Peter Powell

Looking Beyond Low GWP

Environmental Regulators Should Consider Refrigerant Performance as well as Global Warming Potential

June 3, 2013

Now that the battle regarding ozone depleting potential (ODP) refrigerants has ended with the phaseout of CFCs and HCFCs, the fighting has shifted to issues related to the global warming potential (GWP) of the remaining and newly developing refrigerants.

A Natural Shift to HCs

Global Acceptance of Hydrocarbon Refrigerants is on the Rise

Peter Powell

June 3, 2013

The attention being paid to so-called natural refrigerants is showing a shift toward hydrocarbon refrigerants, even as CO2 gains a stronger foothold and ammonia maintains a high profile. But, whether or not there will be a dominant natural choice remains unclear even in Europe, much less North America.

Industry Encourages Cap Use on Refrigerants

Recent Deaths Demonstrate Dangers of Huffing R-22

Peter Powell

May 20, 2013

According to the website www.inhalants.org, one in five students has inhaled a chemical to get high by the eighth grade.

First Choice or Best Choice: Choosing College vs. Vocational School

Peter Powell

May 20, 2013

As I’m writing this, the Diane Rehm Show on National Public Radio (NPR) has just aired a segment called “Who Benefits from College and Why.” One major component was who should go to college and who should go into a trade.

Seeking to Smooth Out Natural Refrigerants’ Rocky Road

IIAR Conference Addresses Path to Natural Refrigerants

Peter Powell

May 6, 2013

The road to natural refrigerants is a rocky one. There is much talk, but not a lot of action. However, this sector is certainly expanding.

RSES Honors Lifelong HVACR Commitment

Ray Clary and Rich Hoke Receive Awards

Peter Powell

April 29, 2013

The importance of ongoing HVACR education involves both the getting and the giving. So there is a need for those who want to learn, and for those who understand that learning didn’t end when they left the high school, college, or vocational school classroom and lab.

EPA Finalizes R-22 Allocations

The Environmental Protection Agency Published Its Final Adjustment Rule on April 3, 2013

Peter Powell

April 22, 2013

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it is reducing the amount of HCFC-22 that can be produced or imported to 62.8 million pounds in 2013.

The Ebb and Flow of CO2 and HFO-1234yf in Stationary and Transit Applications

Peter Powell

April 22, 2013

When it comes to R-744 (CO2) as a refrigeration refrigerant, things seem to be more stable in stationary usage than in transportation applications. In the latter, the European automotive sector is looking beyond HFC for refrigerants in air conditioning.

Showing Signs of an Overlooked Part of Supply Chain

Peter Powell

April 22, 2013

“Now Hiring! Freezer Salesman in United States.” Well, there’s a new one for me. Usually at trade shows, somewhere in a booth might be a small sign saying, “Manufacturer representatives wanted.” The exhibitor in question also wanted to make it clear that there were openings for folks willing to bring attention to their line.

Awaiting the Natural Refrigerant Revolution

Peter Powell

April 15, 2013

Inroads regarding natural refrigerants have been reported — and will continue to be reported — in The NEWS. I recently returned from the International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR) Conference in Colorado Springs where ‘natural’ was — naturally — the topic.