Sponsored by Emerson
The refrigeration technologies used in the restaurant industry are changing rapidly. In response to the global phasedown of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, many foodservice original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are developing the next generation of equipment with lower global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants. Although some restaurant operators are already moving to lower-GWP systems, this transition will accelerate significantly over the next several years.
A2L refrigerants have long been recognized as potentially viable refrigerant alternatives, especially in self-contained cases, walk-in coolers and freezer and condensing units used in the foodservice sector. With GWP ratings below 150 and 300, some A2L refrigerants are among the lowest-GWP alternatives available. Achieving these lower-GWP targets results in a degree of flammability, earning the A2L “lower flammability” refrigerant classification.
Although already approved in some global regions, the use of A2Ls is still in its early phases in the U.S. A recent update to the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) safety standard — UL 60335- 2-89, 2nd edition — has set the stage for regulatory approval of A2Ls in the foodservice sector. New federal rulings and state building code updates are forthcoming, and many industry stakeholders anticipate these key pieces will fall into place within the next few years.
A2L refrigerants offer a unique solution within the foodservice landscape. With charge limits greatly exceeding those approved or proposed for R-290, A2Ls represent a potentially higher-capacity alternative in self-contained applications while playing a larger role in distributed architectures, such as remote, outdoor condensing units (OCUs) or mini-racks used throughout the foodservice industry. Regardless of which A2L applications may become more commonplace, they will give restaurants a variety of new options with which to achieve regulatory compliance and meet operational sustainability goals.
If you’re an operator evaluating your future equipment options, be sure to include safe, efficient and reliable A2L refrigeration strategies in your equipment portfolios. OEMs should initiate their equipment design cycles to prepare for the wave of A2L equipment adoption. Contractors, consultants and owners/operators should educate themselves in preparation for more widespread A2L adoption.
In a recent white paper, Emerson reviewed the next regulatory steps required for A2L adoption, explored A2L systems and equipment applications, and discussed A2L refrigerant servicing and safety considerations.
