Advantages and benefits of R290 refrigerants

At ITV we are committed to the environment and we are taking a big step in the sustainable development of the manufacture of ice machines with the highest energy efficiency.

We have a solar plant that produces enough clean energy to run all the machines in the factory. We also manage waste responsibly, use recycled water in production and have completely eliminated “paper” from the plant, thanks to the digitalization of all processes.

But one of the challenges we are currently working on is the changeover of all new machines to the new R290 refrigerant.

 

What are the benefits of natural refrigerants?

Natural refrigerants are naturally present in the biosphere and have a low or zero Global Warming Potential. Their advantages can be summarized as follows:

  • They are, above all, substances of natural origiN.
  • They do not harm the ozone layer and
  • They have virtually zero impact on global warming.
  • Most economical refrigerants.
  • Excellent energy efficiency.

The main natural refrigerants used today in the commercial refrigeration industry are: ammonia, carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons.

Hydrocarbons (R290; R600A; R1270) and ammonia (R717) have very good thermodynamic properties but their load must be limited for safety reasons (toxicity or flammability). Carbon dioxide (R744) is a fairly safe refrigerant (neither flammable nor toxic) but it is a greenhouse gas which could cause changes in the environment and promotes the destruction of the ozone layer. Therefore, considering its possibilities and in compliance with the new regulations, our challenge has been the implementation of R290.

 

What are the advantages of R290 refrigerants?

 Negligible GWP and ODP

What has made R290 an almost perfect substitute over other refrigerants is its negligible global warming potential (GWP) and zero ozone depletion potential (ODP). In addition, the lifetime of propane, i.e. the permanence of the gas in the atmosphere or its degradation time, is considered in months while R404 is 100 years, for example.

Reduced working pressure

In terms of pressures, propane works at a reduced working pressure. For comparison, the pressure level is similar to that of R22 and R404.

Long-term ecological alternative

The R290 refrigerant is a permanent green alternative in the long term. The market has already adapted to the needs and requirements and all components are developed to make this feasible.
Less load for the same performance
The R290 charge is approximately 40% of the charge that would be used in R22 equipment, obtaining the same cooling performance.

Greater efficiency

Low energy consumption and, therefore, higher efficiency. This is due to the development of compressors and other components.

Good compatibility with other components

Good compatibility with direct components or materials.

 

What are the advantages of R290 ice machines? 

  • For safety regulations, the maximum load is set at 150 g. for our ice machines. This also means financial savings and a significant reduction of gas usage.

 

  • The new R290 ice machines are equipped with ATEX (explosive atmosphere) components. Possible sources of ignition have been eliminated by creating hermetic “chambers” to isolate them: the switchboard is covered with a sealed plate, switches with ATEX protection, condensers and fans made of spark-proof aluminum.

 

  • There has also been an improvement in the ventilation system making it 38% more efficient than other past configurations. This is mainly due to the position of the condenser which we have placed diagonally to the front and allows better ventilation of the equipment. Therefore, it provides improved performance in hot or bad condensation conditions.

 

  • Total control of the machine by the electronics board. The board is an optimized and flexible control for each machine. The same board can be adapted to different models. In addition, the board includes LEDs that help in the detection of faults.

 

How have the different ranges of ITV machines been improved with R290 refrigerant?

At ITV, R290 has been incorporated in different ranges and the results are very positive:

  • NG range (Alfa, Delta, Gala, Super Star): which improves production by up to 11%, in addition to energy and water consumption efficiency.
  • Spika range: with savings of up to 25% of energy and 50% of water.
  • Ice Queen range: increases energy and water rates by more than 7%.

In short, the three ranges include significant improvements in water and energy savings, as well as in production processes.