Essentially, I noted that changing demographics, new technologies, and evolving regulations may result in wider acceptance of self-contained refrigeration units that utilize propane. Several readers took issue with this, noting that central rack refrigeration systems — which are traditionally used in supermarkets around the U.S. — are not going anywhere and that propane units have too many drawbacks to ever seriously be considered for large-scale use.
At the symposium, industry experts from Danfoss, refrigeration OEMs, end users, regulators, advocacy groups, and refrigerant producers came together to discuss some of the challenges facing the industry, as well as new technologies and megatrends that will impact every aspect of the commercial refrigeration market.
The primary question being asked in the proposed rule, Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Revisions to the Refrigerant Management Program’s Extension to Substitutes, is whether or not the EPA has the authority to regulate anything beyond ozone-depleting substances (ODS).
In October, the Supreme Court decided not to review the case, leaving in place the 2017 ruling, which means for now, the use of high-GWP refrigerants, such as R-404A and R-410A, remains legal.
If finalized as proposed, the revised Refrigerant Management rule would, among other things, rescind the leak repair and maintenance requirements for substitute refrigerants.
The following remarks were made regarding the article “HFO Sightings: Retrofits Becoming More Common in Supermarkets,” written by Joanna R. Turpin, senior editor for The NEWS, published Oct. 1.
The following remarks were made regarding the article “Let’s Worry More About Refrigerant Leaks, Less About Metrics” written by Joanna R. Turpin, senior editor for The NEWS, published Sept. 3.
HFO blends are not drop-in refrigerants, and modifications usually have to be made to the equipment before they are used. However, following the guidelines from experts in the industry can help ensure a smooth transition.