China Refrigeration: Walking on the CO2 path - Part I

The world’s third largest trade show for heating and cooling was, as expected, dominated by solutions for conventional refrigerants. However, a surprising number of global players presented CO2 components set to be sold on the Chinese market in a few years time. In a technical seminar, Bitzer updated Chinese experts on latest developments regarding CO2 compressors.

At the China Refrigeration, held last week from 5-7 April in Guangzou, companies known to be involved in CO2, nearly animously agreed that the natural refrigerant would certainly be a solution to be taken to the Chinese market in the near future. At present however, and also looking at cost cutting tendencies in the industry, CO2 would remain mainly in the testing phase, with commercialisation to be expected over the next few years.

Technical Seminar on CO2 compressors

In its technical presentation to around 100 industry experts and engineers, German compressor manufacturer Bitzer updated on the performance and operation of its CO2 range. In a packed room, Bitzer representatives from China started off by explaining basic characteristics of R744, its behaviour compared to R22 or R404a, differences between transcritical and subcritical operation, and the compact design of CO2 compressors. The compressor maker then went on to elaborate on the different system layouts used with R744, specific design options, and efficiency comparisons between the natural and chemical refrigerants.

Participants were highly interested in technical details regarding high-pressure R744 systems. Lively discussions centred around the questions of oil return, the materials used for CO2 compressors, the preferred hybrid systems used in European supermarkets, and better cooling systems in a Chinese test system using R404a-R744.

Climate-neutral air conditioners fitted as standard, Co2

Automotive Industries, Fall, 2008 by Nick Palmen

In September 2007, German OEMs belonging to the German Automotive Industry Association (VDA) decided to use natural, climate-neutral carbon dioxide (R744) as a cooling agent.

Automotive Industries (AI) asked ixetic managing director Georg Wolf what effect the introduction of R744 as a cooling agent would have on the market and ixetic.

Wolf: We have spent ten years developing our CO2 compressors. In 1996, ixetic started developing carbon dioxide compressors. We are global leaders in this technical innovation. After years of research and development, the company finalized the concept and completed fleet testing in 2005. The decision by the VDA shows that our original decision to invest in this climate-friendly technology was the right one. The German automotive industry relies on carbon dioxide as a cooling agent and our plan is to build up production in the coming months.

AI: What was the biggest technological challenge in developing the new CO2 air-conditioner?

Wolf: Carbon dioxide is climate-neutral, non-toxic and non-combustible. It places a completely new set of requirements on the system compared to previous cooling agents.

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AI: What are the key components in your latest CO2 compressor?.

Wolf: There are several components: a brand new, patented control mechanism, an innovative casting concept, and a reliable shaft seal.

AI: ixetic is the first manufacturer able to go into production with the new technology. What makes your air-conditioner compressor unique in terms of its reliability and efficiency?

Wolf: We have combined excellent control behavior with the ability to run the compressor at temperatures of up to 180[degrees]C without any restrictions in the driving mode.

ixetic's R744 compressors will increase the efficiency of future Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) systems substantially. The new components enable bi-directional torque management without additional sensors in the system.

AI: At the end of last year, ixetic received a series order for the world's first CO2 compressor for air-conditioners. What results do you expect from this product?

Wolf: We expect future orders in the coming months. This new business segment is a milestone in our growth strategy.

AI: What will the impact on your market position be?

Wolf: We are planning to have a worldwide relevant market share, as we have in our other major business segments.

In the segment of vacuum pumps, our worldwide market share is 30%. In the segment of steering pumps for heavy and medium trucks we achieved 18% last year. In the segment of MAC compressors our share in Europe will be between these figures by 2015.

Wolf also noted, "This shows that we in Germany not only have our costs under control, but also that we are a reliable partner to large car manufacturers who set ambitious cost optimization targets." According to Wolf, ixetic is dedicated to the promotion of innovation and the precise advancement of product development. "In the area of research and development, ixetic's level of investment is well above the industry average."

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COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2007; SOME DO AND DON’T TO HELP THE PLANET

Energy savings at home

People all over the world are taking measures to reduce the greenhouse gases emitted as a result of the way they live. Turning the heating thermostat down, and the air conditioning up, by 1.5deg saves around 1 tonne of CO2 (carbon dioxide) a year. An energy- efficiency refrigerator could save nearly half a tonne of CO2 a year, compared with an older model. Insulating windows, doors, and electrical outlets and adding more insulation to the attic and basement reduces energy consumption. Compact fluorescent, spiral light bulbs are 75 per cent more efficient than standard light bulbs.

Energy savings on the road Keeping tyres optimally inflated uses less fuel and cuts down emissions. Driving at 8 kmh below the speed limit over an 13km commute to work saves 350kg of CO2 a year.

Reducing Garbage

On average a person throws away 10 times his or her bodyweight in rubbish a year. One kilogram sent to landfill produces 2kg of methane.

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Source: The Atlas of Climate Change

Mapping the World's Greatest Challenge

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