Tecumseh Confirms Position on Refrigerant Transition.

HVAC INDUSTRY NEWS

Tecumseh Confirms Position on Refrigerant Transition.

Tecumseh Position Includes Approvals for HC and HFO Refrigerants

In follow-up to the document that Tecumseh issued in January 2016 regarding recommended refrigerants, the company is making the required changing to its compressors and condensing units in order to meet the performance, reliability and safety requirements for use with R404A and R134a alternative refrigerants.

Tecumseh Approvals and Recommendations
Remote Condensing Unit Applications
For commercial refrigeration equipment utilizing remote condensing units, Tecumseh has approved R449A and R452A as acceptable alternatives to refrigerant R404A. However, due to the higher discharge temperatures prevalent with R449A, compressors used in the above mentioned applications must maintain strict compliance with the requirements outlined in the relevant Tecumseh Policy Bulletins and Application Guidelines. Tecumseh is releasing a full line of R449A compressors and associated condensing units for Low (restricted operating envelope), Medium and High temperature commercial refrigeration applications.

Specific to the United States, the use of refrigerant R452A in new remote condensing units is still under review by the U.S. EPA and is not approved as a replacement for R404A in these applications. R452A, with a GWP of 1945, is fifty-percent (50%) lower than the GWP of R404A (i.e., 3922 GWP). Tecumseh is a strong advocate of R452A for low temperature commercial refrigeration applications mainly because of the low discharge temperatures that it exhibits with evaporating temperatures of -20F (-29C) or lower. The company is actively engaged with government officials and the U.S. EPA for further review and consideration of refrigerant R452A for low temperature applications.

Refrigerant R448A is still being reviewed by Tecumseh.

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Self-Contained / Stand-Alone Equipment
For self-contained / stand-alone commercial refrigeration equipment with capacities less than ½ HP, Tecumseh continues to support HC refrigerant R290 (Propane) as the preferred choice. However, because R290 is classified as an “A3” (highly flammable) refrigerant, charge limitations and safety requirements must be taken into consideration. Typical applications for R290 include beverage coolers, reach-ins, vending equipment and, commercial refrigerators and freezers.

Tecumseh has approved R513A as an acceptable alternative to R134a and requires that compressors meet the guidelines outlined in the relevant Tecumseh Policy Bulletins and Application Guidelines. Refrigerant R450A is still being reviewed by Tecumseh.

For all self-contained / stand-alone commercial refrigeration equipment applications, Tecumseh has approved R449A and R452A as acceptable alternatives to refrigerant R404A. However, due to the higher discharge temperatures prevalent with R449A, compressors used in the above mentioned applications must maintain strict compliance with the requirements outlined in the relevant Tecumseh Policy Bulletins and Application Guidelines. In addition, refrigerants R449A and R452A are non-azeotropic mixtures with significant temperature glide that must be accounted for within the application.

Specific to the United States, the use of refrigerants R449A and R452A in new self-contained /stand-alone equipment is still under review by the U.S. EPA and is not approved as a replacement for R404A in these applications. The exception is low temperature applications where the U.S. EPA has listed R449A as SNAP approved.

Tecumseh Continues to Invest in Long-Term Refrigerant Solutions
Tecumseh is continuing to devote resources in evaluating its products for use with low GWP refrigerants including, the determination of a sustainable long-term solution. We are also continuing to evaluate other interim solutions for R404A where there are opportunities to deliver higher compressor efficiencies without sacrificing product reliability.

Tecumseh’s new TC, VTC, AE², AEX, AK2, and AJ² series commercial refrigeration compressors are optimized for use with eco-friendly R290 (Propane) refrigerant. Some compressor models are also optimized for use with HFO refrigerant R1234yf. The entire range of Tecumseh fractional HP compressors is compatible with R134a. All “Next Generation” Tecumseh commercial refrigeration compressors are being designed for use with the best available eco-friendly refrigerants.

Tecumseh has the interest of its customers and the environment in mind by promoting eco-friendly refrigerants that don’t have an adverse effect on product reliability. Another key objective is to limit the number of medium term refrigerants that can work across our product range and within commercial refrigeration operating temperatures. In addition, Tecumseh continues to work in conjunction with industry associations AHRI and ASERCOM and affiliated member companies in the evaluation and testing of Low GWP refrigerants.

About Tecumseh Products Company
Founded in 1934, Tecumseh Products Company is a leading global manufacturer of hermetic reciprocating, rotary and scroll compressors ranging in capacity from 1/15th to 30 horsepower, as well as offering a complete line of condensing units and systems for use in residential and commercial refrigeration and air conditioning applications. Tecumseh products are manufactured on four continents and sold globally through a network of sales professionals, authorized wholesalers and licensed distributors offering brand names that include: Celseon®, L’Unite Hermetique®, Masterflux®, Silensys®, and Wintsys®. Tecumseh Products Company is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

For more information on visit www.tecumseh.com.

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