Focus on Sustainability with Copeland's R-290 Solutions
Making the case for R-290 sustainable refrigeration solutions
The prospect of increasing charge limits has expanded R-290’s potential in commercial refrigeration applications. Small-charge, self-contained refrigeration systems have become much more commonplace in U.S. food retail and foodservice markets. R-290’s highly efficient, eco-friendly performance makes it an ideal choice for customers seeking to achieve their corporate sustainability objectives or comply with ever-increasing refrigerant regulations.
Although R-290 offers proven sustainability and performance benefits, its A3 “higher flammability” classification must be taken into consideration. To mitigate R-290 safety risks and address safety concerns, the governing bodies that regulate the safe use of refrigerants in the U.S. have long established a 150 grams (5.3 ounces or 0.33 pound) maximum charge limit. The revised standard approved higher charge limits that potentially could expand the size of R-290 cases, raising the charge limits on commercial self-contained, plug-in displays.
OEM refrigerant journey leads to next-gen R-290 equipment platform
Like many commercial refrigeration original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the transition to lower-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants had long been on FBD’s product development radar. As a leading manufacturer of frozen beverage dispensers — such as those used by major restaurant and convenience store chains, theme parks and beverage brands — FBD began evaluating its lower-GWP refrigerant options.
FBD collaborated with Copeland to align compressor platforms with its next-gen refrigerant selections, and moved forward with new product prototypes. The R&D team selected R-290 as its primary option.
