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As a company, we have recently focused on the topic of sustainability in a number of ways, in the context of indoor climate solutions. In previous blog posts, we have discussed topics such as the Renovation wave, the BACS decree and the recently updated F-Gas regulations - all through the lens of our expertise in heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC). However, as a global designer and supplier of complete indoor climate solutions we are affected by external factors in different ways. What may be beneficial in one end may require an nearly revolutionary innovation in another. Let our expert, William Lawrance, explain.
You may have read the blog post named The new F-gas regulation, this is what is means. That piece made quite clear that the research and developments we have done at Swegon in our cooling and heating business position us favourably in relation to this winter’s third, and latest, revision of the F-Gas regulation. However, the same regulation pose clear challenges, based on current refrigerant technology, to deliver air handling units with integrated refrigerant systems for cooling or heating.
Air handling unit development
Over recent years, air handling units with integrated heating and cooling have become more popular, this because in comfort ventilation applications they are quick and easy to install and they provide all that is needed.
Our Swegon GOLD RX/HC unit is a prime example of the above. The heat pump coils are placed on either side of the rotor so it is possible to maximise the recovery of both heating and cooling energy. The rotor is treated with a sorption coating which efficiently transfers moisture. That means, that in the summer the unit recovers both sensible and latent cooling in such way that the electrical energy required for cooling is minimised. During winter the rotor and heat pump operate in sequence to recover even more heat from the exhaust air, and transfer it to the supply air.
Now, the heat pump depends on a refrigerant for its function, of course, and the new F-Gas regulation bans “self-contained” (one-piece) products like these in the European market from January 2027 (GWP limit 150, capacity limit 50 kW).
Refrigerants and air handling units
Some refrigerants are potent greenhouse gases and the F-Gas regulations aims to make a shift towards alternatives to mitigate their environmental impact. For HVAC chillers and heat pumps it seems that there is a reasonable return to natural refrigerants like R290, propane, but propane is highly flammable and strict safety standards need to be followed. Standards that make it difficult to use these constituents in air handling units, and for the moment, it seems that there are no “drop-in” heating and cooling integrated solutions for air handling units.
Looking beyond F-Gas, there is more to consider
Many have heard about PFAS, the man-made range of chemicals used in a wide variety of different applications. They have been around since the 1940s and are utilised in both consumer and industrial products and processes. The problem is that they do not break down and they are collected in the natural environment as well as in bodies of animals and humans, and there is no practical way to remove them once they are there. PFAS is linked to several health issues which makes it unquestionable why there is a proposal to ban them on the European market in the near future.
Most fluorinated refrigerants, but not all, contain PFAS chemicals which means that a ban of PFAS would put an abrupt end to a certain supply of the synthetic refrigerants, hence reducing the strain on the environment. Many of the air handling units on the market with integrated heating and cooling make use of refrigerants with varying degrees of PFAS content today. Meaning, some refrigerants have low or no PFAS but higher GWP, and vice versa. A dilemma beyond F-Gas, reasonable to consider.
What to use in air handling units? Not an easy question!
So, the synthetic refrigerants will be scarce and the natural refrigerants are difficult to use, it stands to reason that systems will be built with hydronic systems. Unless, somebody comes up with something completely revolutionary!
For the time being and in the shorter perspective, Swegon will continue to offer the GOLD range of air handling units with the COOL DX air to air cooler as well as the GOLD RX/HC unit with a sorption rotary heat exchanger in combination with a reversible heat pump to temper the supply air in an easy to install and operate package. Moreover, a solution with a direct expansion coil in the GOLD air handling unit connected to a R32 EPSILON Sky condensing unit can be a highly attractive solution. However, installing a system with an A2L refrigerant carries a responsibility to ensure that the system meets safety requirements.
For the longer perspective, and because Swegon has the advantage of offering complete solutions, we can package our GOLD air handling units and BlueBox hydronic chillers and heat pumps with R290 refrigerant. The SMART Link+ control function is standard in our GOLD units which allows for the chiller and/or heat pump to be controlled to optimise energy consumption based on the actual load on the coil in the GOLD unit. In addition, the air handler can be configured with a sorption rotary heat exchanger; which effectively reclaims both heat and cooling energy. In warm climates the cooling recovery can half the cooling power demand. The energy cost is reduced and the size of the chiller/heat pump can be reduced. At the end of the day, that means lower installation cost and a reduced quantity of refrigerant.
Let our competent Swegon colleagues support you when making the necessary calculation and assessment for a suitable indoor climate solution for today and the future. Get to know us here, and contact us here.
