Daikin looks to HFOs and R32 in reefers

JAPAN: With an increasing worldwide drive to lower GWP refrigerants, Daikin is investigating the potential for R32 and HFOs in its refrigerated containers.

Although best known for its air conditioners, Daikin is also a leading supplier of container refrigeration equipment, as well as being a major refrigerant producer. The company has already  begun the process of replacing R410A in its smaller air conditioning units with R32.

Daikin was one of the first manufacturers to enter the refrigerated container market in 1968 and, in January, received an order for 2000 reefers from leading container shipping line United Arab Shipping Company.

While container refrigeration units are required to operate all over the world in ambient temperatures ranging between -30°C and +50°C and with inside container temperatures of between -30°C to +30°C, the selection of the next generation refrigerant to replace the industry standard R134a is critical. Carrier, another container refrigeration company, has opted for CO2 as the preferred alternative with its NaturaLINE reefers.

Daikin says it currently sees R32 and HFOs refrigerants as the best candidates. In its latest newsletter, the company states: “We will continue to watch industry trends in air conditioning, heat pump water heaters and refrigeration in order to make a final decision of which next-generation refrigerant to use in our container refrigeration units.”