Propan

We have already written many times about the advantages of the R290. We produce devices with this factor and, of course, we are its promoter, but the trends that can be seen in the world make the promotion of propane almost unnecessary. We have a whole package of good experiences gained over the years of manufacturing, selling and servicing propane chillers. The advantages associated with the negligible GWP of this gas are well known to all interested parties, but there are also other advantages of the operational stage.

Our statistics, for example, show that the propane systems in our chillers are not susceptible to leakage. It is worth noting that the data applies to devices with a wide range of R290 loading per one compressor system from several to several dozen kilograms and that we use both reciprocating and screw compressors for the largest models. So far, about 200 propane chillers have been manufactured in the Chotomów factory and we have recorded only one case of leakage in the propane system. Lower operating pressures compared to e.g. R410A refrigerant in combination with the designs refined over the years have had a positive effect. These are the advantages of R290 in relation to chillers, let's say on a local scale.

And now a few words about the beneficial potential of this factor on a global scale Global warming is a fact, just as there is no global response to this phenomenon so far. There are many indications that if the world does not unite in full understanding of the imminent catastrophe, no limited pro-climate activities, e.g. on a European scale, will be of no use. The situation today is disastrous because the world becomes more polarized as a result of the war in Ukraine, which postpones the chance for global initiatives to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. One of the consequences of the rising temperatures that has recently been discussed in the professional media is the increasing market demand for air conditioners, which, as you can easily guess, is another factor driving warming. According to the American scientific monthly Scientific American, in addition to the most obvious negative effects caused by increased temperature, such as droughts, violent destructive weather phenomena and losses in agriculture, the direct impact of high temperatures on the human body should be taken into account. Living in temperature discomfort has a negative health dimension, contributes to greater mortality and affects the effectiveness of human work. Temperature discomfort can be converted into lost effective man-hours, which has a significant impact on the economy. The monthly article gives the number of four billion air conditioners that will be introduced to the world market by 2050! It is easy to imagine how much electricity must be generated to power such a mass of devices and how much carbon dioxide will go to the atmosphere from power plants that generate electricity for them and as a result of direct emissions, i.e. refrigerant leaks.

As the increase in the number of air conditioners is certain, we can see trends today aimed at flattening the climatic effects of this growth, namely manufacturers strongly promote propane as a factor in air conditioners. The slightly better cooling efficiency achieved with this refrigerant and the virtually negligible direct emissions of carbon dioxide (GWP of propane is only 3) on a global scale will actually significantly reduce the growth in emissions. According to manager George Haydoc from Pioneer International, an Australian manufacturer of air conditioning equipment on the local market, in 5 years most air conditioners will be versions with R290. The direction seems good, but we are returning to questions about the global consistency of actions, i.e. what will be done by the largest manufacturer of air conditioners in the world - China.