Low GWP refrigerant options and their LCCP impact for transport refrigeration products.

Transport refrigeration is one of the most critical segments of the global cold food chain, however it has limited impact on global refrigerant greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories (typically <1%). Because regulators are focusing on reducing GWP in large GHG contributing refrigeration sectors, like stationary refrigeration, there is potential for regulators to reduce the available refrigerant choices for transport refrigeration products and putting at risk this critical segment without having much GHG impact. These systems are not regulated to meet a minimum efficiency standards. Efficiency can vary greatly based on various design constraints like; weight and space regulations, increasing regulations on fuel type (fossil fuel versus electric driven), application temperature and refrigerant choice. Footprint restrictions and application requirements drive system designs to restrict heat exchanger size and thus drive systems to have reduced capacities, reduced efficiencies and high compressor discharge temperature. This paper will provide a review of low GWP refrigerant technologies in use or under consideration and LCCP assessments for various transport refrigeration product segments.