When talk first surfaced a number of years ago about using R-744 (CO2) in commercial refrigeration, there were two challenges — making the refrigerant work as a stand-alone in transcritical applications as well as in cascade systems and developing the components to make such approaches possible.
Progress continues to be made on both fronts. Recent announcements from within the industry point to developments in compressors, heat pumps, and modular valves. Meanwhile, sites are up and running, smaller equipment is embracing the refrigerant, and training facilities are coming on-line to help technicians familiar with f-gasses deal with an old gas that is new to many of today’s younger refrigeration technicians.