Technology Update

Air-conditioning and refrigeration systems consume energy, so higher energy efficiency results in smaller carbon dioxide footprint. Refrigerant choice can greatly influence energy efficiency, thus the industry has to carefully study many replacements available for R-22 and identify the most environment-friendly alternative. For example, the R-410A is a more efficient refrigerant that helps to reduce the overall energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power plants providing power to R-410A-compatibile Copeland Scroll compressors. This improved efficiency helps reduce potential global warming emissions.

R410 Advantages

• R410A is a near azeotrope—the glide is less than 0.2K—so there is a minimal change in evaporation temperature at constant suction pressure.
• R410A allows the use of a smaller displacement compressor to achieve the same capacity. This could result to some cost savings for compressor manufacturers, but this advantage may be offset by higher operating pressures.
• R410A runs slightly cooler than R22 so there is a possibility to increase the operating range of the system.
• Heat transfer in R410A is better.

R410A Disadvantages

• The obvious disadvantage of R410A is that it operates at much higher pressures. This requires a total redesign of systems and compressors to guarantee safety.
• R410A requires POE oil which is highly hygroscopic Greater attention to cleanliness is required during the installation of an R410A system to prevent moisture from entering the system.
• The theoretical R410A compression cycle at normal air-conditioning system conditions is lower than that of R22 which gets worse as condensing temperatures rise. However, this disadvantage is offset by the better heat exchange and lower impact of pressure drops.