Industry Insight

WHAT’S IN A NUMBER?

Do we really appreciate the impact of the refrigerants we use? TAFE NSW teacher Glenn Marsh gives us some perspective.

R404A – 3,943; R410A – 1,924; R32 – 677.

These are the global warming potential figures for three common refrigerants. We may or may not know these figures, or a version of them, but what do they actually mean?

DRIVING IT HOME

Think of it this way. According to cars-data.com, a Toyota Hilux 2020 gives off 174g CO2/km. This means this model would give off 1kg of CO2 for every 5.75km it is driven.

R404A has a GWP of 3,943. Multiply this by 5.75km and you would effectively have to drive the Hilux 22,661km for the same environmental impact. A 20g purge to the atmosphere is the same as 453km in the Hilux.

Considering how many purges might be done by technicians each year, and the number of technicians undertaking this practice, the numbers become very concerning. Are there any measures that can alleviate this situation? Yes. And they follow OHS general risk assessment and control processes.

THREE STEPS

Training

We need high-quality, engaging, and up-to-date delivery of courses that are industry recognised, not only nationally but internationally. With this, Australia could become an international leader in clean cooling and heating due to its movement in renewable energy and its sunshine!

Elimination

The HFC phase-down is happening, and Australia has targets that are ahead of the Kigali Amendment timetable. These HFCs have a limited lifespan for use, so why not start making changes now? This then moves on to …

Substitution

We need to switch refrigerants to options that have less environmental impact. Some of the alternatives have been around for some time – R744 (carbon dioxide) and R717 (ammonia) for example – and some are quickly becoming more viable, such as hydrocarbons. These will be the pillars that support our industry, and we need to get on board with them sooner rather than later. If we are not ready for the wave of change, it will crash on top of us.

This then takes us full circle back to training, and making sure that our technicians are ready to work with the incoming refrigerants and technology. ■

Glenn Marsh teaches air conditioning and refrigeration at the TAFE NEW Newcastle Campus, Infrastructure, Energy and Construction.

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