international journal of refrigeration 83 (2017) 60–74

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Review

Refrigerants used in the Portuguese food

industry: Current status

Bruno J. Cardoso *, Francisco B. Lamas, Adélio R. Gaspar, José B. Ribeiro

ADAI, LAETA, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Pólo II, Rua Luís Reis Santos,
3030-788 Coimbra, Portugal

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T

Article history: Owing to environmental problems arising from the use of refrigerants, first the ozone deple-
Received 15 December 2016 tion and later the global warming, various refrigerants have been banned and their phase-
Received in revised form 13 June out deadlines established through some international protocols, the Montreal and Kyoto
2017 Protocols being two of the most famous of such agreements. This paper intends to make a
Accepted 22 July 2017 characterization of the most currently used refrigerants in the Portuguese food industry,
Available online 27 July 2017 through a sample of 148 companies gathered in a nationwide survey. It also aims to analyse
not only the environmental impacts of these refrigerants, but also the restrictions that these
Keywords: companies may incur according to the EU Regulation No. 517/2014, such as maintenance
Refrigeration systems and service bans or cap and phase-down on the supply. Finally, according to other re-
Food industry search and tests reports, some possible replacements for two of the most commonly used
ODP refrigerants (R404A and R22) which are being phased down, are summarized. According to
GWP the research, there are some satisfactory mid-term and long-term alternatives available for
Refrigerant replacement R22 and R404A that have much lower GWP, allowing systems to achieve higher efficiencies
and in turn, lower environmental impacts during their service life.
© 2017 Elsevier Ltd and IIR. All rights reserved.

Frigorigènes utilisés dans l’industrie alimentaire portugaise :

Statut actuel
Mots clés : Systèmes frigorifiques ; Industrie alimentaire ; ODP ; GWP ; Remplacement de frigorigène

2008). Owing to the proven relationship between climate change

1. Introduction and the leakage of refrigerants and the CO2 emissions from
the production of the used energy as well (Benhadid-Dib and
Refrigeration technology plays a capital role in the food in- Benzaoui, 2012), this sector demands deep changes, in order
dustry worldwide (Augusto et al., 2007; Bolaji and Huan, 2013), to surpass some of the new challenges facing humankind in
representing 15% of the electricity consumed globally (Coulomb, the twenty-first century (Brown, 2011). The most demanding

* Corresponding author. ADAI, LAETA, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Pólo II, Rua Luís Reis Santos, 3030-
788 Coimbra, Portugal.
E-mail address: [email protected] (B.J. Cardoso).
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2017.07.013
0140-7007/© 2017 Elsevier Ltd and IIR. All rights reserved.
 international journal of refrigeration 83 (2017) 60–74 61

In the original Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987, only CFCs

Nomenclature were labelled as ozone depleting substances (ODS). However,
with successive follow-up international meetings and amend-
CFC(s) chlorofluorocarbon(s)
ments, not only was the schedule formulated for harmful
CO2 carbon dioxide
refrigerants made stringent (Mohanraj et al., 2009), but also
CO2e carbon dioxide equivalent
other substances were considered as ODS and their phase-
COP coefficient of performance
out was established. One of these noteworthy amendments
EU European Union
(Copenhagen Amendment in 1992) included HCFCs as ODS and
F-gas(es) fluorinated gas(es)
GHG greenhouse gases scheduled their phase-out for 2040 (UNEP, 1992). Later, in 2007,
and through another amendment, this process has been ac-
GWP global warming potential
celerated and the deadlines re-established for 2020 and 2030,
HCFC(s) hydrochlorofluorocarbons(s)
for the developed and developing countries, respectively (Bolaji
HFC(s) hydrofluorocarbon(s)
and Huan, 2013; Velders et al., 2009).
LT low temperature
As a consequence of having a zero ODP, HFCs gases became
MT medium temperature
the leading replacements for CFC and HCFC refrigerants and
ODP ozone depletion potential
gained relevance in all refrigeration fields (Bolaji and Huan,
ODS ozone depleting substances
2013; Boumaza, 2010; Calm, 2008; Dalkilic and Wongwises,
2010; Sarbu, 2014). As a result, the HFCs demand in Europe
of these challenges is perhaps the unprecedented require- was predicted to increase by 2% per year, from 2008 to 2020
ment for the development of efficient refrigeration systems, (Velders et al., 2009). Hence, with those restrictions, the chlo-
with the minimal impact on the environment (Pearson, 2008). rine’s concentration in the atmosphere has considerably
This could only be achieved through the implementation of decreased (Benhadid-Dib and Benzaoui, 2012), and even a
a very stringent legislation on the refrigerants at the interna- slight improvement of the ozone layer has been verified during
tional, national, and regional levels (Brown, 2011; Koronaki et al., the late 1990s (IPCC et al, 2005). Nevertheless, the successful
2012). response to ozone depletion stood in sharp contrast to the
The legislation related to the use of refrigerants began with deteriorating situation with climate change (Calm, 2008). It
the Vienna Convention and the subsequent Montreal Proto- was realized that another environmental problem had struck
col (United Nations, 1987). The turning point was triggered by the refrigeration-based industries, the global warming. As it
the identification of the depletion effects that halogenated turned out, HFCs possess a high global warming potential
gases, which dominated the refrigeration and air-conditioning (GWP) and, consequently, were identified as the culprit in
industry over many decades due to their excellent thermody- this environmental issue (Koronaki et al., 2012). Therefore,
namic and thermo-physical properties (Mohanraj et al., 2009), the Kyoto Protocol considered HFC refrigerants as green-
had on the ozone layer (Sârbu and Bancea, 2009). In fact, until house gases (GHG) and compelled a progressive removal
the early 1970s, it was inconceivable that human activity could (Mota-Babiloni et al., 2014a; UNFCCC, 1998). Since then, the
threaten to deplete the ozone layer (UNEP, 2000). However, the HFCs time horizon is being shortened, and it will probably
findings of Rowland and Molina in 1974 played a very impor- get worse due to the increasing number of policies and taxes,
tant role by substantiating that chlorine based refrigerants were which have been implemented at international and national
stable enough to reach the stratosphere and act as a catalyst levels (Brown, 2011).
in the destruction of the ozone layer. According to the regulation established by the Kyoto Pro-
Avoiding the reduction of the atmospheric ozone, Mon- tocol and the European Union, the state members have a
treal Protocol enforced a phase-out for consumption and common obligation to reduce the GHG emissions by 8% com-
production of ozone depleting substances (ODS), used in a pared to 1990 levels (APA, 2014). This goal led to the adoption
myriad of applications (Calm, 2008; Koronaki et al., 2012; of the first Fluorinated Gases Regulation – F-gas – (EC 842/
Mohanraj et al., 2009). Within those substances, and due to their 2006), which focused on reducing emissions, mostly by
high levels of ozone depletion potential (ODP), chlorofluoro- preventing leaks in systems, and in the responsible end-of-
carbons (CFCs) remained the primary focus (Calm, 2008), with life recovery and destruction of gases (European-Union, 2006).
their total phase-out scheduled for 2010 (Powell, 2002). Indeed, Additionally, some European countries, such as Spain and
it was estimated that CFCs contributed nearly 70% of manmade France, among others, have approved their own regulations
ozone depleting chemicals in the atmosphere (UNEP, 2003). Pos- to control direct GHG, implementing in some cases taxes on
sessing physicochemical properties similar to those of the CFCs the HFC acquisition (Aprea and Maiorino, 2011; Mota-Babiloni
(Hayman and Derwent, 1997; Kim et al., 2011) and, conse- et al., 2015a). Later, the original F-gas regulation was re-
quently, a good ability to be used in the original systems (drop- placed by the EU Regulation No. 517/2014, in force since January
in), associated with zero or reduced ODP, a shorter atmospheric 1, 2015. The European Commission’s intention was to limit
lifetime and a well-established use (de Richter et al., 2015), the total amount of the most important F-gases that can be
hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) have been preferred for sold in the EU from 2015 onwards, phasing them down in
interim use (Calm, 2008). On the other hand, since they have steps to one-fifth of 2014 sales in 2030, and to reduce the
zero ODP, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) have been favoured for greenhouse gas emissions by 80% to 95% below 1990 levels
the long term use (Calm, 2008), requiring, however, some system by 2050 (European-Union, 2014; Mota-Babiloni et al., 2015a).
modifications (retrofitting issues, such as lubricant change) in The EU Regulation No. 517/2014 is going to phase out most
some cases (Sarbu, 2014). of the refrigerants commonly used in refrigeration and
62 international journal of refrigeration 83 (2017) 60–74

