ARLINGTON, Va. — Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute’s (AHRI’s) research arm, the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology Institute (AHRTI), started its Phase II study on whole-room scale flammable refrigerant leaks and ignition testing. Phase II testing is focused on the use of R-290, an A3 refrigerant, in commercial and residential air conditioning and refrigeration applications. The testing will be conducted at UL and is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2018.

The objective of this project is to conduct refrigerant leak and ignition testing under whole-room conditions to understand the risk associated with the use of A3 refrigerants. This project is financially supported by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and is a part of the flammable refrigerant research program supported by AHRI, ASHRAE, CARB, and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The program aims to establish a robust fact base about the properties and the use of flammable refrigerants. Phase I study (AHRTI Project 9007-01) focusing on A2L leaks and ignition testing was completed earlier this year, and the report is available at http://bit.ly/AHRI-A2L. For more information, email Xudong Wang at xwang@ahrinet.org.