Application of HFO blends in new and existing commercial refrigeration equipment: operational considerations and system performance.

The global commercial refrigeration industry has relied heavily on HCFC-22 and HFC-404A as the predominant refrigerants for many decades in both low and medium temperature refrigeration systems. Currently both of these refrigerants are being phased-out and/or down by a variety of global regulations and the need for suitable replacements is urgent. This paper will discuss the recent development of lower global warming potential (GWP) hydro fluoro olefin (HFO) blends that can serve as alternatives in both the large installed equipment base as well as work well in new systems. The basic physical, chemical, and thermodynamic properties of these HFO blends will be presented along with practical engineering considerations for system conversions from R-22 and R-404A. Additionally, data and results from laboratory, system, and real world field testing will be presented.