air-conditioning systems (R134a, R404A and R410A) due to use of F-gases, where environmentally superior alternatives are
their high GWP values and extended use (Mota-Babiloni et al., cost-effective, and improving leakage prevention from equip-
2015a). These restrictions enhanced the development of new ment holding these fluids, through containment and proper
refrigerants that are compliant with both ODP and GWP regu- recovery, training and certification of personnel, and finally, la-
lations (Calm, 2008). belling this equipment (European-Union, 2006).
This paper aims to provide a current state of the art of the Meanwhile, an amendment carried out for the F-gases con-
refrigerants used in the Portuguese food industry, in order to cluded that there was a potential to achieve a substantial
evaluate the impact that the EU Regulation No. 517/2014 will reduction in the emissions, if the amendment was further im-
have over these companies, either through the cap and phase- proved and fully applied. This gave rise to the EU Regulation
down on the supply, or through the service and maintenance No. 517/2014, in effect since January 1, 2015, which strength-
bans. In order to achieve that objective, the results from a na- ened the measures of the previous one and presented a number
tionwide survey, the InovEnergy project, held at 148 food of important changes: preventing emissions of F-gases from
companies, were handled on the identification and presenta- existing equipment by imposing checks, proper servicing and
tion of the used refrigerants. Environmental problems arising recovery of gases at the end of the equipment’s life; banning
from those refrigerants are also highlighted, and some pos- the use of F-gases in several new types of equipment where
sible substitutes for two of the most widely used refrigerants alternative gases that are less harmful to the environment
are summarized, according to information provided by other are available (one example is the introduction and promo-
research and tests reports. tion of R32 in air-conditioning units done by Daikin (Daikin
Airconditioning UK Ltd, 2015; Longo et al., 2015)); and limit-
ing the total amount of the most important F-gases that can
be sold in the EU from 2015 onwards and phasing them down
2. Analysis of the EU regulation No. 517/2014 (European-Union, 2014; Mota-Babiloni et al., 2015a).
(F-gas regulation) Gradually reducing the quantities of HFCs that can be placed
on the market has been identified as the most effective and
The replacement of HFCs by fluids with lower GWP has been cost-efficient way of reducing emissions of those substances
considered since the disclosure of the harmful environmen- in the long term. The cap and phase-down only have influ-
tal consequences, resultant from their emissions (Mota-Babiloni ence on the supply of HFCs, not banning the sale of any
et al., 2015b). Concerned with the climate change caused by particular refrigerant, but penalizing those with high GWP. In
global warming, the European Union stipulated targets to limit opposition, since 2015, both cap and phase-down have been
and reduce the GHG emissions, and implemented regula- limiting the total supply of HFCs across the EU based on the
tions to fulfil those goals such as the Fluorinated Gases total tonnes carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent (CO2e). Fig. 1 depicts
Regulation (EC 842/2006). This first regulatory iteration imple- the percentage of the HFC baseline (using the average of 2009–
mented controlling actions on the F-gases, and focused on 2012 as the baseline) that will be available in the EU market
reducing the emissions of these kinds of gases through mea- every year until 2030 (European-Union, 2014).
sures for their containment, use, recovery and destruction. Resulting from the European F-gas Regulation, high GWP
Basically, it followed two main tracks of action: avoiding the refrigerants are going to be phased out in most of the

Fig. 1 – HFC phase-down schedule, in % of CO2e using as baseline the average of 2009–2012 (European-Union, 2014).
 international journal of refrigeration 83 (2017) 60–74 63

