Natural Refrigerants
Overview
Those within the realm of refrigeration – owners, designers, installers and maintainers - work in a dynamic environment.
At a time when awareness of environmental issues is on the rise, the refrigeration sector must constantly examine its equipment and methods. The choices we make are key.
And doubtless, the selection of refrigeration system type and the refrigerant itself have considerable potential impact on the environment.
In Australia the profile of natural refrigerants and their benefits in terms of efficiency and safety continues to rise.
Yet there remain some obstacles to their wholehearted acceptance. By providing information, cases studies and guidance, the AIRAH Natural Refrigerants Special Technical Group (NR STG) hopes to lessen the impediments to the wider adoption of natural refrigerants.
It will be a resource for external stakeholders such as government and policy makers to draw upon for reliable and impartial advice.
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Purpose
The purpose of the AIRAH NR STG is to provide members with the necessary information and guidance to facilitate the growth and the safe use of natural refrigerants. This includes providing easy-to-understand information, facilitating informed policy and purchasing choices.
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Aims
The AIRAH NR STG aims to:
1. Promote industry best practice in the design and use of natural refrigerants.
2. Provide clear, easy-to-understand case studies concerning natural refrigerant technologies and applications that can be used in Australia. The group aims to develop calculators to assist in the design of natural refrigerant systems.
3. Review current international safety guidelines and design standards with a view to identifying suitable modifications or supplements necessary to existing Australian refrigeration design standards.
4. Organise site visits to and technical seminars on natural refrigerant installations.
5. Review current training courses and training facilities, identifying deficiencies that could be contributing to the slower-than-expected growth of natural refrigerant use.
6. Become an impartial reference point for external policy makers or other stakeholders.
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Office bearers and committee
Chair: Jonathan Fryer, M.AIRAH
Committee:
- Stefan Jensen, M.AIRAH
- David Redden, M.AIRAH
- Julian Hudson, Affil.AIRAH
- Ben Adamson, F.AIRAH
- Peter Young, M.AIRAH
- Ian Tuena, A.M.AIRAH
- Andrew Pang, A.M.AIRAH
- Greg Atkinson, M.AIRAH
- Ross Bradshaw, Affil.AIRAH
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NR STG membership
The committee will comprise a minimum of five members, with a chair elected from the STG membership.
Membership is open to any financial AIRAH member. Click here to Become a member
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Natural refrigerants case studies
East coast chill factor
Aldi supermarkets in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland are reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by using R290 hydrocarbon chest freezers in their retail frozen food departments.
Read more
Sirromet Winery Ammonia (NH3) Chiller
The Sirromet Winery, located 40 km south-east of Brisbane, recently upgraded its refrigeration equipment with a new Ammonia chiller plant.
Read more
Supermarket energy and TEWI comparisons
This case study compares five different options of providing refrigeration to a large supermarket of around 4000 m2. The TEWI (Total Equivalent Warming Impact) method of calculation has been used to compare the global warming effect of each of the options.
Read more
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Natural refrigerants training - EE-OZ Training Standards
Natural refrigerant training in safety awareness and servicing of stationary refrigeration and air conditioning systems is becoming more available for existing workers across the country.
Please click here for more information on the development and availability of training.
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NR STG contact
If you are interested in being involved please contact Neil Cox at the AIRAH national office. Email: neil@airah.org.au
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