Lower GWP study to be feature of ASHRAE

USA: The challenge to find lower GWP R22 alternatives that work efficiently in hot countries will be one of the topics under discussion at the ASHRAE 2016 Winter Conference.

The seminar, Evaluating Low-GWP Refrigerants for Air-Conditioning Industry in High Ambient Temperature Countries looks at the PRAHA (Promoting Low-GWP Alternative Refrigerants in the Air Conditioning Industry for High-Ambient Conditions) project which was developed by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in association with several high ambient nations.

The project aims to practically assess next-generation low-GWP refrigerants taking into account energy efficiency, environmental impact, performance, safety and cost.

The project involves partnerships of 13 international/regional technology providers and equipment manufacturers, seeking to independently assess and evaluate the techno-economic feasibility of low-GWP refrigerants in comparison with existing commercially available refrigerants, such as HCFCs and HFCs for different domestic and medium size commercial air conditioning applications. 

“Speakers will discuss the outcome of these tests and a comparison of the results, which by no means endorse any of the tested refrigerants, but shed light on possible workable refrigerant alternatives for high ambient operation,” conference chair Walid Chakroun said.

Walid Chakroun is a professor in the mechanical engineering department at Kuwait University.

Chakroun, who also serves as ASHRAE’s representative to UNEP, explained that most of governments in the region have started to apply new minimum energy performance standards to air conditioning equipment. These standards will certainly have impact on the choice of refrigerant as well as design and operating characteristics of air conditioning units. Meeting those conditions for high-ambient climates is another challenge for countries with air conditioning consuming 50-60% of their domestic power supply.

ASHRAE 2016 Winter Conference takes place at the Orlando Hilton from January 23-27, next door to the ASHRAE co-sponsored AHR Expo.

To register for the ASHRAE Conference, which includes free access to the Expo, visit www.ashrae.org/orlando.

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