170 delegates from 31 different countries gathered last week in Brussels for ATMOsphere 2010, the international workshop on natural refrigerants. This second article from the event reports on second-day discussions with regards to CO2 technology. +Image Gallery. The presentations are available now.
Policy Support for CO2
In his presentation, Javier Camargo, Chair of the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund (MLF), pointed out that 98% of ozone depleting substances (ODS) have been phased out and the reduction of ozone damaging substances expressed in CO2 - equivalent emissions represents about 10 gigatonnes per year. The funding provided by the MLF covers the incremental costs incurred in converting systems to non-ODS technologies and contributions of the MLF as of July 2010 exceeded US$ 2.7 billion.
Camargo noted that the funding provided by MLF is based on a country - driven approach, rather than individual projects. It is, therefore, important that national administrations increase their focus on natural refrigerants in order for them to be taken into account by the MLF funding. The presenter also reminded that projects such as institutional strengthening, technical assistance, and network activities are also funded.
Satu Hassi, a member of the European Parliament - the driving force in the European machinery on climate protection - reminded participants that with climate change on our doorstep, it becomes urgent to act on the important carbon emissions source that the heating and cooling sector represents. “Our children will ask us: Why didn’t you do anything against HFCs, while you knew how damaging they were?
Theodoros Skylakakis, Member of the European Parliament, also asserted that natural refrigerants, including carbon dioxide “can make the perfect match for both a green and a profitable investment”.
India’s potential for R744
The special lunch session on India was initiated to put the focus on challenges faced by a nation rapidly growing in terms of population and economic strength. It is important for the global community to know how India will set its course regarding the replacement of HCFCs and HFCs with natural refrigerants.
Chaired by Rajendra Shende, Head of OzonAction Branch UNEP, the panel concluded that India is ready to decisively act if the right framework conditions are provided.
Several industry initiatives and publicly funded projects have already been put into place to address the rising greenhouse gas emissions from the heating, cooling and refrigeration sectors. For example, the global commitment by The Coca-Cola Company to set 2015 as the deadline by which 100% of its new coolers will be HFC-free and use CO2 as a natural refrigerant in vending machines and bottle coolers.
Professor Bhattacharyya introduced the audience to several research initiatives focused on natural refrigerants at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. The research provides an optimistic outlook for India.
Nonetheless, air-conditioning in stores and CO2 refrigeration systems could promise a higher market penetration provided that global consumer brands would implement their natural refrigerant strategies in all world markets, including India.
CO2 Heat Pumps for Increased Energy Efficiency in the US
Merle Rocke, CEO of US based company EcoThermics Corporation provided a presentation on a newly developed R744 compressor that the company believes will improve the energy efficiency and performance of heat pumps. Features of this new AT54 compressor include:
In his presentation, Javier Camargo, Chair of the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund (MLF), pointed out that 98% of ozone depleting substances (ODS) have been phased out and the reduction of ozone damaging substances expressed in CO2 - equivalent emissions represents about 10 gigatonnes per year. The funding provided by the MLF covers the incremental costs incurred in converting systems to non-ODS technologies and contributions of the MLF as of July 2010 exceeded US$ 2.7 billion.
Camargo noted that the funding provided by MLF is based on a country - driven approach, rather than individual projects. It is, therefore, important that national administrations increase their focus on natural refrigerants in order for them to be taken into account by the MLF funding. The presenter also reminded that projects such as institutional strengthening, technical assistance, and network activities are also funded.
Satu Hassi, a member of the European Parliament - the driving force in the European machinery on climate protection - reminded participants that with climate change on our doorstep, it becomes urgent to act on the important carbon emissions source that the heating and cooling sector represents. “Our children will ask us: Why didn’t you do anything against HFCs, while you knew how damaging they were?
Theodoros Skylakakis, Member of the European Parliament, also asserted that natural refrigerants, including carbon dioxide “can make the perfect match for both a green and a profitable investment”.
India’s potential for R744
The special lunch session on India was initiated to put the focus on challenges faced by a nation rapidly growing in terms of population and economic strength. It is important for the global community to know how India will set its course regarding the replacement of HCFCs and HFCs with natural refrigerants.
Chaired by Rajendra Shende, Head of OzonAction Branch UNEP, the panel concluded that India is ready to decisively act if the right framework conditions are provided.
Several industry initiatives and publicly funded projects have already been put into place to address the rising greenhouse gas emissions from the heating, cooling and refrigeration sectors. For example, the global commitment by The Coca-Cola Company to set 2015 as the deadline by which 100% of its new coolers will be HFC-free and use CO2 as a natural refrigerant in vending machines and bottle coolers.
Professor Bhattacharyya introduced the audience to several research initiatives focused on natural refrigerants at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. The research provides an optimistic outlook for India.
- 100% of respondents are aware that India needs to switch to natural refrigerants.
- 81% knows that solutions already exist.
- 62% believes that CO2-based supermarket systems can be implemented in India.
Nonetheless, air-conditioning in stores and CO2 refrigeration systems could promise a higher market penetration provided that global consumer brands would implement their natural refrigerant strategies in all world markets, including India.
CO2 Heat Pumps for Increased Energy Efficiency in the US
Merle Rocke, CEO of US based company EcoThermics Corporation provided a presentation on a newly developed R744 compressor that the company believes will improve the energy efficiency and performance of heat pumps. Features of this new AT54 compressor include:
- A compact design
- High power density
- Highly cost competitive with 74% energy cost reduction or $5,210 annual savings
- Over 2000 hours of lab testing to reinforce the performance and durability of EcoThermics new CO2 compressor
- The U.S. governmental legislation remains several years behind Europe/Japan.
- New technology costs more initially
- Lack of knowledge by customers and distribution channel
- Inertia of current technologies & widespread resistance to change
- CO2 slightly less efficient at cooling
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By R744.com team (@r744)
Oct 08, 2010, 08:07
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