Honeywell today announced the launch of Solstice N15 (R-515B), a new, A1 nonflammable and low-global-warming potential (LGWP) refrigerant replacement for R-134a for use in chillers and heat pumps. With a GWP of 299 (AR5), Solstice N15 is an environmentally preferable, energy-efficient and safe alternative to higher global warming potential solutions that do not fully address long-term efficiency and GWP requirements. The new refrigerant, which will be commercially available this year, was unveiled at the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration (AHR) Expo in Orlando, Fla.
Solstice N15 has been adopted by leading compressor manufacturer Danfoss for use in its new Turbocor TGS490 compressor, which can be used in air or water-cooled chiller applications for air conditioning. The Turbocor TGS490 received the AHR Expo 2020 Innovation Award in the “Green Building” category.
“The nonflammability of Solstice N15, combined with the refrigerant’s low global warming potential, made this solution a natural choice for our Turbocor TG Series compressors,” said Frank Ford, Director of Product Management at Danfoss Turbocor. “The new Turbocor TGS490 compressor has been fully optimized for both 1234ze and R-515B refrigerants, which means customers can benefit from improved system efficiency but also match the cooling capacity of R-134a thanks to lower pressure characteristics of the new compressor.”
As a non-flammable R-134A replacement, Solstice N15 can be used immediately by chiller and heat pump manufacturers where safety standards and buildings codes limit the use of A2L and A3 refrigerants. Its similar product design to 1234ze will provide original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with a longterm solution that is flexible for both A1 and A2L refrigerants
“By innovating and bringing Solstice N15 to market together with component suppliers such as Danfoss, we are providing chiller and heat pump manufacturers with a long-term solution that can address any installation requirement with the same chiller design,” said Chris LaPietra, vice president and general manager, Honeywell Stationary Refrigerants. “Solstice N15 will ensure long-term compliance with EU regulations and directives like F-Gas, EcoDesign and EU’s Energy Performance of Building Directives or EPBD. The refrigerant also helps in achieving U.S. building certifications, including LEED and BREEAM.”