CIBSE SA | Navigating Refrigerant Transitions in the HVAC&R Industry

Join the CIBSE SA Chapter for a presentation on Refrigerants, Selection, Regulations and other requirements.

This month's presentation will be an update on Refrigerant Selection, Regulations and other requirements.

CIBSE's SA Chapter has organised Sydney based Gary Knox, refrigeration expert from Daikin Australia to come and provide you with the up-to-date info of this rapidly changing field.

Refrigerant selection is driven by environmental impact, energy efficiency, equipment cost, and safety. Equipment design requires a balanced approach by evaluating refrigerants across these dimensions to meet diverse application needs. R-32, with a GWP of 675, has established the preferred choice for residential and commercial air conditioning due to its high efficiency and moderate environmental footprint. However, low GWP alternatives remain limited in availability and applicability, especially for high-pressure systems.

Regulatory frameworks such as AS/NZS (IEC) 60335 and AS/NZS (ISO) 5149 play a critical role in defining safe usage of refrigerants. These standards restrict flammable and toxic refrigerants to specific applications, ensuring occupant and worker safety. For example, natural refrigerants like ammonia, hydrocarbons, and CO₂ offer low-GWP benefits but face limitations due to flammability, toxicity, and high operating pressures. Their use is generally confined to industrial settings with controlled access.

The Kigali Amendment and national regulations are accelerating the phase-down of high-GWP HFCs, prompting a shift toward low-GWP blends and HFOs. The IIR notes that while centrifugal chillers and domestic refrigeration have viable low-GWP options, replacements for R-410A and R-404A are more complex, often requiring flammable blends or costly redesigns.

Looking ahead, equipment using low-GWP refrigerants will need to address safety, performance, and lifecycle emissions. Innovations in system design, leak prevention, and refrigerant recovery are essential to maximize environmental gains.

Speaker: Gary Knox - Engineering Manager.

Sponsor: Daikin Australia

Agenda:

• CIBSE introductions – David Tiller, CIBSE SA Chair (5 mins)
• Technical presentation
• Following the event will be a chance to network over a few drinks and nibbles supplied by our sponsor.

This event provides 2 hours of CPD.

The mission of CIBSE in Australia and New Zealand is to provide our members and the greater building industry with progressive leadership, knowledge, and promote competence that forges new standards of excellence in design, science and engineering of the built environment.

Our vision is to be the predominant Professional Association for building services engineers in Australia and New Zealand.

www.cibse.org.au

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