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Alternatives to HFCs: Path to a Sustainable Future
Mark W. RobertsInternational Policy Advisor
Environmental Investigation Agency
Joint SEAP & SA Networks of ODS Officers Paro, Bhutan
Accelerated HCFC Phase-out Schedules
Assumption of BAU Replacement Pattern of HCFC Consumption by HFC Consumption Adopted for Developing Countries
Compound Consumption R-404A R-410A HFC-134a HFC-245fa Not-in-kind
HCFC-22 66.5% 35% 55% 10%
HCFC-141b 30.0% 50% 50%
HCFC-142b 3.5% 50% 50%
Total HFC consumption 23% 37% 2% 15% 23%
Conclusion: Velder’s et al. predicted 77% Conversion from HCFCs to HFCs as Article 5 countries phase out HCFCs based upon the observed conversions in non-Article 5 countries.
Compound Use Atm. Lifetime GWP GWP
(100 Yr) (20 Yr)HFC-23 Waste gas/Refrig 243
14,800 12,000HFC-32 Refrigerant 4.9
675 2,330HFC-125 Refrigerant 29
3,500 6,350HFC-134a Multi-use 13.6
1,430 3,830 HFC-141b Foam 9.3
750 2,250HFC-142b Foam 17.9
2,310 5,490HFC-152a Ref. and Foam 1.5
190 1,100HFC-245fa Foam 7.6 1,030 3,380HFC-404A Refrigerant AC 34.2
3,922 6.010HFC-407c Refrigerant AC & T
1774 4,115HFC-410a Refrigerant AC >33
2,088 4,340
GWP of Common HFCs
Two Long-term Options for Eliminating HFCs
1. Using fluorine-free substances with low or zero-GWP. The major proven low-GWP alts include:
Ammonia GWP - 0
Hydrocarbons such as propane, isobutane, propylene, and pentane GWP <4
Methyl Formate, Methylal GWP <25
Dimethyl ether GWP - 1
Water
CO2 - 1
Others
Two Long-term Options for Eliminating HFCs, Con’t
2. Not in kind alternatives, alternative methods and processes, examples include:
Roll-ons, pump sprays and other alternates to aerosols
Fiber insulation materials
Dry-powder asthma inhalers
Building designs that avoid the need for air conditioning
Barriers to Use of Low-GWP Alternatives
Many low-GWP alternatives are currently in use, but there are some barriers to use in some sectors, such as:
Regulations that prohibit use of flammable or toxic alternatives
Insufficient supply of components
Increased investment costs
Lack of trained technicians
But the current use of low-GWP alternatives shows that these can be overcome
Denmark has banned all HFCs and still continues to have one of the highest standards of living in the world
HFOs and Mid-Range GWP HFCs: Secondary Choices
HFOs: e.g., HFC-1234yf, HFC-1234ezPriceSupplyCurrent production of HFC-1234yf uses HCFC-22 and
produces HFC-23 resulting in either bogus credits or climate impact
Going through EU REACH evaluation where these questions will be studied.
Energy Efficiency of Natural Refrigerants in Certain Sectors
Refrigerants can have two distinct climate impacts:Direct emissionsIndirect emissions from energy use, over
the life of the equipment the indirect impact may be larger
Best combination is low-GWP alternative with high energy efficiency
High energy efficiency can also off-set higher initial capital costs
HFOs and Mid-Range GWP HFCs: Secondary Choices
Mid-level GWP e.g. HFC-32 and HFO/HFC blendsBetter than high-GWP HFCs such as HFC-410aHigher climate impact to climate particularly where 20 year
GWP is used. For example, HFC-32 has an atmospheric life of only 4.9 years so even a 20 year GWP under estimates its climate impact and the 20 year GWP is 2,330 more than HCFC-22
Will need to be phased out eventually, disrupting industry againGood temporary transition if no other choice, however, better to
transition to low-GWP alternative or in another sector where low-GWP alternatives exist
MLF Pioneering Commercialization Of Low-GWP Alternatives
Foam Blowing: Cyclopentane, other hydrocarbons, CO2 (water), supercritical CO2, methyl formate, methylal and CO2/hydrocarbon blends.
Solvents: Iso-paraffin, siloxane (KC-6), water-based
Window Air Conditioners: Propane
Low-GWP Alternatives Available for Supermarkets: HFC-Free Possible
Self Contained Units: Propane, isobutene, hydrocarbon blends and CO2
Condensing Units: CO2 (EU and Japan)
Rack Systems: CO2, glycol, trans-critical CO2 and cascade systems with CO2 and ammonia
Central plants: ammonia and ammonia/CO2, water distributed system using HCs or CO2
Packaged systems: ammonia and CO2 work but increase costs at present, can be replaced by rack or central plant systems
Refrigerated Transport Systems: CO2 and hydrocarbons (EU)
Energy Efficiency in the Refrigeration Sector
Domestic refrigeration: Isobutane standard for refrigerators and freezers in EU and has a 10-30% higher efficiency than HFC-134a and also reduces noise level
Retail Stand-alone units: HC-290 10-25% higher energy efficiency than HFC unit.
CO2 can have slightly better energy efficiency in moderate and indoor climates
Energy Efficiency Savings in Refrigeration Sector
Industrial refrigeration: Ammonia systems generally 15% more efficient than their HFC counterparts.
A replacement of a 3.2 MW HCFC-22 system for ammonia resulted in a 40% reduction in energy consumption, new plant utilizes heat recovery and water heating by a heat pump resulting in a 1.4 million British pound annual savings. Payback time 2.7 years.
Proven Low-GWP AlternativesFoams
Polyurethane foam: Rigid - CO2, supercritical CO2, hydrocarbons, methyl formate, methylal
Polyurethane foam: Flexible – CO2, hydrocarbons, methyl formate
Extruded polyurethane boardstock: CO2, hydrocarbons and blends, inert gases,
Current and Potential Low-GWP alternatives-Air Conditioning
Heat Pumps: CO2, ammonia, hydrocarbons
Unitary AC (ducted and non-ducted): hydrocarbons, CO2 combined systems
Window units: hydrocarbons and CO2
Packaged Terminal AC: hydrocarbons, ammonia and CO2
Chillers: Ammonia and hydrocarbons
Drivers of the Development of New Low-GWP Alternatives
EU F-gas Review – Phase-down likely
Short Lived Climate Pollutant Initiative
Consumer Goods Forum Pledge – HFC-free (including HFOs) in new equipment starting 2015
National Laws: Denmark, India
HFC Amendment ProposalsSNAP Program
Benefits of Leapfrogging HFCsThere are substantial market opportunities both as Article 2 countries engage in secondary transitions out of HFCs due to their climate impacts and as Article 5 countries make there initial transitions away from HCFCs.
Consuming Article 5 countries can avoid the cost and disruption to their industries of yet another phase-out by transitioning directly from HCFCs to low-GWP or not-in-kind alternatives.
Mark W. RobertsSenior Counsel and International Policy AdviserThe Environmental Investigation Agency
122 Kirkland DriveStow, Massachusetts 01775Tel: +1.978.298.5705Cell: [email protected]