Whitepaper: Refrigerant options now and in the future

New and evolving regulations on refrigerants can make it a challenge to stay up to date on current trends, with new regulations impacting everything from component selection to designing future systems.

This whitepaper is examining the trends and drivers in selecting refrigerants for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems. It contains a summarized look at Danfoss’ experience and knowledge, describing the background, trends, and drivers that frame the scenarios for present and future refrigerant selection.

Exploring trends and drivers in refrigerant selection

The whitepaper discusses the history of refrigerants, predicts the continued dominance of vapor-compression systems, and anticipates a dramatic increase in refrigerant consumption due to the growing demand for green energy and emerging economies. Selecting suitable refrigerants is a decision that will impact users for years to come, and experts suggest that safety, affordability, and environmental friendliness are the most important factors to consider when building a system. However, a balance of these factors can't be found in just one refrigerant for all applications. Selecting new alternatives implies investments, costs, and educational burdens, but we believe that if these selections are made correctly, and with an innovative approach, they can open doors to new opportunities.

The whitepaper also covers the impact of regulations, including national and international regulation, GWP limits, and taxes on high-GWP refrigerants, and provides an overview of the most promising alternative refrigerants currently available on the market.

Subjects covered in the whitepaper include:

• Refrigerant regulations: A discussion of national and international regulations, including GWP limits and taxes on high-GWP refrigerants.
• The REACH restriction on PFAS: An overview of the process schedule and risk assessment for PFAS restrictions.
• Sustainability: A focus on the importance of sustainability in the selection of refrigerants.
• Refrigerant options: A discussion of the most promising alternative refrigerants, including hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) and natural refrigerants.

Torben Funder-Kristensen, Head of Industry Affairs Climate Solutions, Danfoss

Torben Funder-Kristensen is an experienced thought leader in the refrigeration and air-conditioning industry. For more than 20 years, he has worked on solutions for sustainable cooling of products, people and the planet. Since joining Danfoss in 1995, Torben has held several management positions within development of manufacturing processes, materials and components. With these deep technical insights, he is at the forefront of developing technologies with far-reaching implications, such as helping to implement the Montreal Protocol or developing better cold chains. Torben continues to drive innovation by applying existing technologies to new challenges, as he is the author of numerous white papers and patents. He holds a M.Sc. and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), and he represents Danfoss in EPEE, EHPA GFCCC and ASERCOM.

RETHINK Live - Navigating within the refrigerant transition

With all the new and evolving regulations around refrigerants, it can be a challenge to have a clear view on the way ahead.

Join us, as our in-house expert, Torben Funder Kristensen, gives you an updated overview of the refrigerant landscape, including the status on various regulations and their impact on the industry. He'll also talk about the factors you should consider when designing a sustainable refrigerant solution.