International. LIFE ZEROGWP, a European Union program, has developed a high-efficiency air conditioner that uses natural propane refrigerant (R-290), without an outdoor unit.
One of the objectives of LIFE ZEROGWP is to demonstrate the potential for replicability and transferability of such technology on a larger scale to similar situations.
To this end, between June and August 2020, some units of the LIFE ZEROGWP double duct air conditioner were installed in Slovakia, Czech Republic and Italy in different residential contexts for long-term testing, field validation and customer evaluation.
All units were connected with a web server device for complete recording of functional parameters and data acquisition. All data were developed to quantify the project's environmental impact indicators in a holistic LCA perspective.
Unit Features
Greater sustainability
- The use of propane instead of a synthetic HFC refrigerant makes this machine much more sustainable compared to traditional air conditioners, which still mainly use high GWP refrigerants;
- The overall global warming potential (GWP) of the machine is further reduced thanks to its higher energy efficiency compared to the similar and already highly efficient machine using R-410A.
Low aesthetic impact
- The compact design makes it suitable for any type of environment;
- The exterior aesthetic impact is reduced to a minimum as there is no outdoor unit.
Ease of installation
- Since the machine is equipped with a hermetically sealed cooling circuit, no direct intervention in the circuit is required during installation, thus eliminating the need for a certified refrigeration technician in fluorinated gases;
- Without outdoor unit, the need for fittings or pipes is also avoided;
- Since it is a decentralized solution, independent of the centralized circuits already found in buildings, its installation does not require any intervention in pre-existing pipes.
Security
- The compact cooling circuit of this machine allows the use of propane loads of less than 150 grams, keeping it in full compliance with the strictest European safety standards;
- The hermetically sealed circuit greatly reduces the risk of refrigerant leakage.
Proof of the future
- The use of a very low GWP natural refrigerant makes these machines independent of current and future requirements and standards for synthetic refrigerants and keeps them beyond any controversy over issues such as the environmental sustainability of the low GWP refrigerant or the illegal smuggling of fluorinated gases;
- The sustainability of this solution aligns it perfectly with the European Green Deal, the Renewal Wave and the decarbonization strategies of the "Heating and Cooling" sector of the European Commission, as well as with the F-gas Regulation 517/2014.
Model replica
The proposed INNOVA 2.0NR model can be replicated not only in all INNOVA 2.0 machines, but also extended to water/air machines, as a new European project that would like to be demonstrated.
* More information in www.lifezerogwp.eu/project-results
