Feature Post
Strong Sustainability Tailwinds Drive CO2 Growth in the Industrial Sector
Strong Sustainability Tailwinds Drive CO2 Growth in the Industrial Sector Natural refrigerants have a long history in the industrial refrigeration sector. Chosen for its excellent performance characteristics and operational reliability, ammonia (R-717) has been an...
EPA SNAP Rule 26 Approves, Modifies Use Conditions for A2L and A3 Refrigerants
On May 28, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pre-published its Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Rule 26, adding to the list of allowable refrigerants that can be used in commercial and industrial refrigeration sectors.
10 Innovations Transforming Retail Operations
Significant research and development (R&D) are underway to address these converging challenges. In a recent article for Progressive Grocer, I outlined 10 innovations that are poised to transform the future of retail operations.
Refrigerant Transition Highlights the Importance of Leak Detection
Although detecting and minimizing leaks in commercial refrigeration equipment have always been important goals, they’re about to become even more critical. As I discussed in a recent article for Engineered Systems, the transition to the next generation of refrigerants creates important considerations — for both legacy and emerging systems.
Let the Refrigerant Phase-in Begin
As I noted in a recent article for Contracting Business, the next generation of refrigeration equipment will be more diverse, with no one-size-fits-all solution. Proven eco-friendly refrigerants CO2 (or R-744) and R-290 (aka propane) — as well as emerging A2L options — are among the most likely successors capable of meeting needed global warming potential (GWP) reductions.
Simplify Refrigerated Case Servicing and Troubleshooting
Effective troubleshooting is a fundamental skillset for service technicians responsible for keeping refrigerated cases running at peak performance. They need tools to help them quickly set up new cases and diagnose issues in existing units — stabilizing air temperatures, superheat and defrost schedules — all while minimizing in-store disruptions. The Copeland CC200 case controller was designed with these priorities in mind. In the last blog of our Innovations in Case Control series, I review how its powerful combination of software, hardware and mobile app provides a robust collective toolset for simplifying every aspect of servicing and troubleshooting.
Exploring the Advanced Functionality of the CC200 Case Controller
In the first blog of our Innovations in Case Control series, I reviewed the hardware components, technician-friendly features and performance benefits of Copeland’s new CC200 case controller . Designed with modular, pluggable components, it enables control of up to three evaporators or an electronic evaporator pressure regulator (EEPR) valve for multiple types of cases. In this blog, I explore how this robust case control platform regulates superheat, manages EEPR valves, and provides advanced CO2-ready functionality. To dive deeper into these topics, please view our companion CC200 video series.
Innovations in Refrigerated Case Control — CC200 Case Controller Video and Blog Series
Electronic controls have become essential components in modern commercial refrigeration equipment. Driven by the needs to simplify maintenance, increase performance and reliability, transition to lower-GWP refrigerants, and optimize energy efficiency, system and case controls are enabling a new era of refrigeration management — for end users and service technicians alike.
Connected Tech Can Help Overcome Chain Store Challenges
In a recent article, we explored five ways connected, cloud-based internet of things (IoT) technologies are evolving to address nearly every facet of chain store operations by simplifying store operations, automating labor-intensive tasks, and streamlining enterprise management.
Reviewing Proposed Energy Efficiency Standards for Ice Machines
Earlier this year, the Department of Energy (DOE) published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) outlining new energy conservation standards for automatic commercial ice makers (ACIMs). The proposal calls for energy reductions up to 30 percent, which would apply to most of the ACIM equipment currently on the market. In a recent article for QSR Magazine, I explored the implications of this new DOE proposal within the context of an already dynamic regulatory climate.
A2L Refrigeration Overview — Systems, Safety and Servicing Considerations
As recent regulations set the stage for the use of A2L refrigerants in HVACR, commercial refrigeration stakeholders have questions about system design, safety considerations and servicing best practices. Whether you’re an original equipment manufacturer (OEMs), system designer or service technician, working with lower-flammability A2Ls will require familiarity with standards and procedures that ensure system safety. In a recent article for RSES Journal, I provided an overview of the A2L equipment landscape and discussed how it impacts system design and servicing.
Understanding the Roles of CO2, A2Ls and R-290 in Next-Gen Equipment Options
With finalized global warming potential (GWP) limits on the horizon and the hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) phasedown officially at 40 percent reductions, food retailers are entering a new phase in their refrigerant transitions.
Cross-border Considerations for Improving International Cold Chain Management
Maintaining consistent holding temperatures and following proper quality assurance (QA) processes are especially critical as shipments cross borders into foreign countries. But implementing proper cold chain management best practices can be even more difficult within international shipping lanes, as the export process introduces a variety of additional considerations and potential hazards to perishable quality.
CO2 as a Refrigerant — Criteria for Choosing Refrigerants
Multiple factors need to be carefully considered when selecting any refrigerant, including its cooling capacity, safety, environmental impact, ease of use, cost, and availability of components and expertise. Table 1 summarizes these and other key criteria, and shows how well R744 meets them.
CO2 as a Refrigerant – Properties of R-744
Carbon dioxide is a naturally occurring substance; the atmosphere is comprised of approximately 0.04 percent CO2 (370 ppm). It is produced during respiration by most living organisms and is absorbed by plants. It is also produced during many industrial processes, in particular when fossil fuels such as coal, gas or oil are burned to generate power or drive vehicles.
CO2 as a Refrigerant – Comparison of R-744 with Other Refrigerants
Table 1 shows a simple comparison of R744 with other types of refrigerants, including those that are currently commonly used and those that are currently being evaluated for future use.
CO2 as a Refrigerant – Introduction to CO2 Booster Operation
Many R744 systems operate above the critical point some or all of the time. This is not a problem; the system merely works differently and is designed with these needs in mind.
CO2 as a Refrigerant – Five Potential Hazards of R-744
This is post number five of a series, and continues our overview of CO2 as a refrigerant by touching on the potential hazards associated with handling systems where R744 is present.
CO2 as a Refrigerant – R-744 Advantages and Disadvantages
This is post number seven of a series. Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages of R744 Table 1 outlines the advantages and disadvantages of R744 as a refrigerant.
CO2 as a Refrigerant – Introduction to R-744 Refrigeration Systems
This is post number eight of a series. Transcritical, cascade, and secondary CO2 systems This series continues with the introduction of transcritical, cascade and secondary systems; it explains how each system works; and then compares their advantages and disadvantages.