Multi-refrigerant DSH scrolls give OEMs “ultimate flexibility” on low GWP

Danfoss has qualified its range of DSH scroll compressors for use with R454B and R452B refrigerants, giving OEMs “ultimate flexibility” when offering alternatives to R410A.

Already a popular option for commercial chillers and rooftop systems using R410A, with Intermediate Discharge Valve (IDV) technology to enhance seasonal part-load cooling efficiency, the DSH scroll compressors now support R454B and R452B refrigerants. The option to use new, lower-GWP refrigerants was prompted by the EU’s ongoing phase-down of high GWP refrigerants, limiting availability and increasing the price of R410A.

Meanwhile, in countries where refrigerant GWP is already taxed, switching to R454B or R452B will provide savings on the tax value up to 78% and 67% respectively.

The compressors’ multi-refrigerant compatibility, along with similar drop-in performance versus R410A, is designed to make refrigerant transition as easy as possible for OEMs without the need to make radical system alterations, thus accelerating time to market, both for cooling and reversible systems altogether.

The changes also enable OEMs to make late line customizations and reduce stock inventories, which increases overall flexibility and ease of stock management.

Matthieu Stoll, Director of A/C Marketing at Danfoss Cooling, said: “Around the world, refrigerant transition is happening at different speeds. By using Danfoss DSH scroll compressors with IDVs, OEMs can now respond to market changes more easily – whether that’s new efficiency requirements or the GWP phase down. That’s ultimate flexibility. And with a GWP level of 466, R454B in particular can be viewed as a potential long-term solution.”

Benefits of the new, enhanced compressor range include:

• Drop-in multi-refrigerant support for R454B and R452B, offering late line customization and reduced inventory with minimal redesign effort,
• Danfoss IDV technology to enable higher part-load efficiency,
• 10 models from 7.5 to 40 TR and a wide range of manifold options,
• Operating maps to fit a wide range of applications, both reversible and cooling only, including chillers and rooftop units.

R454B and R452B refrigerants are classified as A2L (mildly flammable) and are regulated under EN378 and IEC60335-2-40. OEMs therefore need to take the appropriate compliance measures in certain applications.