CO2 High pressure

Thermogym are experts is stainless steel fin and tube heat exchangers and are thus on the forfront of CO2 technology.

Let’s explore why you would want to use this gas!

Using R744 (CO2) as a refrigerant has several advantages, particularly for environmental, efficiency, and safety reasons. Here are the key reasons for choosing R744 in refrigeration systems:

1. Environmentally Friendly

• Low Global Warming Potential (GWP): R744 has a GWP of 1, which is significantly lower than traditional refrigerants like HFCs (e.g., R134a or R410A), making it a climate-friendly option.
• Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP): R744 has no negative impact on the ozone layer, unlike older refrigerants like CFCs or HCFCs.

2. Energy Efficiency

• In certain conditions, especially in colder climates or high-temperature applications, R744 systems can offer higher energy efficiency compared to other refrigerants.
• Transcritical and subcritical cycles: CO2 operates efficiently in transcritical systems (in warmer climates) and subcritical systems (in colder regions), optimizing performance based on ambient temperatures.

3. Non-Toxic and Non-Flammable

• Safety: R744 is non-toxic and non-flammable, making it safer to use than refrigerants like ammonia (R717) or hydrocarbons (R290), which pose potential health and fire risks.

4. High Heat Transfer Efficiency

• CO2 has excellent thermodynamic properties, including high volumetric capacity and superior heat transfer, making it effective in refrigeration applications, especially in commercial and industrial settings.

5. Natural Availability and Low Cost

• CO2 is naturally occurring and widely available, making it more cost-effective compared to synthetic refrigerants.
• As a byproduct of other industrial processes, R744 is inexpensive and readily available.

6. Applications

• R744 is increasingly used in commercial refrigeration systems, heat pumps, and automotive air conditioning systems, especially in regions with stringent environmental regulations.
• It is commonly found in supermarkets and other large cooling facilities due to its efficiency and low environmental impact.

Limitations:

• High operating pressures: R744 operates at much higher pressures compared to traditional refrigerants, requiring specialized equipment.
• Efficiency in warm climates: In very high ambient temperatures, R744 systems may require more advanced designs, like gas coolers, to maintain efficiency.

Using R744 is an environmentally conscious choice, offering a balance of performance, safety, and sustainability, particularly in industries prioritizing green technologies.

So why isn’t every body using it!!!!

It is the high pressure!  This is too high for standard copper, so they are trying all different types.  THERMOGYM makes with stainless steel and can withstand any pressures required for this gas.