refrigeration and air-conditioning applications to reduce GHG food industries, looked upon equipment and behaviour in six
direct emissions. This regulation will not only produce rel- food industry sectors: Meat, Fish, Milk & Dairy, Wine, Fruit &
evant changes in existing European commercial refrigeration Vegetables and Food Distribution. Its main purpose was to
systems (Mota-Babiloni et al., 2015b), but also in the indus- survey both active and passive components, which have an
trial refrigeration sector since it will phase out some of the most impact on the refrigeration energy inputs. The sample used in
commonly used refrigerants (R404A, R507A, R422D). Accord- this survey consisted of 148 companies divided by the six
ing to the legislation, from January 1, 2020, HFCs with GWP ≥2500 sectors. By conducting on-site audits of the sampled compa-
in new fixed refrigeration systems, unless the operating tem- nies, several data were gathered. From these, refrigeration
perature is lower than −50 °C (R23 and R508B), will be prohibited. systems configurations and capacities, temperature and hu-
Moreover, from this date on, HFCs with GWP ≥2500 to service midity set points, cold room dimensions, and refrigeration loads
or maintain refrigeration equipment with a charge size of 40 from each productive process were highlighted. The refriger-
tonnes of CO2e or more (European-Union, 2014) will also be pro- ants used in each one of the inspected systems were also
hibited. Similar to the CFCs and HCFCs phase-down, there is pointed out. Finally, with all the information, a database was
a potential risk of supply shortages and associated cost in- built to characterize the use of refrigeration in these six sectors
creases, especially for those HFCs having higher GWP, which within the Portuguese food industry.
are likely to become more expensive. At the forefront of the surveyed sample, R404A, an HFC,
As exhibited, the main goal of this market ban and phase- arises with a remarkable 40% of the share, evidencing the im-
down is to progressively reduce the HFCs quantities that can portance that it currently holds in the refrigeration sector, as
be sold in the EU until 2030, giving time for the various users, it happens in other countries. In second place, accounting for
suppliers and other stakeholders to analyse and adopt the 25%, is R22, an HCFC, showing that it is still being broadly used,
suitable option for each case. Given this, there are three major despite its long phase-out process. Placed in the third posi-
options to be considered: tion, and with a much lower percentage, is R407C, an HFC that
appeared as an alternative to the R22 (Han et al., 2007), with
• Continue to use the existing equipment and gas (refriger- nearly 8% of the share.
ant) until 2020, and then use reclaimed or recycled gas, if R404A possesses excellent properties: it is non-flammable
available, until 2030; and non-toxic, it enables easy retrofit in R22 systems, having
• Convert the equipment to run with a retrofit gas with a GWP a similar range of operating conditions, and it presents good
lower than 2500; energy efficiencies (Arora and Kaushik, 2008; Ge and Cropper,
• Replace the equipment with a new one using a low GWP 2004, 2008; Llopis et al., 2010; Spatz and Motta, 2004). However,
gas. R404A presents high GWP, 3700 (ASHRAE, 2013), and will be
phased out over the next years under the Kyoto Protocol, as
Each of the given choices has its potential risks and diffi- Jurgensen (2013) predicted.
culties. Therefore, they should be properly evaluated in order The second most used refrigerant, the R22, is presently being
to adopt the right one. Important aspects must be consid- phased out due to its environmental impacts. Since its com-
ered such as the system efficiency, since the majority of its mercialization in 1936 (Calm and Domanski, 2004), R22 has been
environmental impact is indirect, i.e. resulting from the emis- widely applied in a variety of refrigeration equipment and fa-
sions released during the production of the electrical energy cilities, including chillers and cold storage warehouses, and in
used by the refrigeration system (Benhadid-Dib and Benzaoui, industrial process refrigeration (Calm and Domanski, 2004;
2012; Spatz and Motta, 2004). In fact, the indirect component Torrella et al., 2010; Yang and Wu, 2013). Although R22 was re-
can represent nearly 88% of the total global warming impact stricted by the international environmental agreement Montreal
for industrial refrigeration (March Consulting Group, 1998), Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer signed
reaching up to 95–98% for commercial applications in Europe, in 1987, it played an incomparable role over the past half century
and 98% for both commercial and household applications in and made great contributions to the CFCs elimination process
North America (Gwanpua et al., 2014). (Yang and Wu, 2013). Some surveys conducted at the Euro-
pean level, particularly the one carried out in 2006 by Carbon
Trust in 193 companies (Carbon Trust, 2006) and another con-
3. Portuguese food industry framework ducted in 137 food companies, scattered throughout UK, France,
Italy, Turkey and Slovenia (Evans, 2011), found that 31% of the
The Portuguese food industry is composed mainly of micro, participants were still operating with R22 as the refrigerant.
small and medium-size enterprises, being a highly frag- According to the present survey (Fig. 2), the percentage held
mented sector due to the wide variety of goods and inherent by R22 in the Portuguese case is roughly 25%, a value compa-
production processes (Nunes et al., 2014). Owing to this het- rable to the one (21%) obtained by another recent survey
erogeneity, it was considered one of the sectors with the greatest conducted to 38 companies scattered throughout countries such
potential to increase its energy efficiency. Aspects such as the as Bulgaria, Denmark, Italy, Switzerland and UK (Evans et al.,
delay in the implementation of energy efficiency measures and 2014). The numerical difference between recent and older
renewable energy sources, along with the existence of a wide studies demonstrates the evolution of the R22 phase-out
diversity of processes, will easily lead to energy misuse and process.
waste (Cardoso et al., 2016). R407C possesses thermo-physical properties similar to those
The InovEnergy project, as part of a nationwide survey of R22, and along with R404A, possesses non-toxic and non-
aiming to characterize the energy efficiency in the Portuguese flammable properties. However, it is incompatible with mineral
64 international journal of refrigeration 83 (2017) 60–74

Fig. 2 – Percentage distribution of refrigerants used in the surveyed food industries.

or alkyl-benzene oil, and for that reason, an oil change is nec- By examining the refrigerants per sector, depicted in Fig. 3,
essary when it is used as a retrofit gas for HCFCs. Since it the predominance of the R404A is conclusive in all sectors,
possesses a GWP lower than 2500, and consequently, not except for the Wine sector. One of the reasons for this result
covered by the service and maintenance ban imposed by EU, is that R404A is widely used in medium (food conservation)
R407C may be considered a transitional replacement for R22. and low (freezing) temperature refrigeration applications,
Nevertheless, according to the drop-in test study performed meeting most of the temperature requirements from the
by Lee et al. (2002), this may not be the adequate choice. De- analysed sectors. Another reason is its widespread use in in-
pending on the operating conditions and system characteristics, dividual (split type) and centralized (e.g. compressor racks)
the R407C coefficient of performance can be 20–30% lower than refrigeration systems, which are the predominant system types
the equivalent from R22, resulting in a greater indirect con- found in the sample. Once more, the Wine sector is an excep-
tribution to the greenhouse effect. Therefore, the impact that tion: no individual refrigeration systems have been registered,
a refrigerant replacement can have on indirect emissions should and R410A and R407C water chillers are dominant.
be analysed and the overall effect on energy costs and emis- From Fig. 3, it is also noticeable that R22 is the second most
sions calculated. used refrigerant, except in the Wine and Fish sectors. Its use,

Fig. 3 – Top and most used refrigerants in the food industry by sector.
 international journal of refrigeration 83 (2017) 60–74 65

