HCFC refrigerants, such as R22 and R123, remove some chlorine atoms from CFC, which greatly reduces their ozone depletion. They have strong system compatibility and low cost, making them a practical choice for customers with limited budgets. Their GWP is still high and they are being phased out. However, R22 is still used in some old equipment. Some customers reported that R22 is becoming increasingly difficult to buy, and even if it can be bought, the price is very high.

HFC (Hydrofluorocarbons)

HFC refrigerants do not contain chlorine atoms, have good thermal performance and chemical stability, and do not damage the ozone layer. Refrigerants such as R134a, R410A, R407C, and R32 have widely replaced HCFCs in industrial and commercial cooling systems. The EU and the United States have restricted the use of high-GWP HFCs, so we usually no longer recommend the use of R134a in projects exported to the United States.

HFO (Hydrofluoroolefins)

HFO refrigerants are environmentally friendly refrigerants. They have an ODP of 0, extremely low GWP, and thermal performance close to HFCs. They are suitable for cooling systems that require long-term continuous operation. Common HFOs are R1234yf, R1234ze, and R1233zd, which can directly replace R134a for medium-temperature cooling systems. However, HFO prices are relatively high, and many customers will start to hesitate when they see its price. But after using it for a period of time, the stability and environmental performance of the cooling system will make them feel that they have made the right purchase.

Natural Refrigerants

Natural refrigerants are compounds taken from nature, with zero ozone depletion potential and very low global warming potential. Common natural refrigerants include R717, R744, R290 and R600a. They have high refrigeration efficiency and heat exchange performance, and are relatively low in price. However, its defects are also obvious. For example, R717 is toxic and corrosive. In an explosion-proof project for lithium battery cooling, the customer finally gave up using it because even if ammonia leak detection was added, safety concerns could not be completely eliminated. In the end, R1270 and oil cooling was used instead.

How to choose a refrigerant for a chiller system

You need to consider the choice of refrigerant based on the following factors:

Application scenarios

Medical and experimental equipment have high requirements for temperature control accuracy and stability. We usually recommend using R134a or R410A in these cooling systems. R407C and R32 are widely used in industrial cooling systems. HFO refrigerants and natural refrigerants are recommended for industries with high environmental requirements.

Working temperature

Refrigerants with low boiling points should be selected for low-temperature working environments. R23, R508B and mixed refrigerants are commonly used in ultra-low temperature chillers (below -40°C). We have designed R23 systems for low-temperature chemical reaction cooling projects. Although the cost is high, it still maintains stable water output at -70°C.

Environmental regulations

The EU F-Gas regulations and the US EPA SNAP regulations have restrictions on high GWP refrigerants. The refrigerants in cooling systems exported to these countries and regions need to comply with environmental regulations, otherwise they may face EPA label certification issues and be forced to extend delivery time.

Energy efficiency and cost

Many customers care about the initial cost, but we recommend that you give priority to whether the refrigerant is available for a long time, rather than facing the dilemma of being eliminated at any time in the next 10 years.

Eco-Friendly Refrigerants: The Future of Cooling

At present, the world is promoting the use of environmentally friendly refrigerants such as R32, R1234yf, CO₂ to replace the commonly used R22, R123, R134a, and R410A. From our order records, users in the EU, Japan, and North America prefer to choose low-GWP HFO or natural refrigerants. Whether the refrigerant is environmentally friendly has become a key factor affecting users’ purchasing decisions. Therefore, most chiller manufacturers support customized refrigerant types to meet market demand.

Conclusion

LNEYA provides cooling systems that are compatible with multiple refrigerants. If you don’t know how to choose, you can send your working conditions, usage areas, and budget to our team, and we will tailor a solution for you within 24 hours.

Let’s talk about your cooling needs.