Refrigerants are the working fluids that enable heat transfer in HVAC and refrigeration systems. Choosing the right refrigerant is crucial for efficiency, environmental impact, and system compatibility.
Among the many refrigerants in use today, R410A, R134a, and R32 are widely adopted due to their performance and regulatory compliance. Clivet, a leader in HVAC innovation, utilizes these refrigerants across various product lines to balance efficiency and sustainability.
R410A
Overview
- Composition: Blend of R32 (difluoromethane) and R125 (pentafluoroethane)
- Type: HFC (Hydrofluorocarbon)
- ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential): 0
- GWP (Global Warming Potential): ~2088
Characteristics
- Operates at higher pressures than older refrigerants (like R22)
- Non-flammable
- Excellent energy efficiency and heat transfer properties
- Requires compatible high-pressure components
Applications
- Residential and commercial air conditioning systems
- Heat pumps
- Used in many Clivet products like ELFOEnergy and VRF systems
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Zero ozone depletion | High GWP |
| Efficient cooling | Requires specialized servicing |
| Widely available | Higher operating pressure |
R134a
Overview
-
Composition: Pure HFC (1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane)
-
ODP: 0
-
GWP: ~1430
Characteristics
-
Medium pressure refrigerant
-
Non-flammable
-
Good thermal stability and chemical compatibility
-
Commonly used as a replacement for R12 (CFC) refrigerants
Applications
-
Refrigeration systems (supermarkets, transport refrigeration)
-
Automotive air conditioning
-
Some industrial chillers
-
Occasionally used in specialty HVAC applications from Clivet
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Zero ozone depletion | Moderate GWP |
| Stable and reliable | Not suitable for new residential AC systems |
| Wide availability | Lower efficiency compared to R410A and R32 |
R32
Overview
-
Composition: Pure HFC (Difluoromethane)
-
ODP: 0
-
GWP: ~675 (much lower than R410A)
Characteristics
-
Single component refrigerant
-
Mildly flammable (A2L safety classification)
-
High energy efficiency and lower environmental impact
-
Requires careful handling and system design for safety
Applications
-
New generation residential and commercial AC systems
-
Heat pumps
-
Increasingly popular in Clivet’s modern VRF and inverter systems
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low GWP (about 1/3 of R410A) | Mildly flammable |
| High energy efficiency | Requires specific safety protocols |
| Reduces refrigerant charge | May require system redesign |
Clivet and Refrigerant Choice
Clivet integrates these refrigerants based on system size, efficiency targets, and environmental regulations. The shift toward R32 reflects the global move for low-GWP alternatives, while R410A remains common for robust, high-capacity systems. R134a is mostly limited to refrigeration and some specialty HVAC solutions.
Summary Table
| Refrigerant | ODP | GWP | Flammability | Main Use | Clivet Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R410A | 0 | 2088 | No | AC, heat pumps | VRF, ELFOEnergy, packaged units |
| R134a | 0 | 1430 | No | Refrigeration, auto AC | Specialty chillers |
| R32 | 0 | 675 | Mild (A2L) | Residential & commercial AC | Modern VRF, inverter systems |