1. R22 (chlorofluorocarbons).Physical characteristics:R22 was once one of the most commonly used refrigerants with good heat exchange properties, low toxicity and moderate global warming potential (GWP).
Category:Chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).
Application Benefits:It is energy efficient, cost-effective and adaptable to the equipment.
Application Cons:It has a moderate degree of destructive effect on the ozone layer, and the GWP is relatively high, and it is being phased out by international environmental regulations.
Environmental protection laws and regulations:R22 is being phased out under the Montreal Protocol. The Kigali Amendment further accelerates the process of substitution of HCFC-based refrigerants.
2. R404A (hydrofluorocarbons).Physical characteristics:R404A is a hybrid refrigerant with low evaporation temperature and high energy efficiency ratio.
Category:Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
Application Benefits:Excellent performance in low-temperature applications, does not deplete the ozone layer, and is suitable for commercial refrigeration and cold storage.
Application Cons:The GWP value is high and may be limited by the Paris Agreement and the Kigali Amendment.
Environmental protection laws and regulations:Although R404A does not deplete the ozone layer, it is being limited by the Kigali Amendment due to its high GWP and may be replaced by a low GWP alternative in the future.
3. R134A (hydrofluorocarbons).Physical characteristics:R134A is a colorless and odorless refrigerant with moderate energy efficiency and low toxicity.
Category:Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
Application Benefits:It does not deplete the ozone layer and is widely used in commercial and industrial refrigeration systems.
Application Cons:Although GWP is lower than other HFCs, it is still high and may be limited by environmental regulations.
Environmental protection laws and regulations:: The use of R134A as an HFC refrigerant is influenced by the Paris Agreement and the Kigali Amendment, and may be replaced by more environmentally friendly alternatives in the future.
4. Ammonia (R717).Physical characteristics:Ammonia is a highly efficient natural refrigerant with excellent thermal conductivity and low GWP.
Category:Natural refrigerants.
Application Benefits:No GWP and ozone depletion potential, high energy efficiency and low operating costs, especially suitable for large-scale industrial refrigeration.
Application Cons:Ammonia is toxic and flammable and requires strict safety controls and professional maintenance.
Environmental protection laws and regulations:As a natural refrigerant, ammonia is fully compliant with the Paris Agreement and the Kigali Amendment, making it one of the ideal choices for future cold storage refrigerants.
5. Carbon dioxide (R744).Physical characteristics:Carbon dioxide is a colorless and odorless natural refrigerant with low GWP and high heat exchange efficiency.
Category:Natural refrigerants.
Application Benefits:The GWP of CO2 is extremely low, the environmental impact is low, and it is suitable for high-pressure refrigeration systems.
Application Cons:High-pressure operation is required, placing higher demands on the materials and components of the system.
Environmental protection laws and regulations:As a natural refrigerant, carbon dioxide is fully compliant with international environmental regulations and is ideal for future cryogenic storage and cold storage refrigeration.
6. Future trendsWith the emphasis on environmental protection, it is expected that the market for cold storage refrigerants will be more biased towards natural refrigerants and low-GWP synthetic refrigerants in the future. Natural refrigerants such as ammonia and carbon dioxide will play an increasingly important role in new cold storage projects due to their excellent environmental properties and high energy efficiency. At the same time, refrigerant manufacturers are actively developing new synthetic refrigerants to meet increasingly stringent international environmental regulations.
The choice of refrigerant for cold storage is in a transition period, facing multiple challenges of efficiency, environmental protection and safety. When choosing a refrigerant, it is important to consider not only its physical properties and cost-effectiveness, but also the requirements of international environmental regulations. By adopting refrigerants that meet environmental standards, the cold storage industry can achieve a more sustainable and environmentally friendly development.