AIR CONDITIONING AND DIGITAL ENGINEERING SPECIAL FEATURES This month: Covid-secure thermal wheel design and SMEs benefiting from digital switch Biden backs refrigerant phase-down President ratifies Kigali Amendment after the US rejoins the Paris Agreement Within days of taking office, US President Joe Biden issued an executive order to ratify the Kigali Amendment that aims to phase down HFC refrigerants worldwide. It came only a few days after the new president took the US back into the Paris Agreement on climate change, and forms part of his ambition to put the climate crisis at the centre of US foreign policy and national security. A White House statement said the world had a narrow moment to pursue action at home and abroad in order to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of that crisis and to seize the opportunity that tackling climate change presents. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol has already been ratified by 112 other countries and sets a timetable for the gradual removal of HFC gases President Biden acted swiftly to ratify the Kigali Agreement from air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. It has yet to be ratified by China and India, which along with the US make up the three largest HFC users. Trane upgrades scroll compressor portfolio with low-GWP refrigerant Trane is introducing low global warming potential (GWP) R-454B refrigerant across its portfolio of scroll compressor chillers, heat pumps, multi-pipe units and rooftops. The Conquest CGAX chillers and CXAX heat pumps for comfort and process applications are the first of the upcoming units featuring the next-generation, low-GWP refrigerant. R-454B has a GWP of 466, the lowest the manufacturer said among the refrigerants available today for scroll compressor technology. It is a 76% reduction in direct GWP impact against R-410A, and a 30% reduction against R-32. Trane now offers HVAC systems with low and ultra-low GWP refrigerants across its product ranges. All units with the new R-454B refrigerant will be tested in the manufacturers testing facility, which functions as a validation centre for new product development, enabling the simulation of all operating conditions encountered during the life of HVAC equipment. Carrier introduces latest generation of VRF systems The latest generation of Carriers variable refrigerant flow (VRF) technology, XCT7, has been launched in Europe. It includes features such as: an outdoor condenser with black-coated fin technology for enhanced corrosion resistance; antiliquid shock technology of the compressor, to reduce liquid shock failure rate; improved refrigerant distribution balance as a result of the centrifugal oil separator; and smooth supply of lubricant because of the 10-stage oil-return technology. Up to four outdoor units can be combined to reach 104 horsepower, with up to 64 indoor units per outdoor system. Didier Genois, vice-president and general manager, HVAC Europe, at Carrier, said: We are expanding our offering to match our customers expectations. We are launching it simultaneously in six countries and have made significant investments in related digital technology, training centres and a dedicated sales force to better serve our customers. Toshiba system has designs on the home In a move to redefine residential air conditioning aesthetics, Toshiba has developed a unit that can become part of the furnishings. The Haori features a textile cover, available in a range of colours, offering customers infinite customisation possibilities. They can peel and stick the desired fabric to the curved front panel so the unit blends in or becomes a stand-out feature. As well as triple-A efficiency, the unit uses R32 refrigerant for minimal environmental impact, and the system is rated 8.6 for seasonal energy efficiency ratio, and 5.1 for seasonal coefficient of performance. It also features a PM2.5 filter, which, the manufacturer claims, captures up to 94% of fine particulate matter with a diameter of more than 2.5 micrometres, while its plasma ioniser catches and neutralises microncontaminated particles. CIBSE hosts live learning for air conditioning CIBSE is hosting two online events on air conditioning this spring. On 9 March, from 10am-4pm, there is a live event, Air conditioning and cooling systems, while on 6 May (10am-4pm), Kevin Noyce will host Air conditioning inspection for buildings. CIBSEs South Australian chapter is organising a visit to see the Myer Centre, Adelaide, chilled water plant upgrade on 18 March at 7.45pm. Details at www.cibse.org/events www.cibsejournal.com March 2021 41 CIBSE March 21 pp41-42 Air con news.indd 41 19/02/2021 15:23