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MHI plans Euro launch of small split using refrigerant R454C

JAPAN: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has announced what it claims is the first small residential air conditioning system using lower GWP refrigerant R454C.

The demonstration unit is said to offer significant environmental progress over the current R410A and R32. In addition, MHI says it has overcome the shortcomings of the R454C, such as, for example, using proprietary technology and other measures to optimise heat exchanger flow.

Developed and marketed by Chemours as Opteon XL20, R454C is a blend of R32 and R1234yf. With a GWP 148, it is classified as an A2L “mildly flammable” gas.

MHI says preparations are underway towards mass production with an eye on an initial launch into the European market.

Last year, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries introduced a commercial air-source heat pump using R454C.

Related stories:

MHI develops heat pump for R454C5 March 2018
JAPAN: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has introduced a commercial heat pump using the little-known lower GWP refrigerant R454C. Read more…

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