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10th IIR conference calls for ‘F-exit’ and switch to natural refrigerants

May 22, 2023

10th IIR conference calls for ‘F-exit’ and switch to natural refrigerants

The 10th International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) conference, held in Ohrid, North Macedonia, April 27–29, called for an “F-exit” – an exit from fluorinated refrigerants – and a switch to natural refrigerants.

Risto Ciconkov, Professor of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Skopje University and President of the conference organizing committee, emphasized the importance of transitioning away from fluorinated refrigerants due to their harmful impacts on the environment. His “F-exit” message encourages the adoption of natural working fluids like ammonia (R717) and CO2 (R744), which are environmentally friendly.

“Since the Montreal Protocol in 1987 until today, all elements are changed excepting F,” said Ciconkov. “Now the next step in refrigeration must be an F-exit.”

The conference brought together 153 participants from 35 countries and featured 40 scientific and technical papers, including five keynote lectures. Organized by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of Skopje University in cooperation with the IIR, the event focused on a new horizon for ammonia and CO2, energy transition, and the role of natural refrigerants in the fight against climate change.

The conference highlighted the development latest technology and findings in R717 and R744 refrigeration, including low charge systems, dry expansion, factory-made units, and new types of heat exchangers like shell-and-plate and microchannel. Other innovations discussed were electronic expansion valves, semi-hermetic compressors, high-temperature heat pumps, and vehicle refrigeration, along with the market penetration of natural refrigerants.

The conference also explored the potential of R744 applications in various climate conditions using ejectors, parallel compression, and improved thermodynamic cycles.

Heat pumps were also addressed. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that heating in the building sector and a significant part of industry will be covered with heat pumps. Natural refrigerants like R744, R717 and hydrocarbons have been recognized as excellent working fluids for heat pumps.

As a testament to the historical connection between the conference location and the refrigerant industry, Professor Gustav Lorentzen, a pioneer in the field who developed the modern transcritical CO2 cycle spent part of his life in Bitola, North Macedonia. In the 1960s, he worked as a UN expert working on industrial refrigeration.

The conference proceedings and papers can be accessed on the IIR website.

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