R744 CO₂ refrigeration systems should be as failsafe and simple to service as any other commercial refrigeration system. Under normal operating conditions this is true. However, when the system loses power, temperatures rise, and the pressures in CO₂ systems can go above typical set points of system safety reliefs. Though not dangerous, the discharging of refrigerant to the ambient eventually reaches the point where the system is inoperable without recharging. Danfoss is now bringing a solution to the market that removes the threat of system downtime due to high system standstill pressures.
Refrigeration systems using CO₂ as refrigerant provide a number of benefits
Graphic of rising pressure with temperature during system downtime
Refrigeration systems using CO₂ as refrigerant provide a number of benefits such as superior efficiency, integrated heat reclaim and a reduced carbon footprint. Both subcritical and transcritical type systems have gained in popularity in recent years, especially in food retail refrigeration, but also in other segments. The share of new store installs and retrofits with CO₂ is significant and growing. It is fair to say that within few years, there will be urban areas with several hundreds of stores. Large grid power failures do not happen often, but over time, they do occur. Heavy weather taking out a transformer substation on a hot August day could lead to a handful of service technicians trying to recharge these systems before food at great expense needs to be discarded; an unforgiving task.
Hypothetical distribution of stores with CO₂ systems in greater London
Whether it is a grid power failure or system shut down during servicing, peace of mind comes with knowing that the system is able to cope with the temperature and the pressure. With Danfoss' new line of components designed for intrinsic standstill security, distributed CO₂ refrigeration systems can be built with peace of mind. Expensive backup systems that never work when you need them and cost a fortune to service can be avoided. Danfoss has determined that the optimal pressure level for standstill capable systems is 90 bar (1300 psi).
System graphic showing the typical transcritical CO₂ booster system
Standstill capable GBC ball valves and NRV check valves
Extensive laboratory and field testing has been done to ensure these seemingly simple components can live up to the needs of the industry. The new series of valves have now been tested in the field for over 2 years to ensure good material compatibility and robust function. The standstill capable valves with 90 bar (1300 psi) Maximum Working Pressure, allow for simple to service systems and complete system shutdown without blowing the charge. The NRV can be used either in hot gas lines or for internal (upstream or downstream) pressure relief of the components isolated with the GBC ball valves. Both the NRV and GBC are tested to withstand up to 90 bar differential across the closed valves. As with all Danfoss valves for CO₂, they are tested to the standards of the Pressure Equipment Directive and live up to the requirements of the EN12284, PED harmonized standard.
Complete line of Standstill Capable and Transcritical controls
The ball and check valves are only the newest addition to the Danfoss series of standstill capable and transcritical components, compatible with the award winning line of Danfoss ADAP-KOOL controls. The AKVH, CCM, CCMT, and ICMTS expansion valves are all either capable of at least 90 bar maximum working pressure. AKVH expansion valves for case control are a further development of the AKV expansion valves which for over 25 years has ensured high food quality and exceptional energy savings. Used together with the newest generation of Danfoss case and pack/rack controllers, the benefits are many:
For the AKVH electronic expansion valve:
For the ICMTS transcritical control valve:
For the CCMT transcritical control valve:
For the CCM gas bypass and liquid expansion valve:
You can find more information and material about GBC ball valve and NRV check valve on below links.
NRV check valve for high pressure CO₂
GBC ball valve for high pressure CO₂
Visit our dedicated CO₂ website