MORRIS PLAINS, N.J., June 29, 2021 -- Honeywell announced it will partner with Trane Technologies to accelerate the transition to a next-generation, environmentally preferable refrigerant by field testing Honeywell’s Solstice® N41 (R-466A), the industry’s first nonflammable alternative to R-410A.
Trane will deploy and test Solstice N41 at three customer locations in different parts of the United States as part of a one-year field trial. Trane is currently testing Solstice N41 at the Western Cooling Efficiency Center (WCEC) at the University of California, Davis, to evaluate its performance with a Trane rooftop HVAC unit used in light commercial applications. The trials will test compatibility with new equipment installations and retrofit conversions. Trane will closely monitor power and energy consumption and analyze the refrigerant characteristics to further assess Solstice N41 as a replacement for R-410A.
"Our field trials will include packaged roof top units and split systems, and will cover both heat pump and cooling-only applications," said Ken West, vice president and general manager, Honeywell Fluorine Products.
“As a global climate innovator who is leading the industry transition to next-generation refrigerants, we have invested more than $500 million to identify safe, sustainable options,” said Randy Newton, vice president of engineering at Trane Technologies. “Our continuous testing, research and development supports new technologies that improve the carbon footprint in support of our customers’ needs and contribute to our Gigaton Challenge. As we evaluate refrigerants to replace
West told Contracting Business the field trials underway are currently light commercial, but trials could expand to residential based on customer interest. He also spoke of Honeywell's belief in the importance of field trials.
"Field trials are an important part of developing technology and accessing technology readiness. We regularly do field trials of new technology. As we select refrigerants to commercialize, we balance environmental impact, safety, efficiency and affordability," West said.
Sources say Solstice N41 provides the same level of safety to contractors and customers as the market standard refrigerant, R-410A, and reduces global warming impact by 65 percent.
Sources say Solstice N41 provides the same level of safety to contractors and customers as the market standard refrigerant, R-410A, and reduces global warming impact by 65 percent. Sources also declare that other alternatives proposed as R-410A replacements, such as R-32 and R-454B, are higher risk due to their 2L (low flammability) rating, which they say could increase risk to businesses and homeowners and require changes to safety standards and building codes and OEM equipment production lines.
“Honeywell scientists devoted years of research and development to develop a nonflammable product that can replace R-410A in homes and small business as a near drop-in replacement within existing infrastructures, while providing reduced global warming potential coupled with similar energy efficiency,” said Ken West, vice president and general manager, Honeywell Fluorine Products. “Solstice N41 is a great option for both commercial and residential end users. This next step with Trane solidifies our confidence in moving toward industry adoption of R-466A.”
"R-466A will meet the current CARB regulation and allow customers the option of using a non-flammable refrigerant in R-410A applications. As regulations continue to develop, we are committed to produce products that meet these new regulations," added West.
“Our work is increasingly focused on recognizing the far-reaching implications of greenhouse gas emissions on our environment and changing climate,” said Curtis Harrington, senior engineer at U.C. Davis WCEC. “Our research with Trane allows us to provide an objective technology evaluation of Honeywell’s Solstice N41 field performance and provide valuable input on the development of next-generation refrigerants.”
To date, Solstice N41 has undergone extensive analysis by over 15 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and leading compressor manufacturers. The product has accumulated more than 100,000 reliable hours in different applications like commercial air conditioning (variable refrigerant flow and rooftop units) and residential air conditioning (unitary ducted equipment in the U.S.).
Honeywell recently committed to achieve carbon neutrality in its operations and facilities by 2035.