A2L refrigerants offer a unique blend of low-global warming potential (GWP), high performance and wide applicability in commercial refrigeration.
Classified as “mildly flammable,” low-GWP A2L refrigerants have been identified as viable alternatives to high-GWP hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). A2L adoption is still in its early stages in the U.S., as regulatory approvals and necessary updates to safety standards and building codes are currently underway. A recent update to the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) safety standard — UL 60335-2-89 — signaled the first key step in their potential roll-out.
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A2L refrigerants have the potential to solve application challenges within the commercial refrigeration landscape. With charge limits exceeding those approved for R-290, A2Ls represent a potentially higher-capacity alternative in self-contained applications. They also have a likely place in distributed architectures, such as remote, outdoor condensing units (OCUs) or mini-racks used in smaller-format outlets. Discover how to make the low-GWP refrigerant transition through Copeland's “Preparing for A2L Refrigerants in Commercial Refrigeration” white paper.
Combined with Copeland's advanced system controllers, case controls and leak detection sensors, A2L-qualified refrigeration compressors are helping the commercial refrigeration industry to usher in a new era of safe, reliable and lower-GWP refrigeration. Discover this platform and how Copeland can help you on your journey to lower-GWP refrigeration.
Check out our A2L product portfolio.
To mitigate the potential for flammability and ensure operational safety, A2L system architectures need to be designed with specific safety and leak detection strategies. Installing remote systems with A2L refrigerants requires the use of mitigation measures to keep gas concentrations below flammable thresholds.
In addition to the E3 supervisory control platform, Copeland offers a full suite of connected leak detection sensors and valves for A2L refrigeration systems.
Copeland is supporting original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and end users who are preparing to make the transition to A2L refrigerants. Currently, we are qualifying our Copeland scroll and semi-hermetic compressor lines to use leading A2L refrigerant options. To innovate the next generation of refrigeration technologies — including emerging A2Ls — we recently have completed the construction of a 100,000 sq. ft. research and development (R&D) facility with extensive refrigerant testing capabilities. Learn more about evaluating the current and future role of A2Ls in commercial refrigeration by viewing our article below.
HVACR technicians will soon be encountering A2L refrigerants during installations and services calls. Working with A2Ls will require more rigorous attention to basic servicing fundamentals. With the addition of safety considerations, new equipment and A2L-rated tools, recommended best practices for A1 refrigerants will apply. Take a moment to review Copeland's back to basics guide for technicians who service mildly flammable refrigerants.
A2L Refrigerants FAQs
A2L encompasses a class of refrigerants that have lower toxicity and flammability than A2 or A3 refrigerants, as listed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) in ASHRAE Standard 34 (2019).
Compared to “highly flammable” A3 refrigerants, A2Ls are less flammable, as measured by three flammability criteria: 1) Higher lower flammability limit (LFL), meaning that it is less likely to form flammable concentrations; 2) Lower minimum ignition energy (MIE), meaning that it requires an open flame or strong electrical energy source to sustain an ignition; 3) Lower heat of combustion (HOC), meaning that it has a lower severity of ignition events.
It’s important to remember that individual A2L refrigerants will have varying degrees of flammability or global warming potential (GWP).
As of June 2021, A2Ls have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Rule 23 for use in residential AC applications. Although the EPA has not yet approved A2Ls for use in commercial refrigeration, industry stakeholders expect further guidance and SNAP approvals in the near future. A2Ls have proved to be operationally safe and effective for commercial refrigeration applications in Europe and other regions.
A2L refrigerants offer unique thermodynamic properties and excellent performance characteristics that are similar to or better than common A1 HFC refrigerants such as R-404A or R-448A. Because performance characteristics will vary depending on the application, it’s important to check with Emerson’s application engineers to determine the optimal A2L refrigerant for your specific application.
A2L refrigerants are subject to refrigerant-specific charge limits based on the lower flammability limit (LFL) of each refrigerant. These are among the first of many mitigation strategies when using flammable refrigerants. Per a recent update to the second edition of the UL 60335-2-89 safety standard, A2L charge limit guidelines have been established for self-contained and remote refrigeration systems. For cases, charge limits are determined on whether equipment has an open design (without doors) or a closed design (with doors or drawers).
