Challenges for Equipment Manufacturers in Adopting Low-GWP Refrigerants

Low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants have been studied by the HVAC&R industry extensively with limited success in finding optimal design compatible replacements for all product segments. New ultra low GWP olefin refrigerants such as HFOs are being considered by themselves or blended with traditional refrigerants to optimize design attributes for equipment manufacturers, but there can be compromises that develop in other design attributes.  This presentation will provide a summary of the design trade-offs when considering new refrigerants and the product differences associated with new lower GWP refrigerant products that are being introduced by the HVAC&R industry.