CO₂ Refrigeration : A Proven Sustainable Alternative

Copeland is committed to furthering CO₂ refrigeration technologies by developing innovative solutions that make CO₂ more viable for our customers and the industry.

Environmental regulations and corporate sustainability targets have set the stage for wider adoption of CO₂ in commercial refrigeration.

Navigate the CO2 Refrigeration Landscape with Our E-Book

For more than a decade, Copeland has been committed to furthering CO₂ refrigeration technologies by developing innovative solutions that make CO₂ easier to adopt for our customers and the industry. Our efforts focus on simplifying the application of CO₂ systems via the seamless integration of key system components. Explore the potential of efficient and environmentally friendly CO₂ refrigeration.

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CO₂ Refrigeration White Papers

Adopt CO₂ Refrigeration With Confidence

Copeland is aggressively investing in the next generation of CO₂ refrigeration innovations, including the emergence of distributed CO₂ transcritical technologies in the United States. Discover how our fully integrated system controls, compression and components can help simplify the transition to sustainable CO₂ refrigeration.

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Fundamentals of CO₂ Refrigeration Systems

What is the critical point of CO₂? How should you store CO₂ refrigerant? How do HFC refrigerant properties compare to CO₂? Hear from our experts to get answers to some of the most important technical questions about unique performance and operating characteristics of CO₂ refrigerants.

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Investing in the Future of CO₂ Refrigeration

Copeland is continuing its commitment to CO₂ innovation by investing in the next generation of CO₂ refrigeration technologies. From compression technology to distributed architectures, we’re expanding our testing and lab capabilities to support our OEM and end user partners.

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Integrated CO₂ Solutions

Combining compression technology, advanced facility management and CO₂ system controls, VFDs, leak detection, CO₂ system components and expert services, we deliver seamless system integration that enables maximum system reliability, efficiency and simplicity. Our ever-expanding CO₂ product portfolio includes a breadth of solutions for transcritical, cascade and secondary architectures.

CO₂ Refrigeration Products from Copeland

Combining compression technology, advanced facility management and CO₂ system controls, VFDs, leak detection, CO₂ system components and expert services, Copeland delivers seamless system integration that enables maximum system reliability, efficiency and simplicity.

Check out our full CO₂ product portfolio.

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FAQs

What is an advantage of CO₂ as a refrigerant?

CO₂(R-744) — non-toxic, non-flammable and with a GWP of 1, CO₂ has demonstrated its effectiveness in both low-temperature (LT) and medium-temperature (MT) applications. CO₂ as a natural refrigerant poses very little threat to the environment.

What is a natural refrigerant?

The term “natural refrigerant” refers to substances that naturally occur in the environment. Unlike the synthetic refrigerants that have commonly been used in refrigeration applications — including hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) — ammonia (NH₃ or refrigerant name R-717), propane (refrigerant name R-290) and carbon dioxide (CO₂ or refrigerant name R-744) are three naturally occurring refrigerants that pose very little threat to the environment.

Are CO₂ refrigeration systems successful?

CO₂ -based refrigeration systems have been successfully deployed in commercial and industrial applications in Europe for nearly two decades. Because of its low critical point and high operating pressure, CO₂ refrigeration strategies must be designed to account for its unique characteristics. In light of current environmental regulations, the popularity of these systems has increased significantly in North America in recent years.

Are there safety issues to be aware of when handling CO₂ refrigerant?

Because CO₂ refrigeration systems operate at extremely high pressures, technicians should take precautions when handling CO₂. Even when the system is shut off, standstill pressures are extremely high and need to be handled carefully. In addition, CO₂ can displace oxygen and release it in excessive amounts because it’s heavier than air. As a result, technicians should avoid handling it in confined spaces. But with proper training and equipment design, CO₂ can be used safely.

What are the differences between CO₂ and HFCs?

CO₂ has unique performance and operating characteristics that differentiate it from HFCs and dictate system design. It has higher density than a typical HFC refrigerant, which translates into the use of smaller compressors. However, the motor is similar in size since the work being done is approximately the same. CO₂’s higher density means that smaller pipe diameters can be used, especially on the suction side of the system. Due to its high pressures, system components need to be rated to tolerate a higher maximum pressure rating.

How do you charge a CO₂ refrigeration system?

When charging a CO₂ refrigeration system, the most important consideration a technician should keep in mind is the triple point pressure of CO₂. 60.4 psi is the pressure at which CO₂ will turn to dry ice. As a result, contractors must be careful not to charge with liquid CO₂ when the system is below this pressure, and instead charge with vapor until the system reaches triple point. Failure to do so will result in the formation of dry ice. There are various anecdotes about technicians — who are more familiar with charging HFC systems — charging a CO₂ system with liquid and causing the formation of dry ice.

CO₂ Refrigeration : A Proven Sustainable Alternative

Navigate the CO2 Refrigeration Landscape with Our E-Book

E360 Webinar: Navigating the CO₂ Refrigeration Landscape

CO₂ Refrigeration White Papers

Adopt CO₂ Refrigeration With Confidence

Fundamentals of CO₂ Refrigeration Systems

Investing in the Future of CO₂ Refrigeration

Integrated CO₂ Solutions

CO₂ Refrigeration Products from Copeland

FAQs

Adopt CO₂ Refrigeration With Confidence

Fundamentals of CO₂ Refrigeration Systems

E360 Webinar: Navigating the CO₂ Refrigeration Landscape

CO₂ Refrigeration Products from Copeland

Investing in the Future of CO₂ Refrigeration

FAQs

CO₂ Refrigeration White Papers

Baselining CO₂ Refrigeration

CO₂ Transcritical Booster System Design

Regional Adaptations: System Design Considerations for CO₂ Refrigeration

CO₂ Transcritical Booster System Design

Regional Adaptations: System Design Considerations for CO₂ Refrigeration

Baselining CO₂ Refrigeration