in all the analysed sectors, is owed to its versatility and equip- reveals a significant global warming potential from this in-
ment age, essentially. Besides being found in older individual dustry. Lastly, it should be mentioned that R717, a natural
refrigeration systems, it is suitable for an enormous variety of refrigerant, is also present in the sample. Despite having a null
refrigeration applications, across a wide range of tempera- impact in terms of global warming and ozone layer deple-
tures – low, medium and high (HVAC and hot water preparation). tion, it presents some toxicity hazards.
Lastly, and it is worth indicating, the preponderance of the From Table 1, the majority (74%) of the refrigerants used in
natural refrigerants in some sectors is visible, particularly in these companies are currently subject to restrictions by several
the Fish sector where the R717 is the second most used with environmental regulations, and are planned to be phased out
approximately 17%, and in the Fruit & Vegetables and Food Dis- in the upcoming years. Urgent attention should be given to
tribution sectors, where it is the third most used refrigerant. systems that still use CFCs and HCFCs, which is nearly 27%,
Such fact can partly be explained by the wide use of R717 in since both deadlines for the phase-out process and progres-
large centralized refrigeration systems, and by the opera- sive suppression of the quantities available on the market have
tional temperature requirements (−18 °C), demanded by the already been reached for CFCs, and is approaching for HCFCs.
sectors where it has been found (Meat, Fruit & Vegetables, Fish Notwithstanding, the R22 (HCFC) is widely used, and except
and Food Distribution). for the Wine and Fish sectors (where it holds the 3rd and 4th
position, without exceeding 9% and 14%, respectively), it ranges
between 26% and 38% in the Meat and Food Distribution sectors,
respectively, holding always the 2nd place.
4. Environmental impact and analysis of the As stated previously, the European legislation imposed a
restrictions imposed by the EU regulation ban, starting from January 2020, on the use of HFCs with a
GWP ≥2500, in service and maintenance of refrigeration equip-
Regarding the environmental impacts, most of the used re- ment with a load equal or higher than 40 tonnes of CO2e. Hence,
frigerants pose some serious threats to the environment (see this is a serious matter that should be considered by the Por-
Table 1). Apart from three refrigerants that have a non-null ODP, tuguese food industry’s companies, once almost half (47%) of
all the others do not represent any menace to the ozone layer. the refrigeration systems will be affected by these prohibi-
Although two from those three represent only a small portion tions. One of such is the R404A, with an expressive usage,
in the total used refrigerants (R13 – 1% and R40 – 1%), R22 holds ranging between 38% (Fruit & Vegetables) and 58% (Fish), with
a substantial share of 25%. Owing to the occurrence of leak- lower penetration in the Wine sector where it is used only in
ages, there is a significant ozone depletion potential in the 18% of the refrigeration systems. Thus, due to the substantial
Portuguese food refrigeration systems. Nevertheless, it should portion in the Portuguese market (40%), R404A is another pri-
be noted that R13 has a greater environmental impact since ority target for intervention and replacement analysis. Indeed,
it combines a significant ODP with a very high GWP, by far the according to the EU Regulation No. 517/2014, systems with
highest of all the used refrigerants. Consequently, its use should 10.2 kg of fluid or more will be prohibited from being ser-
be abolished as fast as possible, as the Portuguese legislation viced and maintained, from 2020. As R404A is widely used in
imposes. the European refrigeration market, it could lead to signifi-
Concerning the global warming, the majority of the used cant cost increase and shortages in the coming years.
refrigerants, including the most used R404A, possess a high According to Fig. 3, some sectors already use refrigerants
GWP value. As a result, the leakages occurring in those refrig- with low environmental impact (GWP ≤2500), namely the R410A
erant systems represent some hazards to the environment. (2100) and R407C (1700) in the Wine Sector. Furthermore, the
These, combined with the emissions resulting from the pro- use of R717, a refrigerant without environmental impact, has
duction of the electricity consumed by the refrigeration systems, also been registered in at least two-thirds of the analysed sectors

Table 1 – Environmental impact of various refrigerants (ASHRAE, 2013; Calm and Hourahan, 2011).
Refrigerant Chemical Name or Type Sample Share Ozone Depletion Potential Global Warming Potential
Blend Composition ODP GWP
R13 Chlorotrifluoromethane CFC 1% 1 14400
R22 Chlorodifluoromethane HCFC 25% 0.04 1790
R40 Chloromethane CFC 1% 0.02 13
R134a 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane HFC 1% 0 1370
R404A R125/R143a/R134a (44.0/52.0/4.0) HFC 40% 0 3700
R407C R32/R125/R134a (23.0/25.0/52.0) HFC 8% 0 1700
R410A R32/R125 (50.0/50.0) HFC 7% 0 2100
R417A R125/R134a/R600 (46.6/50.0/3.4) HFC 2% 0 2300
R417B R125/R134a/R600 (79.0/18.3/2.7) HFC 1% 0 3000
R422A R125/R134a/R600a (85.1/11.5/3.4) HFC 3% 0 3100
R422D R125/R143a/R600a (65.1/31.5/3.4) HFC 1% 0 2700
R432A R1270/RE170 (80.0/20.0) HFC 1% 0 16
R507A R125/R143a (50.0/50.0) HFC 2% 0 3800
R717 Ammonia/NH3 Natural 7% 0 0
66 international journal of refrigeration 83 (2017) 60–74

– Food Distribution (5%), Fish (17%) and Fruit & Vegetables (21%), comparative analysis will be centred on five different proper-
which could mean a transition to some more sustainable ties considered important for selection of a suitable replacement
solutions. for a certain refrigerant: Safety; Efficiency or Coefficient of
The Portuguese food industry is still very dependent on CFCs, Performance (COP); System Complexity and Compatibility;
HCFCs and HFCs refrigerants, and the penetration of more sus- Boiling Point and, finally, GWP. For simplicity, the comparison
tainable options, as the case of natural refrigerants, is delayed. will be made through the following five symbols:
Thus, given the restriction imposed by the EU and the reduced
availability of these fluids in the market, it is expected that these • ↑↑, if the replacement is much better on that property;
companies will soon suffer consequences and changes, planned • ↑, if the replacement is better on that property;
or not, in their refrigeration systems and respective refriger- • ↔, if the replacement presents more or less a similarity on
ants. Therefore, as the time horizon is being shortened, there that property;
is a clear demand for the companies from the food industry • ↓, if the replacement is worse on that property;
to study available alternatives and to act accordingly. • ↓↓, if the replacement is much worse on that property.

