Annex 22 - Compression Systems with Natural Working Fluids

 

Introduction
Most of the substances being considered to replace chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and HCFCs as working fluids in heat pumping (heat pump, air conditioning and refrigeration) systems are new synthetic compounds, foreign to nature. Extensive use of such man-made compounds may yield unforeseen environmental effects, as has already been experienced with CFCs and HCFCs. By applying naturally occurring and ecologically safe substances as working fluids, uncertainties and potential negative environmental effects are eliminated.
To further develop the technology and expand the knowledge on natural working fluids in compression heat pumping systems, this project was set up. Fluids covered included: ammonia, hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, water and air. The project - Annex 22 of the IEA Heat Pump Programme - was entitled: Compression Systems with Natural Working Fluids.

• Start date: 1 January 1995
• End date: July 1998

Objectives
The objectives of the project were:

• To present up to date information

• To carry out research, development and demonstration activities

• To establish acknowledged guidelines for component and system design

Project manager and participating countries
The project manager (the so-called Operating Agent) was NTH/SINTEF Energy on behalf of Norway.
The participating countries were: Canada, Denmark, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, UK, and USA.

 

Activities
Participants contributed to the Annex by gathering relevant national information (country reports), by establishing and monitoring prototype and demonstration plants, by undertaking R&D projects, and by participating in workshops. The Operating Agent compiled and analysed the information from the participants, together with data on state-of-the art technology and working fluid properties from an extensive literature survey.
The Operating Agent also organised workshops for both participants and non-participants, to broaden the knowledge base and disseminate information.

 

Publications
The project resulted in the following publications:

The reduced price will be charged for countries participating in the project and Heat Pump Programme member countries. Click here for a list of the HPP member countries ›››.

• Compression Systems with Natural Working Fluids: Applications, Experience and Developments - Workshop Norway
  Order No. HPP-AN22-1; 240 pages; Proceedings of the workshop held in Norway in October 1995. Full price € 90 and reduced price € 30.
  These proceedings reviews worldwide knowledge on natural refrigerants, including the results of studies conducted in Annex 22 member countries.
  

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• International Status on Compression Systems with Natural Working Fluids
  Order No. HPP-AN22-2; 50 pages; Published Spring 1996. Full price € 60 and reduced price € 20.
  This report provides a wide international overview on the use of natural working fluids in Austria, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and USA.
  

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• Compression Systems with Natural Working Fluids - Workshop USA
  Order No. HPP-AN22-3; Published December 1997. Full price € 90 and reduced price € 30.
  This report contains the proceedings of a workshop on compression systems with natural working fluids held in Gatlinburg, USA.
  

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• Compression Heat Pump, Air Conditioning and Refrigerating Systems with Natural Working Fluids - Final Report & Guidelines for Design and Operation
  Order No. HPP-AN22-4; Published February 1999. Full price € 150 and reduced price € 50.
  The Final Report provides an extensive presentation of the advantages and challenges regarding the use of ammonia (R-717), hydrocarbons (HCs) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in residential and commercial heat pump, air conditioning and refrigerating systems. Important subjects presented in the report (close to 300 pages) are:

  • Environmental aspects of natural working fluids and HFCs

  • Safety aspects of R-717, HCs and CO2

  • Detailed thermodynamic and practical comparisons of R-717, HCs and HFCs

  • Design and operation of R-717, HC and CO2 heat pumping plants

  • Indirect refrigerating systems including an extensive comparison of secondary fluids

  • State-of-the-art technology for R-717, HC and CO2 systems

  • Numerous installation examples from Europe and USA

  Many interesting installation examples are given in order to prove the maturity of the technology. The design and application of indirect (dual loop) heat pumping systems are discussed, as well as the new generation of secondary fluids.
  The report is a valuable resource to scientists, manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, consultants, installers, operating personnel, end-users, policy makers, organisations for protection of the environment, and others who are interested in environmentally safe and energy efficient heat pumping systems.
  

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Last updated: 1 March 2004

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