Safety Technology Barriers to Adoption of Ultralow GWP Refrigerants By Douglas Reindl
The current phasedown of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants is being driven because of their high global warming potential (GWP). As a result, the HVAC&R industry is in the midst of another refrigerant transition, meaning a majority will be using “fourth generation” refrigerants; however, a segment of the industry is already looking past the fourth generation of refrigerants and pursuing the “next generation” of refrigerants characterized by ultralow GWP. This article will provide some background on previous transitions and discuss ultralow GWP refrigerants, including safety technology barriers to their adoption.