It should be noted that the safety analysis is done, taking

into account the classification of refrigerants according to
5. Possible substitutes the European Standard EN 378 (CEN, 2012) and the ANSI/
ASHRAE Standard 34 (ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34–2013, 2013).
As a commitment to the environment, the refrigeration com- Complying with these standards, refrigerants are classified
munity has been studying and developing substitutes to many according to the hazards (toxicity and flammability) involved
of the used refrigerants, in order to surpass the effects caused in their use, yielding six safety groups (A1, A2, A3, B1, B2 and
by the current solutions. In the case of refrigerants, replace- B3). The capital letter designates a toxicity class based on
ment can be a complex operation (Benhadid-Dib and Benzaoui, allowable exposure and the numeral denotes flammability,
2012), since, in the current developing state, there has been where the group A1 is the least hazardous, while the group
no such kind of pure fluid that can perfectly replace a refrig- B3 is the most hazardous.
erant in most of the existing equipment. Therefore, some The information presented in Table 2, and the following
factors must be taken into consideration when selecting analysis, is the result of the data processing (arithmetic average)
an alternative (Yang and Wu, 2013). A refrigerant could be gathered throughout several studies, either theoretical or ex-
chosen as a replacement of another if some fundamental perimental (Aprea and Maiorino, 2011; Bortolini et al., 2015;
requirements are fulfilled (Pearson, 2008; Yang and Wu, Boscan and Sanchez, 2015; Cabello et al., 2004; Chang et al.,
2013): 2000; Chen, 2008; Choudhari and Sapali, 2017; da Silva and
Antunes, 2012; Daikin Chemical Europe GmbH, 2016a, 2016b;
• It must be no less energy-efficient than the refrigerants it Devotta et al., 2001; Fannou et al., 2015; Fatouh et al., 2010;
replaces and must be able to reach similar working Girotto et al., 2004; Han et al., 2007; Joudi and Al-Amir, 2014;
temperatures; Kopecka et al., 2013; La Rocca and Panno, 2011; Lee
• It must be proven to be safe, both for the immediate and Laurentius, 2016; Llopis et al., 2011, 2012, 2017;
neighbourhood and for the global environment; Mendoza-Miranda et al., 2016; Mota-Babiloni et al., 2014a, 2015a,
• It must be simple and cost-effective to use; 2015b, 2015c; Olson, 2015; Oruç and Devecioğlu, 2015; Pérouffe
• It must be readily available; and Renevier, 2016; Qin et al., 2010; Rajendran and Nicholson,
• And, ideally, it must not require any significantly new or un- 2014a, 2014b, 2014c, 2014d; Ribeiro and Di Gennaro, 2013; Schultz
familiar technology. and Kujak, 2013; Sedliak, 2013a, 2013b, Shaik and Babu, 2017a,
2017b; Shrestha et al., 2013; Spatz and Motta, 2004; Torrella et al.,
As stated by Sarbu (2014), who have performed a Total 2010; Urbieta, 2015; Wang et al., 2012; Wang and Amrane, 2014;
Equivalent Warming Impact analysis, and by Spatz and Motta Yana Motta et al., 2014; Yana Motta et al., 2012; Yang and Wu,
(2004), who have performed a Life-Cycle Climate Perfor- 2013), standards (ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34–2013, 2013; CEN,
mance analysis, the replacement of refrigerants to the detriment 2012) and other reports (UNEP, 2016). Regarding the
of energy efficiency will only increase the GHG emissions non-azeotropic blends, and particularly those with a high tem-
overall, since the energy consumption component has a higher perature glide, significant differences between theoretical and
impact on global warming. Therefore, in order to establish the experimental analysis have been detected, corroborating the
best substitute in a specified system, it is essential to esti- statement of Makhnatch et al. (2017) .Furthermore, the systems
mate its energetic performance after the refrigerant replacement characteristics (COP, cooling capacity, etc.) and some of the re-
(Aprea and Maiorino, 2011). frigerants properties (e.g. discharge temperature) are dependent
Table 2 exhibits a comparative analysis of some refriger- on the operating conditions (condensation and evaporation tem-
ants and a few of their alternatives, found throughout the peratures, subcooling and superheating levels, etc.) and on the
literature. In this case, the refrigerants liable of replacement systems configuration (basic cycle with or without internal heat
are the R22 and R404A. These refrigerants have been chosen exchanger, multi-stage compression with direct injection or me-
due to their high prevalence in the project’s sample. Addition- chanical subcooling, etc.).
ally, both are being involved in phase-out processes, the first The first four refrigerants (R404A, R417B, R422A and R422D)
being at the end stage due to its ODP, and the second at the have been used as R22 alternatives for some time. However,
beginning, due to its GWP – 3700 (ASHRAE, 2013). The they cannot often be regarded as viable alternatives since
 international journal of refrigeration 83 (2017) 60–74 67

Table 2 – Comparison of refrigerants and their replacements.

Properties
Original
Replacement Efficiency System Complexity Boiling
Safety GWP100 Coolant
/ COP and Compatibility Point
Original coolant
A1 -41.0 1790
(R22)
R404A (A1) (-46.6) (3900)

R417B (A1) (-41.5) (3100)

R422A (A1) (-44.03) (3100)

R422D (A1) (-43.2) (2700)

R407C (A1) (-43.8) (1600)

R410A (A1) (-51.6) (1900)

R417A (A1) (-39.1) (1950)

R407H (A1) (-44.6) (1400) R22

R460B (A1) (-46.1) (1200)

D52Y (A2L) (-42) (890)

R444B (A2L) (-44.6) (330)

LTR6A (A2L) (-56.2) (200)

R290 (A3) (-42) (5)

R744 (A1) (-78) (1)

R1270 (A3) (-48) (1.8)

Original coolant
A1 -46.6 3900
(R404A)
R407A (A1) (-45.2) (1900)

R407F (A1) (-46.1) (1700)

R410A (A1) (-51.6) (1900)

R407H (A1) (-44.6) (1400)

R448A (A1) (-45.9) (1300)

R449A (A1) (-46) (1300)

R404A
ARM-32a (A1) (-45.3) (1400)

ARM-31a (A2L) N.A. (460)

R454A (A2L) (-48.4) (240)

L40 (A2L) (-44.7) (290)

ARM-30a (A2L) (-41.4) (200)

they possess very high GWP values, higher than the 2500 2011, 2012; Yang and Wu, 2013). R417B is one of the most
limit imposed by the legislation. Additionally, these refriger- recommended drop-in alternatives to R22 in LT refrigera-
ants show noteworthy COP reductions, leading to a higher tion (Llopis et al., 2012);
indirect impact on global warming, in comparison with • R422A reveals major reduction in COP (18%), and a drop in
R22. cooling capacity (5%) at LT (Llopis et al., 2011, 2012; Yang
and Wu, 2013). R422A is one of the most recommended drop-
• R404A presents COP reductions of 8% and 9%, and shows in alternatives to R22 in LT (Llopis et al., 2012);
a slight increase in the cooling capacity of 1% and 3%, for • R422D shows considerable depletions in COP (21%) and in
medium temperature (MT) and low temperature (LT) re- cooling capacity (12%) for MT applications (Fannou et al., 2015;
spectively, (da Silva and Antunes, 2012; Daikin Chemical La Rocca and Panno, 2011; Torrella et al., 2010; Yang and Wu,
Europe GmbH, 2016a, 2016b; Fannou et al., 2015; Llopis et al., 2013). Nevertheless, R422D is one of the most proposed drop-
2012; Spatz and Motta, 2004). R404A is considered a light in alternatives to R22 in the market for water chillers (Torrella
retrofit replacement for R22, widely used in MT and LT re- et al., 2010). Additionally, it can also be used in MT and LT
frigeration applications (Llopis et al., 2010, 2012; Spatz and refrigeration systems (Aprea and Maiorino, 2011).
Motta, 2004);
• R417B exhibits substantial reductions in COP (15%) and in Compared to previous alternatives, R407C, R410A and R417A
the cooling capacity (7%) for LT applications (Llopis et al., have inferior GWP values, which make them viable solutions
68 international journal of refrigeration 83 (2017) 60–74

