As natural refrigerant-based cooling and heating systems become more prevalent in North America, the ATMOsphere (ATMO) America Summit 2022, last week addressed the latest technologies, market trends and government policy considerations related to these systems.
The annual event was held June 7-8 at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, in Alexandria, Virginia. It was organized by ATMOsphere (formerly shecco), a Brussels-based global market accelerator of clean cooling technologies using natural refrigerants such as carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrocarbons and ammonia. It was the first in-person ATMO America conference since 2019, and the 11th overall.
ATMO America featured 39 speakers along with 35 sponsors and partners, including platinum sponsor Hillphoenix and gold sponsors Arneg, Kysor Warren, Emerson and Evapco. The event was attended by more than 125 companies, including manufacturers, end users, contractors and consultants.
In summing up the conference, ATMOsphere CEO Marc Chasserot said, “After 10 years, I feel that there is a ‘mindset’ change. It’s no longer about ‘whether’ but now about ‘how’ and ‘faster please.’ Natural refrigerants are daily business now for many companies in the U.S.”
End users and contractors describing their experiences with natural refrigerants included Aer Teale of Lineage Logistics (the keynote speaker), Doug Milu of Publix, Harrison Horning of Hannaford and Stop & Shop, Ady Vyas of Neelands Group, Benoit Rodier of CIMCO, and Rob Adams of Ti Cold.
In the heat pumps session, four experts explained how natural refrigerants could be used in heat pump applications, which are becoming increasingly important in the decarbonization of heating.
In addition to the natural refrigerant equipment manufacturers speaking in the case study sessions, ATMOsphere CEO Marc Chasserot interviewed Paul Sindoni, CEO of Hillphoenx, one of the leading producers of transcritical CO2 refrigeration.
Stefan Elbel, CEO of Creative Thermal Solutions, presented on the latest natural refrigerants-based technology trends in different HVAC&R applications. And John Tinsley of Therm discussed using refrigerant carbon credits as a means to pay for the higher capital costs associated with natural refrigerant equipment.
Among the policy speakers were Cindy Newberg, Director of the Stratospheric Protection Division at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); California State Senator Nancy Skinner; and Suzanne Hagell, Climate Policy Analyst II, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
In addition, Avipsa Mahapatra, Climate Campaign Lead, Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), discussed the latest trends in hydrocarbon charge standards for air conditioners, heat pumps and commercial refrigeration.
Two scientists – Lydia Jahl, Science and Policy Associate, Green Science Policy Institute; and David Behringer, Project Manager, Öko-Recherche –addressed the need for the U.S. EPA’a definition of toxic PFAS (“forever chemicals”) to include certain fluorinated refrigerants and TFA (trifluoroacetic acid), an atmospheric byproduct of some of these refrigerants.