Carrier Transicold is offering a provision to use R-513A refrigerant with its PrimeLINE container unit for customers seeking a refrigerant with lower global warming potential (GWP), or as a hedge against potential regulatory changes that may affect the availability and prices of traditional hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants.
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“Phasedowns of traditional HFC refrigerants due to their higher GWP have raised concerns about their future availability and pricing, and some of our customers have indicated an interest in using R-513A as an alternative,” said Willy Yeo, director of marketing, global container refrigeration, Carrier Transicold.
R-513A, a new synthetic blend of the hydrofluoroolefin R-1234yf and R-134a, has a GWP of 631, which is significantly lower than those of HFC refrigerants conventionally used in container refrigeration systems.
For customers acquiring new PrimeLINE refrigeration units, Carrier Transicold is providing a “513A-ready” provision. It features a new digital scroll compressor designed for use with R-513A, as well as traditional R-134a. The units will be sold with R-134a, enabling customers to switch to R-513A at a time of their own choosing. Conversions require a simple kit that includes a software update and replacement filter dryer.
“Fleets that want to use a more sustainable refrigerant and also want to hedge against price and availability issues associated with synthetic refrigerants should first consider Carrier Transicold’s natural-refrigerant NaturaLINE unit,” Yeo said. “The NaturaLINE unit offers efficiency, quiet operation, tight temperature control, a deep frozen capability that goes to -40 degrees Celsius, and uses carbon dioxide, an ultralow GWP refrigerant.”
The NaturaLINE unit’s combination of efficiency and use of an ultra-low GWP refrigerant reduces carbon emissions by 28 percent compared to earlier models.
With a GWP of 1, CO2 refrigerant takes refrigerated container customers to an end-state, bypassing the need for intermediate solutions such as R-513A, which will be subject to phase outs within the 15-year lifespan of units purchased today.
Availability of the 513A-ready PrimeLINE unit is anticipated in the first quarter of this year. Conversion kits will be available beginning later in the year.