to replace R22. However, these should be regarded as mid- In the literature review few analyses for R460B, D52Y, R444B
term or interim replacements since their GWP is still very and LTR6A were found. According to AHRI Test Report #6
high. (Schultz and Kujak, 2013), all have been tested as light retro-
fit alternatives to R22, demanding an oil change to polyester
• R407C presents a significant drop in COP (11%), and a small oil due to their immiscibility with mineral oils.
drop (4%) in the cooling capacity, for MT refrigeration (Aprea In general, the analysed alternatives have a greater indi-
and Maiorino, 2011; Cabello et al., 2004; Devotta et al., 2001; rect impact on global warming than R22 due to their higher
Fannou et al., 2015; Joudi and Al-Amir, 2014). R407C is rec- energy-consumption. Thus, the adoption of these less energy-
ognized as light retrofit replacement for R22, needing an oil efficient solutions will eventually have a higher impact on the
change to polyester oil, due to its immiscibility with mineral environment, contrary to what would be expected with the re-
oils (Aprea and Maiorino, 2011; Yang and Wu, 2013); placement of R22.
• R410A has a slight decrease of 2% in COP, and registers a Concerning the R404A, the examined alternatives reveal
considerable growth of 18% in the cooling capacity at MT themselves to be very promising, not only because they have
(Chen, 2008; Devotta et al., 2001; Fannou et al., 2015; Joudi considerably lower GWP values, but also because they have the
and Al-Amir, 2014; Spatz and Motta, 2004). Similar to R407C, ability to achieve higher COPs. These can be divided into three
R410A is considered a light retrofit alternative to R22 (Aprea main groups according to their GWP, including in the first group
and Maiorino, 2011; Yang and Wu, 2013); refrigerants with GWP between 1500 and 2500 (R407A, R407F
• R417A shows a 9% decrease in COP, and a pronounced re- and R410A). In turn, the second group is composed by fluids
duction (32%) in cooling capacity for MT applications (La Rocca with GWP between 500 and 1500 (R407H, R448A, R449A and
and Panno, 2011; Torrella et al., 2010). R417A is considered ARM-32a), and the last with fluids with a GWP below 500 (L40,
as a drop-in alternative to R22 (La Rocca and Panno, 2011). R454A, ARM-30a and ARM-31a).
The refrigerants from the first group (R407A, R407F and R410A)
The remaining analysed possibilities can be classified as low should be considered as mid-term or interim alternatives to
(R407H, R460B and D52Y) or very low (R444B, LTR6A, R290, R744 R404A since they are commercially available for a long time, with
and R1270) GWP long-term alternatives. a competitive cost, and they comply with the imposed EU market
restrictions (Bortolini et al., 2015; Mota-Babiloni et al., 2014a,
• R407H presents a reduction of 7% in COP and has a negli- 2015c). Additionally, they are non-flammable and have a good
gible drop of 1% in cooling capacity (Daikin Chemical Europe compatibility potential with systems using R404A, making them
GmbH, 2016b). R407H is rated as a suitable light retrofit re- viable replacements to the latter (Mota-Babiloni et al., 2015c).
placement for R22 in MT refrigeration (Daikin Chemical In fact, it is believed that these refrigerants can begin the tran-
Europe GmbH, 2016b); sition towards efficient and environment-friendly refrigeration
• R290 shows an increase of 2% in COP and a 7% decrease systems (Bortolini et al., 2015).
in the cooling capacity at MT applications (Chang et al., 2000;
Choudhari and Sapali, 2017; Devotta et al., 2001, 2005; Fannou • R407A presents an increase of 6% and 10% in COP at MT
et al., 2015; Joudi and Al-Amir, 2014; Shaik and Babu, 2017a; and LT, respectively, maintaining the same cooling capac-
Spatz and Motta, 2004). Due to its flammability level (A3), ity (Mota-Babiloni et al., 2014b; Yana Motta et al., 2014). R407A
the use of R290 should be conditioned; is seen as viable light retrofit replacement for R404A in both
• R744 exhibits a reduction of 3% in COP in comparison to LT and MT refrigeration applications, since it has better per-
R22 (Girotto et al., 2004), although when used in cascade formance at these temperature ranges (Mota-Babiloni et al.,
systems, its performance can be better and the cooling ca- 2014a; Yana Motta et al., 2012). Nevertheless, for some ap-
pacity higher than those provided by R22 (da Silva and plications, R407A is even seen as suitable drop-in
Antunes, 2012); replacement, and operates with the same lubricant and
• R1270 has a slightly higher performance (2%) than R22 and systems components (Bortolini et al., 2015; Llopis et al., 2017).
presents an increase of 9% in the cooling capacity at MT Since it presents a higher COP level, it should be preferred
refrigeration (Ribeiro and Di Gennaro, 2013; Shaik and Babu, as an alternative in LT systems (Bortolini et al., 2015;
2017a). Due to its flammability level (A3), the use of R1270 Mota-Babiloni et al., 2014a; Yana Motta et al., 2014).
should be conditioned. • R407F shows an increase of 6% and 10% in COP, showing
• R460B exposes a decrease in COP (9%), having similar cooling an enhancement in the cooling capacity of 9% and 8%, at
capacity to R22, at MT (Schultz and Kujak, 2013); MT and LT, respectively (Bortolini et al., 2015; Mota-Babiloni
• D52Y shows a 9% reduction in COP and a 5% drop in the et al., 2014a; Yana Motta et al., 2014). R407F is considered
cooling capacity at MT (Schultz and Kujak, 2013); as suitable light retrofit alternative to R404A in both LT and
• R444B exhibits a 5% reduction in performance, and a slight MT refrigeration applications, since it has better perfor-
increase (1%) in cooling capacity at MT refrigeration (Schultz mance in these temperature ranges (Mota-Babiloni et al.,
and Kujak, 2013). R444B is publicised as a long-term re- 2014a; Yana Motta et al., 2012). However, for some applica-
placement for R22 because it presents a considerable tions, R407F is even seen as suitable drop-in replacement,
reduction in GWP; and operates with the same lubricant and systems com-
• LTR6A reveals a considerable reduction in COP (19%), and ponents (Bortolini et al., 2015; Llopis et al., 2017). Since it
a 1% increase in cooling capacity at MT (Schultz and Kujak, shows higher COP level, it should be favoured as an alter-
2013). LTR6A is labelled as a long-term alternative to for R22 native in LT systems (Bortolini et al., 2015; Mota-Babiloni
due to its substantial GWP reduction; et al., 2014a; Yana Motta et al., 2014).
 international journal of refrigeration 83 (2017) 60–74 69

