Chemours Adds Low-GWP Refrigerants for Data Center Cooling
Why It Matters
- New low-GWP refrigerant options give contractors more choices as chiller applications increasingly move toward lower-global-warming-potential refrigerants.
- Data center cooling represents a growing opportunity as artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital infrastructure increase cooling requirements and heat loads.
- The launch signals continued investment in lower-GWP chiller technology, giving contractors and system operators additional products to consider for commercial HVAC, heat pumps. and data center applications.
WILMINGTON, Delaware — Chemours has launched two low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants for stationary chillers used in data centers, commercial buildings, and other mission-critical environments.
The new products, Opteon ZE (R-1234ze(E)) and Opteon 515B (R-515B), expand Chemours’ Opteon refrigerant portfolio with additional options for large-scale cooling applications.
Chemours said the refrigerants are designed for applications facing increasing cooling requirements as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure expand. Data center operators are managing higher heat loads, strict uptime requirements, and cooling systems that must accommodate future growth.
Opteon ZE is a hydrofluoroolefin-based refrigerant with a GWP of approximately 1 under AR5. It has zero ozone depletion potential and an A2L classification, meaning it is mildly flammable.
The refrigerant is suited for air- and water-cooled chillers, commercial air conditioning, heat pumps, and data center cooling applications. Chemours also said Opteon ZE offers high energy efficiency and compatibility with commonly used polyolester lubricants.
Opteon 515B is a refrigerant blend consisting of approximately 91.1% R-1234ze(E) and 8.9% R-227ea. It has a GWP of approximately 293 under AR4, zero ozone depletion potential, and an A1 classification, indicating no flame propagation.
For conventional chiller applications, Chemours said Opteon 515B provides a combination of lower GWP, performance and ease of adoption for customers transitioning from higher-GWP refrigerants.
The two products are intended to broaden refrigerant options for chiller manufacturers and operators while supporting applications such as data center cooling and commercial HVAC.
Opteon ZE and Opteon 515B are currently available in strategic countries. Chemours said additional market availability is expected to follow based on market demand.