Chiller using ultra-low-global-warming-potential solution consumes 25 percent less electricity than ammonia system, reducing energy bills and carbon footprint
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM., October 20, 2020 — Honeywell today announced its Solstice® ze (R-1234ze) ultra-low-global warming potential refrigerant demonstrated increased efficiency over ammonia (NH3) in a groundbreaking study in France that analyzed both refrigerants in the use of chiller applications.
The project commissioned by French company Quercy Refrigeration was conducted by Optinergie, a consulting company that specializes in energy performance, at the Aiguillon Fruit Cooperative (COFRA) in southwest France.
In a side-by-side comparison, R-1234ze outperformed NH3 in chillers by 25% according to the energy efficiency ratio (EER) analysis. The EER is determined by the ration between the cooling capacity produced and the electrical energy consumed by the chiller. COFRA commissioned the study with the aim of reducing their annual electricity consumption, on average 300k€/year.
“COFRA was seeking to renovate and improve its fruit preservation process, and replace its on-site chillers that use ammonia which required frequent maintenance and were less efficient,” said Benoit Duparc, managing director of Quercy Refrigeration. “Our solution was to replace these chillers with more efficient equipment, and with a solution that is environmentally friendly and safe such as R-1234ze. We asked Optinergie to conduct a comparative performance test of the chillers using R-1234ze and ammonia, and validate the energy savings.”
In a detailed study, Optinergie measured various technical parameters and the electrical consumption of chillers (compressors, condenser, auxiliaries) for each chiller installation that used R-1234ze and NH3. Over the course of the study, the company obtained an average EER of 1.72 for the R-1234ze chiller, compared to 1.29 for the NH3 chiller.
“More than 90 percent of a chiller’s cost is the electricity consumption over its lifetime, so the return on investment in a high-efficiency solution is extremely high over the life of the chiller,” said Julien Soulet, vice president and general manager, Honeywell Fluorine Products Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Switching to chillers using an ultra-low global-warming-potential refrigerants is a proven and simple way to quickly reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint.”
Solstice ze is mildly flammable and non-corrosive in comparison to ammonia, which is toxic and highly corrosive, and can pose serious risks to human health. Solstice ze refrigerant is part of the Honeywell family of Solstice-branded products that enable customers to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing performance. It has an ultra-low GWP of less than 1, which is 99.9 percent lower than R-410A and other refrigerants.
Based on Honeywell’s hydrofluoro-olefin (HFO) technology, Solstice ze is non-ozone-depleting. It is designed for medium pressure chillers to cool large buildings, infrastructure projects, process chillers in refrigeration applications, district cooling and heating, high-temperature heat pumps, and medium-temperature self-contained refrigeration cabinets.
Based in southern France, Quercy Refrigeration is a provider of sustainable refrigeration solutions.
Honeywell is a world leader in the development, manufacture and supply of refrigerants that are sold worldwide under the Solstice® and Genetron® brand names for a range of applications, including refrigeration, building and automobile air conditioning. Honeywell and its suppliers have completed a $900 million investment program in research and development, and new capacity based on Honeywell’s hydrofluorolefin technology.
Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 technology company that delivers industry specific solutions that include aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies help everything from aircraft, buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and more sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.
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