Why are ATC's newer chillers using low-GWP refrigerants?
ATC’s newer recirculating chiller ranges have been developed using lower-GWP refrigerants, including R290 and R454C.
This reflects the wider transition within the refrigeration industry away from higher-GWP refrigerants, driven by environmental considerations, changing refrigerant regulations, and the need for modern process cooling equipment designed around lower-impact alternatives.
For ATC, this transition has involved developing new product platforms specifically designed for the refrigerants they use, rather than simply replacing the refrigerant within existing chiller designs.
Why is the refrigeration industry moving towards lower-GWP refrigerants?
Global Warming Potential is a measure used to compare the potential climate impact of greenhouse gases.
Many refrigerants historically used in refrigeration and process cooling have relatively high GWPs. International agreements such as the Kigali Amendment and regional regulations are driving a phased reduction in the use of higher-GWP refrigerants and encouraging the adoption of lower-GWP alternatives.
For manufacturers such as ATC, this means developing equipment around refrigerants that better reflect the changing environmental and regulatory landscape.
Which low-GWP refrigerants does ATC use?
ATC’s current product platforms include R290 and R454C.
R290
R290, or propane, is a natural refrigerant with a very low GWP.
It is used within ATC’s MG and G Series.
R290 is classified as an A3 refrigerant, so equipment using it must be specifically designed for its characteristics.
R454C
R454C is a lower-GWP refrigerant with a GWP of approximately 148.
It is used within ATC’s H Series.
R454C is classified as A2L, meaning it has lower toxicity and mild flammability.
Why didn't ATC simply change the refrigerant in its older chillers?
Refrigerants are not generally interchangeable.
Different refrigerants have different operating characteristics, pressures, safety classifications, and component requirements. Moving to lower-GWP refrigerants therefore involves considering the complete refrigeration system and chiller design.
ATC’s newer ranges have been developed as product platforms specifically designed around their intended refrigerants.
This allows refrigerant choice to be considered alongside cooling performance, temperature control, safety, component selection, serviceability, and the wider requirements
What are the benefits for customers?
The newer product platforms give customers access to modern process cooling equipment designed around substantially lower-GWP refrigerants.
This can help customers:
- Reduce the potential climate impact associated with the refrigerant used by their cooling equipment
- Move away from reliance on some higher-GWP legacy refrigerants
- Select equipment developed with the changing refrigerant landscape in mind
- Access current ATC product platforms designed specifically around R290 or R454C
- Combine lower-GWP refrigeration technology with the temperature control and process cooling capabilities required by their application
However, refrigerant GWP should not be considered in isolation. The correct chiller still needs to meet the application’s cooling capacity, temperature, flow, process fluid, electrical, and installation requirements.
Does low-GWP mean better chiller performance?
GWP describes the potential climate impact of the refrigerant rather than the overall performance or efficiency of the chiller.
Cooling capacity, temperature stability, and energy performance depend on the design of the complete system and the conditions under which it operates.
ATC’s newer platforms have therefore been developed to combine lower-GWP refrigerants with the cooling performance, temperature control, and reliability required for laboratory, OEM, and industrial process cooling applications.
Does choosing a low-GWP chiller guarantee regulatory compliance?
No single refrigerant can guarantee compliance in every application or market.
Refrigerant regulations vary between regions, including the EU, Great Britain, and United Stated, and requirements can depend on factors such as equipment type, cooling capacity, refrigerant charge, application, and installation date.
ATC’s move towards lower-GWP refrigerants reflects the direction of refrigerant regulation, but customers should consider the requirements applicable to their particular installation.
See “How do I know if my chiller is compliant with new refrigerant regulations?“ for more information.
What if I have an older ATC chiller?
An older chiller using a higher-GWP refrigerant does not automatically need to be replaced simply because ATC’s current ranges use lower-GWP alternatives.
The most appropriate approach will depend on the age and condition of the equipment, refrigerant, availability of replacement components, servicing requirements, and needs of the application.
ATC can assess older ATC and Thermal Exchange equipment and advise whether continued servicing, repair, refurbishment, or replacement with a current lower-GWP unit is appropriate.
Which ATC low-GWP chiller is right for my application?
Refrigerant is only one part of selecting a chiller.
ATC will also consider your required cooling capacity, process fluid temperature, coolant flow and pressure requirements, process fluid, ambient conditions, electrical supply, and installation requirements.
Contact ATC with your application requirements and our team can help identify the most appropriate current cooling solution.
