Efficiency solutions: a new booster for CO2 transcritical refrigerant plants and GHG reduction

Introduction

Synthetic refrigerants used in refrigeration and air-conditioning have a big environmental impact. HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons), which replaced CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) damaging the ozone layer, have climate-altering effects.

Current Challenges

HFCs continue to be in use because of the persistence of systems reliant on them. Achieving compliance with F-Gas regulation, along with reduction of Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and Global Warming Potential (GWP), while also retaining efficiency and eliminating toxicity and fire risk is difficult.

Alternative Solutions

CO2 use as a refrigerant is the best alternative with zero ODP and a GWP of 1 that is thousands of times lower than that of F-gases. It is neither toxic nor flammable, making it ideal. However, currently, CO2 refrigeration plants have:

1. Higher operational costs
2. Lower efficiency
3. Higher energy consumption

Their energy costs and efficiency need drastic improvement to accelerate adoption and return on investment.

Project Overview

LIFE TURBOLAGOR CO2 will demonstrate the technical feasibility, full safety, and commercial viability of an innovative solution to significantly improve the energy efficiency of transcritical refrigeration systems that use CO2 as a fluid and increase cooling power with the same main compressor power.

Innovative Solution

The solution consists of:

• A new patented thermodynamic cycle with two heat exchangers
• A Free Piston Expander (FPE)
• A patented Fluid Control Unit (FCU)

This approach guarantees an increase in energy efficiency and cooling capacity, tackling the technological barriers that have so far limited the uptake of CO2 refrigeration systems.

Implementation

The solution, currently demonstrated in a relevant environment (TRL6), will be further demonstrated and proven in an operational environment until its full deployment and market uptake, thanks to the LIFE TURBOLAGOR CO2 project.