• R410A offers the possibility to achieve a COP 16% greater considered a suitable alternative to R404A in MT and LT
than with R404A in MT applications, maintaining the same refrigeration.
capacity (Bortolini et al., 2015). Thus, R410A is considered
a viable alternative to R404A for MT systems (Bortolini et al., Finally, the last group is composed by very low GWP alter-
2015; Cascini et al., 2016). However, it involves a heavy ret- natives (L40, R454A, ARM-30a and ARM-31a). However, unlike
rofit process, requiring the compressor substitution (Bortolini the others, these refrigerants are mildly-flammable (A2L) and
et al., 2015). thus, present some counterparts requiring attention. In fact,
through Table 2, it can be substantiated that only the fluids
Despite the significant reduction relative to R404A, these from this group have flammability problems. For that reason,
three refrigerants still have high GWP values, which can lead it can be concluded that there is a relation between the de-
to high acquisition costs due to the GWP taxes adopted in some crease of GWP and the increase of flammability of the R404A
developed countries (Mota-Babiloni et al., 2015c). Further- replacement alternatives.
more, the F-gas cap and phase-down schedule for CO2e quota
will also impose increasing pricing pressure on each tonne of • L40 shows an 8% and 9% increment in COP, in comparison
CO2e required by the EU refrigeration market. Thus, any re- with R404A, exhibiting an 4% and 5% drop in the cooling ca-
frigerant with a GWP greater than 1500 may even require a pacity, for MT and LT ranges, respectively (Kopecka et al., 2013;
second retrofit to lower GWPs to comply with the F-gas leg- Mota-Babiloni et al., 2014b, 2015a; Rajendran and Nicholson,
islation (European-Union, 2014). As a result, attention should 2014b, 2014c; Sedliak, 2013b; Shrestha et al., 2013; Wang and
also be turned to the other two groups of refrigerants, con- Amrane, 2014). L40 is regarded as a viable alternative for
sidered as long-term alternatives due to their much lower GWP R404A in MT and LT applications, requiring, however, some
values when compared with R404A. The second group of modifications to equipment and installations to handle with
refrigerants is considered as low GWP, no flammable alterna- its mild flammability (Yana Motta et al., 2014).
tives (R407H, R448A, R449A and ARM-32a). • R454A presents an average increased COP of 9% relative to
R404A, in both temperature ranges, and shows an enhance-
• R407H presents an increase in COP of 16% and 15%, having ment in the cooling capacity of 1% in MT and a decrease
a slight increase in the cooling capacity of 1% and 4%, for of 1% in LT (Kopecka et al., 2013; Mota-Babiloni et al., 2014a,
MT and LT applications, respectively, (Daikin Chemical Europe 2015a; Pérouffe and Renevier, 2016; Rajendran and Nicholson,
GmbH, 2016b; Llopis et al., 2017). R407H is considered a suit- 2014a, 2014d; Sedliak, 2013a; Shrestha et al., 2013; Wang and
able alternative to R404A in MT and LT applications. In Amrane, 2014). R454A is regarded as a suitable replace-
addition, it is defined as a drop-in replacement for many ment, in MT and LT refrigeration, not only for R404A but
systems using R404A, especially in LT applications (Daikin also for two of its interim alternatives, R407A and R407F (The
Chemical Europe GmbH, 2016b; Llopis et al., 2017). Chemours Company, 2016).
• R448A exhibits an average increase in COP of 8% in MT (food • ARM-30a has an increase in COP of 2% and 8%, and a drop
conservation) and 10% in LT (freezing), and shows reduc- of 5% and 7% in the cooling capacity, for MT and LT respec-
tions in the cooling capacity, namely 1% and 4% for MT and tively (Kopecka et al., 2013; Mendoza-Miranda et al., 2016;
LT respectively (Lee and Laurentius, 2016; Mendoza-Miranda Wang and Amrane, 2014). ARM-30a is regarded as a replace-
et al., 2016; Mota-Babiloni et al., 2014a, 2015a, 2015c; Olson, ment for R404A in MT and LT applications, presenting
2015; Urbieta, 2015; Yana Motta et al., 2014). R448A has been favourable values of COP compared to R404A.
commercialized since 2015 (Makhnatch et al., 2017) as light • ARM-31a presents an enhancement of 10% in COP and a
retrofit alternative to R404A due to possessing compa- decrease of 8% in the cooling capacity for both MT and LT
rable properties, providing good adaptation to existing applications (Mota-Babiloni et al., 2015a; Shrestha et al., 2013;
systems (Makhnatch et al., 2017; Mota-Babiloni et al., 2015c). Wang and Amrane, 2014). ARM-31a is considered as an al-
Given the higher glide and the smaller cooling capacity, the ternative to R404A in MT and LT applications, presenting
authors suggest the use of R448A in redesigned systems, favourable values of COP compared to R404A.
in order to obtain an even higher energy-efficiency im-
provement (Makhnatch et al., 2017; Mota-Babiloni et al., It can be concluded that all the proposed alternatives to
2015c). R404A, not only present smaller GWP values, but also are more
• R449A shows, on average, an enhancement of 9% and 12% energy efficient, resulting in less energy consumption. Thus,
in the COP, for MT and LT respectively, and a 3% reduction these promising alternatives allow a reduction in direct and
in cooling capacity for both ranges (Boscan and Sanchez, indirect global warming impact, having, in some cases, also
2015; Mota-Babiloni et al., 2015a; Nunes et al., 2014; Wang similar or higher cooling capacities.
and Amrane, 2014). R449A has been commercialized as light Each time that issues such as the ozone depletion or global
retrofit replacement for R404A and, as suggested, it should warming appear, it triggers a renewed interest in the natural
be used in redesigned systems to obtain an even higher refrigerants (Calm, 2008). Owing to their zero ODP, low or no
energy-efficiency improvement (Makhnatch et al., 2017; GWP, compatibility with common elastomer materials found
Mota-Babiloni et al., 2015c). in refrigeration systems and solubility in conventional mineral
• ARM-32a reveals an increase in COP of 7% and 11%, reveal- oil, natural refrigerants provide alternatives to a number of CFC,
ing a growth in the cooling capacity of 2% and 6%, at MT HCFC and HFC refrigerants (Bolaji and Huan, 2013). The most
and LT refrigeration, respectively (Mota-Babiloni et al., 2015a; well-known is Ammonia (R717 or NH 3 ), which is widely
Wang and Amrane, 2014; Wang et al., 2012). ARM-32a is used as a refrigerant in industrial systems for food refrigeration,
70 international journal of refrigeration 83 (2017) 60–74

