HochGWPKältemitteln

HochGWPKältemitteln refers to refrigerants with a high Global Warming Potential (GWP). The GWP is a measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere over a specific period, typically 100 years. Refrigerants are essential working fluids in refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump systems. Historically, many refrigerants used in these applications, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), have been phased out due to their significant impact on the ozone layer and climate.

More recently, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) became widely adopted as replacements. However, while HFCs do not deplete the ozone layer, many possess high GWPs, contributing to climate change. Therefore, there is a global effort, driven by regulations like the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, to transition away from high-GWP refrigerants towards lower-GWP alternatives. These alternatives include hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), natural refrigerants like CO2 (R744), ammonia (R717), and hydrocarbons (e.g., propane R290). The transition to lower-GWP refrigerants presents technical challenges, including flammability and toxicity considerations for some alternatives, as well as the need for equipment redesign and servicing adjustments. The aim is to reduce the environmental impact of cooling technologies while maintaining their functionality and efficiency.