Flammable Refrigerants.
ASHRAE organized a multi-disciplinary task group to investigate low-global warming potential alternative refrigerants.
In collaboration with this MTG.LowGWP, ASHRAE SSPC15 sponsored research projects to assess the risk of using flammable refrigerants. Addenda to the 2019 and 2022 editions of ASHRAE Standard 15 were published based on the outcomes of these research projects.
The MTG.LowGWP summarizes these research projects here. Project reports can be purchased from the ASHRAE Bookstore.
Further research projects investigating the use of flammable refrigerants were conducted by the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology Institute (AHRTI). The reports of these research projects are available from AHRI.
In cooperation with the MTG.LowGWP, SSPC15 sponsored a research project RP–1806 to assess the risk of ignition of leaked refrigerant from HVAC&R equipment using flammable refrigerants. The project is ongoing and interim updates are available from the MTG. ASHRAE SSPC15 members serve on the project monitoring subcommittee.
ASHRAE SSPC34 has sponsored RP–1797, a research project to re-assess the toxicity classification (A and B) of refrigerants in ASHRAE Standard 34. ASHRAE SSPC15 members also serve on its project monitoring subcommittee since changes in ASHRAE Standard 34 affect the use of ASHRAE Standard 15.
In collaboration with the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), Subcommittee 15.2 is sponsoring a research project to investigate the use of flammable (safety group A3) refrigerants in low-probability systems installed in residential applications. ASHRAE SSPC15 defined this project based on public comments received on the advisory public review of addendum e to the 2022 edition of ASHRAE Standard 15.2. This project has kicked off.
AHRTI‒9018 explores risk associated with the presence of open flames near commercial refrigeration equipment — a common scenario in commercial kitchens. The likelihood and severity of ignition events due to refrigerant leaks from ice makers and reach-in coolers when the equipment uses group A2L refrigerants is the goal of this study. Based on the outcomes of this effort, the restriction in §7.8 of the 2024 edition of ASHRAE Standard 15 could be reconsidered.
AHRTI‒9019 investigates the impact of odorants on the performance of HVAC&R equipment as well as their compatibility with lubricants and other materials in equipment. For the safety of users of natural gas, federal regulations require that piped natural gas be odorized; its odor serving as a warning of any potential leaks. This study attempts to apply this concept to group A2 and A3 refrigerants when used in HVAC&R equipment.
The Building Technologies Office under the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy of the US Department of Energy has undertaken an effort to investigate next-generation, ultra-low-GWP refrigerants for use in the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, refrigeration, and water heating equipment. Through its emerging technologies program, BTO has defined a comprehensive workplan to address all barriers and collaboratively develop solutions with all industry stakeholders to enable the use of these refrigerants. The outcomes of this effort can inform future revisions in ASHRAE Standards 15 and 15.2.
