www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I February 2025 27
Feature
of high-GWP refrigerants , underscoring the need for lower-GWP solutions . The company identified CO2 as “ a promising long-term option " for medium- and large-scale commercial systems and described it as " the next logical step " for VRV technology . Daikin emphasised the importance of collaboration with manufacturers , engineers and installers to advance the next generation of direct expansion systems .
HAS DAIKIN SOLVED THE CO2 VRF CHALLENGE ? “ We indeed a plan to introduce our first step towards a next generation VRV system with CO2 around April 2025 , Eurovent certified . This system will support specific customers looking for ultra-low GWP solutions . Our VRV 5 R-32 range will cater to the majority of the market as today it still has the best balance between lower GWP refrigerant and high efficiency . This is not the first time the company has explored the idea of CO2-based VRF solutions .”
With the announcement of a CO2 VRF system , this does not mean that the R-32 systems are an intermediate solution . For the foreseeable future R-32 remains the mainstream solution . It has the best balance between lower GWP refrigerant , high efficiency and cost effectiveness and it complies with the new F-gas regulation until at least 2032 . Yet on the longer term , Van Heerden says : “ We want to be ready with alternatives when the carbon intensity of the electricity grid drops , as then the CO2 units may be the best placed solution . This will still require considerable time to be developed . So , we are starting now with a limited capacity range and models to gain experience to bring more systems in future .”
At the recent Chillventa exhibition , Daikin Europe acknowledged the impending phase-out and quota restrictions
GAS ENGINE VRF SYSTEMS : WHERE TO FROM HERE ? Patrick Burke ( FSAIRAC ) of RPM Consulting Engineers , says : “ Following the numerous warnings concerning the future longterm supply of Liquid Natural Gas ( LNG ) in South Africa , the general interest in this type of potential energy source had grown considerably with articles now appearing regularly in several leading business news publications .
“ While it is difficult at this stage to see the wheat from the chaff , it would seem that the main factor governing the current negative sentiment is the recent decision by Sasol to retain its LNG production for its own consumption , thus preventing local users and suppliers from procuring previously freely available stocks .
“ Given the legitimate concerns for future local LNG supplies , one can fully understand their decision to conserve production for their own use ( due to their plans to displace coal to support its decarbonisation ). However , relying on imported stock will no doubt result in higher costs and as such , could well prove uneconomical for current local suppliers and users of LNG to operate going forward . It would seem that the local liquid natural gas supply industry is indeed under severe threat , with the Industrial Gas Users Association of South Africa warning of a gas supply ‘ day zero ’,” says Burke .
However , he notes that in the longer term the future of LNG appears a little more encouraging . The exploration of future gas
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Project Two : Plot C396 , Abu Dhabi , UAE .
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I February 2025 27