Tecumseh Position Includes Approvals for HC and HFO Refrigerants
Tecumseh Approvals and Recommendations
Remote Condensing Unit Applications
For commercial refrigeration equipment employing the use of remote condensing units, Tecumseh has approved R449A and R452A as acceptable alternatives to refrigerant R404A. However, due to the higher discharge temperatures prevalent with R449A, compressors used in the above mentioned applications must maintain strict compliance with the requirements outlined in the relevant Tecumseh Policy Bulletins and Application Guidelines. Tecumseh is in the process of releasing a full line of R449A compressors and associated condensing units for Low, Medium and High temperature commercial refrigeration applications.
Specific to the United States, the use of refrigerant R452A in new remote condensing units is still under review by the U.S. EPA and is not approved as a replacement for R404A in these applications.
Refrigerant R448A is still being reviewed by Tecumseh.
Self-Contained / Stand-Alone Equipment
For self-contained / stand-alone commercial refrigeration equipment with capacities less than ½ HP, Tecumseh continues to support HC refrigerant R290 (Propane) as the preferred choice. However, because R290 is classified as an “A3” (highly flammable) refrigerant, charge limitations and safety requirements must be taken into consideration. Typical applications for R290 include beverage coolers, reach-ins, vending equipment and, commercial refrigerators and freezers.
Tecumseh has also approved R513A as an acceptable alternative to R134a and requires that compressors meet the guidelines outlined in the relevant Tecumseh Policy Bulletins and Application Guidelines.
Refrigerant R450A is still being reviewed by Tecumseh.
For all self-contained / stand-alone commercial refrigeration equipment applications, Tecumseh has approved R449A and R452A as acceptable alternatives to refrigerant R404A. However, due to the higher discharge temperatures prevalent with R449A, compressors used in the above mentioned applications must maintain strict compliance with the requirements outlined in the relevant Tecumseh Policy Bulletins and Application Guidelines. In addition, refrigerants R449A and R452A are non-azeotropic mixtures with significant temperature glide that must be accounted for within the application.
Specific to the United States, the use of refrigerants R449A and R452A in new self-contained /stand-alone equipment is still under review by the U.S. EPA and is not approved as a replacement for R404A in these applications. The exception is low temperature applications where the U.S. EPA has listed R449A as SNAP approved.
Tecumseh Continues to Invest in Long-Term Refrigerant Solutions
Tecumseh is continuing to devote resources in evaluating its products for use with low GWP refrigerants including, the determination of a sustainable long-term solution. We are also continuing to evaluate other interim solutions for R404A where there are opportunities to deliver higher compressor efficiencies without sacrificing product reliability.
Tecumseh’s new TC, AE², AK2, and AJ² series commercial refrigeration compressors are optimized for use with eco-friendly R290 (Propane) refrigerant. Some AE² models and the new AJ² range are optimized for use with HFO refrigerant R1234yf. The entire range of Tecumseh fractional HP compressors is compatible with R134a. All “Next Generation” Tecumseh commercial refrigeration compressors are being designed for use with the best available eco-friendly refrigerants.
Tecumseh has the interest of its customers and the environment in mind by promoting eco-friendly refrigerants that don’t have an adverse effect on product reliability. Another key objective is to limit the number of medium term refrigerants that can work across our product range and within commercial refrigeration operating temperatures. In addition, Tecumseh continues to work in conjunction with industry associations AHRI and ASERCOM and affiliated member companies in the evaluation and testing of Low GWP refrigerants.
Source:
Tecumseh
