Hydrofluorcarbons (HFC)
For a long time, Hydrofluorcarbons such as R404A have been used in a wide variety of refrigeration applications. Since January 1, 2020, many HFCs have been banned from the F-Gas Regulation to reduce global warming effects. The regulation prohibits the use of refrigerants with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of over 2500 in stationary refrigeration systems. However, they can still be used in low-temperature applications below –50 °C.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
A popular HFC is the refrigerant R404A, which particularly impresses with its high volumetric cooling capacity. This allows to build refrigeration systems comparatively small. In addition, R404A has long been considered a good alternative for the conventional refrigerants R22 and R502. Due to the high global warming effect, the use of HFCs such as R404A has been severely restricted in Europe. There are more than one alternative for R404A; R-32, R407A or natural refrigerants.
PROPERTIES
- R404A
- Global Warming Potential (GWP): 3920
- Density (0 °C): 1,150.0 kg/m3
- Spec. heat (0 °C): 1.357 kJ/kgK
- Vapor pressure (0 °C): 0.61 MPa