“ At first glance, charge limits appear to be little more than compliance requirements. In reality, they are based on assumptions about how leaked refrigerant disperses through occupied spaces and whether concentrations can approach flammable levels.”
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R290 AND FLAMMABILITY technical
Finally, the speakers stress that the most leak-prone parts of split R290 systems are typically located outdoors, with indoor units placed higher on the wall. Any leaked gas from the indoor unit disperses from height, rather than pooling immediately at floor level. By contrast, domestic refrigerators using flammable refrigerants place both the charge and the vulnerable components directly at floor level, where any leaked refrigerant has a greater tendency to accumulate close to the floor before dispersing.
Ultimately, the transition to R290 is not simply prompting a reassessment of refrigerant flammability. It is encouraging the industry to revisit fundamental principles of airflow, ventilation, room geometry and refrigerant dispersion – factors that have always influenced safety, but which become increasingly important as natural refrigerants gain wider adoption. RACA
“ At first glance, charge limits appear to be little more than compliance requirements. In reality, they are based on assumptions about how leaked refrigerant disperses through occupied spaces and whether concentrations can approach flammable levels.”
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