustainable, natural refrigerant solution for their chillers, they contacted Enrad.
