by Terry McIver, with supporting information from Honeywell.
In summer 2019, Honeywell made two major announcements related to the incorporation of its Solstice® N41 (R-446A) refrigerant into HVAC applications.
In June, Honeywell representatives announced a strategic partnership with Midea Group, a leading Chinese home appliance maker, to replace R-410A with Solstice® N41 (R-466A) in HVAC applications, including variable refrigerant flow (VRF) and chiller systems. R-466A is a nonflammable and lower global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerant for stationary air conditioning systems. Midea is a technology group specializing in consumer electric appliances, HVAC systems, robots and automation systems as well as smart supply chain (logistics), providing a diverse range of products. It operates about 200 subsidiaries, over 60 overseas branches and 12 strategic business units worldwide.
“We’ve partnered with the best-of-the-best in our industry to validate the performance of Solstice N41 as a breakthrough solution,” said Chris LaPietra, vice president and general manager, Honeywell Stationary Refrigerants. “We are helping to solve for safety, energy efficiency and environmental sustainability with this solution, which offers a GWP that is 65 percent lower than R-410A. Key partnerships like the one we have with Midea help ensure it is ready for broad industry adoption later this year.”
More recently, Honeywell announced on Nov. 21 that its new stationary air conditioning refrigerant, Solstice® N41 has received the official designation “A1” for R-466A by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). See related story link below.
Solstice N41 is the first A1, nonflammable, reduced global warming potential (GWP), R-410A replacement refrigerant developed for stationary air conditioning systems, and will be commercially available in 2020. In developing this solution, Honeywell scientists devoted years of research and development to solve a key problem facing the HVAC industry.
Now commercially available, Solstice N41 is the first “A1” (nonflammable), reduced GWP R-410A replacement offered for stationary air conditioning systems. All other reduced-GWP alternatives proposed to date as R-410A replacements are flammable, increasing risk.
When it comes to safety, Solstice N41 significantly reduces the need for additional design and eliminates the need to incorporate the sensors and valves typically required for minimizing flammability risk. Early results also indicate this nonflammable, reduced global warming alternative to R-410A will eliminate the need for specialized contractor training for flammability mitigation — a big advantage for the industry as it struggles to recruit and retain certified contractors.
This past August, Honeywell reported it had partnered with Sanhua to commercialize Solstice®N41 for use in existing and new HVAC applications. Sanhua Holding Group Co. is a global manufacturer of controls and components for the HVAC and refrigeration home appliance, automotive air conditioning and thermal management industries. Based in China, the company provides more than 50 million electronic and mechanical expansion valves to the HVACR and automotive industries yearly.
“We specifically designed Solstice N41 to solve industry challenges and comply with regulations; this will be a revolutionary solution once it is ready for adoption later this year,” said LaPietra. “This partnership with Sanhua reaffirms our commitment to delivering a safe, energy efficient and environmentally sustainable alternative to R-410A.”
LaPietra spoke with Contracting Business during the recent Air Conditioning Contractors of America “Next Level” conference in Dayton, Ohio. He said Solstice N-41’s favorable characteristics establish it as an ideal replacement for those refrigerants with a much higher global warming potential (GWP). Once it is commercially available in early 2020, Solstice N41 will be the first A1* nonflammable, lower GWP R-410A replacement offered for stationary air conditioning systems. All other reduced-GWP alternatives proposed to date as R-410A replacements are flammable, increasing risk to homeowners and contractors. Solstice N41 also offers a GWP that is 65% lower than R-410A.
“The performance of Solstice N-41 is equal to, if not better than R-410A,” LaPietra said. “If you look at Solstice N-41’s performance curve in very hot or very cold climates, it is actually more efficient that R-410A. It works well in comfort systems. It’s non-toxic, non-flammable, and non-ozone depleting.”
When evaluating refrigerant viability, LaPietra said it’s helpful to look at the “big picture” that includes refrigerant performance and safety.
“Global Warming Potential is important, as is efficiency. In addition, there is the safety aspect [of flammable refrigerants,” LaPietra continued. “In the R-410A market, you must consider installation concerns in residential and light commercial applications [such as a technician cutting into a soft copper line set] in homes and light commercial buildings. Honeywell sells and promotes A2L (flammable) refrigerants, however, in residential and light commercial applications, Honeywell believes a non-flammable A1 refrigerant is the right way to go.”
N41 significantly reduces the need for additional design and eliminates the need to incorporate any sensors typically required for minimizing flammability risk. Early results also indicate this nonflammable, lower GWP alternative to R-410A will eliminate the need for specialized contractor training for flammability mitigation — a big advantage for the industry as it struggles to recruit and retain certified contractors.
The industry’s ultimate standard replacement for R-410 has not been identified. But as R-410A replaced R-22, there will be an ideal product to replace R-410A.
“The industry will have to get its head around what that single solution will be (after R-410A). But the global transition to lower environmental impact of refrigerants will continue,” LaPietra said. “Some people globally are just getting used to R-410A, which will be phased out because of its GWP. It’s a non-ozone depleting refrigerant, and is very efficient, however GWP is the front-and-center issue for the industry. So eventually, R-410A’s GWP of 2088 will be unacceptable. The industry is talking about going below 740 GWP, which would include Solstice N41.”
Widespread use of A2L flammable refrigerants in common consumer areas is still far off. Panelists speaking at the recent ATMOsphere conference in July 2019 suggested a five-year approval process is not out of the question, due to the myriad code changes such a it would require.
“Yes, men and women who are running into burning buildings should have a say,” LaPietra said. “There is work being done to make the A2Ls safe, but that work is not completed yet. An A1 (nonflammable refrigerant) eliminates many headaches, with sensors, shut-off valves, maintenance items and basic safety.”
Earlier this year, Toshiba Carrier recognized Solstice N41’s potential as a R-410A replacement. Honeywell refrigerants are sold globally under the Solstice® and Genetron® brand names for a range of applications, including refrigeration, building and automobile air conditioning. Honeywell and its suppliers have completed a $900 million investment program in research and development and new capacity based on Honeywell’s hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) technology.