The supermarket refrigeration sector is sensing the demise of high-GWP HFCs for use in HVAC systems, including some of the most commonly used refrigerants, R-404A and -507. Even if the line between high- and low-GWP HFCs has yet to be drawn, the industry is considering low-GWP options more frequently.

With the phaseout of R-22, many food retailers are adapting to future R-22 supply constraints by transitioning away from this refrigerant. Because many of the substitute refrigerants are potent greenhouse gases, it is important that food retailers use the retrofitting process as an opportunity to tighten system leaks.

The following article was prepared by Parker Hannifin Corp. Micro Thermo Technologies and describes one of the approaches for use of CO2 in transcritical systems for refrigeration.

Here’s an interesting head scratcher for those of you who have been in the refrigeration sector of the HVACR industry for quite some time. Earlier this year, I was at an event called FMI Connect. One of the exhibitors was showing products for secondary and indirect (distributed) systems.

Nowhere in refrigeration has change taken place faster in terms of system design and refrigerants than in the supermarket sector. But through it all, those who design, install, service, and maintain such changing technologies still need to understand how these systems’ components operate and how to do proper maintenance.

One flick that turns up every fall is called “Love at the Thanksgiving Parade.” One scene is supposed to take place in late November in Chicago. The good-looking guy and good-looking girl are shopping at a supermarket. But there do not appear to be any doors at the front of the store.

The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Connect event showcased some of the newest products that those who work in the food sector will more than likely see on a future install or service call.

Supermarkets in the United States can now get expert help in securing energy-efficiency rebates from utilities. The service is for supermarkets that invest in initiatives to improve energy efficiency but may not collect all the utility rebates for which they qualify, said Abtar Singh, chief executive of Singh360.

Emerson Climate Technologies announced that it is preparing an industry communication to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) recent notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) that would delist some refrigerants commonly used in supermarkets and commercial refrigeration equipment.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it is proposing a rule that would prohibit the use of certain HFC refrigerants that have high global warming potential in select refrigeration applications.