4.2.1 Option 1 – Non-halocarbon refrigerants (R-717 and R-744) Current technology present several interesting options, catering for almost all the industry requirements. Systems with ammonia (R-717), carbon dioxide (R-744) or ammonia/carbon dioxide cascade cover almost all the possible applications. Due to the costs and modifications involved when transiting from an HCFC-22 plant to a non-halocarbon refrigerant, R-717 options cannot be considered a viable solution for the replacement or retrofit of refrigeration plants on existing vessels considered here. However, their choice is probably the right one when new ships are considered or when rebuilding can be accepted. Running an ammonia plant requires skilled personnel. R-744 option can be a good solution also for existing vessels as demonstrated by recent experiences. Cost of systems for conversion to R-717 and R-744 options compete with HFC systems in the markets where they so far have been sold. Financial considerations Technology risk (Complexity and performance) Regulatory and environmental risk (10 horizon) Capital investment Operating expenses Option 1 – Non-halocarbon refrigerants R-717 system Medium Medium High Nil Requires new ship with separate machine room or rebuilding Potential improvement in efficiency. Require competence, but inexpensive refrigerant Highly complex relative to capabilities. Additional safety risk of ammonia (lower flammable and toxic). Training required in new markets No environmental policy risk throughout expected life of equipment. R-717/R-744 cascade system Medium Medium High Nil Requires new ship with separate machine room or rebuilding Potential improvement in efficiency. High maintenance cost due to complexity. Require competence, but inexpensive refrigerant Highly complex relative to on-board capabilities. Additional safety risk of ammonia (lower flammable and toxic), Training required in new markets No environmental policy risk throughout expected life of equipment. R-744 system Medium Medium Medium Nil Suitable for existing vessels with replacement of system Potential improvement in efficiency at the expenses of complexity. Require competence, but inexpensive refrigerant Some complexity relative to on-board capabilities. Training required in new markets No environmental policy risk throughout expected life of equipment.
R-404A, R-407A, R-507 Retail Food/ Supermarkets (Multipack centralized commercial refrigeration systems with a capacity 40kW or more) 150 2022 Retail food refrigeration (supermarket systems) R-404A (3922), R-507A (3985) 2017 Condensing Unit and Refrigerating Unit (for separate type showcases, etc.) 1500 2025 R-404A Retail Food/ Supermarkets (primary circuit of cascade systems) 1500 2022 R-717 Cold Storage Cold Storage Warehouses (Proposed) R-404A (3922), R-407A (2107), R-410A (2088), R-507 (3985) 2023 Cold Storage Warehouses (>50,000 m3) 100 2019 HFC-134a Chillers Centrifugal Chillers (Proposed) HFC-134a (1430) 2024 HFC-134a, R-407C Positive Displacement HFC-134a (1430), R-407C (1744), 2024
[chillers, rooftop units, larger split systems] R-410A Chillers (Proposed) R-410A (2088) R-410A Rooftop Larger Split Systems R-410A Movable room air conditioning appliances (e.g. portable air conditioners, window 150 2020 Room Air Conditioning 750 2018 R-410A Single split air conditioning systems containing < 3 kg of F-gases 750 2025 Fire Protection HFC-227ea, CO2, Water, Fire protection HFC-23 2016
HFC-365mfc Boardstock and Billet (XPS) HCs, HFC-134a foams 150 4/7/2008 Polyisocyanurate Laminated Boardstock, Polystyrene Extruded Phenolic Insulation Board and Bunstock, Polyolefin, and several types of Polyurethane foams HFC-134a (1430), HFC-245fa (1030), HFC-365mfc (794) 2017-2020 Urethane Foam construction materials) 100 2020 HCs, HFC-134a, HFC-245fa, HFC-365mfc Other Foams with HFCs 150 2020 HFC-134a, HFC-245fa, HFC-365mfc Other Foams (Rigid PU Spray Foam) 150 2020 Rigid PU Spray Foam (Proposed) HFC-134a (1430), HFC-245fa (1030), HFC-365mfc (794) 2020-2021 An Notes: GWPs are AR4 values (IPCC, 2007) Prohibition dates January 1st unless otherwise noted and shown as day/month/year. Proposed USA prohibitions in italics; dates assume as proposed with a final rule published 1/1/2017.