Specialist article in KÄLTE KLIMA AKTUELL
The focus of many end customers is increasingly on sustainable product solutions and many companies have already anchored sustainable, environmentally conscious action in their mission statement. End customers who have already come into contact with the effects of the F-Gas Regulation are increasingly demanding the use of natural refrigerants when investing in new refrigeration technology. “Innovative trade businesses are leading the way when it comes to sustainability. They actively advise end customers on the use of natural, halogen-free refrigerants,” says Dennis Kratschmayer, Managing Director of Skadec GmbH.
Project planners and developers are encouraged to design tenders accordingly. Other companies are largely unaware of developments in the refrigerant market and the resulting consequences and risks. “New technologies and their areas of application must be actively promoted, and R290 as a refrigerant is a sustainable solution that is also very efficient, especially for air-cooled chillers,” says Kratschmayer with regard to Skadec’s focus.
The F-Gas Regulation restricts the use of fluorinated refrigerants in several stages in order to reduce their climate-damaging emissions. This has a serious impact on the availability and price development of fluorinated high-GWP refrigerants. Natural refrigerants, which have a GWP of (almost) 1, will have to take a large share of the market in future in order to guarantee supply and achieve the targets of the F-Gas Regulation.
“If you look at the expected service life of a heat pump or chiller today, the last stage of the regulation in 2031 is already within reach,” says Kratschmayer, illustrating the refrigerant phase-down. R290 chillers and heat pumps will not be affected by the F-Gas Regulation even after 2031. The financial risk of using large quantities of synthetic refrigerants is not negligible for system operators. The cost of repairs requiring refrigerant or even a breakdown can be a financial problem. The same applies to the system manufacturer for leaks within the warranty period. Another argument in favor of using natural refrigerants is the subsidy from the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (Bafa). End customers can apply for investment grants of up to €150,000 per measure when using non-halogenated refrigerants.
The Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Directive was amended in January 2019 and runs until the end of 2021. In particular, concerns regarding the safety of personnel and fire hazards in buildings must be addressed during consultation. The filling quantities are low for machines up to 500 kW and are in the order of barbecue and camping gas cylinders. At Skadec, the flammable refrigerant is handled responsibly thanks to a close-meshed safety concept and the outdoor installation of all machines. The systems are available in capacities ranging from a few kilowatts to the megawatt range. Skadec is confident that customers who are advised accordingly will feel that they are in good hands and well looked after by their contact partner. The result is lasting positive customer loyalty. “Sustainability is an important sales argument and those who provide good advice have the chance to sell more,” concludes Dennis Kratschmayer.
Note: Bafa funding is only provided for projects located in Germany.