distribution warehousing and process cooling (Benhadid-Dib

and Benzaoui, 2012; Pearson, 2008). R717 is considered as an 6. Conclusions
attractive refrigerant from many technical perspectives: it has
no ODP and has an extremely low direct GWP, and lower in- The growing understanding of climate science, combined with
direct GWP as well (Pavkovic, 2013). It is inexpensive and the energy-efficiency awareness, has created an unparalleled ne-
available easily everywhere; it has good thermodynamic prop- cessity to develop efficient refrigeration systems with the least
erties (heat/mass transfer) providing machines with superior environmental impacts. A serious commitment from the sci-
performance coefficients (Pavkovic, 2013). entific community, institutions and countries worldwide has been
However, R717 has some limitations that hampered its made, in order to study and develop environmental friendly re-
widespread use, especially to smaller systems: it presents frigerant alternatives, leading to deep changes in the refrigeration
toxicity at low concentrations in the air (25 ppm), and it ex- systems, during the last decades. Most of those changes have
hibits a high flammability (classified as B2L (CEN, 2012)). been driven by the banishment and phase-out deadlines for
Ammonia presents a strong exothermicity of its dissolution various refrigerants, through several international protocols, the
in water, it needs rather high pressures, requiring higher Montreal and Kyoto Protocols being two of the most important.
steel thickness than those used with halogenated refriger- From the InovEnergy project, it was possible to infer the
ants, and it is incompatible with copper (Benhadid-Dib and impact from such changes on the various subsectors of the Por-
Benzaoui, 2011; Bolaji and Huan, 2013; Pavkovic, 2013; Yang tuguese’s food industry. One of those changes has been the
and Wu, 2013). For small systems, in addition to these limi- decrease on the number of systems still using R22, presenting
tations, it also presents some additional cost disadvantages a portion of 25%. Indeed, R22 has been, for many years, the most
due to the higher working pressure and corrosiveness (Bolaji used refrigerant in the refrigeration industry. According to two
and Huan, 2013). Apart from Ammonia, there are more natural surveys performed at European level, and carried out in 2006
refrigerants such as Water (R718), Carbon Dioxide (R744) and and 2011 (in 193 and 137 food companies, respectively), 31% of
Hydrocarbons (Propane – R290; Pentane R600 and Butane R600a). the participants used R22-based systems. As the result from the
Owing to the advances in research and technology, the limi- comparison between this value (31%) and those obtained from
tations presented by natural refrigerants, such as toxicity (R717) recent surveys, including the present one (25%) and another per-
and flammability (HCs) have been surpassed, either by mixing formed in 2014 (21%), it is quite visible that the variation/
fluids (e.g. HC/HFC blends), or by adopting configurations that decrease is explained by the ongoing phase-out process.
allow charge reduction (e.g. cascade systems or secondary loops). Another impact is the significant percentages presented by
Moreover, these fluids have proven to be good options in several some refrigerants, usually considered as alternatives to R22,
refrigeration applications, improving energy efficiency, and in confirming the success of the R22 replacement in this sector.
some cases (Water, R718, and CO2, R744), having no toxicity, The most pronounced case is R404A which, in this case, has
flammability, chemical stability and recycling constraints (Bolaji surpassed R22 and became the most used refrigerant. Finally,
and Huan, 2013; Sarbu and Sebarchievici, 2015; Šarevski and the low penetration of R717, a natural refrigerant, is notice-
Šarevski, 2016; Wang and Li, 2007). Some of these examples able in some of the analysed sectors.
are the use of: HCs in small refrigeration units and heat pump Owing to the cap and phase-down, and service and main-
systems (Cecchinato et al., 2012); Water as secondary fluid, for tenance bans imposed by current European legislation, namely
industrial refrigeration or for HVAC applications, in vapour com- the EU Regulation No. 517/2014, most of the companies in the
pression chillers systems (Bolaji and Huan, 2013; Šarevski and Portuguese food industry will inevitably be affected by the rising
Šarevski, 2016); CO2 in transcritical and secondary loop systems, costs and scarcity in the HFCs market. Thus, attention is being
for commercial and industrial refrigeration, and in HFC/CO2 or driven towards research on and production of refrigerants that
NH3/CO2 cascades, for commercial or industrial LT refrigera- have less or no environmental impacts, better properties, and
tion systems, respectively (ASHRAE, 2008, 2010; Bansal, 2012; improved energy efficiency as alternatives to the currently used
Calm, 2008; Ge and Tassou, 2009; Kim and Kim, 2002; Sharma refrigerants.
et al., 2014); or even Ammonia in large systems (Pearson, 2008), Regarding the R22 replacement, there are no promising al-
confined or not to the machinery room. ternatives, only some satisfactory, since all except R290 and
Considering the restrictions imposed by the legislation R1270, exhibit lower performances. Thus, these two solutions
(EU Regulation No 514/2014) (European-Union, 2014), natural can be emphasized as suitable alternatives, since they present
refrigerants prove to be a viable alternative in the future of slightly higher COP than R22 (2%). However, these fluids are highly
refrigeration. Obtaining higher efficiencies than equivalent flammable (A3) and their use is quite conditioned. Despite the
systems operating with HCFCs and HFCs, natural refrigerants- decrease in the COP (2%), R410A should be highlighted for MT
based systems have less energy consumption, and might applications, due to the relevant increase on the cooling capac-
have less or no environmental impact at all (ozone depletion ity (18%). Relative to R744, the disadvantage of having a reduction
and global warming), in case of leakage (Singh and Dasgupta, in the COP in the same order of magnitude (3%) can be sur-
2017). Therefore, considering the importance of the refrigera- passed by its application in LT cascade systems, slightly
tion systems in food industry, which represent a considerable increasing its cooling capacity and inducing a COP rise.
portion of the electric energy consumption, along with the Differing from R22, the total number of alternatives to R404A
environmental impact (ODP and GWP) of the currently used is very promising. All of them have a lower global warming
refrigerants (HCFCs and HFCs), natural refrigerants should be impact, either directly, holding smaller GWP values, or indi-
regarded as long-term/permanent solutions for the refrigera- rectly, enabling less energy consumption. From these
tion industry. alternatives, R410A can be highlighted as an interim solution
 international journal of refrigeration 83 (2017) 60–74 71

in MT applications. It reveals a considerable increase in COP Bortolini, M., Gamberi, M., Gamberini, R., Graziani, A., Lolli, F.,
(16%), maintaining similar cooling capacities. R407H, a low GWP Regattieri, A., 2015. Retrofitting of R404a commercial
refrigerant, non-flammable and long-term alternative, can also refrigeration systems using R410a and R407f refrigerants. Int.
J. Refrigeration 55, 142–152. doi:10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2015.02.015.
be emphasized. It presents a slight increase in cooling capac-
Boscan, M., Sanchez, J., 2015. Compressor calorimeter test of
ity, in comparison with R404A, achieving a higher COP (15%). refrigerant blend DR-33 (R449A) in a R-404A reciprocating
Lastly, R454A, a mildly flammable long-term alternative, allows compressor, AHRI low-GWP AREP report NO. 51.
not only a substantial GWP reduction, but also a noteworthy Boumaza, M., 2010. Performances assessment of natural
increase in COP (9%), and similar cooling capacity. refrigerants as substitutes to CFC and HCFC in hot climate.
With a deeper research on alternatives to the currently used Int. J. Therm. Environ. Eng. 1, 125–130. doi:10.5383/ijtee.01
.02.008.
refrigerants, considering characteristics such as the environ-
Brown, J.S., 2011. Editorial: refrigerants: energy and
mental impact and the effect on the systems’ efficiency (COP),
environmental impacts. HVAC&R Res 17, 131–132. doi:10.1080/
and with the advent of mixtures, it seems that the trend will 10789669.2011.572040.
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Acknowledgements Calm, J.M., 2008. The next generation of refrigerants – historical
review, considerations, and outlook. Int. J. Refrigeration 31,
1123–1133. doi:10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2008.01.013.
This work was supported by the Project Inovenergy – Energy
Calm, J.M., Domanski, P.A., 2004. R-22 replacement status.
Efficiency in the Agroindustry Sector (COMPETE-SIAC-AAC1/ ASHRAE J. 46, 29–39.
SIAC/2011-Project 18642). Calm, J.M., Hourahan, G.C., 2011. Physical, safety, and
environmental data for current and alternative refrigerants.
23rd Int. Congr. Refrig.
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