CO2 refrigeration now mainstream

USA: The growing acceptance of CO2 refrigeration as a mainstream technology amongst both OEMs and end users in the USA is highlighted in a new study by Danfoss.

According to the new survey of over 1,000 individuals with an interest in commercial and industrial refrigeration in North America, 82% of OEMs and 91% of consultants said they saw CO2 as a viable mainstream refrigeration technology.

In addition, about half of the OEMs who responded saw CO2 refrigeration as being at least 16% of their business within the next five years. In a similar study conducted in 2012, less than 20% of OEMs saw CO2 comprising at least 16% of their business. 

The majority of commercial refrigeration consultants and end users are today engaged in CO2 projects, citing pending legislation/regulations and corporate sustainability goals as key drivers in the decision to use CO2. However, at the same time, they identified the high initial system cost as a primary barrier to deployment. 

The survey also identified similar acceptance in the industrial refrigeration market. 57% of responding OEMs and contractors and 43% of consultants and end users indicated that they have already either been involved in a CO2 refrigeration project or have plans to be. However, OEMs and contractors do not see CO2 becoming a significant part of their business in the near future. 

OEMs and contractors identified the removal of ammonia, in terms of improved safety and reduced ammonia charge, as key drivers in using CO2. Consultants and end users agreed, but also cited pending legislation/regulation as important factors. In contrast to the commercial refrigeration industry, industrial refrigeration respondents said the primary barrier to further CO2 use is the result of end user and contractor familiarity and training. 

This industry indicator on CO2 was conducted as a follow up to a similar survey conducted by Danfoss in 2012 to gauge the market acceptance of CO2 refrigeration. The survey was distributed via email to approximately 1,100 people that do business in commercial or industrial refrigeration applications.

“The results of this survey validate the ongoing growth we are seeing in CO2 projects across North America,” said Peter Dee, Danfoss’ sales and services director – food retail. Globally, Danfoss says it has been involved in more than 10,000 CO2 refrigeration projects.